Author Topic: Who loves the Idol? (Read 60847 times)

WB-Nick · « **on:** October 22, 2009, 04:37:15 PM »

We are working on a re-design of the Idol. Making the body a little longer and a little narrower. Anyone see any reason to keep the old shape once we come out with the new?

Tio Kimo · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2009, 08:44:17 PM »

well, I do. But that doesn't mean I'm against trying something new.

one question. Why?

got any CAD or proto pics you care to share?

ok, so that's 2 questions.

shaulin · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2009, 05:48:44 PM »

I understand the idol will be redesigned to look similar to the Les Paul?

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.
no one been able to top the Les Paul single cut in shape and design except Washburn's Idol.

is this design part of the Jam take over?

____________________________
'04 Washburn X50 w/ Bareknuckle Mule & Black Dog
'04 Washburn WI64D w/ Bareknuckle Warpigs
'06 Washburn PI80 w/ Bareknuckle Warpig & Mississippi Queen P(ig)90
'07 Washburn N4
'06 Washburn X33
'98 Gibson Les Paul Studio

WB-Nick · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2009, 08:48:17 AM »

Thanks for the input guys. The problem is that the Idol doesn't appeal to most people. There are some, like yourselves, that love it, but most people will buy an LP shaped guitar over the Idol. This is what the new owner is looking at. Yes, he wants to change the design and sell more guitars.

shaulin · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2009, 02:47:28 PM »

Then Washburn will lose it's appeal to me.

Washburn makes special guitars, that's what I liked about it,
making Les Paul copies is something I would expect from a small
company who just started out and wants to get a market share, not from
a company who is over 100 years old and already has it's own body shape
design.

____________________________
'04 Washburn X50 w/ Bareknuckle Mule & Black Dog
'04 Washburn WI64D w/ Bareknuckle Warpigs
'06 Washburn PI80 w/ Bareknuckle Warpig & Mississippi Queen P(ig)90
'07 Washburn N4
'06 Washburn X33
'98 Gibson Les Paul Studio
'09 Washburn WM526
'09 Washburn WI568

hansvaneven · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2009, 03:41:03 AM »

Personally I really LOVE the Idol look, it's unique and I actually prefer it over Les Paul shape, so hopefullly you'll keep the current shape

thanks,

Hans

hansvaneven · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2009, 11:19:55 AM »

Hi Nick,

well, after looking at it again, maybe a small upgrade like this may work ?

This is the original Idol Shape :

My small updated suggestion :

Hope this helps [

]

Cheers,

Hans

cedwards · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2009, 12:05:30 PM »

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

BlueBuddha · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2009, 12:45:03 PM »

bring back the P series!!!!

What do you want to do tomorrow?

Tio Kimo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2009, 01:13:45 PM »

I gotta say, I agree with most everything I'm reading here.
Including Bluebuddha

shoveller · « **Reply #10 on:** November 01, 2009, 08:09:06 PM »

OK, I admit I've not played electric in years, but I really do like the Idol's shape. It is unique and I'd hate to see it disappear in the name of progress. The longer/narrower body suggestion makes me think of a Michael Kelly Patriot, more so than an LP.

Anyway, isn't one of Paul Stanley's signature models a slight shape variation on an LP body?

If Idol sales are lagging, maybe more agressive marketing is the answer???

(Or is the Idol shape now tainted because of the Hanna Montana version? :0 )

Cheers,
Shoveller

WB-Nick · « **Reply #11 on:** November 02, 2009, 08:49:48 AM »

Thanks guys, i really appreciate the feedback and i will bring up your comments when discussing this issue with the boss.

Metalgoth · « **Reply #12 on:** November 02, 2009, 03:59:23 PM »

My two cents: I prefer the thicker WI66ANC to the standard thinner Idols. Also, now I've got a WM526, that carbon whosit fretboard makes a great option. When I think of an LP-style guitar made for shredding, I immediately think of the ANC.

NelsonB · « **Reply #13 on:** November 02, 2009, 07:46:54 PM »

I'm new here, and I was drawn here by my interest in the Idol series. I agree with one thing already pointed out, it would be nice if you could actually get a hold of one these guitars in a store and try them out. I already have a LP copy, so why would I want another one.
I like the fact that there was carious types of Idols, some thin, some thick, different trim levels, etc.
Change the shape and you canâ€™t call it an Idol anymoreâ€¦â€¦.

hansvaneven · « **Reply #14 on:** November 03, 2009, 01:02:58 PM »

Talking about thickness, as a demonstrator for Washburn in France and having played both NC and Wi568, the thinner Wi568 models are my prefered ones and btw much easier to play then a Les Paul. Like others have already stated here, what I like about Washburn in general is that they have original shapes and configurations vs Gibson and Fender. People who want a Les Paul or Strat buy Gibson or Fender, but Washburn has something unique which others don't have, please keep that unique touch!

Cheers,

Hans
www.hansvaneven.com