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Do you want your $5k bass signed?

#61
CaptainWally said:
Generally speaking, the "artists" name is already on the front of the head stock in a well-executed manner.
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I think you're mistakenly equating a trademark or logo with a maker's actual signature. Those are very different things that are done for very different reasons in my world.

But there's many people these days who freak out at the thought of getting involved in any sort of personal interaction such as have a face to face meeting - or conducting a phone conversation with someone. So it's hardly surprising that the thought of some luthier adding their own personal hand inked signature to something they're selling could be a complete turnoff for a certain sort of customer.
 
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#62
Builder's signature, especially when it's one of the best luthiers on Earth (Michael Tobias) and the guy who actually designed and built it (with a little help), absolutely.

However, in the case of signature models, no way. I especially don't like how the MTD Norm Stockton model has "Blessings" in addition to Norm's signature on the front of the headstock...and I'm neither anti-religion nor anti-Norm. :)
 
#63
I'm down.


Some that I own:
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One that I used to own:

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Nowadays they have a decal of his signature, but all of these were hand signed.
 

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#64
CaptainWally said:
I've seen a number of very high end instruments that have the builder's or endorsing artist's signature scrawled in sharpie on the back of the head stock.
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If it's the builder of the instrument, yes. I've seen some gorgeous Stuart Spector basses that have his signature on the back, that he personally worked on.

If it's a specific signature model of an artist, yes. If I had a Fodera Yin Yang bass, having Vic's signature on the back of the headstock would be appropriate.

Otherwise? No.
 
#67
CaptainWally said:
I've seen a number of very high end instruments that have the builder's or endorsing artist's signature scrawled in sharpie on the back of the head stock.

Do people like that? Does that stuff come off?

To me, it's like a beautiful piece of art with a little ugly graffiti on the edge.
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I've got a monstrous LowEnd bass that has Brian's signature in markie on back of headstock. It's SUCH a great instrument that i am glad Brian signed it. Usually-No (Steve Helgeson signs in the control cavity which is cool). I'm sure many/most would disagree....
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#68
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The builder didn't autograph this bass, but he sure "tagged" it with the pick guard.

Sometimes I ponder having a plain guard made for this badboy. Then I think "meh", who cares? The pearl-topped knobs will probably go some day....or not. Again, who gives a crap?
 
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#69
I personally don't like that, but get who do. I don't even like when the authors/artist sign their books/CDs etc.

I recently bought a used Squier Affinity J for $70, and removed Victor Wooten's signature from it :) (I love Victor btw, met him, and have attended his workshops multiple times)
 
#73
A tasteful, relatively inconspicuous signature from the builder or the actual artist of a signature model I wouldn't mind. Anyone else, or a big gawdy signature on the front? No thanks.

As far as a "hero" autograph on a bass goes, I'd rather just take a picture with them.
 
#76
40Hz said:
I think you're mistakenly equating a trademark or logo with a maker's actual signature. Those are very different things that are done for very different reasons in my world.

But there's many people these days who freak out at the thought of getting involved in any sort of personal interaction such as have a face to face meeting - or conducting a phone conversation with someone. So it's hardly surprising that the thought of some luthier adding their own personal hand inked signature to something they're selling could be a complete turnoff for a certain sort of customer.
Click to expand...

No, I think I'm clear about it.

I've heard a couple different narratives now around the functional premise of a builder signing an instrument. One...that it identifies the builder. If said logo is present, this is redundant. Two...that it conveys some warranty or assurance of quality. Which is interesting, but also tenuous, IMO.

Any other motivations are seemingly visceral or aesthetically motivated.

I do not see a clear association between eschewing personal interaction and not appreciating the aesthetic of a hand-written signature on an instrument.
 
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#79
CaptainWally said:
I've seen a number of very high end instruments that have the builder's or endorsing artist's signature scrawled in sharpie on the back of the head stock.

Do people like that? Does that stuff come off?

To me, it's like a beautiful piece of art with a little ugly graffiti on the edge.
Click to expand...

I prefer no sigs on instruments I want to buy....however, I also don't look at guitars as art either.....That's probably because ive been a working musician for three+ decades - kinda like a carpenter calling his best crafted hammer 'art' :)
 
#80
Was at a local guitar event this Summer I ran into the luthier of my favorite Bass. Very cool guy..
He signed the control cavity plate…thought that was cool.
Don't think I'd want a sig on the front, or visible while playing.
 

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