Signature Gutars

[andynpeters]

I'd be very interested in your views on these, since EBMM have quite a high percentage of them (but no basses??) in its range.

I've has a SS since '99 and am very happy with it. However I would not have considered buying it had it been (for example) the Keith Richards model ....though I am a big fan. I would have felt it marked me as a KR wannabe. Similarly I'm thinking of buying a 2nd hand ASS, but would not contemplate it if it still came with Van Halen's name & signature.
I have never considered a Luke or a JP for the same reasons, also I don't listen to the gentlemen in question (I'm sure it's my loss) and subconsciously no doubt I feel that a Luke would only be of use for playing Toto songs. I know that sounds ridiculous.

So how many of you signature guitar owners either don't listen to or don't like the man in question? Can the guitars transcend the artist label? If Mr Petrucci woke up tomorrow and decided to change his allegiance, would your BFR JP be on EBay that day so you could buy a signature Gretsch or whatever? Would EBMM still be making the Benji Madden model if he had commanded more respect amongst the guitarophiles? Most criticisms of that model were of the artist rather than the instrument.

In the fullness of time, which guitars do you think will outlast their artist association? I imagine maybe 5% of Les Paul purchasers have any idea who he is and maybe less than 1% have ever heard one of his tunes.

Sorry if I've rambled on, I'm genuinely interested in whether the artist association puts off as many people as it attracts.

 

[Sweat]

Interesting, while I find the artist connection a bonus, did not buy any of them because of that, while I listen to a wide variety of music, and I am a huge fan of Lucious solo stuff and Toto, I bought\buy his sig model due to the superior craftmanship and the pickup config, same with all sig models, association is just a bonus.

Plus all the sig EBMM models are unique, all very different from one another, it is not like all the sig Les Pauls, same axe with a name on it.

Bottom line buy\own any EBMM due to the quality

 

[andynpeters]

Yes, the idea of a "signature" Les Paul is odd. Will we soon be seeing the Randy Bogrash Jimmy Page Les paul model?? Will they run out of space for the signatures??

 

[kneeoh]

I base my guitar buying solely on whether or not the guitar feels right to my hands and not based on the artist's name on the headstock. I own a lot of JP's. Though I am a big fan of the man himself, its the feel of the neck that sold me on it.

When I originally set out to buy my first high quality guitar, I had originally had a Strat Plus in mind but I tried just about everything under the sun including a number of sigs... the Clapton, the JS, several JEM's (though these don't bear Vai's name, its his design). Interestingly, I couldn't find anything that felt "right" until one day when I visited a GC. They had this color changing guitar with this weird (to me @ the time) scoop out of the upper body... I did know it was an EBMM by the 4+2 tuner arrangement. Picked it up and the search was over... I didn't even need to plug it in, as it sounded awesome unplugged. It was only after playing it a few minutes that I realized JP's sig was on the headstock.

Do I play my JP's cuz I'm some kind of wannabe who thinks it'll bring me closer to his tone... absolutely not, and I wouldn't even try. I sound like I sound through pretty much any guitar and set up. Its just that no other guitar feels as perfect for my hands as my JP's.

So to answer the OP's questions...

If JP were to switch allegiance and go to something else, my gaggle of JP's would be staying put. The guitars just feel too good to me to ever want to part with them.

 

[roburado]

I'd be very interested in your views on these, since EBMM have quite a high percentage of them (but no basses??) in its range.

I've has a SS since '99 and am very happy with it. However I would not have considered buying it had it been (for example) the Keith Richards model ....though I am a big fan. I would have felt it marked me as a KR wannabe. Similarly I'm thinking of buying a 2nd hand ASS, but would not contemplate it if it still came with Van Halen's name & signature.
I have never considered a Luke or a JP for the same reasons, also I don't listen to the gentlemen in question (I'm sure it's my loss) and subconsciously no doubt I feel that a Luke would only be of use for playing Toto songs. I know that sounds ridiculous.

So how many of you signature guitar owners either don't listen to or don't like the man in question? Can the guitars transcend the artist label? If Mr Petrucci woke up tomorrow and decided to change his allegiance, would your BFR JP be on EBay that day so you could buy a signature Gretsch or whatever? Would EBMM still be making the Benji Madden model if he had commanded more respect amongst the guitarophiles? Most criticisms of that model were of the artist rather than the instrument.

In the fullness of time, which guitars do you think will outlast their artist association? I imagine maybe 5% of Les Paul purchasers have any idea who he is and maybe less than 1% have ever heard one of his tunes.

Sorry if I've rambled on, I'm genuinely interested in whether the artist association puts off as many people as it attracts.

