Suggestion to Seymour Duncan

[UberMetalDood]

Non-acetone fingernail polish takes it off. I've got a pair of white, bridge, SD custom shop pups with no logo. So when I got in a new pickup for the neck of that guitar this week I whipped out the non-acetone fingernail polish and pulled it off. The plastic is still shiny and new.

I think there are two things at work here.

(A.)Most people don't care. I honestly do NOT care, I removed one yesterday to match an existing pickup that came without a logo.

(B.) Those of us who've been on the forum for a long time have seen this topic brought up by people once year for the last (for me) 10 years. So the discussion isn't new and fresh it's old and already settled.

FWIW I wouldn't like the embossed/imprinted logo. It would pick up dirt and grime and end up looking dingy etc.

As for the logo, it could be smaller, but it's as plain and ordinary as a mesa logo in my opinion. I think it would be cool if the screen print was more like the aforementioned script. Seymour has a good looking sig.

Luke

A. If it was settled and most people didn't care then 50% of the people in this poll wouldn't have voted to the contrary, no one would ever bring it up, and you wouldn't see it mentioned regularly on various trade forums and auctions.

B. Imprinted logos can easily be cleaned with a toothpick. I didn't suggest embossed logos because (1) they make the surface uneven (2) it's harder to clean than imprinted.

C. The Mesa Boogie logo has a design that compliments the overall look of the product while SD pickups have plain text that contrasts with the color of the pickup.

D. The issue comes up a lot more than once per year and is mentioned frequently on other forums, Craig's List, Ebay, etc...

E. You said yourself that "it could be smaller" which means that you're not 100% satisfied and that you believe it could use some improvement. Given that fact, then why oppose the suggestion to leave it off or modify it?

F. As many people have stated, they want to modify their guitars with a period-correct look or maintain a clean look.

G. It seems backwards to have to pay extra to NOT advertise.

H. A pickup would have to be considered "modified" or not in original condition if the logo is removed. Whether you agree or not, it probably does have some effect (no matter how marginal it might be) on the value it maintains.



Here's the deal. I love Seymour Duncan pickups as much as anyone. I think they're some of the best pickups in the world. However, I prefer my pickups to look clean and match with the theme of my guitar rather than contrast with it. I think most people in some way agree. The title does nothing to enhance the look.

Check this out:

NO LOGO - CLEAN, SIMPLE


LOGO - SOMETHING BESIDES THE NATURAL LOOK OF THE PICKUP STANDS OUT


I think if we're all 100% honest, the majority would agree in some way. I'm sure that this same poll outside of the SD forum would a very high majority for no logo or modified logo. Therefore, it seems common sense that there is enough customer sentiment to take it into consideration and improve the design. Good companies are always looking to find ways to improve customer satisfaction and product quality. I don't see why some people take offense when someone offers suggestions for improvement.


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[Edgecrusher]

I think if we're all 100% honest, the majority would agree in some way. I'm sure that this same poll outside of the SD forum would a very high majority for no logo or modified logo. Therefore, it seems common sense that there is enough customer sentiment to take it into consideration and improve the design. Good companies are always looking to find ways to improve customer satisfaction and product quality. I don't see why some people take offense when someone offers suggestions for improvement.

That is pure conjecture on your part. You have no evidence beyond what you "think" of how people outside this forum would choose.

Even your own logic is faulty. Your saying that those who vote for no logo would like an updated logo. No maybe they would just rather have pickups with no logo at all.

Its been stated by many in this thread that by and large people dont care. Out of all the things that I want Seymour Duncan to spend time and money developing a new logo is way down on the list.

People arent taking offense people just arent agreeing with your opinion theres a very large difference.

[UberMetalDood]

That is pure conjecture on your part. You have no evidence beyond what you "think" of how people outside this forum would choose.

Even your own logic is faulty. Your saying that those who vote for no logo would like an updated logo. No maybe they would just rather have pickups with no logo at all.

Its been stated by many in this thread that by and large people dont care. Out of all the things that I want Seymour Duncan to spend time and money developing a new logo is way down on the list.

People arent taking offense people just arent agreeing with your opinion theres a very large difference.

First of all, my logic is very good whether you agree with it or not because I'm smart. Second, your disagreement is based on what evidence? Third, the evidence is in the opinions in this thread and in the poll. As you can see, the forum is sharply divided.

Moreover, I don't think it's much of a stretch to say that at least some of the sentiment is blind loyalty because as I pointed out in the previous post to Luke Duke, who disagreed about the logo, even admitted that he would prefer it modified in some way.

Take a look at the picture yourself and tell me if you honestly prefer the clean look of the non-logo pickup or the one with the SD title. We're talking strict aesthetics - no brand loyalty or pride in the title. Do you 100% honestly think that the text logo enhances the look?

