Grateful Dead Music Forum

I have now taken the step of ordering a Tiger for myself from a luthier here in Nashville. Just like the original with the neck custom fitted. It should be done around Jan next year. Yes, I look forward to sharing photos as they come about.

My only question is what name should I put on the 23rd fret?

Jerry had "J. Garcia"

My best idea so far is "Sugaree" but I would like some input from all of you. What have you seen other people (or you) put there?

Since it's your custom guitar, what's wrong with your name?

Bertha

I'm putting my initials on mine..

As a builder, I always try to steer people away from using there own initials or name for no other reason other than re-sale in the future. You don't want your ex's name inked on your arm, and you don't want somebody elses initial on your guitar.......... unless they made it of course.
The safest bet is to go with symbolism..........a sign that means something to you, but that others will like for the ' artistic' value.. Design your own.......The skies the limit......

Be sure to post pics in progress.......

Jim

Your name works for me

"Stella Blue"



Brad

... or just an inspirational or meaningful type of word

Mandoborg wrote:As a builder, I always try to steer people away from using there own initials or name for no other reason other than re-sale in the future. You don't want your ex's name inked on your arm, and you don't want somebody elses initial on your guitar.......... unless they made it of course.
The safest bet is to go with symbolism..........a sign that means something to you, but that others will like for the ' artistic' value.. Design your own.......The skies the limit......

Be sure to post pics in progress.......

Jim

I gotta agree. Quite frankly to the guys who are saying "how could you ever sell it" - because you have never played it. More than a score of times I've seen folks custom order a guitar, wait, get it, and unable to bond. Twice that or better I've seen an initial bond via excitement then reality sets in an it's not their bag.

I don't even see anything wrong with J. Garcia if nothing better pops up. He's certainly the inspiration behind the reason you're having it built, why not just label it that way?


For my bass, I used my last name on the headstock because I designed it from scratch (based around a Warmoth neck) and my Dad did the woodworking... so it was more an homage to him than to me, since he made both me and the bass.



But I don't think I would have used my name if I'd just paid to have it built, especially as a Tiger replica... I feel like it'd be more about Jerry than me at that point.

What about "Tiger"
Or maybe a pic of a tiger head & arm?

Pot leaf gets my vote

Rusty the Scoob wrote:I don't even see anything wrong with J. Garcia if nothing better pops up. He's certainly the inspiration behind the reason you're having it built, why not just label it that way?

I think I agree. That would also make it a true Tiger.


Brad

Tennessee Jedi wrote:Pot leaf gets my vote

Good idea or maybe a "J" with a red cherry and the smoke trailing up the neck!! (This idea might have legs)

Rusty the Scoob wrote:I don't even see anything wrong with J. Garcia if nothing better pops up. He's certainly the inspiration behind the reason you're having it built, why not just label it that way?

That was my number 2 choice after "Sugaree", but it may now be the front runner.

Rusty the Scoob wrote:But I don't think I would have used my name if I'd just paid to have it built, especially as a Tiger replica... I feel like it'd be more about Jerry than me at that point.

Correctamundo, when I design my own guitar (probably never) I will put my own moniker upon it.

Thanks for all the good input...you guys rock! Yes, yes I will post photos when they become available.

strumminsix wrote:More than a score of times I've seen folks custom order a guitar, wait, get it, and unable to bond. Twice that or better I've seen an initial bond via excitement then reality sets in an it's not their bag.

JFC say it isn't so!! I see your point but...oh shit...no, it is custom fitted to my hands and it will have the right pickups and wood etc...IT WILL BE MAGNIFICENT! (I hope)

My vote is for Fatback.