I too would buy an ASS or Axis instead of an EVH, but it has nothing to do with EVH. I just prefer the ASS. If I wanted an Axis/EVH, I'd choose the Axis based on price and the modifications made to the guitar after EVH left EBMM. For me, the Axis series transcends its original artist association. I'm hoping to own an ASS someday. I was even impressed by a recent Axis I saw/tried, but I don't really listen to EVH anymore. I think Albert Lee is fantastic, and I have an AL on order. But his music isn't really what I listen to most of the time. So, yeah...I definitely am going to be buying a signature model of a guy whose music I don't really listen to. It's not that I don't like what he does; I'm just more captivated by other music. So, for me, there's another guitar that sort of transcends the artist association.

I choose guitars based on feel, tone, and build quality. I don't really care whose name is on it; a name will not get me to buy a particular guitar. I would never buy a JS, a Jem, a John Mayer or Eric Clapton guitar just because those guys' names are either on the guitar or very closely associated with them. I am a Satriani fan, a Vai fan, and a John Mayer fan. I was very much into Clapton at one point. For me, personally, I find that those guitars do not suit me. For my hands, they're virtually unplayable. I'm just not comfortable on any of those guitars. Plus, they don't quite sound the way I want them to in my hands. Plus, I think I can get better build quality than some of those instruments by buying EBMMs--either signature models or regular ones.

I can say, however, that having JP's, Luke's, Morse's, and AL's names on EBMMs did make me try the guitars. Those other guys' names also made me try those guitars, but out of that group I only liked the EBMMs based on feel, tone, and build quality. Come to think of it, the only signature guitars that I've been interested in buying are EBMMs.

Would I ever be turned off by a name? Sure. It's happened before. I can say I have shunned certain guitars because of the names attached. I can't say that I have a bias against signature guitars in general, though. For me, I think that the artist can be a factor drawing me to try an instrument. It won't necessarily lead to a purchase. I guess, for me, if I own a signature model (and I do), I probably like the artist or appreciate his talent.

 

[glockaxis]

It's the unique feel of the neck (really suit my small hands) and the quality of workmanship and pickup config, for me too. My Axis gets me rock tones, my JP has the piezo, the AL is my tele/strat (and my current favorite), the Luke has my EMGs for recording plus some metal tones, and w/ the color and pickup choice reminds me of my former guitar teacher who I really respected, and the sub, which I got a steal of a deal on ebay, stays at work so I can practice and still have the EBMM feel. I knew who the artists were before but only had one Toto album, one Steve Morse, one DT (mostly because I loved Pull me Under when it came out), and no Albert Lee. I also do love the fact that these artists are true endorsers and don't just slap their names on the headstock in exchange for a paycheck----translation: these are workhorses and professional instruments and that makes me feel good.

 

[ShaneV]

I desperately want a JP6. I do not own any Dream Theater albums, I would not use it to play any JP licks. I love the way it feels and looks and sounds.

Just out of curiosity, if you HAD to buy a gibson (I know, I know, heresy!), would you refuse a Les Paul?

I understand not wanting something like a signature Fender (where they just carv someone's initials on a regular ol' strat), but something like the JP or the EVH model is a work of art that innovates and brings new ideas to the tale. That's what's great about EBMM sigs. There's no reason to buy an SRV strat if you aren't an SRV fan IMO (just buy a regular strat and save looking like a moron with someone else's initials on your guitar) but there are many reasons to buy a JP if you aren't a John Petrucci fan, since it brings a lot more to the table than initials .

 

[andynpeters]

I desperately want a JP6. I do not own any Dream Theater albums, I would not use it to play any JP licks. I love the way it feels and looks and sounds.

Just out of curiosity, if you HAD to buy a gibson (I know, I know, heresy!), would you refuse a Les Paul?

I understand not wanting something like a signature Fender (where they just carv someone's initials on a regular ol' strat), but something like the JP or the EVH model is a work of art that innovates and brings new ideas to the tale. That's what's great about EBMM sigs. There's no reason to buy an SRV strat if you aren't an SRV fan IMO (just buy a regular strat and save looking like a moron with someone else's initials on your guitar) but there are many reasons to buy a JP if you aren't a John Petrucci fan, since it brings a lot more to the table than initials .

I'm not a one-make man and have owned several Gibsons, including briefly a Les Paul, but it was far too heavy for me. I think the LP has by now pretty much lost its artist association for most people. I do think that the SRV strat idea (plus the various EVH strat replicas ) are taking the whole concept to ridiculous levels.

 

[Big Poppa]

Signature guitars.........kind of a hard thing to talk about because of how broad the topic is.

