Replica build, decals, and morality

[Plectrum72]

I've already made up my mind that I'm doing this, but I'm curious (and a little bored), what is the TB community's take is on this?

I'm building a Warmoth shortscale (30") replica of an 80s MIJ Fender Jazz Bass Special. I'll be adding some wood to the headstock to get the correct Fender shape. My plan is to put the Warmoth water slide decal on the back of the headstock where a s/n would normally be and Fender JBS decal on the front of the headstock.

Thoughts?

By the time I'm done, it would probably have been cheaper to buy a Jazz Bass Special, but they don't come in 30" scale

30" Scale Replica 80s Jazz Bass Special "build"

*edited to correct spelling and add link to build

 

[2saddleslab]

Yours to to with what you want but I'd go the custom decal route on front.

 

[lfmn16]

Just my two cents, but if you are building/commissioning something that isn't available, or is no longer being manufactured, or building something yourself, do what you want. If you are buying cheap Chinese junk knockoffs of basses currently in production just because they are cheap, that's a no-no.

 

[charlie monroe]

Knock yourself out.

Warmoth burns their logo into the wood parts. Zero chance of a scam down the road.

 

[Binary1]

 

[skwee]

If I was constructing a bass in any way, I'd design my own logo.

 

[abarson]

I don't get why you should be proud to put a Fender decal on something you built. Sure it's a Fender design, but they didn't build it.
Oh, and it would also reduce all the "Is this a real Fender?" postings clogging up this forum.

 

[Bodeanly]

Do whatever you want. If we let the TB community make our decisions, we would all be playing through the same frigging gear with the same flats, the same tort pickguard, and the same matching cabs.

 

[Plectrum72]

I don't get why you should be proud to put a Fender decal on something you built. Sure it's a Fender design, but they didn't build it.
Oh, and it would also reduce all the "Is this a real Fender?" postings clogging up this forum.

Not really "building" it; more like paint and assembly. Warmoth crafted the body and neck. Seymor-Duncan wound the pups. Etc., etc. Fender logo is more about replicating the look of the 80s MIJ JBS. Warmoth decal is so noone thinks it's a legit Fender (assuming they can't be bothered to remove the neck).

 

[RustyAxe]

I didn't vote ... nothing fit. But I think it's lame. I'll never understand the mentality ...

 

[Plectrum72]

I didn't vote ... nothing fit. But I think it's lame. I'll never understand the mentality ...

The mentality of building something that doesn't exist or the mentality of building a replica?

I think it's the same reason people do most things. Because they have the desire and ability to do so. Kind of the same as your decision to post in this thread

 

[bassclef112]

Do whatever you want. If we let the TB community make our decisions, we would all be playing through the same frigging gear with the same flats, the same tort pickguard, and the same matching cabs.

This.

It's yours - knock yourself out.

 

[dave64o]

It's your bass, do what you want. But since you asked .... It's not a Fender, so why represent it that way?

A year or two ago a friend of mine bought a whole bunch of parts and had a luthier assemble it for him. He was trying to come up with ideas for the head stock and I found him a Fender font, so he created his own custom "label" to put on the headstock but he used the Fender font. Since there's no way to pass it off as a Fender, I didn't see much wrong with that.

That would enable you to replicate the look while making it clear it's not the "real thing".

 

[chadds]

Do whatever you want. If we let the TB community make our decisions, we would all be playing through the same frigging gear with the same flats, the same tort pickguard, and the same matching cabs.

I resemble that remark. My SVT & fridge (the only bass amp in the known universe) has a tort pickguard.

 

[CatSquare]

I think it's totally bizarre to emblazon a product name onto something that isn't the actual genuine product. The bass is special, not the name.

 

[Plectrum72]

Snip...

That would enable you to replicate the look while making it clear it's not the "real thing".

I would think having the Warmoth decal on the back of the headstock (not to mention it being burned into the base of the neck and the neck pocket) would make it clear in all but the most cursory of examinations.

In fairness to your suggestion though, I did consider the Fender font to spell Funder (since playing bass is fun and I sink my spare funds into bass gear). Fander was also a consideration because I'm a fan of the JBS.

 

[Plectrum72]

I think it's totally bizarre to emblazon a product name onto something that isn't the actual genuine product. The bass is special, not the name.

Taking the thought one step further; it is bizarre that most of us are walking billboards for corporations via the products we use/wear and their prominent placement of logos. However, I'll concede it would be a pain in the rear to remove logos and branding from everything I own.

 

[CatSquare]

Taking the thought one step further; it is bizarre that most of us are walking billboards for corporations via the products we use/wear and their prominent placement of logos. However, I'll concede it would be a pain in the rear to remove logos and branding from everything I own.

No not really.
When i wear a band shirt or one with a particular design, I'm not saying "i am this band or brand", I'm saying, "i like this band/design". The headstock decal is a product identifier, and applying it to something that isn't that product is a bit... Dissonant?

 

[Plectrum72]

So if I wear a Fender t-shirt, I'm saying I like Fender, but if I make a bass that says Fender (when I clearly mark the reverse of the headstock as Warmoth) then I am being dissonant instead of saying I like Fender? :confused

 

[gln1955]

If the Warmoth 30" necks were Fender authorized and had the traditional Fender headstock, I could see doing that. Fender OK's Warmth 34" necks with the traditional headstock so, to me, a Fender logo is appropriate as long as it can still be identified as a Warmoth licensed neck. If Fender doesn't want a Fender logo on their licensed necks, it's a bit inconsistent on their part, so screw 'em. But, since the 30"necks are not a Fender design, I would not go to the trouble rebuilding the headstock to look like a Fender and I would not put a Fender logo on it. But's just me.