No pix yet, however...
Finishing up the binding on guitar #4 last night, even though #3 is still awaiting finishing, tuners, and setup. It occured to me that this one is turning out pretty good, it's a 12 fret 000 EIR/Adi.
In fact both these guitars, both slot head 12 fret 000's, a EIR/Adi, and a Sapele/Euro, have turned out so well (so far) that I've decided to start putting my name on my instruments as of #5 (which, having said that will probably be a dud, ha ha).
I've avoided putting my name on my guitars, except for signing the underside of the top, 'cause I figured that in 10 or 20 years I might cringe at the thought of having my first few guitars out in the world with my name proudly (or otherwise) displayed.
So now I'm thinking about a logo and a label. Anyone out there in ANZLF land got any leads on this type of thing? I'm after a font library I guess where I can try out various fonts for my headstock logo, and label. Actually any ideas about how to go about this would be a big help.
Cheers,
Paul
Getting better at this guitar building thing...
That's very clever Matthew. I like it. !
Paul, did you have initials in mind for your headstock or full name ?
I've hunted through fonts on a few occasions ,but never found what I really liked ( Google) , and ended up with something I designed myself . The initials P B lend itself well to an overlay . ( P over the B ) . " Burns " probably has some sort of copyright.
I dunno mate , it's quite frustrating coming up with a logo. You could pay an expert to come up with something , but it would cost you a quid and you may not like it anyway. Besides, that would take the fun and artistic imagination out of it.
Just start doodling on a piece of paper with various ideas that come into your mind, and muck around with them. You'll eventually come up with something.
Cheers and good luck , Craig
Paul, did you have initials in mind for your headstock or full name ?
I've hunted through fonts on a few occasions ,but never found what I really liked ( Google) , and ended up with something I designed myself . The initials P B lend itself well to an overlay . ( P over the B ) . " Burns " probably has some sort of copyright.
I dunno mate , it's quite frustrating coming up with a logo. You could pay an expert to come up with something , but it would cost you a quid and you may not like it anyway. Besides, that would take the fun and artistic imagination out of it.
Just start doodling on a piece of paper with various ideas that come into your mind, and muck around with them. You'll eventually come up with something.
Cheers and good luck , Craig
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Paul B
I like it too.
I also made the connection with the chemical symbol for lead, but Matt's taken it further. Maybe a stylized version of that symbol....
Craig I can't use my full name 'cause there's already a Burns guitars.
I was actually thinking of "Ducks Nuts Guitars", But I was kinda wasted when I came up with that.
I also made the connection with the chemical symbol for lead, but Matt's taken it further. Maybe a stylized version of that symbol....
Craig I can't use my full name 'cause there's already a Burns guitars.
I was actually thinking of "Ducks Nuts Guitars", But I was kinda wasted when I came up with that.
One of the functions of a marketing division for a large corporation is to research logos and product names to avoid infringing on the copywrited material of others and likewise avoid future litigation.
In addition companies will examine logos from the point of view of is there anything about this logo that some smart ass can spin to use it against us. For example does it rhyme with words that the company does not wish to be associated with...... Or does the name or logo imply something less than desirable to some people - either on a conscience or subconscience level.
The chemical symbol for lead implies "heavy" which if you were going to go big time with your brand would not be a good thing for a guitar brand.
But on the other hand - what do I know.....
And since I don't have a better suggestion and hate people who put things down without offering a viable alternative please just disregard this entire post.....
In addition companies will examine logos from the point of view of is there anything about this logo that some smart ass can spin to use it against us. For example does it rhyme with words that the company does not wish to be associated with...... Or does the name or logo imply something less than desirable to some people - either on a conscience or subconscience level.
The chemical symbol for lead implies "heavy" which if you were going to go big time with your brand would not be a good thing for a guitar brand.
But on the other hand - what do I know.....
And since I don't have a better suggestion and hate people who put things down without offering a viable alternative please just disregard this entire post..... -
sebastiaan56
- Blackwood
- Posts: 1279
- Joined: Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:23 am
- Location: Blue Mountains
Paul,
Since Bees Knees is already taken, I like Ducks Nuts. BTW you can use your name as long as it cant be confused with another brand. That is if you are establishing a brand. Consumer Affairs has an online database of registered trade marks for OZ. If you want worldwide I know a lawyer in Homebush who specialises in trademarks stuff. But it aint cheap. Depends a bit on your business plan.
