Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi,
I would like to know were you all get those labels that goes down in the soundhole? You know the ones that says "hand crafted by" or etc... Is there a web-site were you can make your own from templates or something like that?

Thanks
Jeff

I print sheets with MS Publisher, Cut, write serial#, Spray with flat clear lacquer and glue to the back prior to gluing the back to the ribs

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Greg
http://garibaldiinstruments.com/

I think simple is good....

This one was done with Microsoft Word, printed several up per sheet of buff coloured paper. I just cut one off the sheet when I need one, and glue it down with whatever glue I am using for the instrument.

Some ukuleles...




Oh yes... and I have a "pet hate".... labels that state "Custom Made" on all instruments that people make. A custom really is only applicable when it is made to order for a specific individual, and then the label may say "Custom made for.... "

Rod

I buy parchment paper for mine.
it feels a bit like money paper.
I use Microsoft word also.

I print them with my H.P. Photo Smart printer.

I like the idea of coating them with finish first Greg!!

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Mike Collins

Here's a better pix!

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Mike Collins

Some inkjet printers use water soluble ink. That can run from the glue, sweat, or a dripping guitar humidifier. Test yours first. One way around this is to make up your sheet of lables and coler xerox it at Kinkos.

Thanks for all the help....

Jeff

I had a local print shop make mine . I use parchment paper also.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

I just use a crayon.

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

I had the pleasure of playing around on my unkle's paul fisher rubio whilst i was in worcester last weekend.
i noticed that that guitar had rubio's name burned on to the back brace.
i would to find the machine that does that.
is it just done with a soldering of is there a special machine for branding nice neet letters in the spruce,
It looked way to need to be done by hand,but then so did the guitar

Joel.

You can get soldering irons from Rockler woodworking.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

I'm a professional graphic designer, so you'd think I would have a pretty nifty logo and label, but I don't...yet. When I got ready to close the box on my archtop, I considered a label but didn't want to take the time to design it. I do this sort of work day in and day out for other people, but have a hard time being objective about designs for myself. In the end, I just signed and numbered the guitar across the face of both end blocks with a sharpie. Before I finish another instrument, though, I'll have a label. And, as several have suggested, this is an easy thing to print on your computer printer, or at the local copy store. Like anything else regarding the building process, experiment on scrap labels first, and make sure they won't run or smudge while you are gluing them in.

Here is a tip for those who can use it:

I attach the label after the back is final sanded and then cover the label with a piece of clear plastic from a Baggie. I use 14 day "Blue" tape which comes off easily once the guitar is completely finished and prior to stringing her up. It is MUCH easier to attach the label and get it nice and straight before the back is attached to the rim.

My labels are made using a multi-step process that begins with taking a high-res picture of the actual back wood/plate. This picture, using Photoshop, becomes the background for my label and is unique to every guitar that I build.

The label's logo, serial number, and date are superimposed on the background picture of the actual back wood and printed with an Epson ink jet using 100 year photographic ink.

The next time I do this I am going to try some rattle can nitro, just a misting with the hope that it won't interact poorly with the ink.

My labels are attached with 3M spray adhesive and I go to some pains to feather my back joint reinforcement so that the label makes a smooth transition up over the BJR and down the other side.

Joel, you can get branding irons from a business called Brand New.
http://www.brandnew.net

I have gotten several irons from them over the years to mark my furniture. Since my pieces are all custom, I use the irons that you just heat up with a propane torch. Brand the wood, sand it up a little and bam, cool custom brand in your wood.
chris

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Chris Oliver
Infinity Luthiers
...in the shop.

live every minute...

Joel, I have in the past designed Lance’s and John How’s labels for them as well some others not members here and my own of course. Once the design is approved I provide a 6 to the page file you can print on any color printer. Depending on what you want the typical charge is $50 for OLF members. I am not really seeing more work right now but if you want a custom design PM I will try to squeeze you in.

I make my labels very differently than the rest of the pack. I use hardwood veneers and brand them. Sometimes I stain them sometimes not. I usually do a quick french polish to them.

A totally different look

The examples below are rejects where my branding iron was not quite right

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

I like that Andy

I like something a little more permanent.

Woodburner.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

What colour?

This is about the most elaborate label making process I have seen. Jamie Wiens makes replicas of vintage Loar signed mandolins, and the attention to detail both in authentic materials and traditional methods is astounding. This goes for the process of making the famous oval shaped labels as well, check it out:

http://www.wiensmandolins.com/

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Or use a spray watercolor or ink fixative I use 3m 7819 I believe is the number but could be wrong I have not had to ordered any in while Krylon also makes a good one and one or the other are available at a good art supply retailer.