Maybe you're a not-too-bright individual who didn't realize how controversial this issue is on TB.
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Replica build, decals, and morality
- Thread starter Plectrum72
- Start date
Maybe you're a not-too-bright individual who didn't realize how controversial this issue is on TB.
I think Fender/Front, Warmoth/Back is the perfect compromise. It satisfies the desire to have the proper emblem to complete the look while ensuring that only a fool will confuse it with a real Fender.
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He couldn't bring his Ric; it was sent back for warranty issues.
A fellow TBer made the waterslides...This is just great! I love it!
@Plectrum72 , have you considered this idea?
WHAT?!!!
That's the problem. Not everyone is honest.
Nor did I imply as much. I said "if". We have people in this thread claiming what the OP did is fraud or counterfeit and yet he's been been very honest. Seems like a non-issue to me.
Often times it is not a problem with the person who built the bass, but the one who acquires it next. OP has no plans to sell it, which is good, but he has no idea what will happen to it later in life. Let's say, God forbid, someone steals the bass from OP. It shows up in a pawn shop or on Craigslist and some inexperienced noob (we were all one at some point) then buys it as an authentic Fender. They don't know to take the neck off, they just like the bass. The cycle continues.
One of the things OP has been very open to, and is probably a good idea, is putting a Warmoth decal on the back of the headstock and/or stamping the front of the headstock. I don't think OP is out to "get" anybody and stamping the headstock should ensure this. OP, let us know what it all looks like when you're done and thank you for answering my question about who is making the decal.
Hopkins
Commercial User
So the example you give is about a builder who was commissioned to build a few Gibsons and Fenders by the companies themselves for their clients. The guitars that were commissioned by players have a Griffin logo on the headstock. It's not a counterfeit if a company hires the guy to build it.
As far as the Gibson fakes in the second article, it clearly states that Gibson did not approve of them, and it was not "free advertising" as you say, it is counterfeiting. You also seem to have missed the part that this was all taking place in the 70s, right around the "lawsuit era" and did not mention a single modern instance of this happening.
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OP: Here's what I use to stamp my initials into necks and neck pockets (for later ID if they are ever stolen):
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Sorry, I was quickly searching for any thread on the topic from a mobile device. That's what I found and may not be a comprehensive thesis on the subject.
Exactly. Plus the OP may think he'll never sell but at this point the bass isn't even built. He may decide it's not for him.
If someone puts a fake logo on their bass, the right thing to do would be to remove the logo if or when they go to sell.
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It's because they have no quality control over the finish, the hardware, etc. that the end user adds. When I bought my Carvin kit it had the same parts Carvin uses but no logo. They don't want their name on my work.
What if Warmoth does the finish? A Warmth neck is easily as good as a Fender factory neck if not better.
Basically. They allow them to manufacture their trademarked headstock, why not just let them build Fender spec necks, put the logo on it, add a "licensed" somewhere on the headstock and profit! There's a good chance that the person building the bass is going to find a decal somewhere anyways. I'd rather pay Warmth $50 for a decal that profit would go to Fender than $10 to some dude on Etsy. Just saying that they license the headstock, which is their trademark, why not go for the logo too.
Why is this OP's concern? What if the bass is stolen and used to murder the president of the United Slaves of Earth? Should we put him in jail now or when? Like I said as long as the chain of honesty is kept everything is fine. That might include OP ensuring any potential future buyer appears legit (one that will also be honest about the history of the bass). But beyond that I don't think that should keep OP from celebrating his appreciation and love for a brand. We're talking about hypothetical events that will in all likely-hood never take place. What should take place is OP having the bass of his dreams. "Illegal" "Fender" decal or not.
