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This is interesting... Sire MM Bass???

Had it occurred to anyone that these aren't "signature" instruments in the way we typically use that term? It could just be that Marcus Miller is invested in getting quality instruments to people at a decent price and is happy to put his name on that endeavour as a whole?
That's it, and there needn't be any more to it than that. Make no mistake, he's making money, and in it for the money, but he has altruistic motives he is successfully fulfilling as well. It's making a difference in the entire market, to be honest - other mfger'ers have to respond, altruism or no, to the price / value proposition that MM is offering. It's fairly compelling as a consumer, I must say. More bang for the buck than anything out there, as far as I know (though I haven't checked PRS' latest budget guitar line).
 
And that’s bad how?

I guess this thread is about to devolve into an “endorsements bad, only for the money” thing now.

Too bad….
I'm not suggesting that's bad in any way, I just don't buy into the idea that this is some sort of altruistic endeavor for Marcus, that's all marketing speak, IMHO.

I don't begrudge him making money with his endorsements at all. (I'm simply not a fan of mis name emblazoned on the headstock larger that the brand name, but whatever...)
 
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Ain't he famous for playing the J bass his mum bought him for years after he made a name for himself?
Sounds like that might be true, if his mom bought his beloved early 70's J. Nothing wrong with that, neither. Kind of sweet of his mom.
 
Its just the way Sire does things. Sire is the parent company and the guitars are all branded Larry Carlton and the basses are all branded Marcus Miller.
Exactly, and do you think Larry and Marcus have their names attached to those products for nothing?

No, it's a business arrangement. Marcus has done it with Markbass, DR, Dunlop, SWR....

Good for him, don't know why there's an argument about it...:rollno:
 
He has the altruistic intention of making better instruments available at lower prices to mid-range and low-end customers, but yes, he's also in it to make money. It's important to understand that the mechanism for both goals is Sire's ability and willingness to use better procedures, craftsmanship, techniques and business practices to undercut their competition on the quality / price paid curve. They're profiting by providing a better quality, better value product at a lower price.

Would his altruistic goals be as well served if they weren't also profitiable? Probably not. But it doesn't matter. He's doing it, he's doing good, and making money, and having fun besides.

What in the Heck could possibly wrong with that?
 
Additionally, the story goes the original jazz basses have been developed by Sire based on his own Fender JB and his preferences, just as the guitars have been made based on Larry Carltons's favored guitars. I do buy in their "We want to give something back to younger players" by helping them to get affordable quality instruments slogan, and why shouldn't them make money, too?
 
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Uh Oh... Ernie, Sire, and Marcus are gonna burn Moi at the stake for having one of these...
20240407_225036 (1).jpg


Yep, I lit this fuse.

I LOVE this bass.

I'm runnin...

[edit] I'm gonna cry when these strings "give up", as I TOTALLY love them, and have no idea what they are. Help?
 
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