[mutant_dan]

And subsequently sold them, don't forget that part.

Frankly, did anyone expect Doug to keep the guitars after Jerry's will was executed. I sincerely don't think Jerry did.

Doug was your typical starving artist, living hand to mouth. This was his one chance to jump start his life. I really don't know if he was able to accomplish that but I certainly don't fault him for selling the guitars.

[jdasa]

Too bad he (Doug Irwin) died a short time later.

are you sure youre not confused with Cripe?

As far as I know, it was Cripe who died in an explosion at his fireworks lab.

Doug Irwin, on the other hand, was badly injured in some kind of accident, which left him unable to continue working. Therefore, the reaquisition and subsequent resale of his (Jerry's) guitars became an even more urgent matter for him.

My question is this:
If Grateful Dead Productions valued possession of the instruments so much, why didn't they pony up the money for 'em at the auction.

[mutant_dan]

Doug Irwin, on the other hand, was badly injured in some kind of accident, which left him unable to continue working. Therefore, the reaquisition and subsequent resale of his (Jerry's) guitars became an even more urgent matter for him.

My question is this:
If Grateful Dead Productions valued possession of the instruments so much, why didn't they pony up the money for 'em at the auction.

Doug was hit by a car while riding a bike. He was beat up pretty bad but I think he made a pretty decent recovery. He didn't have any health insurance and I am sure the state of CA was looking for their cut.

I don't think GDP was as flush with cash as one might expect. They had a huge amount of overhead with all the staff, I think Phil said that they were spending 500K a month in salaries and expenses. Vince complained that he couldn't afford his mortgage payments when a hiatus was discussed.