I was wondering ,Why do people buy the signature models?

1. Is it because they like the artist and want the model associated with that artist?

2. Is it because they like the way a certain model was designed function or cosmetically?

3. Is it purely a status thing?

I think it`s more a combination of 1 & 3 and the guitars actual features are not the driving force.

I personally look at function first then cosmetics and would consider it a deterrent to have my guitar associated with any artist.

I think Fender has benefited from the artist input on many models.
JB YJM IM SRV EJ KWS

One, They buy signature models because they want what their guitar heros supposedly use, and Two, by coincidence the signature model happens to have the specs that some people want instead of modifying their current guitar, for example the Kenny Shepherd strat, Fat neck, Jumbo Frets, Greasebucket tone, and 12" fingerboard radius, and was selling for $499! Not a fan of Shepherd, but his guitar specs is what I like.

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Hi there Maxoom how are you ?, all signature models are great Fenders. Personally I don't look at the artist at all, only what's on the guitar, like the Eric Johnston's acclaim to fame is that one piece quarter sawn neck with fantastic maple grain. Some signature models even have pic guards which drive people gaga for some reason, hahahah lol.

Who gives a $@!& why, I buy milk because I like it in my coffee....probably has a lot to do with marketing.Why do people buy anything, if there was no artist series people would buy something else, or make their own partscaster.I bought my clapton strat because it came with a scratchplate from Warner music signed by Eric and BB King, regardless I love the bloody thing, the neck is really comfortable, and every time I pick it up I am reminded that i don't have the guys talent.Whatever floats ones boat, hey I'm probably a fanboy, I have loved his playing since the first time I heard it, I don't see anything wrong with appreciating someones music, that's the whole point isn't it?

My 2 cents

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Regards

bluesdog88

'' Reminded I dont have the guys talent. '' thats funny and cute and humble bluesdog88 g'day mate hope your well. Vinny Pop.

Hi maxoom: I don't own a Sig model, but if I did it wouldn't be because of reasons 1 and 3.

Reason 2 is what counts to me: if I had the cash in my hot little hand I would be very tempted by an Eric Johnson maple 'board Strat, even though that gentleman's playing is not high on my listening list.

This thread is already filling up with the names of Eric Clapton and Eric Johnson, isn't it? Are there any other worthwhile players called Eric to whom Fender might award a Signature Series guitar?

Cheers - C

I own the Yamaha SA-503, the Troy van Leeuwen signature model. I certainly didn't buy it because it was a signature model. I'm not even really a QotSA fan, and could name maybe one or two songs by them. I did buy it because:

- Semi-hollowbody
- Seven-way switching
- Plays very well
- The single-coil soapbar pickups sound fantastic

Honestly, I went into the music store during a sale, looking to buy a Strat, either a Highway One or an American Standard. After trying those, I left with this one.

I'm sure some people buy them because of the association with a particular artist. But that sure isn't the only reason.

Hi Everyone. Seems to me most of us here buy them because we like the features.And the association with the artist is a plus if were fans.
I know there must be a good percentage that do buy them purely on the fact that they are a certain artists model.Probably not the most savvy of players and likely to not hang out around a forum as much.
Would someone buy an artist model if they liked the guitar features but disliked the artist? I could see myself having trouble with that one.

The Eric Johnson! That one is right up my alley.If I ever had the money to just throw at one.That EJ has to be towards the top of my list.

On the Kenny Wayne model concerning the greasebucket pots, I read
lots of people no like and tore them out? Wonder why? Will have to investigate about them.

Time for some more coffee then I got to get to work on this tube amp I got tore apart.I`m dying to try my new fender out through it.

ousta

I have no doubt there are people out there who fall into each category who have bought signature models. I also think there are some who would not admit to the reason, in some case for fear of looking silly or petty. You realy don't think someones going to say they bought one because they can afford it and most can't do you. Or I bought it because I am a SRV wanta be.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

I think it depends on which subcategory of guitarist people fit into.
Fan collectors will buy it because of a certain artists association.

