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Playing and/or modding a signed bass

#44
Eric R Shelton said:
Sorry for any formatting weirdness, this is my first time really posting on TB (I prefer to read if I don’t have anything of value to say) and I’m mobile; just figuring it out.
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The signature says she loves you, so this all feels like a bit of a betrayal. Moral qualms aside, I'd mod as needed and let the signature stuff rub off with time. Or scuff it with denim or something to quicken to process. See if it actually does need a refinish/etc.
 
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#45
A Meghan Trainor autographed album might add value, but autographing an instrument that she herself does not play (that I know of) will not add any value. Also, if you can't prove that Meghan signed it then it's effectively a magic marker smear. Not sure there is much you can do. With or without the signature, the bass isn't going to sell for much. Just keep it as is. She has over 2 billion streams on Spotify alone so maybe her brand will improve over time. But anything that can prove the provenance of the signature would be good to obtain.
 
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#46
MultiScaleMale said:
A Meghan Trainor autographed album might add value, but autographing an instrument that she herself does not play (that I know of) will not add any value. Also, if you can't prove that Meghan signed it then it's effectively a magic marker smear. Not sure there is much you can do. With or without the signature, the bass isn't going to sell for much. Just keep it as is. She has over 2 billion streams on Spotify alone so maybe her brand will improve over time. But anything that can prove the provenance of the signature would be good to obtain.
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I’ve got the paperwork that came with the bass and screen captures/emails, but I can’t help but feel it’s all less effective since If Only folded.

At least it’s fun to play. :)
 
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#48
I don't like signatures on my basses. I don't like authors sign my books either, but I'm weird.

I bought an Affinity Jazz with a hard case for $70. It had Victor Wooten's signature on the back that I wiped off. (I like Wooten and have been to his workshops multiple times btw)
 
#51
I play a few of her tunes in my top40 band. She has another called Me Too. There's a breakdown in the middle where she says "turn the bass up" . It's a fun mini feature where the band all looks my way. also "all about the bass" of course..
I'd keep the bass, her sig and buy/play a different one. Who knows, she could get mega famous...or die in some weird way.
 
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#54
MVE said:
I would just play it.

“modding” is a fun hobby, but it rarely honestly improves any instrument.
If its well and properly adjusted, you’re good to go.
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You make a good point about modding. Short of a hip shot tuner I don’t have any tonal mods in mind. I just play for myself, not in a band right now, so I don’t need hotter pickups or anything. I just want something prettier than plain white and black. A new pick guard is probably all I’ll do.
 
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#56
i was in the same boat, bought a squier signed by eric clapton, playing it for a day or so i almost rubbed the C off. i had already changed the bridge and tuners before plugging it in. covered the sig in clear tape in case someone is interested in it down the line. the guitar had not been played in 25 years
 
#57
Eric R Shelton said:
A couple years ago I won a bass signed by Meghan Trainor. Thought it was cool, tried to sell it but she has one hit nobody cares about now and it’s a Squier Affinity. I wanted to sell it to finance a “real” bass but gave up and just started playing this one. After doing a setup, I’m really starting to dig it!

I’m starting to find the tone a little monotonous; it’s a PJ and I’m using a Vox Pathfinder Bass 10 amp. I really want to play with some synths, octavers, or chorus pedals but do you guys have any suggestions in the meantime? I’m just coming back to bass after a LONG time away.

Also, the Stormtrooper white and black is a little… boring. What are your opinions on modding a signed bass? I desperately want to get some teal and orange on this thing, maybe even colored pickup covers, or plastic knobs in different colors instead of chrome.

Her signature didn’t seem to interest anyone before and the website/charity she did it through (If Only) appears to be defunct now so proving provenance might be difficult anyway… should I take a sander to this thing and repaint it?
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I am not a signature on a bass adds value ... unless it is Paul McCartney
 

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