Signature Instruments—-What Do We Think About Them?

[Indiedog]

The best thing about sigs are that I can buy "almost sigs". Such as my Rickenbacker 4003 that I installed the Toaster pickup in it. Or the Squier CV "almost-Pino" P bass. I'm not overly fussy about the horseshoe pickup surround or 7.25" fretboard radius. If I buy an instrument based on a player, I mainly care about the tone and overall (not detail) look of it.
If you stretch the definition of "signature" instruments, then that's a different story. My roundwound string of choice is Rotosound 66, which is almost John Entwistle sig. You could argue that the Gibson RD Artist is His signature, too, while the Grabber is Carol Kaye signature. Over at the drum side, I use Vic Firth Keith Moon drumsticks and a Slingerland Gene Krupa Radio King snare drum. Also, who doesn't love a Les Paul?

Since you expanded the Signature thing to other instruments, I’ll echo that…

As a drummer, I play what I like. I love trying new things, so I have a number of Signature sticks. There are so many varieties that shake up materials (I prefer maple), lengths, thicknesses, and balance points. Sticks make a huge difference. And I can assure you few people will know what sticks you are playing at a gig, so no “Poseur” worries.

I have tried a number of Signature snares. Nothing is more important than one’s snare so you had better find one that works. The Cobham snare I had was very cool and versatile but I eventually sold it. I have several other signature snares because they sound so crackin’ good. But again, NO ONE is generally going to spot your Signature snare drum unless it has a very characteristic look**

I have the “Armand Zildjian” Zildjian ride cymbal that is called “Beautiful, Baby” (his favorite expression). It is not because of the signature…it is because it is a ride cymbal like no other…a perfect size and weight, and three hugely important rivets (all in a row) at the bottom. The thing is freakin’ MAGIC! (For y’all that hate seeing the actual signature, on this Baby it is ETCHED into the metal! But again, who in the crowd would ever know what it is?)

Weirdness: Besides Signature basses and guitars and drums, there are oodles of Signature Brass instruments and instruments in other categories, but I have never seen a Signature synth or keyboard.


***I think that the SOUND of an instrument is the most important thing. Whether it is cheap or expensive, pretty or ugly, I am interested in the sound. And I can track it. One time in 2019 I was at Winter’s Tavern in Pacifica. A touring band was slamming away. The sound levels were…brutal even with my plugs in. But the SOUND of the drummer’s snare alerted me even through all that distortion. I KNEW what it was…it was in fact one that I have—the Mapex Black Panther Sledgehammer hammered snare. I told the drummer after the set and he just loved that I could hear it.

14 x 6.5 The Sledgehammer

Some jobs call for heavy duty equipment. This drum bludgeons its way through the din with extreme volume and a distinct rounded tone. According to Mapex themselves, this is the spiritual successor to the Limited Edition 14 x 5.5 Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass. Neither are easy to get...

mapexblackpanther.com

 

[Herrick]

I do not think about signature instruments one way or the other. I have a Dingwall NG3 5-string but I'm not into Periphery. The NG3 comes in a bunch of different finishes so it's almost a signature instrument like the Les Paul or John Petrucci's guitars except the body design wasn't originally made for the NG3.

 

[LowendG]

I wanted a jazz bass. Did some research and a lot of love for the geddy jazz. Bought it and love it. It's the CIJ model. I changed the pickguard to black and looks better to me.

Same here. And creme pickup covers. Looks badass.
And after all, his signature is just a little squiggle on the back of the headstock, it's not as if there's some giant graphic emblazoned on the front. Just looks like a 70's J.

 

[CascadeBass]

I own one, a Dean B Squared 5. It’s a Brian Bromberg collab but Brian doesn’t really vouch for these.

Anyway I didn’t buy it because it was a signature model. I bought it because I liked the design and features.

I tend to steer away from signature models due to the fanboy vibe they have for me, though I am not going to write off an otherwise great instrument just because it’s a signature model.

That seemed like a contradiction. Whatever. Here is a picture.

 

[toothguy]

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.

"could care less" = you actually COULD care.
"couldn't care less" = you actually COULD NOT care.

 

[Herrick]

I own one, a Dean B Squared 5. It’s a Brian Bromberg collab but Brian doesn’t really vouch for these.

