Who Buys These Guitars?

It seems lately that every week sees the release of new signature or inspired by limited edition guitar hitting the market. Just recently there has been the Slash and Steve Jones models from Gibson, Fender has just released an Elvis Costello signature model. I can't help but wonder if these guitars are marketed at players or collectors.

As a collector, I see the appeal to some extent. I used to collect Kiss memorabilia in my younger days, and the Holy Grail was an Epiphone Ace Frehley Les Paul (which funnily enough Rossco just bought). However, as a guitarist, I was let down by the guitar (FYI, Rossco loves it and hopefully can pull himself away from it long enough to write something about it).

To me, it doesn't matter whose name is on the guitar, or who plays a particular model. If I don't like the feel of the guitar, or I don't "connect" with it, no level of endorsement will sway me to convert. I'd really like to hear what people think about the new wave of signature guitars and your experiences with them.

Washburn Joe Trohman Idol Series

Ok, when I got this email the first thing I thought was "WHO????". Then I read a bit further and found out it's the lead guitarist from F.O.B. (Fall Out Boy for those not in the emo know). These guys are one of the few emo bands I enjoy, mainly because they can sing and can right very catchy tunes. Turns out Trohman now has a signature Washburn about to be released.

The guitar features include:

• WB630 high-output humbuckers
• One-piece set maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl keyhole inlays -24-3/4" neck scale
• 14" fingerboard radius -42.5mm nut width
• Adjustable bridge with stop tailpiece -Grover 18:1 gear ratio tuners
• 2 volume and 2 tone controls
• 3-way pickup selector
• Available in both black (WI26B) and white (WI26W)

What's more, it's a bloody affordable guitar, retailing for US$419.90 and is available for pre-order online at www.empireoftherepublic.com. Not quite sure what the deal is with the name of the site in relation to anything, but you can place your order and pay via PayPal right there and then.

Again, this is another guitar that I like in white. To me the white brings out the lines much better. The guitar has a rather classic look to it while still feeling like a modern guitar, and I like that a lot. It also features what Washburn call Voice Contour Control (VCC). This effectively splits the humbucker into a single coil and lets the player control the blending of single and humbucking singnals. A nice feature but I would be interested to see how practical it actually is.

All things said, I could see myself playing one of these, regardless of the signature on it. How about you guys?

Washburn Preacher Paul Stanley Signature

So how many companies has the Starchild switched between over the years. Anyway, this guitar is definitely better looking than some of the other dodgy pieces of crap that have had Stanley's name on it. The Washburn Preacher is a very interesting little beast. The deluxe model (shown above) is one of the more strikingly beautiful guitars that I have seen in quite a while. But my goodness you pay for it. Coming in at close to $4000 it better be good.

* Mahogany body
* Gloss finish
* 8 ply white binding
* Tone Pros® Bridge
* Stop Tailpiece
* Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups
* 3-way toggle switch
* 2 volume, 2 tone controls
* Mahogany set neck
* Bound headstock
* Art Deco headstock inlay
* Ebony fingerboard with Pearl block inlays
* 22 jumbo frets
* 24.75" scale
* 12" fingerboard radius
* Double action truss rod
* Graph Tech nut
* Gold hardware
* 18:1 Grover® tuners

You can get an entry model about $1300, but that sexy white is just not available. Not that the black looks that bad.

I have to admit that until about five years ago I was a massive KISS fan. Then I got burnt out. So did my wallet. In fact I had a Limited Edition Ibanez Signature Series Iceman at one point. I sold it and bought three guitars with the money. If anyone wants an almost full collection of Psycho Circus comics just let me know.

What other crazy purchases have you made just because of the name on it?