Tape Over Logos

[Old Blastard]

I'm not good enough to need to cover logos on my equipment, although the manufacturers might want me to....

 

[Nephilymbass]

What do you think of pros putting electrical tape over the logos in their instruments? To me it reads as “They’re not paying me so I’m not giving them any exposure.” And the corolary on their same gear where you can read the logo, “You can read this logo only because they’re paying me.” So, it doesn’t have much impact to me. Personally, I’ve had opportunities to do a few endorsements but always passed. I’ve received a few discounts in the past (minor) but I play what I play because I like it. IT allows me to afford the gear I want and I don’t feel like I have an obligation to play anything other than what’s best for the gig.

#AlienAudio #Mesa #Ampeg #Fender

I’ve seen people tape over names on headstocks and even badges on Amps and cabs. I’m sure there’s a variety of reasons. I remember seeing that kind of thing all the way back to Deftones Music video for Bored where they had logos covered

1 maybe they want people to listen to their music instead of talking about their gear and how much it cost. Seen that a lot with people who play affordable brands like Squier and LTD.

2 don’t like the font. My guitar player has a collection of ESP guitars (6 or 7 I think, he typically brings 3 or 4 to gigs) . He taped off the logo on one of his old ones because he didn’t like the font on it which is a different font than his newer ESPs

3 I’ve heard some do it because of endorsements, either because they don’t have an endorsement and don’t want to promote a brand or to cover up a logo for a different brand to avoid losing an endorsement or something. Endorsements are a touchy subject for some people. From my experience endorsements from new companies is a cool way for them to get the word out and for musicians to get discounts which are nice. To be honest there’s a lot of players who are endorsed by big brands that are absolutely terrible imo, I’m guessing they just happen to meet the requirements and it seems like the one requirement most big brands have that a lot of people don’t meet is playing at least 100 shows per year. I know my band only plays up to 30 shows a year now. We’re not Popular enough to play 100 shows and not basically blow all the money fromdecent paying gigs on gas and stuff for the bad gigs.

 

[BioDriver]

From what I've been told it's most often done to either avoid paying license fees or if you have an endorsement/contract with one brand and you're using a competitor's for whatever reason. One of my friends' bandmates endorses Yamaha but had to borrow a telecaster for one of his gigs, complete with painter's tape over the headstock and back plate. There weren't any major publication photos of him playing - mostly Facebook photos with him in the background - but he didn't want to run the risk of someone at Yamaha recognizing him playing on a Fender guitar.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I usually take the logo off my cabs.
recently I taped over the bright blue light on my shuttle 9.0. that thing is just too bright!
then I taped over the light my delay pedal for my synth rig, again, too bright and blinky!

 

[Clef_de_fa]

to me it is like putting sticker ... it gives that Punk image

 

[Fxpmusic]

I used to work for a well known software controller manufacturer. We were once approached my Nine Inch Nails about some of the controllers. A discount was given and one of my co workers got to take the gear to their rehearsal. A couple of weeks later, their tour manager sent us an awesome video from the tour. Taken from the stage and Trent Reznor singing and playing the keyboard. On the brand logo, huge black tape! The marketing side of my brain was bummed, my punk rock heart thought it was super cool lol.

 

[mikeoso]

Bill Monroe took a jack knife to the logo on his 1923 Gibson F-5 mando...now that guy meant it...screw tape, let's just eradicate the sucker.

 

[bassbully]

I always assumed there was a specific provision in their endorsement agreement that they could use other equipment if they choose but would need to cover the brand markings.

^ correcto. If you are indorsed to use other brands you are usally required to cover the other brands logo.I don’t really care but I would not also indorse a product if I was a pro player and they were not paying to represent the brand.

 

[Marko 1]

I never minded the logos on my instruments/gear since they're decent brands. I did clean the “Squier” off the headstock of the Squier neck I had to put on my MIM Fender Jazz, and then the Squier VM-P5 because I'm an insecure, shallow SOB who apparently cares what strangers might think...

 

[JimmyM]

I'll take an endorsement deal any time as long as it's stuff I like. Getting a discount isn't worth using gear you don't like.

As for tape, never had to worry about it.

 

[Wesley R]

I'm not good enough to need to cover logos on my equipment, although the manufacturers might want me to....

I hear you!

 

[jaybones]

Heard about the early days of professional tennis, when the players weren't making great money. There were 2 shirt manufacturers, Polo and another one.

A certain player would find out which factory rep from which company would be at a match and purposefully wear the competitor's shirts.

Then he would insure a couple of that reps shirts would be delivered to him.

For me, I can recognize pretty much most mainstream headstocks and amps. Put a piece of tape over Fender, and I'll still recognize it as a Fender. Ditto Marshall. Put a black piece of rigger's tape across the logo and I'll still know it's a Marshall.

 

[River Runner]

Warning - Mandolin content follows:
Bill Monroe had a falling out with Gibson and he scratched the Gibson logo (the actual inlay) out of his headstock (just the top layer of the headstock sold at auction for $37,000 probably bring a million dollars next time)

 

[40Hz]

IMO That big honkin’ silver Aguilar logo they put on their pickups begs to be taped over purely for visual aesthetics if nothing else.

 

[RBrownBass]

No problems with logos here. I paid my money for a ____________, so I don't mind if people know it's a ___________________. When I build with Warmoth parts, I use their sticker. I'm glad someone manufactures parts for me to use in my builds, and I'm not opposed to giving them credit for that.

What I AM somewhat opposed to are mid-level manufacturers who do stuff that won't let you get away from their aesthetic. That REALLY bugs me with basses, so I don't much buy their stuff. Lakland, Warwick, Spector, Ric, G&L, Music Man and Alembic w/their proprietary bridges, preamps and other stuff? Fine. Ibanez, ESP, Washburn, Samick... I don't need your aesthetic on stage. Please use generic hardware and quit designing your own inlays. Just give me a solid bass I can mod for cheap, like SX does.

 

[Woofer]

Always figured it was an affectation for folks that want to appear "anti-establishment." Nobody really cares what gear you play, only if it sounds good.

 

[DanAdams]

I cover logos on many items. I choose to not brand myself.

 

[Lesfunk]

I do it so other players won’t know I’m using a jazz bass

 

[Fender_Bender]

If you want to be playing “incognito “ then don’t buy a Sandberg. Not unless you have stock in a tape making factory . I counted their 4 dot logo on something like 6 different places on pics people have posted here.

 

[BrickBatMansion]

Ive got no problems with logo's. The gear I'm playing thru is not there by accident. If you want to tape, rock on. I think when you tape it , you just draw more attention to it. Except for endorsement deals, why bother? It can be a bit pretentious......... Tape over a fender headstock logo is just begging for somebody to ask you "what is that?"

Google a pic of KISS or Judas Priest live. Now picture them with tape over ALL of those logo's. I would cry.