Anyway I didn’t buy it because it was a signature model. I bought it because I liked the design and features.

I tend to steer away from signature models due to the fanboy vibe they have for me, though I am not going to write off an otherwise great instrument just because it’s a signature model.

That seemed like a contradiction. Whatever. Here is a picture.
View attachment 7073183

What is the story about Bromberg and these basses? He doesn't like how they turned out?

 

[CascadeBass]

What is the story about Bromberg and these basses? He doesn't like how they turned out?

I only know what I’ve gleaned from some TB threads on the matter. Brian chimed in to one of them.

I’m unsure but I have the impression they sort of went rogue on the whole thing and he wasn’t that involved, at least eventually. I’ll try to find the thread.

The Peavey B-Quad and Carvin/Kiesel B24/25 models were approved by him and the Kiesels are still in production.

Edit: found the thread with Brian’s comment.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

"could care less" = you actually COULD care.
"couldn't care less" = you actually COULD NOT care.

To equate the two is a logical fallacy. Whoever documented somewhere that the two phrases are interchangeable has no critical thinking skills and shouldn't be writing articles for public use.

 

[logdrum]

Doesn't do anything for me but I understand and respect why others go for it. If it's a good instrument and I NEED IT and is within my budget then why not? Honestly at this stage , I should not need any basses/ Everything is in the WANT category.

The Blu De Tiger Jazz bass that has created some controversy here is one of those signature instrument that has some smart features though: the chambered body. bypassable preamp and the humbucker bridge pickup, is a compelling reason to get it beyond the artist's popularity or influence.

 

[CascadeBass]

To equate the two is a logical fallacy. Whoever documented somewhere that the two phrases are interchangeable has no critical thinking skills and shouldn't be writing articles for public use.

Well yeah, But we just cater to the lowest denominator apparently. Look in the dictionary under “irregardless” and we have done the same there. It is now a valid word somehow, and the definition is “regardless”.

It is sad.

 

[Bent77]

I don't

Most aren't really that special, and most are an added expense for what is essentially shinier chrome

 

[toothguy]

To equate the two is a logical fallacy. Whoever documented somewhere that the two phrases are interchangeable has no critical thinking skills and shouldn't be writing articles for public use.

I'm not sure if I should be offended by this. I was only equating the contractional use of "n't" in regards to "could"; i.e. "could" or "could not".
Irregardless (love this double negative "non-word"), I ain't going to take offense. It's nothin' personal, it's just grammar.

 

[T McClure]

The rare Keith Moon signature bass.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

If I like it, it doesn’t matter who’s name is one it. The only instruments I have with a persons name on it is a Les Paul and Fenders.
So I guess I like them. I understand your question was more about endorsements, but it made me think.

 

[dune]

"could care less" = you actually COULD care.
"couldn't care less" = you actually COULD NOT care.

Take it up with Merriam-Webster.

Is it 'could' or 'couldn't care less'?

Can you care fewer?

www.merriam-webster.com

 

[micguy]

Whether or not I play signature basses depends on your definition of a signature bass.

If your definition of a signature bass is one that is built in every detail to a certain player's specs, then all my basses are signature basses.

If your definition of a signature bass is one that is built in every detail to a famous player's specs, then none of my basses are signature basses.

All of my basses are my own creations - having built a bunch of basses, I know precisely what I like and don't like, so all of my basses are built exactly how I like them. At the end of the build process, I sign the headstock (one more piece of data to suggest that they are signature basses is they are signed by the manufacturer and the artist, who happen to be the same person).

The appeal of this is one of two reasons that an artist has a signature bass made. Those reasons are:

1) You get an instrument where everything is exactly how you like it - think of this as a custom build, but with as many tries as it takes to get it right. Playing an instrument where nothing detracts from being able to make music as smoothly as you can is great. The one caveat, of course, is the realization that, with that instrument, if something is holding you back, IT IS YOU.

2) To sell some to others and make money on the deal.

The reason that signature basses (of the famous people's kind) are not something I'm interested in is that I want what I want, not what some other player wants - I don't care how famous he or she is. But the appeal of #1 is something that I love.

 

[Methaneman]

Same here. And creme pickup covers. Looks badass.
And after all, his signature is just a little squiggle on the back of the headstock, it's not as if there's some giant graphic emblazoned on the front. Just looks like a 70's J.

