What erks me.

[nukebass]

What has the bass player from Blink 182 done that is innovative or pioneering?

I think this criterion is too limiting and subjective. Who's to say what one player's opinion of another is? If Hoppus has inspired one player to learn something new, then he may be an innovator. Fender, in this example, was just using the popularity of the band to reach a potentially new audience. I have no problem with that since the only reason I wanted to play a Rickenbacker was because McCartney played one. Fender is still making them so it must have had a market.

Also keep in mind that not all signature guitars are designed to be copies of the most famous guitars the artist played throughout his career. Some of these guitars are just made to the artist's specifications as things he may want. I think the Slash Epiphone Les Paul is a good example of this and provides players on a tighter budget the option of purchasing a guitar endorsed by their favorite musician.

[paologregorio]

I don't mind Billy Zoom and Setzer having Signature model Gretsches-actually I'm glad they do, because for a lot of young guys in the 80s and 90s, those two were the primary reason they bought a Gretsch. Setzer was influenced by Eddie Cocnran, so it makes sense that there's an Eddie Cochran-type model as well, though that's not a signature model per se. Billy's Sig model Gretsch is authentic, and CT-scanning that guitar led Gretsch to increase the chambering significantly in the Jet models to make them lighter and more resonant-in a word, more faithful to a major characteristic that made the original models quite special. Setzer's model is his take on his dream Gretsch and features a number of things he's changed to make the models more playable for him, and appealing to others-I'm talking about his sig model, not the relic-model of his black cat Gretsch. Just my two cents' worth.

[jdogric12]

Kevin has a 330/12 TUR for sale, and I have the parts to convert it into a 330/12JD if anyone is interested.

[08 Ric 4003]

I realize it is subjective, but just because a bassist or guitarist made you or me want to play does makes them a pioneer or innovator on their instrument. Which is a pretty reason to name something after a famous artist. Let's not just name something after anyone who has ever played on a recording, or the list would never end. I know that Slash's Epi is a budget minded guitar for someone who doesn't want to pay 4k for his sig Gibson model, but he doesn't play an Epi. Hell the guitar he used on most of Appetite was not even a Les Paul it was built by Kris Derrig. Look at Gibson they have a sig Les Paul Clapton model. Has Eric ever played a LP yes, is the the axe he is most associated with, NO. My other issue is just with the sheer number if sig models and the over pricing. I like - X -saw them twice, but the Billy Zoom model went for crazy $ and the George Harrison model is 20k MSRP. That is a down payment on a house, or a new car.

[paologregorio]

I realize it is subjective, but just because a bassist or guitarist made you or me want to play does makes them a pioneer or innovator on their instrument. Which is a pretty reason to name something after a famous artist. Let's not just name something after anyone who has ever played on a recording, or the list would never end. I know that Slash's Epi is a budget minded guitar for someone who doesn't want to pay 4k for his sig Gibson model, but he doesn't play an Epi. Hell the guitar he used on most of Appetite was not even a Les Paul it was built by Kris Derrig. Look at Gibson they have a sig Les Paul Clapton model. Has Eric ever played a LP yes, is the the axe he is most associated with, NO. My other issue is just with the sheer number if sig models and the over pricing. I like - X -saw them twice, but the Billy Zoom model went for crazy $ and the George Harrison model is 20k MSRP. That is a down payment on a house, or a new car.

I generally agree with your point, and a lot of players seem to get a Sig model because they're the flavor of the day and someone from marketing of Brand X saw them playing a Brand X guitar. The relic models are ridiculous wrt price. Mentioned to Zoom if Gretsch would please offer a Zoom model that wasn't beat up and overpriced-it has some cool features I'd buy if it were a normal Jet price-pinned bridge, highly chambered, different p/ups, as well as some dool cosmetic features unique to that year; plain arrow knobs, block inlays, square lettered, pearloid,, T roof logo- not crazy about his pick of banjo tuners though.

I think Billy Zoom and Brian Setzer both did innovative things with their instrument; Setzer and Zoom both infused rockabilly, rock and punk into a signature sound in each of their cases; it was unfortunate for Zoom and the rest of the band "X" that their label was completely clueless as how to market them. Setzer was somewhat more traditional, but he still wanted to "punk up this rockabilly thing" as well as infuse it with jazz elements. I didn mention to Zoom at NAMM that Gretsch ought to offer a non-relic model of his guitar that was more affordable, a la the Setzer models that are available-Setzer had a spendy limited edition relic, as well as the "hot rod" model with just one pot for volume, and a switch, and the standard hot rod model-both have a shaved down neck, and some other customized features Setzer had done to his own Gretsches for increased playability. Even if either player hadn't done anything other than play a Gretsch, in the case of those two, I think it would have been cool for them to get a Sig model just as a thank you from Gretsch, and because their particular Gretsch models had some unique features. Harrison's was a spendy relic tribute, but before that one came out there was a standard-non-relic model just like George's available at a normal price from Gretsch, and I spoke with a Gretsch rep at NAMM this year, who said that after all the relics were sold, Gretsch planned to re-introduce a non-relic model like George's, faithful to the original, w/o all of the dings and dents, at a reasonable price.

