Signature Guitars

Ed Bickert · June 8th, 2006, 06:46 PM

I was reading the "Relic Madness" thread and had to start an offshoot.

To me, I personally can't stand "signature" guitars. Why would I want a guitar with someone else's name on it? Especially something as immediately recognizeable as the SRV strat? If I spent that much money on something I wouldn't want it to look like it belonged to someone else. *some" are okay. The Jeff Beck one looks cool. Nobody really knows that guitar. The Rory looks cool too. But to me, buying a signature guitar is sort of like going to the art supply store and buying a canvas already painted.

"John Mayer's custom profile, Ynqwie's scalloped frets, Donahue's tele, Jimmy Page LP" etc. Gimme my own guitar and I'll do what I want to it.

I know it's just me. Because if the world felt like I did these would hardly sell at all. But people just gobble them up. Is it that someone thinks the SRV strat is going to make them play more like SRV? Is it that they kind of want that nostaligic feeling? Why? Why I ask?? :)

I personally have found a few guitars over the past couple of decades that I wish didn't have someone's name on it. Sounded neat, but really shunned the idea of playing a guitar with someone's name on it. The only signature guitar I ever owned was a Gibson Wes Montgomery L5. Not because it was his, but because it was an L5 with just a neck pup. I prefer that configuration. I still hated the "Wes Montogomer" emblazened on the guitar's tailpeice though.

I think I'll make this a poll. Let's stand up and be counted. I know people who dislike signature editions will be the minority, but by how much?

And lastly, I think it's cool that companies like Fender and Gibson pay tribute to their most recognized supporters with signature editions of their guitars. I have no probelm with it. I think it's cool to read the stats, EC strats and all. I even like to try them out. But I wouldn't want to own one.

My Tele is a 1/100 custom shop 52RI with a factrory bucker in the neck. And in the aftermarket I see these being refered to as the "Keefer" guitars. I'm glad Keith Richard's name wasn't slapped on this. It'd break my heart. lol

Anyway, on with the poll!

Tom S · June 8th, 2006, 07:00 PM

I understand where you're coming from, but for me, I couldn't care less if someone else's name was on the guitar. So long as the guitar itself spoke to me. I like the idea of these tribute guitars, but so far, although I've played quite a few, I haven't found one that was really for me.

It has to be a guitar that fits, regardless of whether or not it's a signature model. If it does, a signature makes no difference to me.

timmer · June 8th, 2006, 07:05 PM

because I still want a Brian May Burns and a John Lennon Casino in the natural finish.

WickedGTR · June 8th, 2006, 07:15 PM

I'm not a fan of the whole sig thing even though I (kind of) own one. It's a reissue of a signature model from 1964 (Burns Marvin).

I think if I were shopping for a new Fender, I'd avoid their sig offerings in favor of a one that only had Leo's name on it.

zombywoof · June 8th, 2006, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom S

I understand where you're coming from, but for me, I couldn't care less if someone else's name was on the guitar. So long as the guitar itself spoke to me. I like the idea of these tribute guitars, but so far, although I've played quite a few, I haven't found one that was really for me.

It has to be a guitar that fits, regardless of whether or not it's a signature model. If it does, a signature makes no difference to me.

Same here. Would never buy a guitar or not buy a guitar because someone's name adorned it. Has nothing to do with playability and tone so should not fit into the equation.

guitarmanvt · June 8th, 2006, 07:32 PM

Although it would not stop me from buying a guitar if the guitar felt right and sounded right, I would prefer not to have my axe branded with someone else's name. I think its fine to honor the great guitar players with signature models, but to me someone seems less serious as an artist if they are playing an instrument that is a copy of one played by a superstar. IMHO it seems to limit what other people think of your music. If I played an SRV strat at every gig, I imagine people might think after a while that I aspire to be SRV. In reality, I don't think any musician can really grow by wanting to be someone they are not. I personally don't want anyone to think of me as a wanna be who is trying to imitate SRV or Clapton or Jimmy Page or anyone else. These people have certainly had an influence on many of us, but being influenced by them and wanting to be them are two very different things. That's my $.02.

