mesavox
Well-known member
Just some of my random thoughts and perspective on the whole signature thing based on my microcosm of experience. lol
I kinda lucked out back in the 90s with JP's switching layout, and wiring fitting my needs so perfectly. It also helped me discover that I need necks that are round on the back, and not flat. I've played every other configuration I can think of in every brand, and JP's guitars are what I need for 99% of what I do and like. That being said... and as I said, I LUCKED out.
The JP works so well for so many, and sells so well, because if you're a shredder, there is no better neck. It's thin, but not flat, has a flatter radius, but still enough curve to fit guys who aren't just shred minded. It has great sounding pickups, and is of course built so well.
Now, all that being said, if I became an EB artist tomorrow, I'd still see if I could get a couple little doodads here and there changed on the guitars I end up with. You see those guys with odd colors, and different pickups... Point? That just goes to show you how specific guitars can be, and how hard it has to be to sell any signature model.
It seems to me that the best scenario all around would be, if Johnie wants a few changes, they can whip him up a few, mostly stock Silos, with his changes and his fans will still want the brand he plays... But, most people are not like me, or any other touring/working guitarist. They don't think about things like (I wish I had a JP BFR without piezo for the songs that I don't use piezo on and always bump the switch) lol I use the piezo enough that I don't need them to have an option of no piezo on the BFR. I've dealt with it, but if I had the option as an endorser... well, how many other players are short like me and their arm lays in a weird plays on a guitar? LOL They'd definitely go broke if they based their production run on my very unusual needs. LOL
I don't know how many HJ models PRS sold, but the thing did not fit the majority of PRS players expectations of a PRS guitar. That is, PRS's niche is very specific in why players choose them. I'm still surprised that the swamp ash special returned at all, must less has stuck around so long. I never see any of them. Either way, if you're spending the price the JH model was on a PRS, you're going to want birds and a the more popular rotary pick up selector.
I guess in my mind it seems that we'll see a JH signature model MM when there are people calling in by the droves begging for one.
I kinda lucked out back in the 90s with JP's switching layout, and wiring fitting my needs so perfectly. It also helped me discover that I need necks that are round on the back, and not flat. I've played every other configuration I can think of in every brand, and JP's guitars are what I need for 99% of what I do and like. That being said... and as I said, I LUCKED out.
The JP works so well for so many, and sells so well, because if you're a shredder, there is no better neck. It's thin, but not flat, has a flatter radius, but still enough curve to fit guys who aren't just shred minded. It has great sounding pickups, and is of course built so well.
Now, all that being said, if I became an EB artist tomorrow, I'd still see if I could get a couple little doodads here and there changed on the guitars I end up with. You see those guys with odd colors, and different pickups... Point? That just goes to show you how specific guitars can be, and how hard it has to be to sell any signature model.
It seems to me that the best scenario all around would be, if Johnie wants a few changes, they can whip him up a few, mostly stock Silos, with his changes and his fans will still want the brand he plays... But, most people are not like me, or any other touring/working guitarist. They don't think about things like (I wish I had a JP BFR without piezo for the songs that I don't use piezo on and always bump the switch) lol I use the piezo enough that I don't need them to have an option of no piezo on the BFR. I've dealt with it, but if I had the option as an endorser... well, how many other players are short like me and their arm lays in a weird plays on a guitar? LOL They'd definitely go broke if they based their production run on my very unusual needs. LOL
I don't know how many HJ models PRS sold, but the thing did not fit the majority of PRS players expectations of a PRS guitar. That is, PRS's niche is very specific in why players choose them. I'm still surprised that the swamp ash special returned at all, must less has stuck around so long. I never see any of them. Either way, if you're spending the price the JH model was on a PRS, you're going to want birds and a the more popular rotary pick up selector.
I guess in my mind it seems that we'll see a JH signature model MM when there are people calling in by the droves begging for one.
