My Father was a very good golfer. Before he died, he gave me an old putter which I still have and use to this day. A stranger at a golf course offered me $300 for this putter several years ago - I declined. I only play golf a couple of times a year at best, the rest of the time, the club is collecting dust in my garage or the trunk of my car. I don't think I'd take $1,000 for this piece of steel, hickory and leather - one day, it will pass to my kids.
My point is, the value is not lost without it being played, indeed, the value is likely greater for the son than it would be for a buyer. Who knows, maybe your friend's kid or grandkid will discover that guitar one day and be the next Stevie Ray.
