Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was kind of thinking about getting some kind of minor artwork placed on the pickguard of my 4003FL--people I play with kind of know me by that bass and believe it or not it's a bit of a conversation piece whenever I take it into the studio so making it that much more unique and identifiable could be fun. I was wondering about doing something similar to the Ravenswood logo--a sort of modern Celtic knotwork piece--which I have pictured below, and placing it either "around" the neck pickup or just below it in the MADE IN USA sticker region. What do you all think of the idea, and how practical is it to acquire and apply a sturdy, nice-looking decal?



If anyone wonders, I don't know how much Ravenswood protects their logo. But apparently they don't mind if you tattoo it on yourself, because if you do then you get complimentary wine tasting at their vineyard for life.

Don't know about getting permission to do the logo, but you might want to consider contacting Pickguardian to see if the logo can be applied to the back side of a clear plexi pickguard, then have a white (or some other color) background applied "behind" it. Pickguardian offers "signature editions" where he reproduces your signature on the pg. I don't have this one anymore (cracked it badly), but here is an example:

Thank you Paul. That seems like a good solution.

Another art example I thought about was a B&W rendition of my current avatar, Woody Crumbo's "Spirit Horse".

Personally, I think a bass should be held in the highest esteem for its craftmanship and, most importantly, the sound you can muster from it. Adding pictorial embellishments is all well and good if that's your thing, but isn't it all about the music? Sure, I've changed pickguards on some of my basses, so I suppose I've no real place to stand on this, but...well, do what you like. Tony at Pickguardian could certainly hook you up for short money.

I know what you mean, but I love personalized instruments. If for no one else other than myself, that's cool I guess. I don't see why that should detract from the music.

I feel that anything that makes you want to play your bass more, or feel better about playing it, is a good move.

I like the idea of a personalized pick guard. It makes the instrument unique and it's easily reversible.

I think my favorite is Graham's late 50's 4000 with the pin-up girl on the 'guard.

Cool idea. Pics?

Anyone have opinions on which decal might be better, between the "Spirit Horse" and the Ravenswood logo? (Assuming I can get permission for either. I think I could, more likely to have trouble with the Crumbo piece than with the logo.)

Larger example of "Spirit Horse" for those curious about it... I first saw the piece at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science last year and really fell in love with it and Crumbo's overall body of work.

A replacement pickguard is a good way to personalize an instrument, especially since it's an easily reversible modification.

Is Ravenswood going to pay you for the "sponsorship" space?

I could at least get some free wine. Maybe I should try to cut a deal...

Have you guys seen THIS billboard of a bass?

Oh come on Dane! Woody Crumbo is awesome. And you know, the Celts loved their horses, otherwise Rhiannon/Epona wouldn't have been one. Hehe... oh well, thanks for voting! I think I prefer the Ravenswood logo also.

kiramdear wrote:I feel that anything that makes you want to play your bass more, or feel better about playing it, is a good move.

+1

I find it odd that you want to make your bass unique by using someone else's logo. You're a great musician and you deserve a look as unique as your music. If you feel you don't have the right artisitic drawing hand yourself, surely you know someone, or a forumite even, who could do up something nice for you. But I'd hate to see you try to be unique by using someone else's design.