Price difference between Midtown Standard and Signature

[Chris P.]

Guys, a question.

Gibson offers the Midtown Standard and Signature. I can see the following differences:

- Standard: Black case. Signature: Luxury brown case
- Different body shape
- Standard: dot inlays and binding. Signature: Trapezoid inlays, no binding.

The Standard costs 795 in Germany and the Sig costs 1590. Are there differences I forget/don't see?

Thanks in advance. BTW: on the Gibson site there's also a big pricing difference.

[gearHed289]

Are there differences I forget/don't see?

I doubt it. I think it's just a marketing thing to see how much extra money they can milk out of people who want that cool, smaller lower horn. 

[FrankieTbird]

 
I believe the Standard has been discontinued by Gibson.  The original MSRP for it was $1999 and it sold for about $1300.  It's now at blowout pricing.

 

[Chris P.]

Both are still on the Gibson website for around 1850 (sig) and 1250 (std).

[FrankieTbird]

Both are still on the Gibson website for around 1850 (sig) and 1250 (std).

On the Gibson website, the Midtown Signature bass is listed under the 2014 model year, the Standard is only listed for 2013.  A few of the big online retailers no longer have any Midtown Standard basses available.

[Dave W]

I'm still waiting to find out whose signature and where it's located.

[uwe]

Wait a year for the Signature to be as cheap in a year or so too. I'm not aware of any material difference other than the visuals.

[drbassman]

I have one of each and they are essentially the same bass.  Hardware and electronics are identical.  The differences are cosmetic.  They sound the same and play the same to me.  I happen to like the look of the Sig better, just a matter of taste.  Being a hollow/semi-hollow fan, I'll keep them both.  Gibson always makes basses more valuable into the future through discontinuation.

[uwe]

"Gibson always makes basses more valuable into the future through discontinuation."

Not to mention collectible! It's their secret recipe, they are the Blue Mauritius printers in bassdom.

[drbassman]

"Gibson always makes basses more valuable into the future through discontinuation."

Not to mention collectible! It's their secret recipe, they are the Blue Mauritius printers in bassdom.

If I were a philatelist, I'd get it!

[uwe]

I'd get it (and sell it) even if I wasn't one!!!

Some ugly stamp that is.

[TBird1958]

What model is the multi-colored beauty of yours that's enjoying it's stay on the Northwest coast?

I'm senile, if isn't a Thunderbird I'm clueless

[uwe]

I will be picking it up personally, you just watch - repossession!!!

[TBird1958]

It's a beauty, I have enjoyed (carefully) playing it very much Uwe, I'm happy to mail it sooner if you wish.   

[uwe]

Taking it with me in October via plane is too much of a hassle, bulky as it is or did it come with a gigbag?