johnnylager Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='392498' date='Jan 27 2009, 10:32 AM']New logo design courtesy of deksawyer: The question is how big should the badge be? Alex[/quote] Nice. Half the width of the top of the cab / grille? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I think small.... much more professional looking.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='392498' date='Jan 27 2009, 10:32 AM']....The question is how big should the badge be?....[/quote] This is brand recognition. You don't need to read it but the logo should be visable and recognisable in a TV or photograph shot or when glancing through a magazine, also on a stage, from the back of the room, and on a large screen at a festival. I think it should be at least 2" x 8". Yellow's been done but a vibrant colour would be better than black and white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='392498' date='Jan 27 2009, 10:32 AM']New logo design courtesy of deksawyer: The question is how big should the badge be? Alex[/quote] V nice! I'd say a third the width of the grille. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eude Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='Merton' post='392512' date='Jan 27 2009, 10:48 AM']V nice! I'd say a third the width of the grille.[/quote] I second that. I think half the width would be too much. A 3rd is subtle, without being too subtle. Very nice work Mr. Deksawyer too. Eude Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomEndian Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='Merton' post='392512' date='Jan 27 2009, 10:48 AM']I'd say a third the width of the grille.[/quote] I like that idea. Trouble is, Alex has three cab models at the moment (with more on the way), and each one's got a different grille size. To cut costs, it might be an idea to fix on a logo size that can be applied to every grille equally effectively. It's a compromise, but if it helps to keep costs down, that could be a very good thing. I love the logo, but there's something that grates with me about the look of the "subtitle". Maybe something like this would work better: [attachment=19263:logo_edited.jpg] (Apologies to deksawyer for messing with your work!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='BottomEndian' post='392524' date='Jan 27 2009, 10:57 AM']I like that idea. Trouble is, Alex has three cab models at the moment (with more on the way), and each one's got a different grille size. To cut costs, it might be an idea to fix on a logo size that can be applied to every grille equally effectively. It's a compromise, but if it helps to keep costs down, that could be a very good thing. I love the logo, but there's something that grates with me about the look of the "subtitle". Maybe something like this would work better: [attachment=19263:logo_edited.jpg] (Apologies to deksawyer for messing with your work!)[/quote] Good point - a one-size-fits-all is so much more cost effective. And to a degree I prefer your subtitle too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyM Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='Merton' post='392531' date='Jan 27 2009, 11:05 AM']Good point - a one-size-fits-all is so much more cost effective. And to a degree I prefer your subtitle too...[/quote] How about having the logo [b]vertical[/b], that way it should fit any cab neatly and more importantly, look distinctive at a distance. (Don't have access to Photoshop/Illustrator at the mo, otherwise I'd show you what I mean ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I like it. You could possibly have a large-ish dB logo (using that font) in the top left corner and the full one in the bottom right corner - a bit like GK's abbreviated logo and Hartke's model number thing. Ah, but then where would you put the model number? This stuff is tricky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Lots of useful feedback, thanks! I can't do the large dB thing because of dB Technologies who make PA gear, too close to trademark infringement. And yes, it'll have to be the same badge on all the cabs, just doesn't make economic sense to have lots of different ones. If I order enough I can get the price low enough and have a really smart looking badge. Vertical is an interesting idea but I imagine could be so detrimental to legibility that what you gain with uniqueness you lose on the other hand. I wonder how important it really is to have a badge that is clearly visible on TV etc? How much does one rely on that kind of exposure now there's an interweb? Colourwise I think having the words in bare aluminium against the black printing should look very classy - unless someone can suggest a nice strong colour that no-one else is using and looks good? Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='392955' date='Jan 27 2009, 05:38 PM']...I wonder how important it really is to have a badge that is clearly visible on TV etc? How much does one rely on that kind of exposure now there's an interweb?....[/quote] It's about brand recognition and good marketing. These cabs won't mean anything to a casual internet browser, but if you're watching Glastonbury on the box and see you favourite player using a new cab you'll go looking for it, but only if you know what it is. To a greater or lesser degree, that's why Orange are orange, Markbass are yellow, Epifani wrote their name on the speaker cones, Hartke use aluminium speakers, TE are green and Peavey put those stripes down the front of their cabs. And it's why in the late 60's Leo Fender changed the logo on his basses, so they could be identified more easily on TV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I've had a play about with some colours but I don't know if I like any of them Probably shiny chrome or stainless steel may be the best. I think that the problem is that with colour, the logo looks a bit 'skateboarder dude'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Damn it, you're right. I did have quite a few ideas in the way of making the cabs instantly identifiable but they all fell to the wayside in the mission for nice simple aesthetics and form following function... Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 I rather like the orange. (So predictable of me, hangover from my Uni band "Agent Orange"). But it's looking like shiny metal may be best. I think T-shirts could look nice though... I wonder how much the non-standard form-factor will make them identifiable? Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 [quote name='alexclaber' post='393024' date='Jan 27 2009, 06:24 PM']I rather like the orange. (So predictable of me, hangover from my Uni band "Agent Orange"). But it's looking like shiny metal may be best. I think T-shirts could look nice though... I wonder how much the non-standard form-factor will make them identifiable? Alex[/quote] Is it possible to have the orange paint impregnated with some reflective 'bits' (shiny under lights) or even some form of luminescence (like some watch faces) so that after exposed to bright light it would still shine on a black/dark stage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 How about back lighting the B and F in blue light, the letters having been cut out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I think that the orange sticks out most. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acidbass Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 As you said, you've went for simplicity and efficiency with your cabs, so IMO the logo shouldn't be any different. Being identified on TV wouldn't really be a priority of mine when designing the logo. At the end of the day, your cabs will be known by bass players for the right reasons, and once you build a reputation for quality and sound (which you hopefully will), then surely this will be your main selling point. I think the aesthetics of the cab come second to this, and I'm sure that sensible bass players buying cabs place visuals near the bottom of their checklist. Danny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adee Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Right ! when are we going to get to hear one or all of your cabs here in the midlands ? Northants to be exact ! Can't afford to take a punt on one at the mo I'm afraid, but would love to test one. Cheers Ade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Chrome and black - stick to the formula! Speaking of t-shirts, it'd be pretty cool if your logo became famous enough for novelty spoof t-shirts like "arsefaced" and "bumf*cked". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 [quote name='Adee' post='393625' date='Jan 28 2009, 01:10 PM']Right ! when are we going to get to hear one or all of your cabs here in the midlands ? Northants to be exact ![/quote] Seeing as that's where I grew up I can't neglect you people! Hopefully if we have a UK Bass Bash it'll be in Northants again, in which case I'll be there. [quote name='Adee' post='393625' date='Jan 28 2009, 01:10 PM']Can't afford to take a punt on one at the mo I'm afraid, but would love to test one.[/quote] If you send it back in one piece then you can enjoy a Barefaced cab for a week or so for the cost of return postage (about £20). Cheaper than renting one? Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deksawyer Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I've a few more ideas up my sleeve - keep your eyes peeled. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deksawyer Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 The way I envisage the logo is a black satin screen print onto a brushed aluminium plate. Easy to do, not very costly, looks good and pretty hard wearing. Sizes; well it's a tough one but the long version above should be no less than 170mm long, preferably more. I approve of the modded text as well - well done. This version should be around 100mm wide. The excess black areas are a bit of a bold move but I think it looks pretty smart. 2 versions - 1 with BFD in the middle and 1 with it offset to the top. [attachment=19331:BFD3_curved.jpg] [attachment=19332:BFD4_curved.jpg] If the photo's are too big for your screen then press Ctrl - to reduce them. Press to Ctrl 0 to get back to normal viewing! D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I like the first of those Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Hi i have been following the development of these cabs with interest especially the big one and vintage. I hate to be the only voice of dissent but i don't like the logo at all, the font makes for a confused read and IMO 'barefaced' conjures up something more industrial which the logo typeface should reflect. Perhaps split bear and faced to make a square logo? If you look around you can find plenty of fonts on the net have a play around, i think the choice of logo is VERY important a lot people are swayed by looks first and you don't want to put that market section off. If your interested in metal logo's a friend of mine works for a small company who do laser and water cutting if you can supply an engineering drawing i could get a quote for you, I think a bold logo cut from aluminum or stainless would look very cool. steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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