I’ve only owned one sig bass - a Fender Pino. As nice as it is, at the end of the day it’s just a P bass. I ended up selling it and building a clone out of high quality parts for leas than 1/3 of the price.
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Signature Instruments—-What Do We Think About Them?
- Thread starter Indiedog
- Start date
Marketing.
Offhand I can think of four that are close copies of what these musicians played at some point. . .
Fodera Anthony Jackson
FBass Alain Caron
Yamaha Nathan East (several generations over time)
Ibanez Gary Willis
. . .and a few more where they really worked with the artist.
Often, these sig axes aren't much more than 'name' basses, essentially an off-the-rack production instrument in their favorite color or running their preferred pickup, etc.
Fans are the biggest market for these, and the occasional user who just likes that bass.
A lot of times with 'endorsement' deals, it can sometimes be as little as their picture in an ad and a couple free axes they never use, all the way to real axes just like theirs they actually use, and everything in between.
And often, they may have used a bass like that at that time and have long since moved through several different brands since then.
They really mean nothing to me, but there's lots of guys that find just what they want in them, and that's great.
Offhand I can think of four that are close copies of what these musicians played at some point. . .
Fodera Anthony Jackson
FBass Alain Caron
Yamaha Nathan East (several generations over time)
Ibanez Gary Willis
. . .and a few more where they really worked with the artist.
Often, these sig axes aren't much more than 'name' basses, essentially an off-the-rack production instrument in their favorite color or running their preferred pickup, etc.
Fans are the biggest market for these, and the occasional user who just likes that bass.
A lot of times with 'endorsement' deals, it can sometimes be as little as their picture in an ad and a couple free axes they never use, all the way to real axes just like theirs they actually use, and everything in between.
And often, they may have used a bass like that at that time and have long since moved through several different brands since then.
They really mean nothing to me, but there's lots of guys that find just what they want in them, and that's great.
As has been said, I wouldn't buy a bass because it's got some artist's name on it. Actually it would bug me to have someone's name plastered onto a bass I'm (trying to) play. I'm in the minority but it's the same sports teams. I can see buying gear with your team's brand on it. But for me, I'd never buy much less wear a jersey with some player's name on it. No, no, no. That crosses the line, for me. YMMV.
I've only owned one signature bass, and the guy who's sig was on it wasn't even a bassist.
The idea is not an interesting one for me. I don't own any. I'd never buy any instrument because it carried a famous name unless I liked it for its own characteristics.
It’s about the specs, not the name.
I’ve owned a Joe Osborn Lakland because it was the best feeling and sounding Jazz i’d ever played.
I own a Roger Waters Pbass because it has the best neck i’ve ever played.
I now own a Reverend Linh Li Lil’ Linhbacker, because it had the best specs AND it’s purple!
I’ve owned a Joe Osborn Lakland because it was the best feeling and sounding Jazz i’d ever played.
I own a Roger Waters Pbass because it has the best neck i’ve ever played.
I now own a Reverend Linh Li Lil’ Linhbacker, because it had the best specs AND it’s purple!
I’ve owned several but the sig didn’t affect my interest either way, good or bad. They were all cool basses though. Lakland Skyline Joe Osborn, Fender Marcus Miller, Epiphone Jack Casady, and Fender CS Sean Hurley. All phenomenal players of course. I still have the Hurley and it’s my favorite P ever. I don’t seek them out though it may seem otherwise.
Actually I have another, my Dingwall NG2 is the Nolly Getgood sig, forgot about that.
Actually I have another, my Dingwall NG2 is the Nolly Getgood sig, forgot about that.
Again, thanks to all for the responses.
And as OP, I feel strongly about the accuracy of my posts, so please note that my previous reference to the Signature Billy Cobham snare drum was a brain gap. It was actually the Dennis Chambers Signature snare. It had a special feature of having two throw-offs so that one could quickly adjust the tension on the snares to modify the sensitivity of the snare response. One of the things I did not like was its cream-colored paint finish. Kinda dull for me.
OK…back to your regularly scheduled programming.
And as OP, I feel strongly about the accuracy of my posts, so please note that my previous reference to the Signature Billy Cobham snare drum was a brain gap. It was actually the Dennis Chambers Signature snare. It had a special feature of having two throw-offs so that one could quickly adjust the tension on the snares to modify the sensitivity of the snare response. One of the things I did not like was its cream-colored paint finish. Kinda dull for me.
OK…back to your regularly scheduled programming.
I'm certainly a massive fan of Victor (as much for his outlook as his playing), but I PLAY his sig (standard) instrument because of its versatility, quality, and because it fits the way I like to play. It's a very easy bass to dial in whatever space we're playing in and it practically plays itself. And yeah I've dug the YY look since the first time I saw it. Even if I didn't know or care for or VW as an artist I would LOVE that instrument.
So yeah no prob with signature basses, provided they line up with what you happen to like.
I agree, it's function over form all the time. I only use Keith Moon sticks because I like its lighter 5A profile, and the Radio King because it's the only all-solid snare drum with extended snare wires that I could find. I don't think I'll pay for a Roger Taylor signature DW snare over a regular one, but I'm not even a fan of the latter.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
Interesting note of cymbals: I started out on Armands, too. I later moved to Paiste 2002s as I like the shimmer. I wonder if the "maker's signature" products are "signature" in that way, such as Zildjian Armand, Paiste Signature, and Craviotto Private Collection?
For keyboards I think it's because synths cover a wide range of tones, and many musicians could use the same stock ones without any special features. There are certain "special edition" versions, too, such as Korg's OK GO signature Volca Sample.
I have a MIJ Geddy Lee Jazz and it's a fantastic bass. I didn't buy it because of Geddy Lee. Also, despite not really caring about The Edge as a guitarist, his signature stratocaster from a few years ago was a very nice guitar.
