Whose Signature Artist Model Guitar Would YOU Like to Try?

Hello. I am Tetsuro BANANA Mieno, bass player of the Hammond organ instrumental band, Banana Needle.

There are many signature models out there, but have you ever played any of them?

Surprisingly, when you don’t want to have the same instrument as others, you tend to avoid signature models.

It can also be a bit awkward when someone asks, “Oh, are you a fan of this artist?”
I understand how you feel.

When I was in my 20s, I ordered my own original Fenders, and I didn't play Fenders because I didn't want to be like everyone else.

Then, in my mid-30s, I got a Billy Sheen model.
I used to copy Mr. Big when I was in high school, so I longed for this model, but the moment I held it in my hands, my impression of artist models changed immediately.

YAMAHA / ATTITUDE LTD3 BL Billy Sheen model

I was playing an ATTITUDE CUSTOM, a low-priced version of the LTD, but it was one that I could fully feel the artist's attention to detail.

The woofer pickup on the neck and the raised metal plates are very noticeable.
The CUSTOM even has a piezo and stereo out.
I felt like I was Billy when I played it and imagined what he wanted to do and the sound he wanted to produce at the time of its release.

I don't play very fast, so I had to make a lot of modifications while playing in the artist's particular style (I thought I was doing it) lol.

I am now using the MonoNeon model that was recently released.

FENDER / MonoNeon Jazz Bass V Maple Neon Yellow

Flat fretboard, low frets, humbucker pickups and 18V pre.

I had fun with the idea thinking, “Hmmm, this is the kind of sound they want in New York right now.”

It's a modern yellow guitar that also has a Fender feel to it.

Yes, a signature model is an instrument that is filled with the attention of a great musician and is different from the commercial models. Just thinking about it is exciting, isn't it?

There are many signature models other than the above ^ ^.
Let me lightly introduce a few models that I have played.

First, here’s Flea’s signature model from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

FENDER / Flea Jazz Bass, Flea signature model

I initially thought that this guitar was going to sound like a cheap tinny guitar , but when I played it, it had a high quality jazz bass feel to it.
The sound was also wonderful, as if the paint was quite thin due to the road-worn finish.
It also looks great! Go for the upper body lol.

Fender has been coming out with Japanese models recently.

FENDER / #4 Hama Okamoto Precision Bass Olympic White

The signature model of HAMA OKAMOTO, bassist from the OKAMOTO'S.
You often see him backing up various artists in bands other than his own. The Precision Bass is a product of the know-how gained in various fields.
The feel of this bass is very Japanese-friendly.

Basically, instruments made in the U.S.A. are designed to be played by people who are taller than 180 cm and have huge hands, so they seem to be a bit big to Japanese people.
In such a situation, a Japanese model fits well with the body.

On the other hand, if you are a big guy, I would like you to try this model!

Ibanez / TCB1006-ALM

Just holding this Yamaha guitar was so overwhelming!
I'm about 165cm tall, and both my right and left hands were more or less full.
I have never seen any Japanese playing the Thundercat signature model, so if you want to stand out, go for it!
I loved the sound, which properly utilized the hollow body!

I think I'll try to squeeze in this one at the end.

YAMAHA/ BBNEIIWH Nathan East Model White

This model is by my favorite bassist, called the Nathan model.
The quality of the instrument is excellent, and you can enjoy the mellow sound of Nathan's style.
But, I'm ready to go on the offensive! Like that.
It's just a very comfortable instrument.

Oh, I almost forgot to introduce this one.

EDWARDS / E-RM-105DA

Jeez, all of these guitars are soooo cool.

Now, we have taken a look at some artist signature models.
Artist models are full of various kinds of attention to detail.
I hope you will experience them too!

See you soon!

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