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need help with a "Signature" headstock design

hello CBGers,

I am just getting back into building after a long layoff and would like to "brand" my CBGs with a signature headstock design. Knowing that many heads are smarter than one (especially mine), I'm asking for your help.

Will you post to this discussion pictures or drawings of a unique headstock design? The only requirement is that it needs to be adaptable to any CBG using 1-4 strings. At the end of the month I'll pick one that will become the flag for the Wichita Sam CBG revival.

Oh, to encourage participation and fun, the first CBG that I build using the winning design will go to the person who offered the design. Don't hesitate to offer any design you think is cool.

Thanks,

the Best,

Wichita Sam

5 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on April 10, 2016 at 1:54pm

I've got nothin' design wise but real glad to see that you're back to building!

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 10, 2016 at 3:41pm

Thanks.

Permalink Reply by Jim_N on April 10, 2016 at 7:32pm

The “S”:
(Color it to taste)

Paint it on, Stencil it, Print it via transfer paper, Carve it if you're really feeling ambitious, use a Decal, etc., or better. IMHO, a (stained) Wood Applique:

Western-looking, 2 in a pkg:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wood-Letters-Numbers-1-1-2-Inch-2-Pkg-S-046...

$.99/2 cheap:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-1-2-Wooden-Letter-S-2-in-Pack-NEW-Unfinis...

Permalink Reply by Murdoc_420 on April 10, 2016 at 7:56pm

That's a tough call. I looked through your top 40 and you haven't seem to stick to a certain style head stock.

Quite the variety. Headstocks are kind of personal, at least if you are going with a set style.

I have an idea I'll try and mock up tomorrow, you have nice gits, I'd like one ;)

Permalink Reply by Murdoc_420 on April 11, 2016 at 11:23am

Can't say it's MY design. But I think the tornado would be a perfect maskot.

Maybe you could do the blue parts with a different color of wood inlay? It could work easily for 3-4 string.

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 11, 2016 at 3:51pm

Interesting, very interesting. Might have more time in headstock than rwst of CBG

Permalink Reply by Jim_N on April 11, 2016 at 6:20am

I like Wayfinder's idea, especially if you're going for the Old West look. Robert Killen's design is exquisite.

Custom branding letters:
https://www.google.com/search?q=custom+branding+letters&biw=151...

Letters/logos:
http://brandingirons.com/

Generic branding letters:
http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Hotstamps-Uppercase-Personaliza...

Pics: a simple “brand” made by heating a Tandy Leather stamp, and a painted, rustic signature look.

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 11, 2016 at 3:53pm

Like branding iron idea, repeatable, quick

Permalink Reply by Jim_N on April 12, 2016 at 3:30am

If you don't want to mess around flames, there are a lot of electric branding irons available, and the makers do custom designs.

(The steer skull “brand” I used was designed to be stamped into leather and not to be heated and pressed into wood, so I just hit it with a torch for a very short while.)

Coupla' electric branding irons:

http://www.rockler.com/project-supplies/wood-branding-irons?sid=V91...

http://brandingirons.com

Permalink Reply by Jim_N on April 12, 2016 at 9:09am

A coupla' thoughts on the subject~

The “K.I.S.S.” principle
From Designrfix, this pretty much says it all:

“Simple design has certain advantages over the more complicated ones. They are easier to understand, cheaper to make, and easier to fix in case there is a need to. By keeping it short and simple, you ensure that your audience isn’t unnecessarily overwhelmed and distracted from the message that you intend to convey. Sometimes, your designs are just complicated because it's a product of your understanding and not something which your customers would love. The moment you stop selling through your designs, your audience will stop relating with you.”
http://designrfix.com/design/simple-design-is-best

Also on the subject:
FWIW... I wouldn't use a(n even slightly modified) copyrighted design. With limited use, it probably wouldn't get one in copyright infringement trouble, but regardless, it's just ripping off someone else and deceiving people, not righteous things to do.

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 12, 2016 at 2:41pm

Jim,

There's a lot of truth in what you say. I'm hoping for somethinf

G that is "readable" by the audience. I may end up with a mass market design and one for craftman models.

As far as copyright issues, most headstock designs follow just a few basic forms. Logos are another issue entirely.

Thanks,

Wichita Sam

Permalink Reply by 3qt17g550yh6r on April 11, 2016 at 7:45am