Artist Models

[ukejon]

Originally Posted by HHP

I don't have a problem with them, except that they often go a little far in selecting artists with no special skills in guitar itself.

I do like the ones where the artist is a player of some repute, and produces a guitar that has design features the artist thinks would be desirable. Examples might be..

Martin Norman Blake models
Santa Cruz Tony Rice models
Taylor Dan Crary model
Bourgeois Martin Simpson model

Something like a Martin Rosanne Cash, no so much.

Basically I can appreciate the collaborative more than the commemorative.

Nicely put, HHP. But whatever makes folks happy. Martin has a ton of signature model guitars:

http://www.martinguitar.com/players/...e-artists.html

Something for almost everyone....

[Watt]

Originally Posted by D28A1941

I'd purchase an artist model if I was thinking of building a custom guitar with similar specs. It likely be cheaper.

That was my thought when I picked up a Martin 00-18 Tim O'Brien. Specifications were exactly what I would have wanted on a custom 00-18, but the price was probably a bit less than a custom. I could also play the guitar to be certain of the purchase. And there was no wait.

It helped that there was no special ornamentation other than the subtle snowflake inlays on the fretboard and Tim's signature on the paper label.

[kydave]

Originally Posted by D28A1941

I'd purchase an artist model if I was thinking of building a custom guitar with similar specs. It likely be cheaper.

That was exactly what happened when I bought the D-28 Tyminski, after shopping for an HD-28V Custom with Adirondack top.



And my posting of the Ed Sheeran Martin model was not meant as a slam on the guy. I wouldn't know him if he bit me and have no opinion of his music one way or the other.

But I am not terribly enthusiastic about formica Martins, with anybody's name on them - including Martin's...

[Von Beerhofen]

in 2012 I entered the exact specifications for the Jeff Daniels in the build your own Custom Shop, except for the thinner top and back which weren't available as option. The suggested retail price came up as 9.596$, at a 40% discount this guitar would still be 2000$ more expensive then what it sold for. Some might even have been sold at bargain prices of 3000$, like mine, since the model's link to Jeff's name somehow put many people off.
Simmilar to what others had described I also had no idea who he was, untill I got to see the movie Dumb and Dumber and researched a few videos on youtube. What I saw was nothing negative in my eyes but I understand that the most skilled players would consider his guitar playing 'inadequate' in comparison to those who've finnished musical high school.
Possibly the same sentiment is at play when it comes to Ed Sheeran, no matter how good an entertainer the guy is. I'm just glad it didn't stop me from acquiring a top notch guitar at such a bargain price, possibly brought on by this particular sentiment from others.
I did contemplate on buying the OM28 MM but at 1000$ price difference it just wasn't even a close competitor.

Ludwig

[Trevor B.]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

Maybe it's just me, and it certainly must be good marketing, but the only way I would ever buy something like an Eric Clapton Martin would be if the guitar just screamed buy me, and then I'd buy it in spite of the model. Maybe if it was a discreet signature on a label, but inlayed on the fingerboard? Hate it.

Love the SCGC inlay, by the way, but please enlighten me why these guitars are bought. A Bob Dylan Gibson J 200? Please.

While I wouldn't quite characterize my "Martin Simpson" PRS Angelus as having screamed "buy me", it was love at first rolled chord. The irony is this: I'd never heard of Martin Simpson at the time. Because of the guitar he's now on my radar and I consider him a credible artist. A facsimile of his handwritten signature is inlaid on the headstock in abalone. Despite the fancy inlay the signature is pretty subtle. Several people have asked about the name on the headstock but so far none of them have heard of him. I suppose my experience just points to the difference between having a rock star's signature model as opposed to a prominent British folky's. In any event the guitar is great so I can live with Martin Simpson's signature on it.

[Tony Burns]

Originally Posted by fatt-dad

very happy with my 000-28 Norman Blake.

Just love it!

f-d

Im not a big fan of Artist models -but This guitar is a sensational guitar ! - i played one back in 06 ( when i bought my OM28v )

[PieterK]

Originally Posted by futboljim

Yeah, it's odd to me when I see the thoughts that Pieter shared about Ed sheeran. I've read similar things about other young singers/artists when they seemingly burst onto the scene.

I'm confused about which of my comments strikes you as odd.

I have nothing at all against Sheeran. I simply did not (do not) know who he is. I have passing familiarity with most artists who get endorsements, or I'm able to at least put them in some sort of context. I couldn't do that with Sheeran. I pay no attention to pop culture at large so missed out on who/what he is.

Originally Posted by futboljim

I think most detractors would be surprised at just how much ability and work ethic guys like this have, if they could somehow get past their dislike of the style, they might even find something useful to help their own playing, too. Kind of like cross training in the guitar - I'm glad to have found benefit from this sort of thing.

