New Pedal Graphics Poll

[tone4days]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

i don't care what they look like for the most part, but i agree with the guys who say no heavy relic'd ... i want my electronics pristine, not looking like they been left out in the rain or tossed in a gig bag getting mechanically jostled

i care how well they sound, how well they hold up, how expensive they are, how much room they take up on my board, and if they require another friggin wallwart

best of luck - looking forward to finding out what you guys are up to

cheers
t4d

 

[DLT]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?
No. If you offer different colors, you are putting me on the spot of choosing my favorite color. I then would want THAT color.

2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?
I do not think so. I like to keep my gear looking as new as possible.


3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?
No. I want to receive what I exactly saw from the manufacturer's advertising. I tend to like the fresh new look on any gear.

 

[sbecker67]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Offering the pedal in a variety of colors or finishes is good, not being able to choose is bad.
2. No way! Not now, not ever.
3. Interesting. Wouldn't affect my buying decision though.

I'd like to see them in smaller enclosures if possible.

 

[Gingrel]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. I'm going to echo most of the other posters and say no to random colours. I want to know what i'm getting.

2. No. I'm not a fan of relic'd guitars or amps anyway, but pedals even less so.

3. It could be interesting, but i'm not sure if it would be worth the increase in manufacturing costs that would get passed on to the consumer.

 

[mrpinter]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. No random colors. I want to know what my pedal is going to look like.

2. Relic'ed finishes are an interesting idea, especially since I don't really think it's been done with pedals. And it's hard to be original. I think this obviously needs more development, maybe with a bunch of different focus groups and a good selection of actual prototypes. Do at least a few focus groups with different buyer profiles (maybe at a few different guitar stores). It would be interesting to see how representative we on this forum are to actual customers - like GC or boutique stores. The look of something CAN influence purchase decisions, especially if someone is on the fence about their choice.

3. Very small variances would be OK, but why?

Re the finish, the machined swirls effect is OK but it doesn't do a lot for me. It reminds me a bit of some Hughes & Kettner tube effects (I have a Tube Rotoshpere and I love it!). Why not try a few different "theme" looks besides the relic concept. Like maybe a printed panel woodgrain look reminiscent of the "woodies" that surfers loved to drive to the beach in?

 

[GoDrex]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1) I don't mind random colors as long as the words are easy to see - unlike one or more of the examples above (I'm sure that wouldn't be the case in practice).

2) Yeah I like the weird metal corroded look.

3) Not sure. I honestly don't care much about what pedals look like as long as I can tell what everything is (and it works of course).

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

I think I'd like to know the colour of the pedal before I buy it.

I like the idea of an 'industrial' look (especially GJ's idea of using the metal logo that goes on the straps), but I'm not really interested in a relic look.

 

[Kam]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1) I actually quite like the random colours idea but I'm weird and not overly put off by any colour. I can see some guys being annoyed at getting a pink one or something but if a pedal sounds good then I don't care what colour it is and I like the idea of a surprise. I think I'd be in the minority there, though. I don't see it being all that popular, unfortunately. The only actual problem I can think of is...say I buy two of your pedals, an overdrive and a delay or something. I tend to glance at my pedalboard and identify which box to stand on by the colour and shape of it. If by some coincidence both the pedals I order arrive in the same/similar colour it could get a bit annoying; especially during a gig on a darkened stage.

2. I don't think anyone is really that fussy about keeping their pedals looking pristine. It wouldn't encourage me to buy one but it definitely wouldn't put me off, either. Personally I like the appearance of the last picture you posted the most, I think it's really interesting looking and I think it's cool that it's easily distinguishable from other pedals and rather unique looking. Although it seems that someone forgot to photoshop in the footswitch for the tap function.


3. This wouldn't bug me at all. I think it's a cool personal touch, rather like the hand-painted Zvex models. I like the idea. I think it'd be an encouraging sign that the pedal was actually hand-crafted by some skilled engineer somewhere who cares about the product and it didn't just roll off a production line somewhere in Asia.



I really can't wait to hear these... :friday:

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

I've been thinking about this and here's my 2¢. I think you guys are like the Coke or Budweiser of the pickup industry. You keep it classy and simple with a nod to the classic designs. I think you should go for the same look with your pedals - clean, timeless and durable. I would be a lot more attracted to your pedals if you dropped the italic fonts, the knobs that look like they came off a cheap mixer, the slide switches, the plastic jacks and the gimmicky logos.