Looks good. I think I'll do cream covers also.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

If it’s a great looking, great feeling, great sounding bass, what difference does it make? Also the audience absolutely does not care

 

[StevieJukeJoint]

There are mentions of Signature basses (such as the Chris Squire Rickenbacker) all over the “Basses” threads and in some other areas, but have we ever discussed them as a whole? Yes, I know, it is difficult to generalize about them because by nature they are all different because they reflect the wants of the Artist. I DID search by the way!

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

Interestingly, I don’t have any Signature basses but quite a few of my acoustic and electric guitars are signature models. Why did I gravitate towards them? Well, it ISN’T what many naysayers think about Signature instruments. I am not a Fanboy, nor am I trying to cop someone else’s tone and style. Just the opposite…I like instruments that are unique and stimulate my creativity because they are different.

Examples: my first Signature was purchased because it was the opposite of most Signature instruments. It was NOT really expensive. Just the opposite. It was a Jewel Kirchner “JKSM” Taylor guitar. I knew nothing of her when I stumbled on it when it was new. It played even better than most Taylors. It has a voice that is so sweet. It is a “green” instrument (Jewel wanted sustainability to be the focus). It is simply appointed. But many people gravitate towards it much more than my Martin or other guitars. It even has a sweet smell unlike any other guitar due to its Satinwood. It was $1300. I see one on Reverb for $2000. Anyway, it was the start. My other Signatures are very different and were chosen for different reasons.

So what say you TalkBass members? Let’s try to emphasize basses, but I think it is cool to discuss whatever Signature instruments come to mind.

No am NOT a fan of signature anything, including basses. Hero worshipping whether Hollywood actor, or rock stars has never been my style...Having said, 4 of my too many basses are signature models: 1) a 2000 Fender CIJ Sting P-Bass - at the time was a cheap option to add a non-slab scpb to my collection. 2) a 2012 MIK orea Epi Jack Casady Bass in silverburst - again, I wanted a 70s Gibson Les Paul Sig Bass and this Epi fit the bill!!! Lastly 3 &4) a pair of 1998 Fender CIJ Donald Duck Dunn Precisions - now in this case, am a fan of Duck Dunn, Stax recordings, Blues Brothers Movie - but really I'm just a sucker for Candy Apple Red '57-styled Precisions!! That's my story, and I'm sticking to it....

 

[jdjk7]

There are mentions of Signature basses (such as the Chris Squire Rickenbacker) all over the “Basses” threads and in some other areas, but have we ever discussed them as a whole? Yes, I know, it is difficult to generalize about them because by nature they are all different because they reflect the wants of the Artist. I DID search by the way!

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

Interestingly, I don’t have any Signature basses but quite a few of my acoustic and electric guitars are signature models. Why did I gravitate towards them? Well, it ISN’T what many naysayers think about Signature instruments. I am not a Fanboy, nor am I trying to cop someone else’s tone and style. Just the opposite…I like instruments that are unique and stimulate my creativity because they are different.

Examples: my first Signature was purchased because it was the opposite of most Signature instruments. It was NOT really expensive. Just the opposite. It was a Jewel Kirchner “JKSM” Taylor guitar. I knew nothing of her when I stumbled on it when it was new. It played even better than most Taylors. It has a voice that is so sweet. It is a “green” instrument (Jewel wanted sustainability to be the focus). It is simply appointed. But many people gravitate towards it much more than my Martin or other guitars. It even has a sweet smell unlike any other guitar due to its Satinwood. It was $1300. I see one on Reverb for $2000. Anyway, it was the start. My other Signatures are very different and were chosen for different reasons.

So what say you TalkBass members? Let’s try to emphasize basses, but I think it is cool to discuss whatever Signature instruments come to mind.

If it's a standard instrument with a wacky paint job or slightly altered specs, then I don't really see a point. But then you have things like the Epiphone Jack Casady, the Reverend Mike Watt signature, the Yamaha Billy Sheehan signature, etc that bring something new to the table. I think there's value in those, because overall I think the bass market is generally too conservative and afraid to try new things, too stuck to the formula that works (i.e. the Fender P/Fender J shaped objects). I know some people look at novel bass designs and ask "Why?", but to that I tend to respond "Why not?"