Gene Tunney · June 8th, 2006, 07:46 PM

In my humble opinion. I wouldn't own one unless I was a little kid nad had a musicla hero or something. I'm not knocking other people owning them after all we all have our onw unique convictions. But the question was posed so I answered it honestly. To me, having a sig guitar is like going to a major league baseball game wearing your favorite players uniform repleat with glove and the black stuff under you eyes.

That said, i do own a violin bass and although it is not techincally a signature instrument, well.......I always hear people call it a beatle bass.....
Good question
Gene Tunney 8)

0le FUZZY · June 8th, 2006, 07:54 PM

I wood rather haff their sigs on MY TELECASTER .

Thanx Redd (and udders) fer this won!!

MY KIND OF MUSIC !(click)

SMORE !!(click)

Please visit my page

Twang · June 8th, 2006, 08:04 PM

I voted no.

But my AllParts tele replacement neck doesn't even have a Fender decal on it. I bought one for it but decided not to put it on.

If I had as many teles as Ole Fuzzy (or atleast more than 2 or 3) I'd have one with actual autographs like his.

Bones · June 8th, 2006, 08:06 PM

I always loved Albert Collins and always loved the look of his guitar and wanted one like it for a long, long time. The Fender CS Signature model is just way out of line price wise for what it is, so I kept my eyes open for a used one at a decent price but was unsucessful in my quest. Eventually I found an MIJ version that doesn't have Albert's signature on the headstock (a plus for me), but it has the look and fortunately it sounds and plays great and was a very affordable $649.00...

Aside from that, being a signature model is not important, but if I were to find a sig model i liked, I wouldn't shy away from it because I was worried about living up to someone's expectations of that artist.

TG · June 8th, 2006, 08:09 PM

I'd get a Muddy Waters tele, but only because it has the specs I like. Nothin' to do with any signature.
I'd probably put normal tele knobs on it anyway to make it look more 'normal'.

Paul in Colorado · June 8th, 2006, 08:14 PM

I have a parts-Strat that I have labeled "Magophonic Signature Model." Though it was built to my specs, there is no signature on.

I do have one signature guitar. It's a Les Paul. I think any other signature on a Les Paul is redundent.

If I came across a signature model guitar and it was a fine guitar and met my needs, I'd buy it, but not because of the signature.

Pete Galati · June 8th, 2006, 08:16 PM

I don't own any signature series guitars. I wouldn't want anyone to expect me to play like the someone else.

I'm all for getting your guitar signed though.

Pete

Brian blaut · June 8th, 2006, 08:28 PM

I'm not concerned if its a signature or not. I would never own "famous artist" 's guitar just because I was a fan. I would own it because it had the right features I wanted.

That begin said, I think they should be tasteful. I would prefer the signature to be modestly on the headstock or truss rod cover only and not all over the pickguard.

I would like to have a Setzer Gretsch because they already come with TV Jones and they have the 50's trestle bracing. They have the features that I want. But If I had one, I wouldn't be able to change the "dice" knobs and "autographed" pickguard fast enough.

GuitarJonz · June 8th, 2006, 08:50 PM

I'd never buy one just because of the name on there, but lets face it, some of the sig. guitars are great, like the Burton, JD and Muddy. This is my Burton neck, which is on my partscaster. I mean, a big gaudy SRV on your pickguard says..LOOK AT ME! Who the heck can see a tiny Burton or JD signature way up there on the tip of the headstock??

Sparks69 · June 8th, 2006, 08:51 PM

I've never been a big fan of them, especially when they're way overpriced, but some of the Strats and Teles mentioned don't go too overboard and are reasonably priced. I always figured if I wanted say, a Strat like SRV, I'd buy a Strat and do my best to mod it to be like his - making it uniquely mine in the process.