I agree that relic prices are just plain silly, and I wouldn't buy one. Clapton played a LP for just a short time, though it was probably, IMO, when his playing was more interesting then when he switched to Strats (not a Strat hater-own three of them )

For the most part I agree with you that Sig models are silly, and WAY overdone!

[RIC_FACTORY]

I have three words for anybody that DOESN'T think signature models are overdone... Jonas. Bros. Gibson. End of thread.

[ken_j]

... End of thread.

Does this mean Tony is to lock it down?

[whojamfan]

Every guitar I buy is turned into the Mike Snow signature model-period. Nothing I own is stock.

Every post I make must include a grammatical error by British or American standards.

Every dingleberry in the world has their own guitar. The only thing I don't like is when I see one that gets my attention and I realize it's the sig model of someone I wish to have no association with. I don't want people thinking I'm a worshipper of some flavor of the month fashion plate.

Dee Dee Ramone inspired more people, including Hoppus, to pick up and play a Fender than Hoppus could ever hope to. Yes, Blink 187 sold more records, but their fans aren't typically musicians, just like the Jonas Brothers.

Joan Jett should have had a signature Melody Maker back in 90, Gibson could have made a killing with the whole Riot Grrl thing and grunge. Instead, they let PRS take their market as Marshall let Mesa take theirs.

Rickenbacker continued to make a handfull of models and increased their backlog to 2 years. Sheesh, do something well for an honest price and you too can be a success big shock eh?

If you wanna pay more for a beat up guitar, whatever floats your boat people. Just don't try to pawn it off as an original.

Every SRV strat I ever sold left the store with a different pickguard installed. The customer always wanted to keep the pickguard with the plastic on it, inside of the plastic packaging the replacement came in so it would be like new to retain resale. Now what does that tell ya?

Last but not least, Jake, I have no idea I can post as to why you have been single 20 of yer 21 years bud

[08 Ric 4003]

I forgot about the Jonas Bros. Melody Maker. When I think Melody Maker I think Joan Jett and of course she has a Blackheart sig model, and Ian Hunter. I will say one thing about the JB sig model it is affordable. I own a few Gibsons right now, and have owned others in the past, but a JB Melody Maker is beyond laughable. What is next Telefunken Karen Carpenter sig model microphones, Bret Michaels sig "I am going bald" bandanas, Steven Tyler sig mic stands with pre-attatched scarfs, or Bun E. Carlos sig oversized drum sticks?

[johnallg]

I forgot about the Jonas Bros. Melody Maker. When I think Melody Maker I think Joan Jett and of course she has a Blackheart sig model, and Ian Hunter. I will say one thing about the JB sig model it is affordable. I own a few Gibsons right now, and have owned others in the past, but a JB Melody Maker is beyond laughable. What is next Telefunken Karen Carpenter sig model microphones, Bret Michaels sig "I am going bald" bandanas, Steven Tyler sig mic stands with pre-attatched scarfs, or Bun E. Carlos sig oversized drum sticks?

Jeez, don't be giving them any ideas.......

[cjj]

Alan Gratzer (REO Speedwagon) gave me a set of "signature" drum sticks once, even had his signature on 'em. 'Course, he made 'em himself, tape wrap and all...

[jps]

.....someone from marketing of Brand X.....

I think Phil Collins qualifies for that position.

[08 Ric 4003]

Wow I just saw on Gibsons website a Banjo for 55K. Is there something I am missing. I think it would be cool to have one, a banjo I mean. The cheapest Gibson makes in like 3K. Fender makes them for 800. Can some one explain it to me?

[ajish4]

Alright, I've remained silent LONG ENOUGH....your luck has run out!

To bring this back to the OP, and to put a dash of seriousness to it.

Most of those who know me, know my VERY FIRST Rickenbacker was my 1995 4001CS LE.

I'll keep it short (which I'm sure will make many of you happy)

To me, it's a hat tip if you will to the man who inspired me to play bass in the first place.
When I play it, it brings back MANY a fond memory of that fact. Also, being it was an instrument of such amazing tone and quality, I
was hooked. Subsequently, I have purchased MANY more RIC'S because of the quality of that very first instrument. Sounds like it was a very wise move business wise on Rickenbacker's part.

I can't speak for Gibson, Fender or any other brand for that matter. I vaguely remember David Gilmore saying in an interview when Fender wanted to make a LE Strat.... to the tune of, I BOUGHT IT OFF THE WALL, IT'S A STOCK, STANDARD STRAT....Go figure.

To each his own. RIC gained a life long, loyal customer because of that LE. Not only for their older guitars, but of their new guitars as well.

[08 Ric 4003]

I pick up one of the Fender Gilmour Strats in a Guitar Center once a few years back. I thought it has a special preamp and speicial wiring and a short whammy bar and different pups. I remember the price of it. So are you mad you bought the Strat? I have a BB King Lucille which is essentially a ES-355 with no f-holes, that I paid no more that the ES-335 price tag. It is a 2009 and I got it in 2010 used and it looked like it had just come off the production line. I read about Gilmours Black Strat. He had some guitars stolen and needed a guitar for a show and bought just a regular stock Strat off the wall at shop, he might have been in France when he did it, since then it has been altered with pup changes and god knows what else. My issue with sig models is they are crazy over priced and too many sig models from players I have never heard of, or I go really that guy, why him.