Do people actually buy signature guitars and amps?

[warpthrone]

with the possible exception of the Ibanez JEM series do people actually buy these things? Most are very expensive, and really you are just paying for a guys name at the top of the neck.  Any guitarist that what to spend that much money on a guitar normally is looking for there own sound than trying to copy someone else's.
There are a lot of signature models floating about but you never really see anyone play them, it seems a bit odd. It would be interesting to know how many people actually own a signature model and if they use them or not.

[Afghan Dave]

I don't know if Gibson sell many of those Les Paul models...

He really hasn't had too many hits recently....

(sorry mate - deliberately being an ass and pointing out the obvious)  :lol:

[Jonny]

My most prized guitar is a signature. Prized because it was the first of many awesome guitars I own. And also because my dad bought it for me which I'll never forget :)

Plus I own an Ibanez MTM2.

[blue]

i have an Epiphone Zakk Wylde Les Paul, but i didn't get it because of mr Wylde! actually, the fact that it was one of his nearly stopped me.  not that i've anything against him, but basically for the reasons you've given.  however, it had been quite heavily modded before i got it, which was the reason i went ahead.  it has a set of BKP Crawlers with coil split, a Stetsbar Vibrato, Grover locking tuners and very cool spring loaded momentary kill switch.  it also plays very nicely and sounds great.  

i do play the guitar quite a bit, but must admit i would feel a bit odd about playing it in front of people.  it's appearance does create an expectation which isn't what would be coming out of the speakers!

coincidentally, i also have a Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah.  again, not because of Zakk.  this time i tried a number of wahs and simply preferred it.  no one can see it so i don't feel self concious about it.

[warpthrone]

I guess people do buy them, There is also that thing about people not buying guitars because they have a certain name stuck on them (cough Herman Li's E-GEN) even though the specks pretty good (it's got a freaking monkey grip!). People will think your a poser.

[Jonny]

I guess people do buy them, There is also that thing about people not buying guitars because they have a certain name stuck on them (cough Herman Li's E-GEN) even though the specks pretty good (it's got a freaking monkey grip!). People will think your a poser.

Sure enough the money these days for signatures (exc. mine) you might as well get your own signature, i.e. custom

[WezV]

i think the zak wylde les paul is a good example of what a signature should be... it offers something different to  whats usually available with features that will appeal to more players than just zak fans... in particular i am talking about the maple neck.  My cousin got a brand new one to refinish just because the guy that brought it was desperate for a maple necked les paul.


so yeah, i am for them if they offer a useful feature you cant normally get on that style of guitar... and (unlike the ZW LP) they are not obviously emultating some gimmicky look from the endorsee

[blue]

wez is spot on, the satin maple neck is lovely! and very different from the stickier lacquered mahogany on my Gibson Les Paul.  it definately adds some zing to the sound too.  i did toy with the idea of a re-finish to the top, but i actually like the bullseye look, and i'm sure i can overcome my embarrassment!

[Roobubba]

Hmm, I have some Black Label EVM12L speakers, although I didn't get them because they were 'signature'... I also have a 5150-II, but I'm guessing we're not counting Eddie, as his signature appears to be on everything these days...
Come to think of it, most of the stuff he's got his name on is precisely what you're talking about!!

But no, I'm not interested in signature stuff for signature's sake. I buy gear to get to a tone that's in my head.

Roo

[Ratrod]

Gretsch sells tons of 6120 Setzer Signature models and Hot Rods.

[Philly Q]

I have a Fender Robert Cray Standard Strat.

I bought it not because I'm a fan of Mr Cray (fine chap though he may well be), but because I wanted a hardtail Strat with a fat neck.  It's a very nice guitar, much better than any other MIM Strat I've owned or played.

But generally, I'd never buy something because it had someone's name on it - and sometimes it would be enough to actually put me off.

[ChunkyMunky]

I used to own a Reb Beach and a Paul Gilbert series Ibanez. Not bad, but me senses a George Lynch model of some description!  PDT_009

Signature Amps also work trumps, Engl Blackmore!

[dave_mc]

personally, no, but i'm sure other people do.

[Afghan Dave]

I used to own a Reb Beach and a Paul Gilbert series Ibanez.

I'd love to have had a Koa Reb Beach model. Really nice guitars.

[Crazy_Joe]

Some signatures are really nice, expensive, but nice. I hate it when they put their band logos on them though.