I'm primarily a bass player and while I like the look of the Sting P-Bass, that "Sting" inlay at the 12th fret is way too cheesy for me to ever buy one.

The absolute worst, IMHO, are those $3000 EVH Charvels. To me, that is strictly for a fan to play at home. I'm not a violent man but I think if I ever saw a "professional" playing one in public I'd have to wait around until after the show to slap 'em.

(my apologies if any of you own one of those - they may very well be the greatest playing guitars in the world)

Johnny Caster · June 8th, 2006, 09:10 PM

A signature guitar is a bit like a girl with a tattoo of her previous boyfriend's name. She may be good looking and you wouldn't let the tattoo prevent you from going with her, but it is a bit of a turn off.

Scott S · June 8th, 2006, 10:41 PM

If there were no good reason for signature guitars ... would they sell?

vic108 · June 8th, 2006, 10:51 PM

Seems like alot of folks like sig models.
I don't care for the whole sig thing but there
are a few sig models I'd love to have....

Rory Gallagher Strat, Muddy Waters Tele, Danny
Gatton Tele, Jeff Beck Strat, Jeff Beck Esquire,
Jimmy Vaughan Strat, Slash Les Paul, Lonnie
Mack Flying V...

Some for the look, most for the sound...

I HATE the SRV Strat......so fugly, so wannabee

RockinCarl · June 9th, 2006, 12:55 AM

I was always against the signature thing, but then I played a Gatton Tele that I really liked... I thought it would look good in my house, so I brought it home. :D

Maestro · June 9th, 2006, 05:39 PM

I would never buy someone's signature guitar because it had there signature on it. I love the EC strat but not because EC uses them, they just feel great and I like the sound (i'm going to build one myself because I find 1400 euro for such a simple guitar a bit much) . I never have been a great fan of donahue but his signature guitar is very good.

I would buy any instrument I wanted and could affort (and ofcourse justify) regardless if it had a signature or not. I would even buy malmsteen's singature and I hate is music but scalloped frets are just so much fun!

Mark Davis · June 9th, 2006, 05:47 PM

Its not the sig itself its the features a sig guitar offers.

The Fender sigs are usually the only way I can get a neck big enough that I like. The Jimmie Vaughan and Cray are both very nice.

alotas123 · June 10th, 2006, 12:31 AM

I never thought about it much but recently I got a Muddy Waters Tele and I really like it. The signature is on the neck plate only. The knobs, I can take 'em or leave 'em. The guitar has a great neck, is set up to perfection and sounds really good to me. So, I guess I like them but I wouldn't seek out a guitar for the signature. If the guitar is otherwise exactly what I want, then sure, as long as the sig isn't too obvious. I have similar thoughts about the Martin Eric Claption 000-28 (acoustic guitar). The sig is small and the guitar is pretty nice. I don't own that one, though.

-alotas

genelovesjez · June 10th, 2006, 01:12 AM

I recently bought a Geddy Lee Signature Jazz Bass. I'm totally indifferent to the whole "Geddy Lee" thing, but I was glad to be able to get a Jazz bass with block inlays without having to spring for a vintage 70s instrument.

People have their hangups, so I can understand why they might get all uptight about signature guitars, but it didn't bother me.

View Poll Results: Would you own a signature edition guitar over a comprably priced non-signature ed. guitar?
Yes, I like the idea of playing signature ed. guitars.	33	36.67%
No, I like my own signtaure on a guitar.	45	50.00%
I like them, but would not play out with them.	12	13.33%
Voters: 90. You may not vote on this poll

