The Steel Guitar Forum

The fret dots are awesome!

I think just the scales would make a great logo option as well, but it is a great looking instrument! Nice work!

"Sodamayor Custom"...

Db

Steve Norman wrote:
I think just the scales would make a great logo option as well, but it is a great looking instrument! Nice work!

I was just about to post the exact same thing. The scales by themselves would say everything that needs to be said and would look much much better. If I was a builder and my surname could be so easily represented by a wordless and meaningful logo, I'd take full advantage of it.

hmmm, thats a great idea...

Db

I like the look of these (a bit rainsy in a way). I've played then in Dallas, Very nice guitars. I look forward to my holiday and seeing you and Fred in St Louis. I love the diagonal split mica, its really effective. Fred, the logo is fine, its your symbol so keep it. See you soon. Please introduce me to Keith Hilton.. Keith White needs that 12V supply for his pedal that my dog TEXAS chewed up!! (Ha).

I saw there was a fire at the hotel in the kitchens? Can I still get a steak? Probably well done I reckon.

David

David,(a bit rainsy in a way). A lot of people don't know it but Fred built a lot of the early bodys for Bob Rains. He built mine and did a surperb job on it. I got mine in January, 2006. By the way David, I just talked to Fred and he said that he built the body on your slate grey one also! Ray

Hi Fred,
As always your guitars look and sound great!!! That color scheme with the black and woodgrain is very similar to what you and I talked about when i was at your shop. I Love It!!!

Guys, the quality of Fred's work is top notch!!! It is absolutely right up there with Emmons, Mullen, Franklin and Zum! It might even surpass one or more of them... It is one of the most thought out mechanical systems I have ever seen!!! Not to mention that Fred is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet!!! And his wife makes an excellent meat loaf, LOL...

I am going to be working in the Phoenix area between November and May and I am going to do everything I can to purchase one of these fine guitars!!! D-10 preferred, Logo and all!!!

God Bless,
Michael T.

Fred is a fine man, a fine friend and a wonderful player. He builds a great steel. I had the opportunity to try one in Dallas this year.

jc

PS I think the logo looks nice, too.

Congratulations Fred on the introduction of a fine looking axe, wishing you great success. By the way, I love the Logo but it should say "TONY" instead of that other name

I understand brother Fred is coming out with a great new snap on accessory soon---A holder for a road runner samich and a drink. -

Boys I just wanted to come on her and tell you all how much I appreciate your positive comments on my new Justice steel guitar. I look forward to seeing a lot of you in St.Lois and hope you can stop by our booth and play one of our guitars. God bless you all and thanks again for your support.

I'm a graphic designer, so my opinion on logos is informed and counts more than most!

I'm glad to see a new logo that DOESN'T use that tired Modern script (think Emmons, Mullen, others).

The scales functioning as the "t" is clever.

While personally I think the size is a tad large and what we call in the industry "horsey"...on the other hand, from across the room, or in a TV show, the bigger the logo is the better, as far as brand recognition. That's something that too few builders take into consideration.

I haven't played Fred's steels yet, but knowing him, they're amazing. Keep up the good work, Fred! And great playing, too.

I think what John ,the resident designer said , makes great sense.

When we walk into a club or watch TV , we see a guy with a Tele , a Strat or a Les Paul shaped axe and can make a fairly accurate guess as to what brand instrument the kats are playing without even seeing the headstock.

From 50 feet away every Steel guitar looks exactly the same so perhaps with a large logo Fred is an innovator, people will see the Justice name and maybe from now on from 50 feet away they will say " Hey, looks like a Justice up there "...

Gold Jerry, that's Gold....

t

"There's finally Justice in the world!"

or,

"There's finally Justice in the steel guitar world!"

Fred, slogan ideas are yours if you like 'em!

One more thought following Tony's comments:

Even though the Emmons logo portrays the brand name in a fairly overused script font (it's actually called "Modern Script"); it's that v-shaped chevron that, from really far away, is instantly recognizable, and gives the logo its zing. Both the word and the chevron are very common, nothing special there, but the combo has a classy look, which leads most of us to conclude that Emmons is a classy brand of pedal steel, and moreso when it's black.

For Fred's guitars, the big letters and the scales image provide the same kind of visual identify benefits.

Couple of rules of thumb in branding: if you can, own a color; and own a shape. The shape of the Fender headstock is probably a trademark they own, because that exact shape telegraphs "Fender" to most musicians, just as much as the printed logo does. But the headstock is easy to see from afar.

A lot of other builders look very similar to the Fender headstock, but cannot exactly duplicate it for legal reasons.

If anyone else is considering starting up a music manufacturing line and needs help with corporate identity and branding, I do consulting! This post is a freebie for all to enjoy.

I have to agree with my old friend, John McClung, about the logo (a tad bit large but the scales are classic). My only complaint is the the white logo against the natural wood finish. Not easy to see. I would have probably gone with a black logo for that. I hate to say this, but that would keep me from buying the guitar. But then, I would probably buy a solid color guitar anyway.

I wish Fred the best of luck with his guitars. They look like top notch instruments.

EDIT: I want to clarify that I am not saying I don't like the logo. I think it's one of the more inventive and eye appealing logos I have seen on a steel. My comment was strictly concerning the white logo on the natural finish which is very hard to see. My comment about not buying the guitar pertained to that particular guitar in the picture. I would have no problem with a solid color (mica or lacquer) in a color where both logos could be seen clearly.

I don't care what the nay sayers say, that's a beautiful guitar Fred. Logo and all. I even like fretborads. The scales of justice. It's rather unique.
Tommy Shown

i bet fred would be more than happy to build anybody one of his guitars sans logo.

bruce

As fred said about the logo, you might as like it cause it ain't changin.
Nice steel Fred, glad I finally got to try one out.

I checked out Freds guitar in St Louis, you can sure tell he put a lot of thought in how he wanted it built. After admiring the beuty of the top end he turned it over and we checked out the mechanics of it, this thing is built to last, and very clean looking. It plays and sounds great too. Great job Fred.

Howdy boys. Thanks for all your positive comments on my efforts in building a pedal steel guitar.

John, thank you my friend for your valued input.

Thanks to you boys that came and played my guitars in St.Louis, I think we gained a little ground.

Now, for the record I did have some slightly smaller logo's made. But the original design will stay the same. Thanks to all again.

I think the "Scales" is a cleaver idea for a Justice guitar because it both suggests his name, Justice and we know music is made up of scales. Pretty sharp.
Jerry

I also think the scales used for the "T" was a brilliant idea. One of the best I've seen as far as logo's go.

I had a chance to see and play one of Freds guitars at St Louis. I felt it was top notch, played and sounded great. Customer service is second to none. ( except when I was blocking his light while working on a guitar) Only kidding. I am glad I got to meet Fred and get a chance to play a Justice Guitar.

Thanks Fred............Bill


P.S. very nice LOGO

I think the the guitar looks great, but fred could use some help Ha Ha. The guitar is nice and Fred is just as nice he treats everybody good. He's done a fine job with this Guitar. Also his speaker cabs and cases are great. Your Tow Truck Buddy Gary.