How do you write your brand on the neck?

NickInMesa · #1 02-25-2009, 05:03 PM

For my first "build" I want to put my name on the neck.

I think it will be a nice touch, and I also happen to have an overly complicated Flemish names (if you need some H's and E's, let me know), I suppose I need to publicize it.

What method do you use? What if I write it, scan it and work it a little in Corel (or whatever) and print it, what should I print it on, what type of printer? (I own an Inkjet).

And of course I suppose I will have to apply some finish over it?

Thanks a bunch!!!

wilser · #2 02-25-2009, 05:17 PM

Kevin Brubaker just hand signs with marker!

NickInMesa · #3 02-25-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilser

Kevin Brubaker just hand signs with marker!

That's hardcore.

Can you sniff the headstock and get high on marker ink?

BassBilodeau · #4 02-25-2009, 05:37 PM

I use laser carved wood plate with my brand name on.

I go to a trophy maker for this. I bring the wood and my file on a USB memory and it cost me 10$ each.

Then I glue and screw the name plate on the headstock.

**Rodent** · #5 02-25-2009, 05:42 PM

I used to simply hand-sign the rear side of the headstock with a Sharpie pernament marker.

I then moved to using ink-jet printed model decals when applying TruOil finishes, but my first experience using this kind of a decal with a spray poly finish was less than appealing as you can see the 'not totally clear' decal paper when the light is just right (it was especially bad when applied over a darker wood veneer as seen here)

thanks to a very gifted graphic artist, I was able to have a custom logo created and then decals proofed and printed at a well respected print shop. I now have these embedded in the sprayed poly finish and am totally satisfied with the results

sure, it wasn't cheap - definitely not something affordable for a single headstock - but the results are one of those small things that sets it apart from many others

all the best,

R

Stone Age · #6 02-25-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilser

Kevin Brubaker just hand signs with marker!

Wonder if I could get away with that. I've got nothing at the moment. That is so cool.

vbasscustom · #7 02-25-2009, 06:37 PM

well, i usually use wood dust. i carve in the logo on the head. and then i take a contrasting wood and make some fine dust with like 400 grit paper, and mix it with a little clear model glue, epoxy works too, and just smear it into the carving. sand away the extra, and TADA... logo

scottyd · #8 02-25-2009, 06:48 PM

I use the second method like what Rodent mentioned, ink jet decals. I've managed to get most of them to hide well under the finish coats but it's a real pain in the butt. Even getting the thin decal in place with out wrinkles, bubbles or smudging the ink takes a lot of patience, lets just say I've ripped more then one off and started over......I probably go through 3-4 per bass until I'm satisfied.

Rodent what kind of material did your print shop use for your newest logos?

Bassamatic · #9 02-25-2009, 06:48 PM

The same way you can have custom decals made, you can also have custom rub-off logos made. Place the sheet over the head, rub it on and seal under the clear finish.

I don't know if there is some advantage to either method, but you can make any graphic this way - even color.

Brad Johnson · #10 02-25-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilser

Kevin Brubaker just hand signs with marker!

AFAIK Kevin uses paint pens. Big fun.

He hand-signs all of his US basses. Not exactly a timesaver.

tjclem · #11 02-25-2009, 07:47 PM

I have thin pieces of wood taken to a laser engraver he will do 10-15 on each piece. I then spray the blank with clear poly to seal the wood. Then I spray with Black Lacquer. This gets the black down in the laser engraved part. I fill the engraved part with System 3 mirror coat. That is sanded back to flat. I then use a Tenon bit to cut out the circle shaped logo.

On the headstock I use a 1" Foshner bit to make a 5 mm deep circle. The wooden logo is then glued into the pocket. From then on it is just treated like the rest of the headstock.t

jordan_frerichs · #12 02-25-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassBilodeau

I use laser carved wood plate with my brand name on.

I go to a trophy maker for this. I bring the wood and my file on a USB memory and it cost me 10$ each.

Then I glue and screw the name plate on the headstock.

hmm. i didn't think of that. i thought i would lazer cut a template, and paint it. anyone know what type of paint to use for logos

**Basschair** · #13 02-25-2009, 10:49 PM

I'll be adding this to one of the stickies in the morning...

Edit: done.

Dirk Diggler · #14 02-26-2009, 05:30 PM

Well for the past few basses I have a laser cutter nearby that takes my logo and laser etches into the material. Then he cuts 1" disks out of whatever material. It works great with MOP but you have to darken the cut. However the reclaimed Ivory requires no blackening after. Same with wood too, but you have to try a few of each material to contol the depth or cut. It's really just like a cool printer.

The cool thing with the laser cutter is you make one color for the cut and another color for the logo, then he tells the laser x amount of power for each color. And it's so damn fun to watch too! Oh yeah then it's just a matter of a 1" Forstner bit for the slight hole.
Dirk

Son of Magni · #15 02-26-2009, 05:40 PM

Water-slide decals printed on my printer. After pore filling the headstock I apply the decal then build up finish until it's level.

debassr · #16 02-26-2009, 05:50 PM

I designed logos for one of the top 10 ad agencies in the US, if anyone wants me to whip out a design for em, I'd do it free of charge for my TB brethren.

Dirk Diggler · #17 02-26-2009, 07:13 PM

Wow what a generous offer debassr, if I didn't already have mine I would do it in a heartbeat.
Hats off to you and I hope somebody takes you up on that.
That is such a cool thing to do, and yet another reason I love TB.

Dirk

Brad Johnson · #18 02-26-2009, 08:04 PM

A very cool thing indeed.

Quadzilla · #19 06-24-2009, 04:03 PM

Howdy all,

So I have a 1992 Fender '62RI body (MIA) and I just bought an All Parts (Licensed By Fender) neck. I have a Fender Jazz logo decal I want to put on the headstock. Before any of you bash this, again, it's a real Fender body and a Licensed neck (which means Fender was paid and got "their cut"

!

Anyway, the neck is finished in poly (as is the headstock). So do I put the decal on the poly finish as it is (no sanding to the finish) and then apply more coats of poly over it OR do I sand the headstock before applying the decal and then apply the additional coats of poly?

If I do have to sand first, what grit (or "grits" is using more than one grit) of sandpaper should I get?

Thanks!

debassr · #20 06-28-2009, 10:24 PM

I can't understand why luthiers don't screenprint the logo onto the headstock and then clear it instead of using decals - the clear parts of which can yellow or darken over time.