Ill talk about our philosophy....we make tools for artists. With very special artists we collaborate and develop guitars together. With the exception of the Benji as that was a modded silo. We then offer that guitar choice to the public.

Several big rock bassists would not play the bongo....not because of the radical shape...but because of the name. Would you cross off a potential life partner that filled most of your dreams and wishes based on their name? The funny thing is that some of the younger guys dont even know who the artist is that is on the headstock and that is when your design and execution is validated.

These are just a few of the obstacles you face in trying to do something a little diferent.

 

[Volt]

If you are playing a signature guitar it automatically makes you a slightly better guitarist.......just like with a high performance car and the color red. If some part of the engine is red it gives you an extra 5 horsepower.

Seriously, It doesn't bother me in the least that someone may not know who the guitarist is whose sig is on my guitar.

If Barney Fife's sig was on a used guitar that I was considering buying, then I guess he must have been a pretty good guitar player.

 

[andynpeters]

What's in a name?? I guess it's all part of the image.....would Norma Jean Baker have been the international sex symbol Marilyn Monroe was? Marion Morrison doesn't sound as tough as John Wayne. To me Stratocaster is an awesome name for a guitar (I also like Silhouette very much) whereas Albert Lee and John Petrucci aren't.......no offence, I don't think the EBMM Andy Peters Model would sound good either. The name is a factor, however superficial it sounds.

The point about younger players not recognising the name is something I was trying to get at originally , like the LP these designs are therefore outlasting the artist association and just becoming names.
Interesting point about the Bongo.....with the obvious exception of LPs, do any leading guitarists play guitars with someone else's signature?

Very interested in the input......makes a rainy Saturday afternoon interesting

 

[kneeoh]

Interesting point about the Bongo.....with the obvious exception of LPs, do any leading guitarists play guitars with someone else's signature?

If you are talking about big time lead guitarist such as JP, Morse, Satch, ..I think you can find evidence that every now and again they'll use someone else's sig guitar just not on a regular basis.

Some examples:

JP used a PRS Tremonti (given to him by Mark Tremonti) during the recording of Train of Thought.

During an appearance with Morse, Satch used a Morse on stage.

John Fogerty has recently been using a JP for many performances.

Brad Whitford of Aerosmith has frequently used an EVH for their shows.

Sir Paul McCartney (though not primarily a lead guitarist) used an AL in times past.

Kirk Hammett has been photographed in studio with a JP... albeit an EMG equipped one.

 

[Bungo]

For me it isn't that I buy the guitar because of it's association with a famous player, it's more usual that I become aware of a model that fits the bill for me because I have seen it in the hands of someone high profile.

I first became aware of the Axis having seen EVH with his MM guitars and the same with the Petrucci (that is now my weapon of choice). Apart from a few slower bits, I rarely attempt to emulate JPs playing.

Two of my favourite guitarists are Brian May and Alex Lifeson, but I have never felt an urge to get a Red Special replica or indeed the new Gibson ES 355 Lifeson model as these guitars just don't appeal to me in the way the Axis and JP do.

I do have a sunburst LP that I suppose I was tempted to buy more because of the looks and the image than the playability , but this is why I now look at it more often than I play it.

 

[hbucker]

I think it's funny when people say, "I don't buy signature guitars." Like there's some higher ethical calling that they ascribe to. With that, to buy a signature guitar simply because someone famous plays it can be a slippery slope of sorts. But who cares as long as you're happy with your collection when it's all over.

I was attracted to the EVH model because of EVH. But I dare say I wouldn't have spent the $1,400 (1993 dollars) on it if I didn't like the guitar. Same with my Wolfgangs.

With that, I've played some other signature models in stores that are shameful. Simply bad guitars.

Let's face it. If you're into a certain artist and their style is a huge influence on you, why wouldn't you at least be curious about getting your hands on the finer points of the instrument they use. If you don't buy it, that's not the point. It seems that you'd want to experience that model just out of stylistic curiosity if nothing else.

And I certainly don't see it as some sort of high ethical standard to look down your nose at a sig. model so those people need to get over themselves IMO.

 

[Antunes]

Well, when the guitar is good, it´s ok for me.

Generally, signature guitars have some mod´s, and that´s can be good.

I have some signatures guitars (2 blackmores, 2 wolfgangs, 1 jabocaster), but my mainly guitar acctually is my silo special.

I ´m looking forward for Luke and Morse signatures, not for have tone like they or else, but are two great guitars for me, with superb visual and great quality - wood, hardware, etc...

