Signature Instruments—-What Do We Think About Them?

[TJH3113]

I think the Japanese/Mexican Geddy Lee Jazz basses are incredible instruments. From my experience, I've found them to be very consistent in terms of sound and playability from bass to bass. I am also in love with my Bruce Thomas Profile Signature bass. Both of these were/are quite reasonable priced.

 

[Bass Viking]

The signature aspect neither counts against or in favour for me. I recently bought a Sandberg Oliver Reidel model. I simply preferred it to the non-signature version. Previously, I had no idea who he was.

 

[stingray78]

I have a MIA Fender Marcus Miller V and a MIA Geddy Lee for no other reason than being a sucker for 70s style Jazz basses with white pearloid blocks on maple fretboards.

 

[GreyBeard]

I have never bought one so I can't really comment on them. I can only say that an artist's signature on a bass holds no importance with me.

 

[Pings Bass]

To me it's like playing beer league hockey with an NHL player's name and number on your back

On the other hand, if you like the instrument, nobody in the audience is likely to know or care

 

[pholli00]

I have no idea who this person is beyond a handful of TikTok videos and stuff on YouTube, but I really like the way the Blu Tiger Jazz bass looks. I have no idea how they feel to play. But damn that bass looks nice.

 

[Jazzdogg]

While I am usually interested in the kinds of choices bassists make when they've collaborated to create a so-called Signature instrument, I have no interest in buying a bass that prominently displays a famous bassist's trademark.

I want to understand the selections they make, they reasoning that supports each design choice, the cost, and how close it came to satisfying the design objectives.

For example, the choices Leland Sklar made when collaborating on the design of his Dingwall; or the choices made by Will Lee for his signature Sadowsky; or the details specified by Nathan East and John Pattutucci for their Yamaha signature basses.

What can I learn from the choices they've made?

 

[Pdaddy1978]

I don't own one.
All my basses are Pdaddy signatures.
But ....
If I was a rich man..... And I'm not ... I'd love to have a...
Paul McCartney signature Hofner.
Chris Squier signature Rick
Gary Thaine signature P. ( Would be weird)
Dennis Dunnaway Jazz.( Or Ebo)
Because I admire those guys...
But... most of the signature instruments out there would have to have the appointments I want, irregardless of the signature,for me to be interested.

 

[Nomoncello]

I have always liked the Fender Urge series. The shape reminds me of a Ken Smith.

 

[JRA]

So, do you have any? Do you like it/them? Why? Would you never buy one? Why?

me: it's about the ax, whether or not it has a "signature" is beside the point. i judge them starting with the necks (a deal-breaking issue for me).

 

[pie_man_25]

I mean, I'm not a fan of blink182, but the mark hoppus signature jazz bass is pretty cool looking.

I love Geddy Lee, but I don't have his sig.

Play what you want, and if it makes you feel like your favourite musician, or it just happens to fit you really well - I'm happy you're happy.

 

[prndltech]

I really don’t want someone else’s name on my basses… I’ve never bought a signature bass and I won’t say never, but I don’t think I will in the future. Although, I have never played one.

It’s all about the feel for me though, just like a good pair of boots. Buy what’s comfortable not necessarily what you like the look of, you’ll make it look good (or sound good in the case) if it feels right.

 

[Element Zero]

I had a Gary Willis 25th Anniversary bass for a month. It was VERY nice. Effortless to play. Sounded really good. Only issue was the smaller Soundgear body size. I just couldn’t get comfortable with it.

 

[scuzzy]

I don't believe I have any signature basses, but if I did, they would be the geddy Lee Jazz, Pino precision, and the Joe dart EBMM.

 

[B-Mac]

I'm with you on this, although I recently saw or read that "could" has been used in this context by so many for so long that the two are now interchangeable and both acceptable.

Makes no sense. Not buying it.
If you could care less it means that you do care.

Like: Yes, we have no bananas.

 

[JMarkD]

I have a couple. They are unique which many "signature" basses are not. The sigs don't bother me and both basses are pretty nice. They are a Fender Roscoe Beck five string and a Warwick Thumb Jack Bruce. The Warwick is from the first run of those basses made when Jack turned fifty. It's somewhat rare. I didn't buy it for his name. It's the finest fretless bass I have ever played.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I have 2 and a 3rd on the way. I don’t buy them because I admire the player. I buy them for the specs , features, build quality and the sound .

 

[Indiedog]

I love the wide range of comments and opinions! Thank you!!

 

[T McClure]

A lot of signature basses are simply alternative configurations not otherwise available without doing your own mods. To non-bass nerds they look like any other bass. No one who isn’t the kind of person to post here would know a Geddy Lee jazz bass is a signature or a JMJ Mustang is a signature. I don’t see a problem with these. It’s a way to play a slightly different version of a standard issue bass.

 

[Matt O]

I bought a Jack Casady sig when they first came out. It played a ton of gigs and It was great for what it is: a cheap version of the Les Paul signature bass. It being associated with Jack Casady didn’t factor into me buying one. Matter of fact, I had thought of removing his sig from the headstock, but the bridge pulled out of the body and the fretboard delaminated from the neck before I had the chance. Still have it.