That's what it all boils down to. Your response was a bit aggressive and it seems as if YOU are the one taking offense. I argue strong points because I know what I'm talking about, but that does not mean that I don't allow people to disagree. This has been a great discussion thus far with the exception of those who seem to oppose rather than disagree. That's what I see in your post here, opposition rather than disagreement.

Let's get back to the discussion then. Please explain how the logo enhances the look of a guitar or why it's otherwise aesthetically advantageous to the consumer.

[Jocelyn]

That is pure conjecture on your part. You have no evidence beyond what you "think" of how people outside this forum would choose.

Even your own logic is faulty. Your saying that those who vote for no logo would like an updated logo. No maybe they would just rather have pickups with no logo at all.

Its been stated by many in this thread that by and large people dont care. Out of all the things that I want Seymour Duncan to spend time and money developing a new logo is way down on the list.

People arent taking offense people just arent agreeing with your opinion theres a very large difference.

+1 The size of the logo never bother me. Infact it never struck me it is big. Would I like to see a nice logo sure I would maybe a log like Seymour Duncan's own signature, wow that would be cool. Like a Fender logo on the head stock ext. But I would like to see more effort on more pedals and pups.

[UberMetalDood]

+1 The size of the logo never bother me. Infact it never struck me it is big. Would I like to see a nice logo sure I would maybe a log like Seymour Duncan's own signature, wow that would be cool. Like a Fender logo on the head stock ext. But I would like to see more effort on more pedals and pups.

Again, you say that you're fine with the logo and then contradict yourself by saying that you think it would be cooler to have a nice logo or SD's signature. Are you just not getting the point? Does it or does it not generally enhance the AESTHETICS of the guitars they typically go in? Perhaps it might if the guitar the pickups are installed in is all the same color and very plain looking. However, if you have a nice flame top, inlays, etc... then can you honestly say that the text on the pickup enhances the aesthetics?

[Edgecrusher]

Let's get back to the discussion then. Please explain how the logo enhances the look of a guitar or why it's otherwise aesthetically advantageous to the consumer.

I showed you how your "logic" didnt follow. Not to mention your poll is flawed in that there is no option for "doesnt care" or some other non-committal response. The responses from people who really dont care are mixed in with those that have an opinion one way or another so the numbers are a bit skewed.

And now you want to argue aesthetics. Its so subjective some people might feel the current logo enhances their aesthetics and they would be right since its a subjective idea. Just how different people like pickup covers and different people dont. Some people like red and green. Which actually leads us back around to where the current logo. Those who like it great its there. Those who dont its very easy to remove.

Could they make a better more attractive logo? Maybe but that again would be subjected to various opinions on what looks good and what doesnt.

[Jocelyn]

Well I dont think I have contradicted what I have said in any way. Let me clarify I may or would like it better, in a signature. I dont have any problem the way it is.

[jumble jumble]

I like it how it is.

[frankfalbo]

I think all Seymour Duncan pickups should come with Legos.


Star Wars Legos.

[indie folk guy]

I think all Seymour Duncan pickups should come with Legos.


Star Wars Legos.

Can I order that as a shop floor custom?

[Emile Dalkey]

This is such a tiny point that I almost don't care. My two cents are that I prefer the LOOK of no logo. The Seymours in my SG are logo free, and I prefer them that way. That said, if I were looking at two otherwise identical guitars and one had pickups which clearly stated that they were Duncans, I'd go for the guitar with the Duncans. That may be a good way to miss out on a boutique experience, but it is a sure way to avoid lousy pickups. Never once heard a bad set of Duncaans, just ssayin.

[ErikH]

I think the logo should glow in the dark. Or better yet, light up when you strum. The hard the attack, the brighter they get.

[dominus]

I actually do like the imprint better. If you're shopping for a guitar and look closely, you'll see what brand of pickups it has, and from farther away, you won't have that contrasting logo if it bothers you.



If you really are that brand conscious though and want other people to know what you're playing, that's all on you. I care about sound.

[darthphineas]

considering that the 2 more well-known competitors (DiMarzio and EMG) have smaller logos or imprinted logos or logos that are not right in the middle jumping out at you, I think there is something to how some people can see the plain-font huge SD logo as being less then ideal.

at the end of the day, if it came down to it, I'd go with no-logo or a small out-of-the way imprint (like DiMarzio). it's an accessory for a guitar. do you see logos on the strings or the pots? the Floyd Rose logo isn't jumping out at you. the tuner logos can't even be seen from the front. the guitar itself if what people are actually playing and all the parts are paper weights without the big slab of wood... so sure, it makes sense for the guitar to have a logo. the accessories, not so much. can people see the logo on the tubes that are inside the amp? nope... so wtf does it matter?... other to remind the guy changing the tubes what brand to buy or not to buy for the next time - sorta how the imprint and sticker are on the bottom of the SD pickups.

plus, I'm the customer. I'm the one paying. if a company wants to pay me, then I'll be like a race car driver and their name can be all over the place. if someone wants to know what I'm using, I can always tell them. or better yet, think of how it works when someone on stage is a $hitty player and someone 10 rows back sees the huge SD logo and thinks "I'm not buying that brand and risk that same crappy tone that guy has"

in the end, it doesn't matter. people want what they want and the customer is in control. the customer may not always be right... but the customer has the money, so they are in control of what they buy <- a lesson more companies, including SD, should always remember. but seriously, it's not really worth all the heated back and forth.

