[Opinion] Using Artists Custom Models

If you have an artist guitar, that artist is literally not going to care what you play on it. In fact, the more and different stuff you play, the better. The respect is automatic when you choose to buy the artist model.
That said, I’m not a fan of overly “personalized” artist models, and I’m sorry to say, that includes Syn’s models. The logos, inlays, and pinstripes are all definitive Syn, and as a musician, I just don’t want to be tied to that – not to the expectations, the comparisons, etc. If I’m going to buy an artist model, I prefer one that’s more subtle. The Ibanez Jem is about as far as I would go – and even that, if it was the “vai” and not the “jem” and said so on the body, that would push it over the line for me. I like the PRS Tremontis – it’s just a really solid, beautiful single-cut. Even if you’re not a Mark Tremonti fan, you can still be a fan of the guitar. Nita Strauss’ new Jiva, same thing – it’s just a really nice Ibanez. It doesn’t say “NITA” all over it, and it’s not otherwise super-identifiable. I’m not really a fan, but I’d play the guitar.
Who knows, maybe the line I really draw is at the identifiable paint job? Syn, Zakk – both VERY closely identified with how their guitars are painted.
It could be that simple. Never gave it too much thought.
But I do NOT think it’s disrespectful to play another artist’s music on your signature model. No way.