June 8th, 2006, 06:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ed Bickert Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cape Cod, MA Age: 40 Posts: 946	Signature Guitars I was reading the "Relic Madness" thread and had to start an offshoot. To me, I personally can't stand "signature" guitars. Why would I want a guitar with someone else's name on it? Especially something as immediately recognizeable as the SRV strat? If I spent that much money on something I wouldn't want it to look like it belonged to someone else. *some" are okay. The Jeff Beck one looks cool. Nobody really knows that guitar. The Rory looks cool too. But to me, buying a signature guitar is sort of like going to the art supply store and buying a canvas already painted. "John Mayer's custom profile, Ynqwie's scalloped frets, Donahue's tele, Jimmy Page LP" etc. Gimme my own guitar and I'll do what I want to it. I know it's just me. Because if the world felt like I did these would hardly sell at all. But people just gobble them up. Is it that someone thinks the SRV strat is going to make them play more like SRV? Is it that they kind of want that nostaligic feeling? Why? Why I ask?? :) I personally have found a few guitars over the past couple of decades that I wish didn't have someone's name on it. Sounded neat, but really shunned the idea of playing a guitar with someone's name on it. The only signature guitar I ever owned was a Gibson Wes Montgomery L5. Not because it was his, but because it was an L5 with just a neck pup. I prefer that configuration. I still hated the "Wes Montogomer" emblazened on the guitar's tailpeice though. I think I'll make this a poll. Let's stand up and be counted. I know people who dislike signature editions will be the minority, but by how much? And lastly, I think it's cool that companies like Fender and Gibson pay tribute to their most recognized supporters with signature editions of their guitars. I have no probelm with it. I think it's cool to read the stats, EC strats and all. I even like to try them out. But I wouldn't want to own one. My Tele is a 1/100 custom shop 52RI with a factrory bucker in the neck. And in the aftermarket I see these being refered to as the "Keefer" guitars. I'm glad Keith Richard's name wasn't slapped on this. It'd break my heart. lol Anyway, on with the poll! __________________ Sorry, not the real Ed Bickert. Just a fan.

June 8th, 2006, 07:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
timmer Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: On the banks of the Pontchartrain Age: 48 Posts: 1,256 26 Photos	I voted yes because I still want a Brian May Burns and a John Lennon Casino in the natural finish. __________________ "Choose silence of all virtues, for by it you hear other men's imperfections, and conceal your own." George Bernard Shaw

June 8th, 2006, 07:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
WickedGTR Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Hillbilly Hollywood Posts: 2,127 4 Photos	I'm not a fan of the whole sig thing even though I (kind of) own one. It's a reissue of a signature model from 1964 (Burns Marvin). I think if I were shopping for a new Fender, I'd avoid their sig offerings in favor of a one that only had Leo's name on it. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/jameswilsey

June 8th, 2006, 07:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
guitarmanvt TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Shrewsbury, Vermont Posts: 23 11 Photos	Although it would not stop me from buying a guitar if the guitar felt right and sounded right, I would prefer not to have my axe branded with someone else's name. I think its fine to honor the great guitar players with signature models, but to me someone seems less serious as an artist if they are playing an instrument that is a copy of one played by a superstar. IMHO it seems to limit what other people think of your music. If I played an SRV strat at every gig, I imagine people might think after a while that I aspire to be SRV. In reality, I don't think any musician can really grow by wanting to be someone they are not. I personally don't want anyone to think of me as a wanna be who is trying to imitate SRV or Clapton or Jimmy Page or anyone else. These people have certainly had an influence on many of us, but being influenced by them and wanting to be them are two very different things. That's my $.02. __________________ Guitars: 1996 Gibson Les Paul Studio 2003 Fender Nashville Power Tele 1990's Washburn MR-250 2004 Guild GAD-50 1978 Yamaha FG-512 1993 Sigma DM-4C

June 8th, 2006, 07:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tom S Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,211 49 Photos	I understand where you're coming from, but for me, I couldn't care less if someone else's name was on the guitar. So long as the guitar itself spoke to me. I like the idea of these tribute guitars, but so far, although I've played quite a few, I haven't found one that was really for me. It has to be a guitar that fits, regardless of whether or not it's a signature model. If it does, a signature makes no difference to me.