Again, if the comment was directed at me, I'm not a detractor. I'm just ignorant, although I do admit to some suspicion as to his importance as his personality seems somewhat marketing department driven. Nobody is issuing glossy photos of Norman Blake, nor do you see corporate-funded POP displays of Blake CDs. You do of Sheeran.

I'm aware of these things as I work for arguably the largest entertainment/media company in the world, in TV no less, which however surprising it may seem, is not totally at odds with my ignorance of pop culture (let's just say we really do leave our work at work).

But I recognize when an artist is becoming a product, as it were, and I see whiffs of that in Sheeran. That's all. But I begrudge him nothing at all.

Too, I recognize the volume of work involved in achievements such as his. I work with people all day long (some of whom you might have heard of) who are where they are as much by dint of good work ethics as talent.

...

Aside: I like the cross training analogy! As someone who trains for athletic pursuits 12+ hours a week, I can relate.

[futboljim]

Originally Posted by PieterK

I'm confused about which of my comments strikes you as odd.



I have nothing at all against Sheeran. I simply did not (do not) know who he is. I have passing familiarity with most artists who get endorsements, or I'm able to at least put them in some sort of context. I couldn't do that with Sheeran. I pay no attention to pop culture at large so missed out on who/what he is.







Again, if the comment was directed at me, I'm not a detractor. I'm just ignorant, although I do admit to some suspicion as to his importance as his personality seems somewhat marketing department driven. Nobody is issuing glossy photos of Norman Blake, nor do you see corporate-funded POP displays of Blake CDs. You do of Sheeran.



I'm aware of these things as I work for arguably the largest entertainment/media company in the world, in TV no less, which however surprising it may seem, is not totally at odds with my ignorance of pop culture (let's just say we really do leave our work at work).



But I recognize when an artist is becoming a product, as it were, and I see whiffs of that in Sheeran. That's all. But I begrudge him nothing at all.



Too, I recognize the volume of work involved in achievements such as his. I work with people all day long (some of whom you might have heard of) who are where they are as much by dint of good work ethics as talent.



...



Aside: I like the cross training analogy! As someone who trains for athletic pursuits 12+ hours a week, I can relate.

Gotcha, Pieter, I understand better now. I think he is definitely becoming a brand - as do many successful artists. I find nothing wrong in this, but I do hope that he stays fresh - so many become so quickly and easily overexposed, and thus, a bit boring after finding their success financially.

My other comments are really just general in nature - an impression I've developed from many people in many places, and I'm glad the cross training analogy makes sense to you. My previous avocation was sports related, and I have found many ideas transfer from that area to this hobby, and even to my job.

[PieterK]

Originally Posted by futboljim

My previous avocation was sports related, and I have found many ideas transfer from that area to this hobby, and even to my job.

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more.

I know this is veering way OT, but just quickly, I've been involved with some sort of competitive and/or difficult athletics most of my life, and organized, semi-scientific training, and the applicability from one to the other is sometimes profound. So much so that I often hypothesize on aspects of organized physical training for athletics, and how they can be applied to practicing for playing guitar. I've even pondered starting a thread on the subject, as I think there are some interesting ideas to discuss therein.

So, with your user name, I have to ask: which team(s) do you support?

Anyway, sorry everyone...artist models and all that!

[00-28]

I am very content with with my Martin Limited Edition Signature Guitar. I find this discussion entertaining reading all of the excuses from those who own one, but don't want to admit it (I have one but there isn't a signature on the fretboard), to the accusations that to own one you are a "fan" and not a "performer" or a "want to be". All this because of a little pearl inlay on the fretboard. Take it or leave it, but there is no need for the negative opinions of these guitars when you haven't played them or attack the character of those who like them. ....................Mike

[Br1ck]

You never know when you start a thread where it will go. Lots of good comments.

I wonder how famous you have to be to get your name inlaid on the guitar, or if they let the artist decide what they want.

[00-28]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

You never know when you start a thread where it will go. Lots of good comments.

I wonder how famous you have to be to get your name inlaid on the guitar, or if they let the artist decide what they want.

The Artists decide. It is also interesting to note, with the exception of a few models, they all sell out and they are not often seen for sale in the used market.

I let my freak flag fly when I play my Artist Signature guitar. .....Mike

[PieterK]

Originally Posted by 00-28

The Artists decide.

Ask Robert Johnson about that!

[00-28]

Originally Posted by PieterK

Ask Robert Johnson about that!

That wouldn't be an Artist Signature Edition guitar. That guy is dead. Elvis we're still not sure about.

.....Mike

[PieterK]

Originally Posted by 00-28

That is not an Artist Signature Edition guitar. He's dead.

AS FAR AS YOU KNOW!1!!1!1eleven