The Electra Forums

I was just wondering who owns the copyright to electra's guitars currently.Seems like they did thevine inlay before ibanez and the way the "uncle mat guitars" did their necks is the same way some of the ibanez necks are now.Have the copyrights worn out as in they can be copy righted any more like some of gibsons and rickenbacker

Probably no one. Fender didn't protect their designs--other than the headstock--so anyone can make pick-guarded strat copy and as long as the HS is different there are no legal issues. Even if you own a design you still have to actively and consistently go after other folks who copy your stuff.

I don't know how current this is - but....
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4863&hilit=Ben+Chafin

so did he get the ok from the copy right board to use the headstock or dose he now own the copy right.For example if I started building with a fan headstock would it be legal?

Ben Chafin's new web site:

http://www.chafincustom.com/

This site also has a forum;

I think the Electra product name issue is still in litigation though;

Only Ben would know.

RCSBlues

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RCSBlues

When you can get perfectly functional guitars for under $400 made with old growth woods, why bother trying to make something new? I think Ben said his would list for like $1500 - $2500... which is a lot of scratch man.

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

would be nice to see the range continue.Alot of the woods are not mad expensive.was actually considering starting my own guitar company,the bodys and woods you can get done its the electronics like those pickups that would be difficult for a new company to get while keeping every thing affordable.But I suppose once the company starts making money-could start getting our own pickups wound and get other nice electronic features may raise price slightly,but the would be worth it.For example that prototype lp with the maple stripe would be great if it was mass produced.Any one own the rights to the endorser body shape or fan style head stock/electras pickups

In my estimation you have it backwards-- electronics and hardware are probably the cheapest components. Good wood and labor the most expensive.

The fan headstock was used by Hofner before Electra used it.

Good off species hardwoods are getting very expensive.

depends what you have planned for the electronics and how much manufacturing involved in the electronics.

I dig my Electra. It's cool in a weird 70s way and plays nice, but it doesn't compare to Ben's work. Neither did my old Outlaw.

Hmmm, Four vintage guitars or one brand new one for the same price? Not too tough a decision for me.

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

I agree; when it was announced that the Electra brand was going to be resurrected it was beyond belief -

but then again who was thinking about possible price one would have to pay.

Of course it must be taken into consideration that development, prototypes, and new set ups are very costly and would take a major investment

At this point a vintage purchase is still definitely the way to go.

RCSBlues

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RCSBlues

I never said or have any intention to resurrect electra.Also judging from recent inflated prices of these guitars and similar a 600 euro price tag on an equally good new guitar is attractive imo.

I was referring to Ben Chafin's attempt over the last several months to resurrect the Electra name;

He even came out with some prototypes;

Do a Search for "Ben Chafin" to see the Forum entries in this regard.

RCSBlues

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RCSBlues