 

[whitestrat]

I'm a John Petrucci fan. I had the high end version of this Ibanez guitar. The 90th anniversary Hoshino Anniversary Model. Had it not been the fact that the neck warped, I wouldn't hve gotten rid of it. It was indeed a nice guitar. That neck profile was totally suitable for my smaller hands. That pickup configuration was only available on the JPM, and the Steve's Special was indeed wound by Steve Bulcher for John Petrucci. (if memory serves right). There were attributes of that guitar which I loved very much. Had that not been a JPM, I think Ibanez would not have launched that neck profile. It was smaller than the Ultra neck found on the Radius series, which was based (I think) on a Fender C shape. Were that not a JPM, I would still buy it.

Then I found the same neck profile in the Silhouette, and I was very very happy. I thought I found the perfect guitar for myself... There were the 24 frets and the 22 frets Silo Spec versions. Wow. I had all bases covered with this one brand.

Then John Petrucci came back to haunt me again. That forearm scoop. That's the thing I love most about the JP6. I can do wihtout a trem, but I find the key reason why I keep going back to the JP6 now, is mainly the comfort factor. IF JP was to decide to move on, I most certainly hope that EBMM would decide to continue the JP6 design. Simply because of that scoop. Or at least make that feature available on ANY EBMM guitar that features a contour. Then I'd definately order a Silhouette and a Silhouette Special with tht scoop. And I can sell all the rest of my guitars... (ok, except the 20ths...)

But lets look at the Axis. Does the Axis sell any lesser now that EVH is no longer in the roster? I don't think so. Actually, I don't think the sales was affected at all!

 

[ShaneV]

What's in a name?? I guess it's all part of the image.....would Norma Jean Baker have been the international sex symbol Marilyn Monroe was? Marion Morrison doesn't sound as tough as John Wayne. To me Stratocaster is an awesome name for a guitar (I also like Silhouette very much) whereas Albert Lee and John Petrucci aren't.......no offence, I don't think the EBMM Andy Peters Model would sound good either. The name is a factor, however superficial it sounds.

The point about younger players not recognising the name is something I was trying to get at originally , like the LP these designs are therefore outlasting the artist association and just becoming names.
Interesting point about the Bongo.....with the obvious exception of LPs, do any leading guitarists play guitars with someone else's signature?

Very interested in the input......makes a rainy Saturday afternoon interesting

Tons of people in the early nineties used EVH models.

 

[whitestrat]

we make tools for artists.

I think this is an interesting point. Most other brands take something existing, and twist it into the artist's own desires. EBMM develops something pretty much from scrap. I think the EVH, the JP6 and the AL are prime examples. There was STRENGTH in each of those individual designs.

In most other companies, the ratio of siggy models to core models is something like 1:4. For EBMM, it's more like 4:1. whahahahaha...

 

[Purple ASS]

Hmm,,,interesting one. My main guitar is a JP6. I've never really listened to much Petrucci material, just not my cup of tea , I'm more of a Carlton, Ford type of guy, as well as Albert Lee, Johnny Hiland etc. However I tried one at a music show and knew I wanted one. I play in a function band so need versatilty and I am completely amazed at what the JP can cover, it just never fails on anything. The one type of music I never really get into is the type that the JP is usually associated with. It never bothers me what is on the headstock , it's just a JP to me. My Albert Lee on the other hand, I yearned for after seeing Albert on several occasions. Wouldn't have mattered what it was called, it just looked, sounded and felt too cool to not own one

 

[andynpeters]

I think it's funny when people say, "I don't buy signature guitars." Like there's some higher ethical calling that they ascribe to. With that, to buy a signature guitar simply because someone famous plays it can be a slippery slope of sorts. But who cares as long as you're happy with your collection when it's all over.

I was attracted to the EVH model because of EVH. But I dare say I wouldn't have spent the $1,400 (1993 dollars) on it if I didn't like the guitar. Same with my Wolfgangs.

With that, I've played some other signature models in stores that are shameful. Simply bad guitars.

Let's face it. If you're into a certain artist and their style is a huge influence on you, why wouldn't you at least be curious about getting your hands on the finer points of the instrument they use. If you don't buy it, that's not the point. It seems that you'd want to experience that model just out of stylistic curiosity if nothing else.

And I certainly don't see it as some sort of high ethical standard to look down your nose at a sig. model so those people need to get over themselves IMO.

I don't look down my nose at them, nor do I think my ethics are higher than anyone else's....they just don't appeal to me and it's my money. I also don't much like brown guitars, flame maple tops, twin humbuckers or matching headstocks on maple necks, but there's nothing wrong with any of them and I don't think my preferences make me better...just different