Signature idea

[1Echo]

OK, OK, we all know that EBMM doesn't do signature basses. Still, there is a market which got me thinking ..... what about doing limited edition runs of signature basses?

Call them Endorsee Exclusives or whatever. No special options. Either a narrow ordering window (think Dargie Delight) or a limited number produced. Off the top of my head, a Myung Bongo6 HS in matte silver and a Levin SR5 H in transparent black with maple fretboard would bring some buyers out. It eliminates the need for long-term contracts or renaming a bass (sorry, Flea!) and seems to be a reasonable compromise. Has this approach ever been discussed?

 

[Big Poppa]

Keep workin on the ideas this wont didnt fly

 

[bovinehost]

How about something with flames on it that's rainbow colored and also it has birthday cakes that blow up when you play it. Also, it can flame when you play it and turn its music on.

(FYI, that was Jeremy's suggestion, which he insisted on emailing to BP.)

Jack

 

[Big Poppa]

Did Jeremy like my response?

 

[Big Poppa]

Let me answer this again...What is the matterwith an artist playing a sprcific brand....did Paul Mc cartney have a sig bass? Jamerson? Wyman? John Paul Jones?

Please understand unless the artist brings a specific design talent or the marketing is juswt too good to pass up it is usually bogus. It iks a marketing ploy 80% of the time.
For those of you who complain that they cant find our stuff this sig deal kills the chances even further. THe dealer just cannot be expected to stock every sig model

 

[1Echo]

How about something with flames on it that's rainbow colored and also it has birthday cakes that blow up when you play it. Also, it can flame when you play it and turn its music on.

(FYI, that was Jeremy's suggestion, which he insisted on emailing to BP.)

Jack

Now, now, Jack, I wasn't suggesting some crazy fanboy idea. I had a thought I considered to be a compromise between EBMM's longtime stance and the constant requests for signature models that I thought made some business sense. As I've only lurked around these parts for the past year I was just curious if this approach had been discussed. I'm guessing from the way BP worded his response that this had been considered at one time but wasn't feasable. So be it.

As for Jeremy's request ..... well, I've seen EBMM produce a flaming Bongo and a guitar with a thermometer that lights up when you play. I think his idea may be workable.

 

[1Echo]

The dealer just cannot be expected to stock every sig model

Precisely why I questioned the possibility of limited runs. For example, don't add a Myung silver Bongo6 HS to the regular roster of instruments, but open a 30-day one-time order window. Get it now or never again!

For the record, I'm a very business-minded individual and completely understand your points. I just like to offer up food-for-thought from time to time.

 

[bovinehost]

Did Jeremy like my response?

Yes, but Erika liked it even more (and you know why).

Never miss an opportunity, do you?

 

[kevin]

Precisely why I questioned the possibility of limited runs. For example, don't add a Myung silver Bongo6 HS to the regular roster of instruments, but open a 30-day one-time order window. Get it now or never again!

For the record, I'm a very business-minded individual and completely understand your points. I just like to offer up food-for-thought from time to time.

30-day runs don't add up from a manufacturing standpoint. We put a lot of time and effort into making these LE & Anniversary run instruments top notch. We really bring something new to the table each time with the concepts, idea's and innovations that have come out of these runs. Like BP said making new instruments is about moving forward...bringing something with substance to the table. It just doesn't add up to devote countless time and Dudley's valuable brain power to an instrument that would only be available for a 30 day ordering window.

 

[1Echo]

30-day runs don't add up from a manufacturing standpoint. We put a lot of time and effort into making these LE & Anniversary run instruments top notch. We really bring something new to the table each time with the concepts, idea's and innovations that have come out of these runs. Like BP said making new instruments is about moving forward...bringing something with substance to the table. It just doesn't add up to devote countless time and Dudley's valuable brain power to an instrument that would only be available for a 30 day ordering window.

Completely, totally, 100% understood. Of course, I'm not really talking about anything that would need development time. All I'm talking about is a limited paint color and a signature stamp on an otherwise standard instrument. Levin plays a SR5 H, Myung plays a Bongo6 HS, no need to alter anything. Just offer the Myung in silver with a headstock stamp and the Levin in trans black. You ask what does it bring to the table? Well, not much really except musicians are funny creatures and will frequently pay a premium for those little touches.

