Taylor Swift Guitar-Smasher says she didn’t sign the instrument, signature added

Gary Estesthe Texas man who dropped $4,000 on a Taylor Swift guitar with a hammer, says she didn’t actually put a pen to the instrument… even though it has her signature on it, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Gary joined us on “TMZ Live” on Wednesday and settled a talking point about the viral moment…namely: was this guitar signed by Taylor?!?

Taylor did NOT sign the actual guitar…instead, Gary says, it appears Taylor signed another piece of memorabilia that was taped to the guitar.

As we reported … a source close to Taylor’s merchandise company told us that she didn’t sign the guitar, but the nonprofit that auctioned the instrument to raise money for charity did. claimed it was signed and provided Gary with a certificate of authenticity, which we also obtained.

Based on what Gary says here, everyone is technically right in his assessment… and he’s also clearing the air about what was behind his destructive gesture.

Gary doubles and tells us it was just a joke and the crowd egged him on.

The swinging hammer didn’t destroy Taylor’s John Hancock either…and Gary put on the guitar auction on eBayand said the money from the sale would also go to charity.

Right now, the current bid is $4,400.