• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Who can design a headstock shape?

BeSharp

BeSharp

May 17, 2011
159
3
Annapolis, MD
#1
Hi. I'm preparing to do a custom parts bass and I'm working with USACG. They have an option to do one-off headstock shapes according to my design.

Unfortunately, I'm artistically challenged so I'm wondering if any luthiers in the group can recommend or help me with a custom headstock shape for a semi-traditional 4 and 5 string model that will look somewhat Fender-ish without violating any copyrights.

Any input appreciated.

Thanks.
 
#4
I'm basically doing my take on a cross between a vintage Fender 5 string Jazz and a Sadowsky. It'll be rounded with a smaller body like a Sadowsky J with pretty flame maple top and tobacco burst finish.

I really want to hint at it being a Fender shaped headstock but with my own twist on it. Still very traditional and rounded like the Fender but enough deviation to stay clear of lawsuits.

I have a pdf of fender headstocks if you'd like me to email it to you. I want to have 2 designs but they'll be the same size. One for a 4 string and one for a 5 string but the 5 string would be 4 tuners on one side and one on the bottom like the Fender 5's.
 
#5
BeSharp said:
I'm basically doing my take on a cross between a vintage Fender 5 string Jazz and a Sadowsky. It'll be rounded with a smaller body like a Sadowsky J with pretty flame maple top and tobacco burst finish.

I really want to hint at it being a Fender shaped headstock but with my own twist on it. Still very traditional and rounded like the Fender but enough deviation to stay clear of lawsuits.

I have a pdf of fender headstocks if you'd like me to email it to you. I want to have 2 designs but they'll be the same size. One for a 4 string and one for a 5 string but the 5 string would be 4 tuners on one side and one on the bottom like the Fender 5's.
Click to expand...

Ok, got it, so 4 and 5 will be the same size, do you want any deviations between the two? And i should be fine with the fender headstocks, got a squier of my own and the internet :P Oh the wonders of the internet. But yeah, i'll start working on them, hopefully you like them :D
 
#7
BeSharp said:
Yep. 4 and 5 the same size. No deviations. Question -- are you doing this for fun and to help me (which would be awesome)? Or is there a fee? If so please let me know before you invest any time. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

For fun, i would just love the fact of a design of mine actually being incorporated in someone's actual bass :D Hopefully, though, when i'm older, i can make this into some sort of profession. That would be the life *sigh*
 
#9
So, just as a very quick sketch, this is what i got. If you like it, great, if not, i just like to have something to work with, so just tell me which parts you want to keep and which i should change, or if i should start over. I tried to incorporate your sadowsky with fender design into it, so the top part is more sadowsky, though it's not as rounded as a traditional fender.
headstockdesign1.jpg
 
#16
Isn't USACG a licensed fender replacement parts dealer??? They're allowed to make the exact same headstock that is on fenders.... Long as you're not putting a fender decal on it, you'll be fine.

They don't break down doors just to bust people that are putting their shape on parts basses. I have a parts P that has a squier neck with the decal taken off and the Feds aren't coming to gigs to smash my headstock to pieces.
 
#17
Unfortunately USACG is not licensed to use the Fender shape. And even if they were I'd still like to make something that will be "mine" instead of a Fender clone with nicer wood and parts.

I asked USACG and the will make me any shape but Fender.
 
#19
BeSharp said:
Kind of what I meant. I have a CAD drawing from Fender that'll give you the exact dimensions of bass heads. It would be easy to trace that and then modify it. I'll see if I can PM you with an attachment.
Click to expand...

I suppose it's not much use to you now, but might as well post it, i drew it to scale. Sorry I couldn't be much help, but the people have spoken, and they know better than me
Headstockdesign2.jpg
 
#20
Thanks facepalmmaster -- that's a really great job. I like it. Maybe it's different enough that I can now tweak it to be different than the ones that have a similar shape to this - e.g. the GFX and SX basses.

Do any of you other TB'ers know of any makers who have similar headstock shapes to this one?

I'm thinking I could elongate the lower part a bit and make the nose a little less pronounced and I might have something workable. What do you all think?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back