Artist Models

[fatt-dad]

very happy with my 000-28 Norman Blake.

Just love it!

f-d

[stevieboy]

I'd buy an artist model if it had the specs that I wanted that weren't available otherwise, or if I played it and it just knocked me out, and the price was reasonable. Even if I didn't particularly like or know much about the artist.

I don't see not buying a guitar that you would otherwise want just because of how it's marketed.

[darrwhit]

My understanding is that, at least with Martins, the signature editions often represent a value when compared to the custom shop upgrades that would otherwise be required. The OMM-28 Jeff Daniels I recently acquired probably falls into that category--much less expensive than to custom order an OM-28v in Adi / Madi with Waverly tuners. I'm not sure what the selling prices were new for each of these respective models, but I'm pretty sure that the value of the upgrades far exceeds the selling price differential.

Drama masks, signatures, special inlays... fine with me if the functional upgrades are there to be had at a value. Louvin bros album cover? Now that's where I draw the line!

[CSG]

I get the OP's point and I'm not much of a celeb hound but I did buy a Jimmy Vaughan Strat when they first came out. Getting that V neck was not easy in those days and I liked the Tex-Mex pups. That I could get it in Oly White was a bonus.

[pjroberts]

Originally Posted by Smitty70

Perhaps I'm wrong but I expect a signature model to have better sound. I know the Dan Tyminski D28 I played had fantastic sound. I couldn't find one.

Any signature model to have better tone just because it's a signature model? Tone is so subjective, I don't see the logic. The preference for the sig artist is subjective, as is their style of music and playing -- then tone is subjective -- so how can just being any signature model be expected to have superior tone for anyone? What if you don't like the signature artist? Or what if you don't like the tone of the brand's other guitars? Of a particular guitar wood, or shape/body?

[harmonics101]

I've got TWO signature guitars - from the same artist - Sheryl Crow. WHY ? Because the first guitar sounded good - and then the next one because of the reputation of the first. I can't vouch for any other signature models, but I have been pleasantly pleased with the signature artist guitars that I procured ,

H

[Von Beerhofen]

It wasn't a very hard decision after seeing the ECM selling here for 6500 Euro (that's close to 8.500$ back then when the $ was lower).
I compared the Jeff Daniels to it and found a few advantages and some not so important disadvantages and decided it was probably worth the 4000$ cheaper price and NO signature!
In fact the guitar had everything that the UMGF had been screaming for over the past years but it lacked a few too. It's not an ECM but I think in some ways it's better and all Clapton songs I can play sound close enough to fool anyone, I definately love it's sound. So to me it's definately worth the 4000 Euro (back then 5.500$) price difference and I really can't care less about having two nice looking facemasks laid in at the 12th, especially since they have a special meaning for me. Getting those alone would've cost me at least an additional 200$,
As Rich said, who responded on some questions I had regarding the guitar, 'What's not to like!' Thx a lot Rich.

Ludwig

[kydave]

Originally Posted by Smitty70

Perhaps I'm wrong but I expect a signature model to have better sound.

Well... I don't think anybody's name is going to do that much for formica...

[littlewing6283]

I have a 00028EC in my stable. I would not call myself a die hard clapton fan but im a huge fan of the guitar. I really like the specs and it would cost me more to get the same guitar through the custom shop without the signature. The signature isnt bad anyways. I guess im one of the few that dont have issues with sig models

[PieterK]

Originally Posted by kydave

Well... I don't think anybody's name is going to do that much for formica...

Okay, tangent: why exactly does this Ed Sheeran guy keep showing up all over the place? I still have no real idea about who he is or why I should care.

Should I?

[harmonics101]

Estaban has a signature guitar , does that help put things into perspective ?

Signature guitars is a non starter in my opinion ,

H

[Br1ck]

I guess you have to put the inlayed signature guitars in their own category. I really have no problem with a signature on an inside label.

I do know of one signature model the artist was very unhappy with, as it was changed by the company to different specks. Don't ask. Not at liberty.

I certainly would not pay a premium. I was eyeing the Tweedy as a possibility because it was close to what I was looking for. Remember the Women in music, or something called something like that? Martin might have lost sales. I played one and it was nice, but **** if I was going to buy a girlie guitar.

[futboljim]

I dunno, I think that my Al Petteway LE is a pretty nice guitar, and a good deal compared to ordering the same specs myself.

I played a Tweedy that I really liked, too, and one of those might still find its way home with me someday.

I agree, though, I am not sure I want someone else's name inflated in my fretboard, or something like that.

[cotten]

I have "my own" Taylor Signature Model, the 1995 Cotten 612c. I put that in quotes because, yes, it's my name, yet Taylor Guitars claims they'd never heard of me when in 1995 they built about 60 of this wonderful guitar for Cotten Music Center in Nashville.

I bought it because I needed a smaller size guitar with which to sit for hours on end gazing lovingly at various AGF screens. I liked the feel, the tone, the price, and the look, and the fact that it was "mine" was an added little bonus. Kim Sherman of Cotten Music found one for me in better than new shape, and gave me a good deal on it. I even received a sweet note from the widow of Richard Cotten, founder of Cotten Music Center. She explained how this special guitar came to be, and how a portion of each one's sale went to fund leukemia research. Richard had died from that disease.

Would I have bought this guitar if it were not "my own" artist or signature series? Well, I don't own any other such guitar, but I would definitely have bought this one if I had been introduced to it in person. Mighty fine little guitar! Here are a few pictures from the AGF Gallery. http://www.acousticgallery.com/photo...searchid=22493

cotten

[ukejon]

So long as the price is right (don't want to pay a large premium just for a signature) and also so long as the sound/playability of the guitar is top notch I honestly could care less if the fretboard bears the name of the artist--whether it is Tommy Emmanuel, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Liberace, or Bozo the Clown. Non-issue for me if the guitar is a great one.

As an aside I happen to like prominent 12th fret inlays, primarily as a visual guidepost when playing up the neck. The SCGC inlay on my former F model inspired me to ask Mark Hatcher to add "Greta" in MOP script at the 12th and I also added my own maple block inlay to my Sigma in emulation of the MOP block on Tommy Emmanuel's Maton (without the CGP logo, of course, since Chet didn't award me the honor).