Good font for guitar logo?

[jmerullo]

I'm finishing up a build and would like to put my name on the headstock. Previously I had someone do up my name like the Fender logo. I've also used a generic font for another build, which I wasn't happy with. (pix below)

I'd like to find a better way to do my name. Ideally it would be in a script type font, but something better than the cheesy one in the Granite State picture below. I would scan my signature but my signature is... terrible.

I don't want to use the Fender-type logo this time around. I only did that for that one guitar.

This will be printed on waterslide decal paper.

Suggestions? What do you folks who don't have custom logos use?


IMG_8396 by Jim M, on Flickr

IMG_3440 by Jim M, on Flickr

 

[jmerullo]

Additional question: If I were to ask someone to design a logo for me, what would I expect to pay? This would (hopefully) be for all my future guitars. I'm a hobbyist, not a business if that affects the price.

 

[RogerC]

That's always a hard thing to come up with. It has to be something interesting without being too busy. I've got a graphic artist friend who came up with mine. I never would have thought about using that font, but I had tasked him with cleaning up my logo, and coming up with a good font was also one of the things he did.

I'd go online and look at all the fonts you can find. There are tons out there you can download for free. Then just type up your logo and try each of them.

 

[RogerC]

Additional question: If I were to ask someone to design a logo for me, what would I expect to pay? This would (hopefully) be for all my future guitars, some of which I eventually hope to sell.

Go to fiverr for some good, cheap logos. The company I work for just did that for a new product, and we got back a couple of designs. One was very meh, but the other was great and is the one we're using.

 

[FMA]

Comic sans.

You're welcome.

 

[ebb soul]

My guy charges $20 for 40 decals.
As far as font goes I use my handwriting, then have it modified into simpler graphic representation.
Makes the guitar truely feel like mine.
Avoid anything resembling old English, IMO.

 

[metecem]

It took me about three months to finalize my logo "after" I knew exactly how I wanted it to be.

Take your time.

 

[Mat UK]

Sniff around your local College, I'm sure you'd find some trainee graphic designers who would jump at the opportunity to do a bit of design work

 

[the_lyall]

I'll design some logos if you want (for free).

If you're looking at fonts in particular rather than an overall design I thoroughly recommend dafont.com (check out the script font section). So many free fonts and I've always found what I've needed for a design there.

 

[Alamo]

Wingdings

 

[Randy Jones]

FWIW, I'm a designer and creator of fonts and TDPRI lurker. This question is like asking, what kind of guitar should I play. Here are a few thoughts if I'm in your shoes looking for a non-fender logo on a Fender style guitar.
1) It should not look like fender
2) It should not look be a microsoft word typeface (see granite slab)
3) Guitar logos tend to be retro-ish scripts often intended to be cut from pearl and inlaid, so often simple shapes, fairly thick lines and connected.

Given that, I'd head over to MyFonts.com and look at the scripts.
There are a million. But you can input your name to preview it in the typefaces.

Here are a few to get you going:
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/argentina-lian-types/selfie/black/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/latinotype/hogar-slab/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/argentina-lian-types/vinyle/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/ksenia-belobrova/di-mare/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/mawns/krinkes/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/schizotype/chill-script/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/alphabetsoup/deliscript/
https://www.myfonts.com/fonts/argentina-lian-types/indie/

Randy

 

[FenderLover]

It might go without saying, but I like fonts that you can read. Some fonts you have to stare at to be able to figure out what it says.

 

[jmerullo]

FWIW, I'm a designer and creator of fonts and TDPRI lurker. This question is like asking, what kind of guitar should I play.

Oh yes, I'm aware of that. And if I asked that question I suspect I would get a mix of "try a Fender Strat / Gibson LP" along with a couple "hey, try this brand that you may not have heard of but that is really good" along with a few "try Comic Sans" answers. All are good, most are helpful!

Your answer was very helpful. A few of those fonts might do nicely. I asked this question because, as you see on one of the photos I posted, I did indeed use what looked like an MS Word type face.

I'm hoping eventually, if I get better at this, to have a professional design a logo for me but for now as I'm building a guitar here and there I just need something quick and dirty. I'm hoping to find, as you say, a retro-ish script and appreciate the recommendations.

Thanks!

Jim

 

[jayyj]

I started out by going through a load of fonts online looking at handwriting style fonts, picked one I broadly liked and started tracing and adapting it. Eventually I ended up with a pen drawing that I liked and scanned it, then cleaned it up on the computer.

I have a logo as well - I originally did it as a free hand pen and ink drawing then scanned it and cleaned it up.

Rather then decals I use a Firebird style truss rod cover with the branding laser etched:

 

[Raimonds]

I started out by going through a load of fonts online looking at handwriting style fonts, picked one I broadly liked and started tracing and adapting it. Eventually I ended up with a pen drawing that I liked and scanned it, then cleaned it up on the computer.

I have a logo as well - I originally did it as a free hand pen and ink drawing then scanned it and cleaned it up.

Rather then decals I use a Firebird style truss rod cover with the branding laser etched:

Lovely bird theme. I made my from some kind of stock font:

 

[Rock-Ola]

This was done in a custom font I made based on the Rickenbacker logo.

 

[jayyj]

Lovely bird theme. I made my from some kind of stock font:

We should start a flock... Black and white birds unite!

 

[ebb soul]

Like this. I take a signature and then tweak it into a graphic.
This one very closely represents my sig, but modified.

 

[jmerullo]

Thanks, everyone. I found a font I liked on myfonts. I'm pretty happy with how it came out and may even use it for future guitars. The model "LX" is because this is a gift for my brother-in-law's 60th birthday.

image removedLogo by Jim M, on Flickr

 

[RickyRicardo]

Very nice.