On a side note, you know you have a good thread going when the only people to respond are the moderator, the owner, and customer service.

 

[KennethB]

musicians are funny creatures and will frequently pay a premium for those little touches.

In my opinion, paying a premium for those "little touches" that do not matter is not what EBMM is about. That's one of the things I like about EBMM: "the no BS factor".

 

[funky_me]

I think 1Echo has a good point here... In fact I also believe that signature basses attract musicians that, in a way or other, want to be like their models (Levin, Myung etc)

But, and honestly, one of the things that attracted me into EBMM was exactly the fact that it doesn't have signature basses... I think this attitute keeps the image of the brand untouched and defines its identity...

I'm not much into signature basses, although I understand its marketing power. But I also believe that EBMM doesn't need such marketing (forgive me, BP, if I'm wrong)... Making the quality department its icon seems to me by far the best, most mature and profissional marketing power that there is, and EBMM has done this already...

I guess this is also a matter of identity. I'm not saying that Fender or Yamaha are undefined brands (identity speaking) for having numerous signature basses, but in my personal case EBMM took advantage for not having.

 

[muggsy]

Sure, there's a market for signature basses. There's also a market for relics, doublenecks, singlecuts and lots of other stuff. Just because the market exists doesn't mean any particular manufacturer needs to go there. EBMM seems to be selling the current models as fast as they can make them, while continuing to create new and substantively different variations like the anniversary editions, BFRs, and the Bongo 6.

Honestly, I don't see why the decision to avoid making a signature model is a big deal. I know you were just throwing this out as a suggestion, but it's not like EBMM is scrambling to find customers.

On a side note, you know you have a good thread going when the only people to respond are the moderator, the owner, and customer service.

So much for that.

 

[1Echo]

I'm not much into signature basses ......

Funny thing considering this thread ... either am I. However, I do know a lot of people who are into that kind of thing. I just had an idea while driving in to work and thought I'd post it to see what happened.


Oh, and muggsy, I knew that comment would get people to post.

 

[morsecode]

I think the concept of slapping on a new paint job and someone's name on an existing model guitar for a limited run is exactly what BP had in mind around "bogus" sig basses or guitars for that matter. As well, I can only imagine the impact on production of other basses and guitars in order to satisfy 300 or so buyers happy, at pretty much break even, by having someone's name on something.

 

[Bass Control]

I feel this of many ideas on the Signature Bass idea has wandered deep into Flea territory with the unique paint-job and "signature stamp" idea.

I don't think we need a new bass, or one that is signature. We already have a fabulous line-up with more to come in the coming year.

And my little argument on signature basses, no matter the company, in the end the bass just goes thump thump thump.

 

[mynan]

I feel this of many ideas on the Signature Bass idea has wandered deep into Flea territory with the unique paint-job and "signature stamp" idea.

I don't think we need a new bass, or one that is signature. We already have a fabulous line-up with more to come in the coming year.

And my little argument on signature basses, no matter the company, in the end the bass just goes thump thump thump.

and the artist goes bye bye bye...

 

[phatduckk]

i like Sterlings

 

[INMT]

I'm waiting for the "Schmuck 7 string bass", I'll order it withg the laser canon option and the built in "total control" wireless system that when turned on makes the player transmit through all bass amps ( as well as radios, and every thing else amplified) around the world. I don't think I will be able to afford the anti-gravity option...but then again I like the idea of flying around with my
"EBMM S7" broadcasting bass lines to the world while I bring non belivers asunder with it's laser cannon.........uh...wha...huh...oh sorry...I must have been dreaming again.

 

[lorino]

Seriously

Aren't they all Signature basses? Seriously. Aren't they all BALL signature basses?

Part of the attraction to EBMM (and a signature bass) is the allure of the person (people) associated with them. I'm attracted to the legend that is Ernie Ball and what he did in and for the industry. Sterling Ball is, well he is what you all know him to be - right out in the open and on the forum.

I guess what I'm saying, is I view my DD HH Bongo and my 20th SR4 as Ball Signature Models*.

JIM

*in association with Dudley and the other fine folks at EBMM.