[indie folk guy]

idk if it's really that big of a deal SD is very customer friendly and based on actual sales experience working in a major retailer for years SD is the number one seller of aftermarket pickups.

you still have democracy of choice, you don't like the logo special order a shop floor custom without a freakin logo. What more do you want? I mean at the risk of sounding mean who even said you had to buy Seymour Duncan products?

Heck I'm sure they'd imprint a logo on for you to if that's what you wanted, you'd probably just have to wait for it and they might charge you extra but hey.

It seems like a petty thing to get so caught up about. And the whole argument about strings not having logos, pots not having logos, etc is kinda silly. Pots aren't even visible to an audience and most pots do have a brand and value on them (those that I buy anyway lol), strings wouldn't have a way to display a logo, and so on.

And no one 10 rows away from a stage can see a Seymour Duncan printing on your pickups.

I'm not trying to be condescending, offensive, what have you but this just seems like a silly argument to even make considering Seymour Duncan is a major corporation and they have given thought to you (you actually are the minority of people) and gives you the option to remove the label. I mean at the risk of sounding like a dick most companies just could care less what you think and just say take it or leave it. Seymour Duncan's Custom Shop will literally build you any pickup you can dream of. You don't see EMG, DiMarzio, Fender, Gibson, etc doing that. You don't even see many boutique guys willing to do that (or at least that advertise it).

Others have stated easy ways you can remove said label if it really bugs you and you can't wait for a floor shop custom. Like when have you been able to just walk into a music store and find exactly what you are looking for anyway? I never find anything I want I always have to shop online and wait anyway, and in the case of Fralin and Lollar I have to wait for them to make my pickups usually takes about a month. So I guess I'm just not used to OMG I HAVE TO HAVE A JB/JAZZ SET FOR MY GIG TONIGHT! WTF TO GUITAR CENTER HURRY! If I don't get these pickups now I won't have time to solder everything in before the set. Like come on most people allow time to install and purchase pickups. Most gigging musicians for this reason have backup instruments should the unlikely scenario of having pickups go bad occurs.

And again I hate saying it but most brands (regardless of what they sell) try to put a logo on their product so it's visible somewhere. Most companies are in it to make money and the easiest way to make money is to ADVERTISE!

[misterwhizzy]

I happen to like the idea of a depressed logo, but I honestly don't really care. I thought you were making a decent sale until I read this.

It seems backwards to have to pay extra to NOT advertise.

It's just silly. Why do people pay for satellite radio? Because free FM radio has ads. Why are iOS apps free only if they're ad-supported? Because they have ads. Why would it cost more to remove the advertising on pickups? Because advertising leads to additional sales.

Go buy a new Kindle, and you'll see that the one with ads costs significantly less.

[indie folk guy]

I happen to like the idea of a depressed logo, but I honestly don't really care. I thought you were making a decent sale until I read this.



It's just silly. Why do people pay for satellite radio? Because free FM radio has ads. Why are iOS apps free only if they're ad-supported? Because they have ads. Why would it cost more to remove the advertising on pickups? Because advertising leads to additional sales.

Go buy a new Kindle, and you'll see that the one with ads costs significantly less.

THANK YOU, I BEGAN MENTIONING THIS IN MY LAST POST! But you nailed it my friend! It's cheaper for SD to produce their products with their logo because they do that in bulk, they don't do plain or imprinted pickups in bulk so doing a one of a kind thing slows down the assembly line and adds additional cost.

When I order necks from a supplier and have them built to one spec and order in a larger quantity it gets cheaper than if I order 20 completely different necks for the same reason. It makes things quicker, easier, less time consuming and thus cheaper.

[Mr. B]

I wish they would not only print the logo, but the model number on top, so I wouldn't have to guess what I have in a guitar I haven't played in a while.

[ErikH]

Ordering a shop floor custom without the logo, like a JB, Demon or any of the others that have it, DOES NOT COST EXTRA!!!!!

You guys saying it does are assuming and you are wrong.

If I want to order a JB, for example, with long legs, no logo and red bobbins, it won't cost me any more than getting one with short legs, logo and black bobbins.

That said, the cost is moot.

Why?

Because rather than grabbing a bobbin with the logo they just grab one without the logo before winding it up. It's that simple. Oh, this one wants long legs? Grab that baseplate instead (standard spaced only). It's really that simple.

[indie folk guy]

You obviously have never managed a business before or worked in a factory environment mass producing items have you?

SD may not pass that cost along to you but it does cost them more money. It's called a courtesy/convenience.