Most importantly is the congrats for making something you want to associate with. Im finishing #2 at the moment and can already see the improvements over #1. Maybe I can get good at this gig as well.
Since Bees Knees is already taken, I like Ducks Nuts. BTW you can use your name as long as it cant be confused with another brand. That is if you are establishing a brand. Consumer Affairs has an online database of registered trade marks for OZ. If you want worldwide I know a lawyer in Homebush who specialises in trademarks stuff. But it aint cheap. Depends a bit on your business plan.
Most importantly is the congrats for making something you want to associate with. Im finishing #2 at the moment and can already see the improvements over #1. Maybe I can get good at this gig as well.
make mine fifths........
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Paul B
Thanks guys,
Arnt, your logo is one of the ones I look at and say to myself "why can't I come up with something as cool as that?" it's perfect, in my opinion. Sort of diminutive and not in your face, but the instruments you find it on are exceptional (at least from the pix I've seen). Exactly what's needed.
Matt, you idea is really cool, I'm gonna play around with that one on my doodle pad and see what I come up with. It does fit with my current line of work too. Works on several levels I guess.
Heshtone, I never disregard one of your posts, well, some of your posts (
) I've also been thinking of the marketing angle a lot. I like "Ducks Nuts" in this regard 'cause it is kinda crass and should apeal to my target market of "in-your-face" Aussie blues musos. But it don't have a whole lot of elegance about it, which is in direct opositition to the guitars I'm trying to build. So I'm thinking it's not a goer.
Still haven't ruled out going to a pro, as long as I can find a mate who is, or has a mate, in that line of work. Seems to be the way I operate these days, find someone I can get mates rates off, even if I have to go drywall their lounge room in exchange. And Mr Taxman doesn't have to know
Arnt, your logo is one of the ones I look at and say to myself "why can't I come up with something as cool as that?" it's perfect, in my opinion. Sort of diminutive and not in your face, but the instruments you find it on are exceptional (at least from the pix I've seen). Exactly what's needed.
Matt, you idea is really cool, I'm gonna play around with that one on my doodle pad and see what I come up with. It does fit with my current line of work too. Works on several levels I guess.
Heshtone, I never disregard one of your posts, well, some of your posts (
) I've also been thinking of the marketing angle a lot. I like "Ducks Nuts" in this regard 'cause it is kinda crass and should apeal to my target market of "in-your-face" Aussie blues musos. But it don't have a whole lot of elegance about it, which is in direct opositition to the guitars I'm trying to build. So I'm thinking it's not a goer.Still haven't ruled out going to a pro, as long as I can find a mate who is, or has a mate, in that line of work. Seems to be the way I operate these days, find someone I can get mates rates off, even if I have to go drywall their lounge room in exchange. And Mr Taxman doesn't have to know
Hi Paul
I’ve been down the have a professional logo design the road a couple of times now with organisations I’m involved with, and can’t say I’ve been happy with the trip. Apart from the cringe I experience at a ‘not for profit’ handing over $6000 the first time and $8000 last time, I didn’t like anything they put forward. Also, the logos didn’t take and were changed in a year to something put forward by staff or volunteers. I think the problem was that the people that do this stuff for a living are focused on corporations and mass consumers, so not in the same headspace as the cultural fringe we deal with. In hindsight I think it would have been much more useful to invest this money in advertising and promotional materials. Look at the world’s most recognisable logo; it is just a big yellow M… the reason it works is because they spend millions advertising it.
That said, I like Matthew’s idea, would be a nice simple inlay to do or make a hot brand for and would look cool with very little extra stylising.
I’ve been down the have a professional logo design the road a couple of times now with organisations I’m involved with, and can’t say I’ve been happy with the trip. Apart from the cringe I experience at a ‘not for profit’ handing over $6000 the first time and $8000 last time, I didn’t like anything they put forward. Also, the logos didn’t take and were changed in a year to something put forward by staff or volunteers. I think the problem was that the people that do this stuff for a living are focused on corporations and mass consumers, so not in the same headspace as the cultural fringe we deal with. In hindsight I think it would have been much more useful to invest this money in advertising and promotional materials. Look at the world’s most recognisable logo; it is just a big yellow M… the reason it works is because they spend millions advertising it.
That said, I like Matthew’s idea, would be a nice simple inlay to do or make a hot brand for and would look cool with very little extra stylising.
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matthew
- Blackwood
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:16 pm
- Location: Sydney, Inner West
- Contact:
PB, you are a HEAVYWEIGHT in the local guitar making scene.