June 8th, 2006, 07:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
Gene Tunney TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Medina County, Ohio Posts: 59	In my humble opinion. I wouldn't own one unless I was a little kid nad had a musicla hero or something. I'm not knocking other people owning them after all we all have our onw unique convictions. But the question was posed so I answered it honestly. To me, having a sig guitar is like going to a major league baseball game wearing your favorite players uniform repleat with glove and the black stuff under you eyes. That said, i do own a violin bass and although it is not techincally a signature instrument, well.......I always hear people call it a beatle bass..... Good question Gene Tunney 8) __________________ Proud Fender owner since 1990.

June 8th, 2006, 07:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
0le FUZZY Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kolly-forn-knee-ya Posts: 10,001 6 Photos	I wood rather haff their sigs on MY TELECASTER . Thanx Redd (and udders) fer this won!! MY KIND OF MUSIC !(click) SMORE !!(click) Please visit my page

June 8th, 2006, 08:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
Twang Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Age: 44 Posts: 664	I voted no. But my AllParts tele replacement neck doesn't even have a Fender decal on it. I bought one for it but decided not to put it on. If I had as many teles as Ole Fuzzy (or atleast more than 2 or 3) I'd have one with actual autographs like his. __________________ "we don't wear rhinestones because we think we're cool, we wear rhinestones because we think they're cool" - gp

June 8th, 2006, 08:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bones Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,921 1 Photos	I always loved Albert Collins and always loved the look of his guitar and wanted one like it for a long, long time. The Fender CS Signature model is just way out of line price wise for what it is, so I kept my eyes open for a used one at a decent price but was unsucessful in my quest. Eventually I found an MIJ version that doesn't have Albert's signature on the headstock (a plus for me), but it has the look and fortunately it sounds and plays great and was a very affordable $649.00... Aside from that, being a signature model is not important, but if I were to find a sig model i liked, I wouldn't shy away from it because I was worried about living up to someone's expectations of that artist.

June 8th, 2006, 08:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 47 Posts: 4,462 7 Photos	I'd get a Muddy Waters tele, but only because it has the specs I like. Nothin' to do with any signature. I'd probably put normal tele knobs on it anyway to make it look more 'normal'.

June 8th, 2006, 08:14 PM	#12 (permalink)
Paul in Colorado Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO Age: 55 Posts: 4,318 3 Photos	I have a parts-Strat that I have labeled "Magophonic Signature Model." Though it was built to my specs, there is no signature on. I do have one signature guitar. It's a Les Paul. I think any other signature on a Les Paul is redundent. If I came across a signature model guitar and it was a fine guitar and met my needs, I'd buy it, but not because of the signature.

June 8th, 2006, 08:16 PM	#13 (permalink)
Pete Galati R.I.P. Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8,104 2 Photos	I don't own any signature series guitars. I wouldn't want anyone to expect me to play like the someone else. I'm all for getting your guitar signed though. Pete

June 8th, 2006, 08:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
Brian blaut Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California, USA Age: 34 Posts: 1,408	I'm not concerned if its a signature or not. I would never own "famous artist" 's guitar just because I was a fan. I would own it because it had the right features I wanted. That begin said, I think they should be tasteful. I would prefer the signature to be modestly on the headstock or truss rod cover only and not all over the pickguard. I would like to have a Setzer Gretsch because they already come with TV Jones and they have the 50's trestle bracing. They have the features that I want. But If I had one, I wouldn't be able to change the "dice" knobs and "autographed" pickguard fast enough.

June 8th, 2006, 08:50 PM	#15 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 2,762 7 Photos	I'd never buy one just because of the name on there, but lets face it, some of the sig. guitars are great, like the Burton, JD and Muddy. This is my Burton neck, which is on my partscaster. I mean, a big gaudy SRV on your pickguard says..LOOK AT ME! Who the heck can see a tiny Burton or JD signature way up there on the tip of the headstock??

