Official Luthiers Forum!

Thanks for all of your input.
HERE LIES A PROBLEM
Today I open a package from LMI and noticed they had a new version of
their catalogue in the box. Guess what was on the cover? I did NOT copy
this, but boy does it look close. Especially if I take Carltons Suggestions like
I was planning to do.
It is a Petros Bridge. I had never seen one prior to this mornings surprise!!!
I really don't want to copy someone elses design, but it is very close to what
I am trying to achieve.
What is the ethical thing to do???

azimmer139032.646712963

_________________
Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

well, if you published it here first....

Hah it's good 'ole Zeitgeist...

That sure was quick for Bruce to see your design, modify it and get it to print for LMI's catalog there Andy (just kidding there Bruce if you read this)

Well, I don't really see any ethical delema here,

Take a look at these two high end builders bridges, only slight differences, I'm sure yours isn't going to be exactly the same as Bruce's.

Kevin Ryan


James Olson

Rod True39032.6596527778

_________________
My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Andy, you just carry on! It will be similiar but probably not identical, dimension wise anyway! On the other hand, I have designed my bridge and headstock to complement each other and although very traditional in shape, they are not exactly like any others I have seen. I am sure that once I post a photo of them someone will show me another that looks just like it. But one of my goals was to develop a shape that will be pleasing to the eye, functional and exclusive so that they become one of the indentifiers of my instruments. If those were your goals also, then it may be "back to the drawing board!"

Shane

_________________
Canada

People!! People!! People!!!

Zimmerman, Huhm? The "free zoot" guy, remember!

     It's a setup he's trying to cover for ripping this guy off, as it looks to me!!!

    Andy, I don't think anybody would of particularily noticed if you hadn't brought it up. It's somewhat similar, but not that close. I mean, I intend to rip Hesh off royaly on his design, so what!

_________________
Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Andy,

That's morphic resonance for you

_________________
Dave White
De Faoite Stringed Instruments
". . . the one thing a machine just can't do is give you character and personalities and sometimes that comes with flaws, but it always comes with humanity" Monty Don talking about hand weaving, "Mastercrafts", Weaving, BBC March 2010

I like yours better, Doc.   That thing must be 8" long.
Lot of people develop similar products simultaneously without knowing about the other. Do what you want, you're the doctor.



Wish I could make a living passing gas, too.

Ron

_________________
OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Andy, you could do the inverse and extend the lower edge out making it longer than the upper edge.Jim_W39032.7830439815

_________________
Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

[QUOTE=azimmer1] What is the ethical thing to do???

[/QUOTE]

Take up knitting

Sorry bout that bud, could not help myself. Your bridge is similar but not the same, I would just stick with it. There has been so many guitars built over time it is unlikely that anyone could ever come up with a design that does not resemble one that has previously been made.

Cheers

Kim

I think yours is significantly different, Andy. Especially if you follow my suggestion in your other thread!

(Jim's suggestion above is along the same lines as mine.)

However you decide to do it, it will be your bridge, so I wouldn't sweat it at all if I were you.

_________________
Todd Rose
Ithaca, NY

https://www.dreamingrosesecobnb.com/todds-art-music

https://www.facebook.com/ToddRoseGuitars/

I like your's much better anyway! Proceed on!

_________________
John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Good grief! I've had that catalog for a couple of weeks, too! Must be where I got my "brilliant" idea!

Andy, I think I'll have to play devil's advocate here. The most distinctive part of the Petros bridge, and yours, is that point at the bottom. I think you should go back to the drawing board.    Sorry! On the other hand, you were able to come up with an interesting concept before, and you can probably do it again. Start by turning your existing bridge 180 degrees. See how that tickles your brain...

Very few bridges that I have seen have the mid point. Many have the belly curve. Go with your thoughts, change it as you go. When you get what you like, go back and compare it to the catalog pic. I bet it wont be same. Just think how many gits you have seen with a "Martin" bridge. No worries in my book unless you are trying to copy.