Your opinion carries WEIGHT too, and you are always ready to take the LEAD.
You are ready to PLUMB the depths of this site for knowledge, and you'll laugh at any BUM smiley posted here.
The clients will bite, hook line and SINKER
Go on, bite the BULLET, its perfect.
PS you could always cast you own small lead button to inlay into the headstock, with a MOP outline.
Your opinion carries WEIGHT too, and you are always ready to take the LEAD.
You are ready to PLUMB the depths of this site for knowledge, and you'll laugh at any BUM smiley posted here.
The clients will bite, hook line and SINKER
Go on, bite the BULLET, its perfect.
PS you could always cast you own small lead button to inlay into the headstock, with a MOP outline.
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ozziebluesman
- Blackwood
- Posts: 1529
- Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2007 9:12 am
- Location: Townsville
- Contact:
Gee wiz Matthew, you are the lateral thinker. I love it!! I finished a Uke just recently and showed one of my students the finished instrument. He said brilliant Alan, where's your logo!!!! Hmmmmm, haven't got one.
So i'm a music teacher, blues musician and life long music addict along with my new passion, building guitars. My initials are AH. So do you have any suggestions for a logo for me?
Cheers
Alan
So i'm a music teacher, blues musician and life long music addict along with my new passion, building guitars. My initials are AH. So do you have any suggestions for a logo for me?
Cheers
Alan
Matthew also the guitars could be outsourced and built in China and painted with lead paint.....
James I completely agree with you regarding enlisting the pros for marketing and logo assistance. Even though "branding" was much of what I did for a living for many years I am of the belief that NO ONE knows more about where and how one wishes to position their own product more then they do..... Now if we as individuals have the artistic talent to bring a good logo to life is another matter. But before one hired a professional marketing organization for logo and branding assistance I would strongly recommend knowing in advance nearly exactly what you want and communicating this to the folks that you hire.
Our own Billy is working on my branding and logo for me and I am thrilled with what he has done so far for me. As you all know he is as creative as they come and with his own extensive knowledge of guitars and what he appreciates he is no stranger to our industry. You might want to ask Billy for his input.
James I completely agree with you regarding enlisting the pros for marketing and logo assistance. Even though "branding" was much of what I did for a living for many years I am of the belief that NO ONE knows more about where and how one wishes to position their own product more then they do..... Now if we as individuals have the artistic talent to bring a good logo to life is another matter. But before one hired a professional marketing organization for logo and branding assistance I would strongly recommend knowing in advance nearly exactly what you want and communicating this to the folks that you hire.
Our own Billy is working on my branding and logo for me and I am thrilled with what he has done so far for me. As you all know he is as creative as they come and with his own extensive knowledge of guitars and what he appreciates he is no stranger to our industry. You might want to ask Billy for his input.
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Grant Goltz
- Gidgee
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:44 am
But on the other hand, do not hesitate to use your name if you wish. It matters not that there is another brand using that name. If it is your name, you have a legal right to use it. Just make the logo look different.
Just go to a phone book and see how many "Jones Plumbing" listings you can find, for instance.
But you may need to find another way to set your self apart.
Grant
Just go to a phone book and see how many "Jones Plumbing" listings you can find, for instance.
But you may need to find another way to set your self apart.
Grant
I may hesitate to use my name though "Taylor"...for fear of being crushed like a bug.Grant Goltz wrote:But on the other hand, do not hesitate to use your name if you wish. It matters not that there is another brand using that name. If it is your name, you have a legal right to use it. Just make the logo look different.
Just go to a phone book and see how many "Jones Plumbing" listings you can find, for instance.
But you may need to find another way to set your self apart.
Grant
gratay wrote:I may hesitate to use my name though "Taylor"...for fear of being crushed like a bug.Grant Goltz wrote:But on the other hand, do not hesitate to use your name if you wish. It matters not that there is another brand using that name. If it is your name, you have a legal right to use it. Just make the logo look different.
Just go to a phone book and see how many "Jones Plumbing" listings you can find, for instance.
But you may need to find another way to set your self apart.
Grant
I've also been trying to come up with something distinctive that I can put on all my creations. (Beer and spirit bottles, amps, and guitars). Mostly, I've been playing around with my initials, JF. But I'm hampered by my lack of design and software knowledge. Where do you get good font libraries from? Is there an easy to use (and free) design program out there that can be recommended?
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