I’ve been receiving mail order musician supply catalogs for something like 25 years now, so I am usually familiar with what the big guitar companies are putting out. I’ve seen some real doozies over the years, but one thing I am always interested in is the signature model guitars. Sure, there have always been Clapton and Eddie Van Halen models. And in recent years, there are usually a handful of offerings right after a surprise Grammys win, but others kind of surprise me.

It used to be a somewhat rare honor, though. at least, that’s how it seemed to me. Like the Stevie Ray Vaughn model, after his tragic accident, it was a pretty special instrument. But now, it seems to be just another gimmick, at least some of the time.

Like, I adore Rancid, but a Fender acoustic Tim Armstrong model seems a little forced. And when I see an Ace Frehley Gibson I can’t help but wonder if it comes with best makeup remover recommendations. And while the death of Dimebag Darrell was certainly a tragedy, I have to believe he holds some kind of record for the most posthumous signature models because there are dozens and dozens of Dimebag models.