But players will buy it because of the features.

Speculators will buy gambling that it will rise in value

There are probably several other categories.

Most people use, probably a mix of any number of these reasons.

SRV and Clapton`s names moved a ton of guitars, but it certainly didn`t hurt that these are great axes. In fact I have a buddy who has one of each, but doesn`t like SRV at all.

For me the 2 most appealing signature models are the Jeff Beck in seafoam green, and the Eric Johnson model. I am unabashedly a Jeff Beck fan, but for me it really is the quality of the guitar that calls to me like a siren among the rocks, it is only the steep price tag that has stood in my way so far. As for the Eric Johnson strat, I only like 2 of his songs, but I tried one of those guitars out, and they are a real step above anything else in that price range, as far as I am concerned. I don`t think I could get a strat better suited to my hands without ordering a one off from the custom shop. Might not fit other people as well.

So I think it`s pretty hard to pin down a single reason that anyone would buy a signature model. What they have going for them is they are usually a custom job designed by an artist(or with their input,) and then mass produced, if even at a small scale. So they differ from the base models in some significant way, and a lot of times they are the cheapest way for someone to get a guitar with a certain feature that might only be otherwise available from the CS.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Hello Maxoom,

#2 for me, If I like the features and Kenny Wayne Shepherds
names on it no sweat. Matter of fact if it were nice enough and
had your name on it Id buy it.

Cheers.

I figured out that Sig. models are just a bit over priced generally. Just go out and buy what you want. I thought that I would like a Dave Murray Strat and still would if the price was better, but the price tag on that one is outrageous. I know the specs for Dave Murray's Strat and could build one similar to it for 1/3 the money.

For me it is #2...Function of it.

RK

Maxoom I have to agree with Ceri as I think you went off base on the most important reason people buy an artist series Function. I have two a Beck and Clapton and though I am a big fan of both I bought those axes for what they brought to the table. The Clapton with the TBX and mid boost which can give you a Gibson creamy vibe plus it plays great. The Beck for the Hot noiseless pups the LSR nut locking tuners to be honest I am not big on the bar so I have the springs set tight and it has a great neck. I might now 5 Iron Maiden songs and probably would not know Dave Murray if I bumped into him but I have my eye on that strat of his with the double humbuckers if it sounds how it looks I will own one.Outside of guitarist do you think anyone knows your using an artist series. There are some I would not get like a SRV or a Vanhalen frankenstrat as it is to much for me but I have nothing against anyone who plays one as I have seen both models used to play totaly different music than the artist that made them famous. Plus artist models are made so damm well the next stop is custom shop.

Like most players here I don't own a signature model -- and for that matter I have no definitive plans to change that. Of all the artist models offered, about the only one that appeals to me is the Eric Johnson Strat. I've played one, and I was mightily impressed; even though I can't stand most of his music, he did get his name on a great instrument.

The vast majority of other signature models, particularly the relics, seem cheesy. There's an old adage that if your guitar hero's name is on an effects box, then you can be sure that he doesn't use it. Fender peddling artist-endorsed guitars is rather crass in my opinion. I want to be known for having my own guitar that is unequivocally mine, and not for playing an SRV Stratocaster.

i don't own a signature series but if i did buy one i'd be in the same boat as most the players here. it would be about functions. not association. example. i was a huge fan of nirvana. they started me playing guitar. i thougt the jag-stang guitar designed by kurt was the ugliest thing i'd ever seen. i didn't even like the colors. then one day board in a music shop i played one. came back two days later and bought it. it play wounderful, sounded wounderful, and pulled stuff out of me that i never thought i had when i played. i still think its ugly but i don't really care. i played it religously for 3 or 4 years. it now needs a refret so bad the chords wont stay in tune. there is wear everyplace on it. part of the electronic (which i recently fixed) went out and i still played it on its remaining single coil.

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"coretta" '71 tele thinline
"domino" '97 lonestar strat
"marie" squire strat
"lexy" jag-stang
"owa" martin 000

tone=fingers; fingers=tone