What signature model is actually worth it?

[Knavery]

Bass: Tim Commerford MusicanMan signature
Guitar: Dave Grohl signature (at reg price, which may be re-released by Gibson)

 

[Neon Blues]

For me, the question is, would I buy this if there wasn't a signature on the headstock?

I mean $6000-7000AUD for a "Gene Simmons" Thunderbird.

For me:

Jack Casady +1; I love the guy but I'd buy that bass anyways, beautiful tone for that classic 60s and traditional Blues tracks
Mono Neon Jazz - simply the best I've played. USA quality and tones for days. I won't use the sock but love the colours
Roscoe Beck Jazz Bass - what a monster, never owned one but was a phenomenal bass. Was about the design and not the signature
Warwick Jack Bruce - would never buy due to the cost they were, but unbelievable bass, a big fan of SGs and that was a perfect SG.

I realise none of that really answered your question. Except the Jack Bruce.

 

[Dr. Keebs]

The Yamaha Nathan East BBNE2. Phenomenal construction, playability, feel, sound, and versatility.

 

[FenderBassist]

What signature model is actually worth it? Your own, once you figure out what you want and how to get it assembled

 

[Spooge]

27543978[/URL], member: 336833"]These are going for way above the Squire price range now due to being discontinued. I thought about getting one because that white P Bass with the maple fret board is my favorite (very reminiscent of Dee Dee Ramone's bass), but I don't like that his signature is on the front of the headstock. I guess I'd rather nobody knowing I'm playing someone's signature guitar. Did you buy it new? What did they cost back then?

For the couple years they made them they were selling new for $400-500. I am the second owner and the plastic is still on the pickguard.

 

[Acoustic356]

The Victor Wooten Fodera Monarch is pretty much near perfect.

This is my 1983 Victor Wooten Reissue. If I could only have one bass this would be it based upon playability, tonal range, tuning stability.

• The overrides headstock reduces the chance for dead spots on the fret board.
• The dovetail gives you easy access all the way up the neck
• The preamp is configurable I have configured mine so that:
  • The tone knob is darker
  • The 1st switch in the
    • down position is more jazz bass in that the low EQ is at 80 Hz and the mids are more jazz bass oriented
    • Up position is more P bass with the low EQ at 40 Hz and the mids are more P bass friendly

 

[Spooge]

$1,000 plus for the Matt Freeman and Pete Wentz Squiers.
I'm not saying they're selling for that much, but...

I might be weird but I’m not sure I would even let mine go for $1,000. It’s just got that something.

 

[Neon Blues]

The Yamaha Nathan East BBNE2. Phenomenal construction, playability, feel, sound, and versatility.

I think that goes for the whole top shelf Yamaha line.

 

[kumimajava]

Lot of great suggestions made already.

Among perhaps the less widespread optons: Callowhill OBS (Owen Biddle Signature) are fantastic, but sadly there aren't many around.

 

[Acoustic356]

Alembic Stanley Clark Signature and Mark King Signature basses are actually less expensive than their Series counterparts.

John

A couple months ago I had a chance to play the bass Stanley Clarke played on School Daze.

Incredible instrument!

 

[Dr. Keebs]

I think that goes for the whole top shelf Yamaha line.

Absolutely. I feel the same about the early- 90s TRB5P fretless I have.

 

[Neon Blues]

Absolutely. I feel the same about the early- 90s TRB5P fretless I have.

They are so expensive to get now. Great basses, if I had more talent then a JP2 would be the dream bass.

 

[Boz68]

Ditto. My US Geddy is worth every penny & more!

. . . adding the obigatory photo.

 

[Iridescentone]

I'm not above playing sig basses, have some, and have had a bunch in the past, too.

One I'd love to have someday, but never will because it's too damn much $$...a Warwick Jack Bruce sig, and for every reason one might imagine. Like this....

 

[Fretbuzzard]

I’ve owned and sold two sig basses, Epiphone Jack Casady and Fender Marcus Miller. Still have a Fender Sean Hurley P, Lakland Bob Glaub P/J and Dingwall NG-2. I like the artists but bought for the features, not the names. All really good basses though.

How do you like the flip-up mute on the Hurley? Really cool idea if it works, but given my experiences with Jaguars I have my doubts.

It doesn’t get much love here, but I’ll throw the Dirnt out there. I like the combo of an early-50s P with a split-cool pickup.

 

[MattyMcMattface]

The Fender Roscoe Beck V has been my main gigging bass for ~15 years. The most versatile passive bass I’ve ever known.
Gotta +1 the JMJ Mustang and Flea Roadworn Jazz. Slapped some LaBella’s on them and they’re both killer. (Actually, playing the JMJ on a theatre run right now!)

 

[m2k2p]

Since I don’t think it has been mentioned … The B24 and B25 Bromberg by Carvin/Kiesel is one of the best basses they have made. You can get them at good prices used too. I have always wanted to try the Peavey version with the Graphite neck and piezos.

 

[m2k2p]

The Fender Roscoe Beck V has been my main gigging bass for ~15 years. The most versatile passive bass I’ve ever known.
Gotta +1 the JMJ Mustang and Flea Roadworn Jazz. Slapped some LaBella’s on them and they’re both killer. (Actually, playing the JMJ on a theatre run right now!)

View attachment 5087196 View attachment 5087198 View attachment 5087199

Always wanted to try the Roscoe Beck model , hope Fender reissues them

 

[Yahboy]

Discontinued Squier CIC Matt Freeman Sig P and James Johnston Sig J.

 

[tb-player]

Surprised no one has mentioned the Fender Pino.

I've never played one, but $5500 seems like a lot of money for what is basically a Fender Custom Shop precision. That being said, I've always wanted to try one to see if it is, in fact, worth it.