A clean, solid color, some nice knobs and toggle switches in a relatively compact square-topped box would be awesome. Like if you took notes from the MXR and Ibanez pedals of old.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

I'd offer two Hot colors and black.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?

I don't think random colors are a good idea. Gear hos like to be able to check out what's on other people's boards from across the room, or from fuzzy cell phone camera shots. A standard color helps ID a pedal.

2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?

Yes. While I personally think intentional relic'ing is kind of dumb, I really like some of the more industrial or post-industrial looks out there. James Trussart's guitars come to mind - that Mad Max/Steam Punk esthetic. I've seen some DIY builders doing that sort of stuff - rough copper plating, rusty boxes, industrial-looking stamped nameplates.

3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

Yes, while I think the basic color of each model should be consistent, randomization of texture and markings is cool. Small imperfections and manufacturing randomness is a lot cooler than making a clean, consistent box and then intentionally banging it up.

 

[MojoMonster]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?

Yes. I'd be more interested in the differentiating the finish than the color itself... so long as they're visually interesting, it's all good.

2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?

I would say yes.
Given some of the ridiculously over the top "relic" jobs I've seen, I can't see why not.
I'd be interested in something even more thematic... like Steam Punk or some such.

3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

Yes.
One of the things I enjoyed while posting over at BYOC a while ago was the absolutely amazing creativity of some of the pedal finishes.
Zvex has built an entire pedal line on this concept.

I say go for it... be creative.

You can always have them refinished.

MM

 

[astrozombie]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1- Random colours would be nice, but it would be great to know what we can expect.

2- I don't think pedals should be relic'ed. they're always on the floor, getting stomped on, they get worn pretty quick anyway.

3- I don't think MINOR differences in appearance would be enough to bother me.

 

[FUBAR]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

I like the idea of having something "unique" although it really isn't a huge "pro" when considering a purchase.

As long as its a pedal board friendly size and the knobblies aren't too close to the foot switches I'm cool. Pedal board friendly power requirements are also nice (aka 9VDC). Its hard to hit those close together switchys while I'm makin my rock and roll faces!

 

[B2D]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?

Personally I wouldn't mind it at all. However, as I work in a music store, I could see SOME potential difficulties. The pedals in different colors might have what i call the "M&M's Effect" i.e. "The Green ones sound better!" You know how easily misinformation gets spread these days, though Duncan has always been great about controlling product info and keeping customers informed. You might get some people swearing up and down that they think they know someone who said the circuitry was changed slightly from color to color or convincing themselves of such things. Or people could get picky about colors and make returns/exchanges difficult at a store. AT GC, we have a different SKU for every different color of guitar even if it's the exact same model (i.e. USA Strats) I think it would be smart, at least for inventory control, to have a separate SKU for each color if you're really going to do that.

2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?

On the surface, I'd say, "why not?" Sansamp has done this with a limited edition run of the Classic, seen here:

http://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/image...an09/sansamp-classic-small-460-100-460-70.jpg

I personally wouldn't want to pay more for a reliced pedal and think it's a purely luxury expense. But there are probably people that will want to buy them. I think if you use a pedal enough for a few years it will likely gain that look anyway. Overall, I think that the money spent getting the pedals to look like that could be better spent elsewhere.

3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

As long as it doesn't interfere with the operation of the pedal or the understanding of the controls, then I'd say go for it. That might make it hard to track counterfeits though.

I think that one-of-a-kind textured finishes like those swirl guitars Vai/Ibanez have are a good analog, as they don't interfere with function or playability but every one is unique.

 

[d1dsj]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?

I'm assuming that generic sized enclosures/ colours are going to keep costs down and ensure that orders would not be held up if you are out of stock of one particular colour? In any case, I like the idea of not knowing what I'm getting but I can see why most wouldn't. If you had a few generic colurs couldn't you use different knobs or decals to distinguish what pedal it is?


2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?

Tough industrial looking pedals are fine with me as long as they ARE tough. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy a relic'd pedal and infact I have seen pedals I'd like to try but because they have been scratched up I haven't bothered.

3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

Not really, although I don't own any I like the idea of having something unique looking like the Zvex pedals however I wouldn't really want to pay loads more for it.... hence I don't have any! ha ha

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?

I doubt it...most guys that are ready to drop coin on a pedal will want to know for sure what colour it is going to be...I mean, it's an effect pedal that they are spending theyr hard earned money on, not a toy in a box of Cracker Jacks. DO I care personally, no but i'm not most guys. What will happen in the long run is you will have some guys hunting down specific colours and some guys that will simply pass on buying simply based on not knowing whats in the box.