Years ago when Squier had the Matt Freeman pbass, i played one. Felt & sounded good, i'd've bought it for 2 reasons: its a solid pbass, the white/blk guard/maple board scheme was classic punk. I'm not the biggest rancid fan, & while he's an impressive bass player on occasion, im not gasing to have his signature squier. When the fender DeeDee Ramone released, i definitely wouldve shelled $$ for it (bigger Ramones fan than Rancid, & pbasses are my main type because of DeeDee), but at the end, its just an MIM w/blk guard, & vintage radius w/small frets.
I am currently waiting for a schecter corsair simon gallup semi hollow bass, & while i did portion want it because he does use this sometimes (maybe not as often as his ultras), but i also wanted a somewhat unique looking 34" scale semi hollow bass. Schecter's are pretty scarce here in montreal canada, but the handful of solid body basses ive played in store, i do enjoy their necks. Will its neck be any different that a typical j bass, probably not. But still looking forward to owning this bass & playing it.
Probably the only "signature" bass i'd ever own that's factory built. Having been building my own basses/guitars for 10 years, i can say that all of mine are signature models in their respective rights because they're made to what i wanted. Some are tributez to artists i enjoy listening too/influenced by in my playing (dee dee ramone red guard pbass, paul simonon smashed pbass, johnny ramone's white mosrite, joe strummer esquire, prince telecaster). Everything else is pure want this bass with this feel & certain tone.
I am currently waiting for a schecter corsair simon gallup semi hollow bass, & while i did portion want it because he does use this sometimes (maybe not as often as his ultras), but i also wanted a somewhat unique looking 34" scale semi hollow bass. Schecter's are pretty scarce here in montreal canada, but the handful of solid body basses ive played in store, i do enjoy their necks. Will its neck be any different that a typical j bass, probably not. But still looking forward to owning this bass & playing it.
Probably the only "signature" bass i'd ever own that's factory built. Having been building my own basses/guitars for 10 years, i can say that all of mine are signature models in their respective rights because they're made to what i wanted. Some are tributez to artists i enjoy listening too/influenced by in my playing (dee dee ramone red guard pbass, paul simonon smashed pbass, johnny ramone's white mosrite, joe strummer esquire, prince telecaster). Everything else is pure want this bass with this feel & certain tone.
Duck Dunn is the player I've probably tried to emulate the most. I read somewhere that he didn't do the jazz neck on a precision until later in life to help with the arthritis in his hands.
When Fender comes up with a pickup configuration that's new and unique, I wish they would offer it in a non-signature option. I think a lot of people like the mm-type bridge with j-type neck... and active. I don't follow Fender closely. Have they done this combination before? Have they done it on a jazz bass? She's a really good player, but I don't care for the music overall.
And, you can always sign your own bass, prompting the process of a attaining personal fame - who's gonna know who this fab bassist is unless his name is there?!!
Nice rig. I bought the SL212. Love it.View attachment 7073801
I'm certainly a massive fan of Victor (as much for his outlook as his playing), but I PLAY his sig (standard) instrument because of its versatility, quality, and because it fits the way I like to play. It's a very easy bass to dial in whatever space we're playing in and it practically plays itself. And yeah I've dug the YY look since the first time I saw it. Even if I didn't know or care for or VW as an artist I would LOVE that instrument.
So yeah no prob with signature basses, provided they line up with what you happen to like.
I'm not sure. I don't know my basses as much as I probably should. I think the 70s Jazz basses moved that "back" pickup closer to the shiny thing holding the strings at the end. The round end, not the pointy end. The pointy end is called the neck. I know that much.
That’s one reason I haven’t bought a dug pinnick Schechter 12-string. Just dont like the “dug” at the 12th fret. Otherwise I think it is a very cool instrument.
Thank you for dipping into the non-bass Signature instruments with me! Good points on the keyboard side of things.
Craviotto? Man, I always lusted after his drums, but they are so spendy!
Various points I ruminated on last night:
There is often talk of people that own Signature bassists as slavishly emulating someone else’s tone and style. But I think some people buy them for the opposite reason. To be different. Some of us tend to expressly avoid the status quo, avoid the obvious, most common basses (or other instruments) because of the way they/we approach music and life. To those people, often the Signature products stand out attractively because they sometimes can be so very different from the usual suspects. An example is my Leo Koke Signature Taylor 12-string. It is tuned down one and one half steps, has thicker strings, and sounds like a canon…nothing like your typical shimmery 12. It is meant for finger picking and makes me play things I would never, ever play on my Guild 12 or Taylor 355 12’er.
Another thing I chuckle about is how many do not like the very thing that the name is based on: Signature. Should we be surprised that the artists signature is there? Well no. Believe me, I am pointing this out only to be humorous…I DO understand how that darn signature can make some people feel uneasy. But on the other hand it is like ordering a dram of Talisker and saying. “I just wish it wasn’t so smokey.”
(And of course, we live in a society where people’s names (trademarks) are EVERYWHERE. I cannot help but think of the scene in Back to the Future where Marty’s mom thinks his name is Calvin because of his C. Klein underwear. All day long most of us proudly proclaim our love for tons of products on our caps, shirts, pants, and shoes. Just the Tommy Bahama products alone are overwhelming. My old boss used to say that he encountered an amazing amount of men named “Tommy” when he would go out. Lol)
Anyway, I am fine with all the feedback here; I think that by looking at these strong-emotion-provoking products we can see how we can be different and similar at the same time. My goal here is to show how similar we really are.
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Not a bass but when I bought my artist signature amp, his name had zero to do with why I bought it. I never had any of his albums and I barely paid any attention to him in the past. I just wanted the amp.