June 8th, 2006, 08:51 PM	#16 (permalink)
Sparks69 TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Posts: 28	I've never been a big fan of them, especially when they're way overpriced, but some of the Strats and Teles mentioned don't go too overboard and are reasonably priced. I always figured if I wanted say, a Strat like SRV, I'd buy a Strat and do my best to mod it to be like his - making it uniquely mine in the process. I'm primarily a bass player and while I like the look of the Sting P-Bass, that "Sting" inlay at the 12th fret is way too cheesy for me to ever buy one. The absolute worst, IMHO, are those $3000 EVH Charvels. To me, that is strictly for a fan to play at home. I'm not a violent man but I think if I ever saw a "professional" playing one in public I'd have to wait around until after the show to slap 'em. (my apologies if any of you own one of those - they may very well be the greatest playing guitars in the world)

June 8th, 2006, 09:10 PM	#17 (permalink)
Johnny Caster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Antonio, TX Age: 22 Posts: 1,081	A signature guitar is a bit like a girl with a tattoo of her previous boyfriend's name. She may be good looking and you wouldn't let the tattoo prevent you from going with her, but it is a bit of a turn off. __________________ "I'm gonna toss my telecaster through the television screen cause I don't like what's goin on!" - Radiators From Space

June 8th, 2006, 10:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
Scott S Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SW CR IA US NA PE Age: 28 Posts: 1,690	If there were no good reason for signature guitars ... would they sell?

June 8th, 2006, 10:51 PM	#19 (permalink)
vic108 Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mudwogweap, VA Age: 52 Posts: 947 9 Photos	Seems like alot of folks like sig models. I don't care for the whole sig thing but there are a few sig models I'd love to have.... Rory Gallagher Strat, Muddy Waters Tele, Danny Gatton Tele, Jeff Beck Strat, Jeff Beck Esquire, Jimmy Vaughan Strat, Slash Les Paul, Lonnie Mack Flying V... Some for the look, most for the sound... I HATE the SRV Strat......so fugly, so wannabee __________________ Guitars will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no guitars

June 9th, 2006, 12:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
RockinCarl Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,477	I was always against the signature thing, but then I played a Gatton Tele that I really liked... I thought it would look good in my house, so I brought it home. :D

June 9th, 2006, 05:39 PM	#21 (permalink)
Maestro Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The United Lowlands Of Holland Posts: 755	I would never buy someone's signature guitar because it had there signature on it. I love the EC strat but not because EC uses them, they just feel great and I like the sound (i'm going to build one myself because I find 1400 euro for such a simple guitar a bit much) . I never have been a great fan of donahue but his signature guitar is very good. I would buy any instrument I wanted and could affort (and ofcourse justify) regardless if it had a signature or not. I would even buy malmsteen's singature and I hate is music but scalloped frets are just so much fun! __________________ A clean conscience is usually the result of a bad memory.

June 9th, 2006, 05:47 PM	#22 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,745	Its not the sig itself its the features a sig guitar offers. The Fender sigs are usually the only way I can get a neck big enough that I like. The Jimmie Vaughan and Cray are both very nice. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses.

June 10th, 2006, 12:31 AM	#23 (permalink)
alotas123 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Hill Country Texas Posts: 470	I never thought about it much but recently I got a Muddy Waters Tele and I really like it. The signature is on the neck plate only. The knobs, I can take 'em or leave 'em. The guitar has a great neck, is set up to perfection and sounds really good to me. So, I guess I like them but I wouldn't seek out a guitar for the signature. If the guitar is otherwise exactly what I want, then sure, as long as the sig isn't too obvious. I have similar thoughts about the Martin Eric Claption 000-28 (acoustic guitar). The sig is small and the guitar is pretty nice. I don't own that one, though. -alotas __________________ Play that thing, make it sing!

June 10th, 2006, 01:12 AM	#24 (permalink)
genelovesjez Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 41 Posts: 3,735	I recently bought a Geddy Lee Signature Jazz Bass. I'm totally indifferent to the whole "Geddy Lee" thing, but I was glad to be able to get a Jazz bass with block inlays without having to spring for a vintage 70s instrument. People have their hangups, so I can understand why they might get all uptight about signature guitars, but it didn't bother me.