Signature guitars......Why?

Signature guitars......Why?

  • Oh yes, I just want to look and sound like...

    Votes: 5 10.2%
  • They are a utter waste of time

    Votes: 9 18.4%
  • Well if you like that kinda thing, sometimes I do, other times...

    Votes: 35 71.4%

  • Total voters
    49

Uk Ant

New member
So do you like signature series guitars?
Do you dream of owning your own frankenstrat or JEM or do you think it's all a bit silly, surely you want a guitar that portrays you're own idividuality not some one elses.

Me, I tend to swing both ways, depending on my mood.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

I'm not into a "signature" guitar per se, but generally they have options and specs not available on stock guitars. My Fender malmsteen is the only guitar on the market with a stock scalloped neck, my Ernie Ball.Music Man Axis has a killer neck and great tone.

I played a white Ibanez Jem, I liked the thicker neck and the way it sounded different than an Ibanez RG.

I don't buy any of them because I'm a fan of the artist- I buy them because of the different features they have. Right now I want a Clapton strat for the midrange booster
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

I'm not into a "signature" guitar per se, but generally they have options and specs not available on stock guitars. My Fender malmsteen is the only guitar on the market with a stock scalloped neck, my Ernie Ball.Music Man Axis has a killer neck and great tone.

I played a white Ibanez Jem, I liked the thicker neck and the way it sounded different than an Ibanez RG.

I don't buy any of them because I'm a fan of the artist- I buy them because of the different features they have. Right now I want a Clapton strat for the midrange booster

Good answer, but surely you could buy a stock guitar and modify away.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

Good answer, but surely you could buy a stock guitar and modify away.

You could, but why would you if you can get what you want out of the factory?

Signature guitars are usually at or near the top of the line at their respective manufacturer. This is because the artist endorsing the thing insists on particular specs that aren't found in regular production models. Not surprisingly, the features that big-time artists want in their guitars are features that John Q. Guitarist likes as well.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

I don't like signature models, for the most part. The last thing I'd want as a musician is to have a ton of people with a guitar that looks exactly like mine.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

The idea of signature guitars is good because it opens up options for guitarists. Many of them have American-made pickups (whereas the standard models usually don't). Its not that I want to sound like anybody in particular, I just think manufacturers should give the public more to choose from, and signatures are one way to do that. More choices are always better!

This is music... we're creative; the more ways to express ourselves, the better. The "standard" models aren't enough for all of the hundreds of thousands of us guitarists. If the big name players have made certain mods to their instruments, lets share that with the rest of us, and see if we like them too. Gets the thoughts flowing. We can build on that & come up with our own mods. I've seen too many guys that think that stock models should never be changed, even on cheap guitars. Pitiful. If you don't like signatures, don't buy them. But the concept of tailoring guitars to individual tastes is great. Freedom of choice. Lets see more of that!
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

True, I suppose. I just have the feeling that I'd still want to meddle with it, which if you've already spent the big bucks...

Although I would like to try a scalloped neck, and the only why to try that is the malmsteen strat.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

I don't like signature models, for the most part. The last thing I'd want as a musician is to have a ton of people with a guitar that looks exactly like mine.

...That happens anyway apparently :laugh2:

Anyway, if sig guitars can look like this:

0255800550_xl.jpg
0106100814_xl.gif


then WOOO!!!
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

All depends on the guitar and it's features. I don't really look at an EJ Strat or J5 Tele as appealing because of the artist associated but if it's got what I'm looking for in a guitar at the time, it'll go on my wish list.

P.S. I've tried the J5 HB Tele, it wasn't anything special, I was disappointed actually. Very poor balance in volume between the bucker and neck pup.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

Well, I own a few Les Pauls, but I don't really try and sound like Les Paul.

I own a Clapton Strat. but I don't really sound like Eric Clapton when I play it.

A name on a headstock never bothered me. An axe that can't get the job done does though.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

If playing Guy X's guitar makes you sound like him, I think you have creativity issues.

In addition to already being modded, signature models retain their value, and typically increase over time.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

The les Paul actually raises the question when is guitar a signiture guitar or an actual stock production guitar.
Another example would be something like the cheaper Ibanez JS models (I think they were originall called Radius).
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

The les Paul actually raises the question when is guitar a signiture guitar or an actual stock production guitar.
The Les Paul was a signature before that term was used. It's obviously blown up into Gibson's flagship, as they now offer signature model LPs.

Another example would be something like the cheaper Ibanez JS models (I think they were originall called Radius).
The JS is very similar to a Radius, but not the same.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

Well, I own a few Les Pauls, but I don't really try and sound like Les Paul.

I own a Clapton Strat. but I don't really sound like Eric Clapton when I play it.

A name on a headstock never bothered me. An axe that can't get the job done does though.

My Malmsteen Strat makes me sound like Blackmore, not Malmsteen. And My EB Axis suprisingly makes me sound like Slash
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

Hmmm......... I have an Ibanez JEM, but I bought it 'cos it's a really versatile 'rock' guitar. It's actually the second one I've owned, I only bought the first one 'cos I got it really cheap, and after I sold it I fancied another one. I certainly don't have any (dis)illusions about playing like Steve Vai tho'. :)
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

There are a lot of good Sig guitars out there, although none have appealed to me personally.

I really don't want look like a "insert famous guitar player name here" wannabe.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

I don't buy any of them because I'm a fan of the artist- I buy them because of the different features they have. Right now I want a Clapton strat for the midrange booster


You could do it much cheaper buying a Jimmie Vaughn then putting an EMG SA set in with the SPC. V-neck, noiseless pups, mid boost ( plus the EXG) for about under a grand.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratJVOWT/

http://www.gtrheaven.com/emg_strat.htm

EC strats are $1500
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

You could do it much cheaper buying a Jimmie Vaughn then putting an EMG SA set in with the SPC. V-neck, noiseless pups, mid boost ( plus the EXG) for about under a grand.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StratJVOWT/

http://www.gtrheaven.com/emg_strat.htm

EC strats are $1500
That's great, unless you decide you actually think an MIA Strat has better craftsmanship. Oh, and the fact that if you decide to part ways with the EC a few years down the road, you'll get your money back out of it.
 
Re: Signature guitars......Why?

The only reason I'd get one is if a signature model happened to have everything i want in a guitar...like, I'm not a fan of Tom Delonge, but I'm a fan of hardtail Strats and 70's headstocks so his signature Strat from back in the day sort of appeals to me.

I think it's pretty funny how many Fender Jag-stangs you see on eBay with the same SD pickup Kurt Cobain used installed, and all the description says is "THIS'LL GET YOU SOUNDING JUST LIKE KURT!!" Please, a plywood guitar and a stock DS-1 will get you sounding like Kurt...

-X
 
Back
Top