5 Signature Basses That Don’t Deserve Their Price

We’ve already sung the praises of countless signature guitars over the years. We’ve dissected the drama of artist switches, the innovation behind groundbreaking models, and everything in between. But what about the low end? Signature bass guitars often get left out of the conversation, despite some truly phenomenal instruments out there.

Sure, the bass world might not produce the same kind of headline-grabbing artist defections as the guitar side of things. But that doesn’t mean a signature bass can’t be amazing in its own right. In fact, there are plenty of incredible signature basses that deserve a lot more attention. 

Today, however, we’re taking a different approach. We’re flipping the script and looking at some signature axes that, in our opinion, are a bit overrated – all because of the famous name attached.

Mike Dirnt Road Worn Precision Bass: Relic of Cool or Relic of Price Hike?

The Fender Telecaster Precision Bass is an undeniably iconic design. Its sleek headstock and bold pickguard have turned heads for years, and Mike Dirnt’s signature model takes advantage of that legacy. But here’s the rub: it also comes with a “Road Worn” finish, essentially pre-denting and aging the bass for a hefty price bump.

Sure, the punk rock cred is undeniable. This bass channels the worn P-Basses of Paul Simonon and the classic rock tones of Dusty Hill. Specs like the Hi-Mass bridge, ash body (though increasingly rare), and the vintage ’59 split-coil pickup are undeniably player-friendly.

But the question lingers: is the price inflated by the Mike Dirnt name? Could a bassist find a similar quality P-Bass without the pre-applied wear and tear, and for a more reasonable price tag? This signature model might be a relic of cool, but some might argue it’s more about the price hike than anything else. Especially if you’re not into a “second hand” looking pricey guitar.

Ernie Ball Music Man Joe Dart: Stripped-Down Bass or Stripped-Down Wallet?

The Ernie Ball Music Man Joe Dart signature bass caters to the minimalist player. While the stripped-down aesthetic might seem appealing (especially after the relic’d Mike Dirnt P-Bass), this instrument raises questions about value. Vulfpeck’s Joe Dart is undeniably a phenomenal bassist, but does his name justify the price tag on this seemingly simple instrument?

The natural finish and single pickup based on a common EBMM design are undeniably attractive. But this simplicity comes at a cost. Unlike the player-focused features of the Mike Dirnt bass (rare ash body, vintage pickups), the Joe Dart offers stainless steel frets and a comfortable neck as its main selling points.

Is a comfortable neck and a familiar pickup enough to warrant the premium price associated with a signature model? Budget-minded bassists might find themselves questioning the value proposition here. The Joe Dart bass might be all about stripped-down design, but some will sure think about how it leads to a stripped-down wallet as well.

Warwick RockBass Adam Clayton Signature: U2 Tax or Underrated Gem?

U2’s Adam Clayton is a legendary bassist, but does his name automatically elevate a rather standard instrument? The Warwick RockBass Adam Clayton signature bass raises eyebrows when considering its price tag.

Sure, the smaller, curvier body might be appealing to some players. It boasts a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder pickup and a basic 2-band EQ, but these aren’t exactly exclusive features. The block inlays add a touch of visual flair, but don’t necessarily scream innovation.

While the RockBass line is known for offering Warwick quality at a more affordable price, the Clayton signature still carries a premium compared to similar spec’d Warwick or even Fender basses. Budget-conscious bassists might struggle to see the value proposition here. Is the Adam Clayton name enough to justify the extra cost, or are you simply paying a premium for the association with a rockstar?

Schecter Simon Gallup Corsair Signature: All Style, Little Substance?

The Schecter Simon Gallup Corsair signature bass is another contender on this list with undeniable visual appeal. The Cure’s Simon Gallup certainly made a statement with this semi-hollow design, boasting a blood-red finish adorned with a fierce English lion. But beneath the flamboyant exterior lies a question: is there enough substance to justify the signature model price tag?

The bass features a thin C-shaped neck, comfortable for guitarists transitioning to bass. It also packs a punch with dual active EMG humbuckers, controlled by a volume knob, blend knob, and a basic 2-band EQ. While these specs offer some versatility, they don’t necessarily scream “unique” compared to other signature models.

This Schecter bass caters to players who crave a powerful, feature-rich semi-hollow aesthetic. However, budget-conscious bassists might find themselves questioning the value proposition.  Is the Simon Gallup name simply inflating the price of a bass that, feature-wise, could be replicated for less elsewhere?

Epiphone Allen Woody: Allman Brothers Tribute or Overpriced Oddity?

The Epiphone Allen Woody signature bass, named after the Allman Brothers’ bassist, takes an unconventional approach to design. While its chambered body evokes a Les Paul shape or a shrunken ES-175, the most striking feature is the lack of a traditional bridge pickup.

This signature model boasts two gold mini humbuckers positioned closer to the neck and middle, leaving the bridge position vacant.  While the individual volume controls offer tonal possibilities, the unique layout raises questions about the instrument’s value proposition.

For bassists accustomed to the standard bridge pickup placement, the Allen Woody might require a significant adjustment to playing style and desired tone. Furthermore, the price tag associated with a signature model might not be justified by the unconventional design alone. Is the Allen Woody a tribute to the Allman Brothers’ bassist or simply an oddity with a premium price due to the attached name?