Larry Carlton
Legendary Session Guitarist and Solo Artist · Music - Jazz Fusion, Rock, and R&B
The Crusaders, Steely Dan, Fourplay
Era
Modern Era - Dated July 1, 2023
Item Type
Autograph Slip / Cut
Condition
Near Mint to Mint. The paper is clean with no visible yellowing or staining. The ink is fresh and dark with no fading. The signature is centered and fully legible.
Rarity
Common. Larry Carlton is a generous signer who interacts with fans at clinics and concerts. However, dated examples from specific recent tours are valued by niche collectors.
Overall Assessment
This is a quintessential, authentic example of a Larry Carlton signature from his later years. It is a high-quality 'cut' that would be perfect for matting with a photograph or an album cover like 'Larry Carlton' or 'Royal Scam'.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic. The signature displays the fluid, practiced motion characteristic of Carlton's modern signature, combined with a specific date that aligns with his touring/public appearance schedule.
Signature Style
Professional stylized cursive with prominent capitalized 'L' and 'C'. The first name 'Larry' is identifiable by the loop of the 'L' and the 'y', while the last name 'Carlton' is abbreviated into a sharp 'C' followed by a horizontal trailing line.
Signature Characteristics
Natural pen pressure with tapering at the end of the strokes. The numbers in the date '7-1-2023' match the pen weight and speed of the signature, indicating they were written by the same hand in a single sitting.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on white paper/cardstock. The ink is bold, consistent in saturation, and shows no signs of hesitation or 'bleeding' that would indicate a slow-speed forgery.
Item Description
A clean, white piece of paper or cardstock featuring a handwritten date '7-1-2023' at the top and the signature centered below it. The piece appears to be part of a stack or a sketchbook based on the visible edge below.
Estimated Value
$30.00 - $55.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-quality exemplars from recent years. Earlier in his career, his signature was often more legible; this condensed version is consistent with his 2010-2024 signing style.
Authentication Tips
Look for the distinctive 'loop-back' on the L that forms a sharp angle at the bottom, and the 'C' which usually resembles a large open crescent with a quick exit stroke representing the rest of the name.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or Beckett Authentication Services (BAS). These are the industry leaders for music signatures.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The flow is consistent with natural handwriting and the date provides a logical context for the signature's appearance.
Provenance Notes
The inclusion of a specific date (7-1-2023) is a strong piece of internal provenance. This likely corresponds to a specific concert date or guitar clinic appearance.
Historical Context
Larry Carlton is one of the most recorded guitarists in history. This autograph represents a late-career example of a musician whose work defined the sound of the 1970s and 80s LA studio scene.
Market Trends
Stable. As a 19-time Grammy nominee and a 'Titan' of the session world (famously responsible for the 'Kid Charlemagne' solo), his signature maintains steady demand among audiophiles and guitar enthusiasts.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. While not a high-growth investment, it is a blue-chip 'staple' for any serious jazz or session-musician collection and will always hold its base value.
Similar Autographs
Lee Ritenour, Robben Ford, Steve Lukather, Donald Fagen.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the black marker from turning blue/purple. Frame with UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting if displayed.
Interesting Facts
Carlton often adds his 'Mr. 335' nickname to signatures on larger items like guitars or pickguards. He is widely considered the person who pioneered the 'sweet' Gibson ES-335 jazz-rock tone.