If you are serious about performing/writing music, is it wrong to play a signature?

[austintx05]

I have always wanted a VWH and/or VSBL, and a EBJPM.

But, is it a deterrent? Can one be taken seriously if they play a signature series guitar?

The reason why it is such a tough debate for myself, is I have rarely ever found guitars that play with such ease as a JEM/JPM. The feel of the neck, the low action, etc.

Just wanted to hear some other musician's thoughts.

Thank You

[Algiman]

Ask every musician who plays a Les Paul the same question. Clearly it isn't an issue for them.

Play what works for you.

[Matheau]

Yes, you can. There are actually signature models out of what were originally other guitarists signature models. Besides, most people usually don't recognize signature guitars anyways.

[austintx05]

Yeah, I hear you guys. Play what works/sounds good to you.

I always wondered this though. Cause you can't really mistake a JEM for any other guitar. I really have my eyes on a VWH/VSBL right now....

[andy7jem]

Play what's best for you as that way people will here your best playing

[austintx05]

Originally Posted by andy7jem

Play what's best for you as that way people will here your best playing

Hhah so true...I just found a used '08 vwh on **** for $1100....very tempting, such a gorgeous guitar

[Wild_Child]

When I see someone with a Jem on stage I automatically assume the player has some serious chops, so no, I wouldn't say it's a bad thing!

You better have the skills to back it up though

[Out Of This Swirled]

Originally Posted by Wild_Child

When I see someone with a Jem on stage I automatically assume the player has some serious chops, so no, I wouldn't say it's a bad thing!

You better have the skills to back it up though

I'd better not take mine out the house then!

[OLIE_ROCKS_THE_80'S]

I don't think so! most of my guitars are signature series and I play out with them! Many famous guitar players have done as well!!!

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by austintx05

...I have rarely ever found guitars that play with such ease as a JEM/JPM. The feel of the neck, the low action, etc.

Buy whatever makes you happy but don't think that the cost of the guitar has anything to do with how low the action can be when set-up properly.

The more expensive guitars at stores tend to play better off-the-rack because:
A) They are typically set-up better than the cheaper guitars at the factory.
B) Because they are expensive, the store is more likely to keep the guitar set-up well because the person that plays it (before they buy it) will expect it to play well.

Either a guitar is good and functional or it's bad and junk. The odds of one buying a less expensive instrument that's junk is slightly greater than buying a more expensive one but you'll still encounter high-end guitars that are lemons that cannot be set-up with out major surgery.

[waylay00]

I don't think the Les Paul is a good example. You can't really compare it to other signature models in this question. It was the second solid body electric ever produced, so its not like players had much choice back then. By default, it was probably going to have a lot of users. Your basic options were Strat, Tele, or Les Paul (and a few others).

Although I don't think its that big of a deal, I personally wouldn't use something that screams of a certain artist on stage (such as the Zakk Wylde "bullseye" LP or a guitar with the EVH paint pattern on it). I guess my reasoning is that those guys have become associated with those unique guitars. I want to become associated with something unique to me.

But see, you can get the JEMs and (especially) the EBMMs in a pretty wide variety of finishes, so its not really an issue with those guitars. Just don't get a white JEM and write EVO on it.

[austintx05]

lot of good feedback, thanks guys.

Just a bit on myself, I have played for about 8 years. When I first started playing I was into Nirvana, Metallica, Megadeth and then I branched out into what I listen to today, Satriani, Vai, Petrucci/DT, Eric Johnson, Andy Timmons. Over the years of playing/learning those artists' material I developed some chops, so I do feel I owuld do a JEM justice...hehe

Its been so long since I played a JEM, I am so used to a direct mount setup guitar, but I will definitely be giving the JEM a try...

[funkdubious]

Originally Posted by waylay00

Although I don't think its that big of a deal, I personally wouldn't use something that screams of a certain artist on stage (such as the Zakk Wylde "bullseye" LP or a guitar with the EVH paint pattern on it). I guess my reasoning is that those guys have become associated with those unique guitars. I want to become associated with something unique to me.

But see, you can get the JEMs and (especially) the EBMMs in a pretty wide variety of finishes, so its not really an issue with those guitars. Just don't get a white JEM and write EVO on it.

I don't know about the ZW thing,I think to your average guy it would look like a regular guitar with circles on it whereas a Jem would look odd no matter finish it had because of the monkey grip.

Like the others have said I wouldnt worry about what guitar you play,if you get signed the record company will tell you to lose the Jem if they don't like it

[austintx05]

Originally Posted by funkdubious

I don't know about the ZW thing,I think to your average guy it would look like a regular guitar with circles on it whereas a Jem would look odd no matter finish it had because of the monkey grip.

Like the others have said I wouldnt worry about what guitar you play,if you get signed the record company will tell you to lose the Jem if they don't like it

hah, well I am no where near that...maybe one day though

[shreddersymphony]

Personally, I would NEVER play another guitarist's signature model. I just dont like the whole idea of it...and whether or not you like to admit it many people make a judgement about your music when they see your guitar. Most people would be thrown off to see a JEM used for black metal, or an Ibanez Xiphos used for jazz, etc...its unfortunate that people arent more open minded but that's how it is.

That's why I went the route that I did with my guitars. Theyre essentially my "signature models", perfect to my specs. If you have the money for a JEM or something like that, it makes a lota sense to me to just go custom and get exactly what you want and nothin' ya dont.