What signature model is actually worth it?

[nonohmic]

The USA Jaco Signature Jazz is a fantastic instrument that doesn't get nearly the love it deserves.

When it was $1800, and $1200 odd used it was well worth it. At $2149 new now, well that's up to the buyer.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Epiphone Allen Woody RumbleKat is a great bass that I think is an awesome mash up of a Hofner Club bass and a Caverns, with the middle pickup scooted slightly further back.
Another realllllly good one is the Ibanez Gary Willis Bass, I have the GWB35 and it’s the best fretless I’ve ever put my hands on, the tuners are awesome on that bass and it really sings with that single bridge pickup and the 2 band, can’t make it sound bad, that’s all left up to me!

 

[ColdEye]

JMJ mustang is just an overall good bass. Only change I did was slap some Labella flats.

 

[Danny O Danny]

I think the Fender Tony Franklin signature bass fits the bill. It is a different configuration (P/J, fretless ebony fingerboard) from standard production, and is reasonably priced. Of course, Mr. Franklin is mostly only known by fretless bass fans, so he isn't a big star like Mr. Grohl.

 

[Altitude]

Conceptually I'm less interested in signature instruments that are visual riffs on an existing common design, like the Adam Clayton Fenders. More interesting are designs you can't really get anywhere other than on that signature instrument.

The Gary Willis Ibanez comes to mind as pretty cool. The electronics approach, both in terms of pickup placement and what the pickup and preamp are, is unique to that instrument. As are the fingerboard wood/ebonol choices. The bass sounds pretty unique, though probably closer to a fretless Stingray than anything else. And the factory installed ramp isn't available on any other Ibanez that I'm aware of.

 

[_Obra_]

I played Nate Mendel P bass. Great bass but not so cheap.
Lakland Darryl Jones is also a nice one.

 

[Zooberwerx]

This could be a whole new marketing concept. Rather than "personally designed by" the artist or "personally signed by" the artist, they could have "personally rubbed against" by the artist.

Already have one of those but it was actually a bass I was seeking…but I like your way of thinking!

Riis

 

[cymbop]

The Epiphone Casady is just a great, reasonably-priced instrument.

 

[rtav]

I love my EBMM John Myung bass:

 

[Pandastylebass]

Fender's Tony Franklin fretless, JMJ Mustang & Mike Watt "Wattplower" from Reverend Guitars

 

[Thumb n Fingers]

Yamaha TRB JP2 - the John Patitucci 6 sting bass - is an amazing instrument.

Fender Flea Signature active jazz bass is also a pretty great bass.

I always thought it was kind of weird to buy signature basses, and now I own two. The TRBJP2 was partially a fanboy buy. The Flea was not. I played one at a local shop and was just blown away by the playability and tonal range on the bass.

Funny thing is, I own 8 basses, but these two are my main players.

 

[Polfuste]

My Markbass Kimandu designed by and with Richard Bona is a top bass. I'm fan from Richard, but didn't bought this bass for that: i dig the design, the features and the overall quality of this green baby. The neck is really comfortable, small frets, perfect preamp: jazz bass set up with 3eq working along with the tonality button, light bass and a perfect balance: The low F note of the E string is really easy to play. Sound is awesome. Price generally asked is 1800 euros. Had mine for 1400.

 

[Poobini]

I just learned the Dave Grohl signature guitar is going for upward toward $25k. That seems insane for what is likely a standard 335 style guitar with little diamonds instead of F-holes. 335s are expensive enough, but now this?

Considering you can get an original Trini Lopez for $4-8k, that's... rough... and with the epiphone reissue coming out soon, too, I don't see how on EARTH anyone thinks they could get anyone to bite. Unless Dave delivered it personally to me.

That being said, I think most signatures are really fine - Fender's Flea and Adam Clayton sigs are excellent, and the prices aren't too off-base from similar instruments in their line. At that point it's paying for the unique finishes.

In the guitar world, Albert Hammond Jr's signature strat is pretty dang good if you're in the market for a hardtail 70's reissue.

 

[Corigan]

People really seem to dig the US geddy Lee's with that 70s jazz neck on them.

I thought duff mckagens sig with the tbx tone capsule sounded great. Wish I would have bought that one when I saw it for $750. It's one that got away from me

 

[Altitude]

Yamaha TRB JP2 - the John Patitucci 6 sting bass - is an amazing instrument.

Fender Flea Signature active jazz bass is also a pretty great bass.

I always thought it was kind of weird to buy signature basses, and now I own two. The TRBJP2 was partially a fanboy buy. The Flea was not. I played one at a local shop and was just blown away by the playability and tonal range on the bass.

Funny thing is, I own 8 basses, but these two are my main players.

I almost listed the Patitucci. I’m the same way about it, owning one feels like a fanboy move, but at the end of the day it’s a fantastic bass.

 

[sonojono]

I can’t believe it took two pages for the USA Geddy Lee Jazz bass to be mentioned. That’s like the #1 fan favorite instrument on TalkBass..

 

[Corigan]

I can’t believe it took two pages for the USA Geddy Lee Jazz bass to be mentioned. That’s like the #1 fan favorite instrument on TalkBass..

I was surprised as well. I scanned and had to mention it.

 

[ahbass2500]

Fender Roscoe Beck

That pickup/preamp setup is absolutely perfect. I have never owned one, but played one a friend of mine owned several times. I may eventually have to buy one.

 

[jdaunt]

Agree with those that have said the Tony Franklin Fretless Precision. Obviously it isn't everyones thing, but man is it such an amazing bass!

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Geddy lee jazz bass…worth it
Tony Franklin bass…worth it
Sean Hurley bass…worth it
Duff McKagan bass…worth it

we could go on. They’re ALL worth it