quote:
Originally posted by shaulin
there is one reason to keep the old shape, it's unique, there are A LOT of Les Paul look alike guitars out there
the Idol is unique, it's special and it looks good.
I have to agree with that - why just replicate what everyone else is doing? I would have to wonder about the business case for that. I'd think it would have to be all about producing the least-cost competitor among the many LP copies out there, particularly if, as people here seem to be observing, the USA custom-shop business is being curtailed. Certainly, I don't think the folks on here, people that appreciate something unique in Washburn's offerings, would want that.
I don't mind a new direction in and of itself. I'm just not sure I buy the LP copy approach. Washburn, to me, stands for something special and I think that's the real value in your brand; well-designed, well-made guitars at affordable prices and guitars that you will not get from anyone else. If I were running Washburn, I'd protect and grow that aspect of my brand as my absolute first priority.
Those are the reasons I've bought my Washburns. I'd also add, based on the conversations I've seen here, that promotion and distribution are the priorities. My Washburns are all good guitars for the money. I think the product can sell itself. The issue that keeps surfacing on this forum is that people don't see them in their local music stores and never get a chance to try them out.
I say, don't be afraid to be a cult brand. Leverage that and take it viral.
I also have to say . . . when I look at my lovely trans-red WI-45 hanging on the wall, I see a lovely, buxom, curvaceous woman inside her. I don't necessarily get that from my Univox LP copy. Just sayin'.
Seize the Fish
*****
Washburn WG2S
Washburn D10SCE
Washburn WI45
Ibanez V300MH
Lyon L115
'70s Univox LP Copy