2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?

No way no how...despite the fact that relic stuff is pretty common it is still not what the majority of people like or want and FWIW, there were 2 companies at NAMM a few years ago that had relic pedals...no one was interested in it at all, in fact it was the running joke on more than one forum...I don't even think eitehr pedal went into production.

3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

I don't think so, not at all...not unless you are offering handpainted graphics and even then it's pushing it. Again, guys are dropping big coin on pedals today and if little guys con offer consistant looking pedals then surly Duncan can. I know it's a stomp box thats gonna get, well...stomped but just look at FS ads for used pedals...it's always mentioned that they pedal is "clean, no nicks or dents, has box and papers...etc"...that being the case they need to come out of the box looking the same IMO.

On the US line of SD pedals I would for sure put them under a differnet name to keep down confusion...thats the kind of stuff that really makes guys wonder. It could be just a little confusing.

 

[frobro808]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?
i actually really like that idea. but im not everyone. id say have the option online/ by store and have 'rarer' color to add to the collectability :bling:

2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?
meh.... throw those in the 'rarer' pile so maybe players wont complain as much. i dont like relicing gear... its like pre-worn jeans (not the subtly worn type either...) :foot:

3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?
considering the fact tht id be stepping (stomping?) on them, i'd feel bad if someone put tht much time and energy into the intricacy of a stompbox... thus id say go for more obvious coolness in design

 

[Hoss]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

Hey guys, I need your help on something.


1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?


2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?


3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

1. Having "different/variety" of colors would be cool...not knowing what you are getting would NOT be cool!

2. There are other pedal makers that already do this and it's ok...i think finding an artist to do more of a "handmade/painted " look/finish is better and would appeal to a wider audience!

3. Absolutely...without a doubt!!! Some pedals are works of art...and while they must sound AWESOME and work FLAWLESSLY...a really unique look can add to the ownership experience for sure!


It's no secret that i LOVE pedals...i look forward to seeing how this all turns out!?!

On a side note...size matters as well! It's been my experience that if you can get a pedal that has similar features and is high quality and it's in a smaller enclosure, i think most people will go with the smaller pedal. That's been the primary reason i haven't owned any SD pedals to this point.

 

[The JEM Ghost]

Re: New Pedal Graphics Poll

My personal short marketeer's vision:

First of all I am glad to see this new pedal line will be BUILT in the U.S.A. as well, not just designed and manufactured like the current line is. The more SD can keep production in the U.S.A., the more I like it, I have seen enough destroyed by "world economy" in my own country here, and in Europe in general, so I certainly preach to keep as many of the production as possible within the U.S.A. (and preferably get some of the current off-shore production back to the U.S.A.). But enough on that subject, let's answer those 3 questions:


1. Will you or the market accept random colors? That is to say, to keep channel inventory simple and add some mystery, will you buy a pedal knowing that color of the pedal you take out of the box will be a surprise?

I think that idea is a no-no, both personal as on a general market view. I am pretty sure most of the buyers would have the preference to know in advance what color they are getting. I think only very few customers would see this as an advantage, and I am sure others (a much bigger number) would be rather irritated because of it. I certainly would advice not to use the random colors.


2. Does the era of “relic” guitars, aged parts and ragged tweed vintage amps open the door for tough-looking corroded steel pedal casings having random arrested corrosion washes?

I certainly think there is room on the market (and in the hearts of the players) for nicely done "reliced" or "aged-style" pedal lines, but I have to define how I see it:
If you are talking about it as an option, I'd say it's a no-no as well, not enough people would be interested in paying more for a reliced version to offer the option imho.
But if the "regular" design already is a reliced pedal as the examples you have shown, I think it's a good idea, and a very usable one too. In other words, is the market open to reliced pedals?? I defenitely think so, just not as an extra option that would cost more, offer it in the standard version like that, and then I am very open to the idea, and think the market would accept it very well.



3. Are random small variances in appearance details acceptable or even interesting on a new electronics item that is immediately destined for the sole of your shoe anyway?

Well, as long as the random variances to the pedals would be rather small (details) and HAVE NO INFLUENCE AT ALL AT THE FUNCTIONALITY!! For example, if more "corrosion" around the knobs makes the dials more difficult to read, it would be a huge disadvantage.
But I am open to small differences (details) the pedals would appear, they don't have to be identical, as long as it keeps in the same style, so the buyer knows what to expect, and as long as there are is no negative influence at all, I'd say:sure go ahead.