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Signature Basses / Instruments...yes or no

No, I don't want another musician's instrument. It's too weird, like I'm trying to channel their skills or fanboy over them or something.

In a similar but not the same way, I wish Sire would put "Sire" in big letters on their headstock instead of making Marcus Miller's name their main logo. It's too close to a signature instrument for my taste.
 
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I actually have a signature instrument, though I got it for the color and was only peripherally aware of the artist. Doesn’t bother me that it has some guys name on the back. The pickup that it came with was very disappointing and is not the same pickup that the pro uses in his mustangs, which kinda makes it look like a cash grab.
But as far as I’m concerned, all I wanted was a silver flake mustang and this delivered hard.
 
If a signature instrument has specs I like that the regular lineup doesn't, then color me interested.

For example, I'd be more interested in trying out a Reverend Me'Shell or Greg Norton bass since those are the only single-pickup Reverends with a 34" scale.
 
Very recently picked up an Ibanez GVB1006 here on TB... Gerald Veasley's design is exactly what I want, stepping up (after 50+ years) from short scale bass VI's to a low B. What a fine instrument!
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Nice! These are really expensive. I have the cheaper one the GVB36. Really wonder if the 1006 is worth the expensive upgrade.
 
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Never. It's like wearing underwear with another person's name on it.
The worst offender is the Sting SCPB with his name in the 12th fret inlay.
I disagree. I played split coil Precisions for years and the Sting was the first one I saw. I tried it in the store and found it was light, was fast and fun to play. I bought it...not because it had the Sting relationship but because it was a nice bass. 20+ years later, it's the only bass I didn't get rid of. Not a single person ever commented on the signature inlay and I don't give it any thought.
 
I have an Epiphone Jerry Cantrell signature Les Paul that is very nice. I bought it because of the beautiful wine red finish and it the fact that it feels and sounds great. I could put a different truss rod cover on it that doesn’t have his name, but I absolutely don’t care that it’s there, and if I were to gig with it, I can guarantee you that not a soul would even notice.
 
Occasionally, there are production basses you can buy over the counter that are reproductions of very dedicated, artist-driven instruments.

The Fodera Anthony Jackson and the FBass Alain Caron axes come to mind. While these definitely use the design language and build of their collaborating builders, they are noticeably different than their normal production range. I'm sure there are others.

Sometimes, like the Yamaha Nathan Easts or the JP's, they're more closely similar to the axes they came from, with some personalized tweaks the artist requested. The Jeff Berlin Cort Rthmics are in this category.

And a lot of times . . . it's just a unique paint job and a couple of pickups . . . . and a big ad campaign, maybe some clinics.

And if you dig them and they work for you, why not? It's nobody's business but yours.
 
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I just acquired a Signature bass amp… Fender Adam Clayton AC-50 combo. It’s a great piece of gear…50 watt tube 15” combo. 😎
I didn't know this amp existed and I thought you were making a joke. I'm kinda surprised they can get that past Vox's lawyers.

I'm gonna just start claiming any gear with initials in the name as signature models. Love my Chris Squire Signature Boss CS-3 and my James Jamerson Sig JJ-12AX7.
 
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