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Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2019 10:31 am
by mcatano
Hi folks,

I have a '63 JM in need of a headstock decal. I know fender have cracked down on aftermarket decals in recent years, nonetheless I'm wondering where to source one that's vintage-correct. If you're not comfortable posting publicly, please feel free to PM.

Thanks

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2019 1:42 pm
by adamrobertt
Check eBay. I saw some decent looking ones on there recently.

Also, have you tried contacting Fender? If you can prove that you have a real vintage JM they might send you one.

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Sun Nov 03, 2019 2:08 pm
by Trout

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2019 4:32 pm
by kracdown
Old fret.

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Nov 28, 2019 12:00 pm
by Moo-Stang
I had good success with Voodoo Decals for a couple Mustang projects earlier this year. Just checked their website though and it seems pretty bare. Not sure if they are just revamping the site or if they have cut back production.

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2020 11:17 am
by Dieca
I have a bass VI decal I ordered from Voodoo and have to say its a bit disappointing, pixelation is noticeable. It's going on a Squier so accuracy is not paramount but the "offset contour body" decal is massively oversized and the fender logo has lots of issues if you start to look for them.

I have an Oldfret one on a Thinline Tele I built, the quality is great, it was a custom build so again I wasn't concerned with accuracy and didn't have anything to compare it to but the Fender part is very close to my 72 Mustang and their website certainly gives the impression they sweat the small details.

TLDR

Thumbs up for Oldfret
Thumbs down for Voodoo

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 3:31 am
by zenarcade
Oldfret is very good/authentic

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2021 8:58 am
by atexx
You can always try oldfret.net but the images are deliberately not accurate or close to the quality you get. Good luck getting a decal for less than $200 with the Dealer fees and costs. Fender does not have them all and will sub out a re-issue if need be. Case kept is best but if your dog, Kid or stand takes it out you might have to fix it yourself.

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2021 12:43 pm
by adamrobertt
oldfret.net looks super sketchy to me, and they're trying to bank on people not realizing that it isn't the OG oldfret.com, which is now defunct (I have this confirmed by the owner).

Oldfret.com used to be the best source, but they are no more. I've used the Croxx decals and they are pretty good. Probably your best bet right now.

Edit: Also, nice try plugging your own site bro lol

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:26 pm
by jonathanrichman
almost two years since the last post on this. By chance, does anyone have a lead on anything remotely close to what oldfret.com used to have?

Just wanted to offer my experiences in the meantime:

guitarcentro.com - utter trash. stay away. I could print a better decal on my 100 dollar printer.

Etsy: Goes by two seller names, i dunno why, but they are: GuitarRestoration and RestoreGuitarDecals - but shipped both times from Stevesguitar.shop in NJ - Got a 67-75 era Jag and Jazz Bass Decals. best quality I've found thus far. Real lithograph ink, really sharp and unpixelated. Also has a lacquered / textured sheen but not raised the way those Oldfret decals were.

Etsy: Georgesdecals - meh. Sends you 3 decals on a single sheet. Real gold ink but can see some pixelation upon closer inspection. Most recently got a 62 style Jazzmaster decal from him, and all 3 had print defects (white lines, misprint, small chunks missing from fender logo) - tried to install the most usable one as a temporary and ink started rubbing away when I tried to carefully get the bubbles out. Dude had the nerve to follow up with "Did you seal the decal with lacquer like the directions said?" - which is a step in his own instructions - that's supposed to happen AFTER you smooth out the bubbles.

ps. Anyone have pics of croxguitars decal on their own guitars?

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:37 pm
by JSett
jonathanrichman wrote:
Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:26 pm
almost two years since the last post on this. By chance, does anyone have a lead on anything remotely close to what oldfret.com used to have?

Just wanted to offer my experiences in the meantime:

guitarcentro.com - utter trash. stay away. I could print a better decal on my 100 dollar printer.

Etsy: Goes by two seller names, i dunno why, but they are: GuitarRestoration and RestoreGuitarDecals - but shipped both times from Stevesguitar.shop in NJ - Got a 67-75 era Jag and Jazz Bass Decals. best quality I've found thus far. Real lithograph ink, really sharp and unpixelated. Also has a lacquered / textured sheen but not raised the way those Oldfret decals were.

Etsy: Georgesdecals - meh. Sends you 3 decals on a single sheet. Real gold ink but can see some pixelation upon closer inspection. Most recently got a 62 style Jazzmaster decal from him, and all 3 had print defects (white lines, misprint, small chunks missing from fender logo) - tried to install the most usable one as a temporary and ink started rubbing away when I tried to carefully get the bubbles out. Dude had the nerve to follow up with "Did you seal the decal with lacquer like the directions said?" - which is a step in his own instructions - that's supposed to happen AFTER you smooth out the bubbles.

ps. Anyone have pics of croxguitars decal on their own guitars?
I don't have any pictures to hand but I can tell you now Crox are the best out there, hands down. Easily as good as OG Fender

*EDIT: actually, here you go... (Click for full size)

Image

The gold looks yellow in that picture but be assured it's proper metallic gold in real life

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:35 pm
by tequila_in_teacups
Do you just get the one decal from Crox? I remember old fret would send a pair. Useful to have a spare in case of damage.

Edit: typo

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 5:12 pm
by JSett
tequila_in_teacups wrote:
Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:35 pm
Do you just get the one decal from Crox? I remember old feet would send a pair. Useful to have a spare in case of damage.
Yeah, he always sent me a spare

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 5:19 pm
by OffYourFace
johnnysomersett wrote:
Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:37 pm

*EDIT: actually, here you go... (Click for full size)
damnit, it keeps telling me you're gonna steal my credit cards that i don't have


Does FenderBob still deal them decals?

Re: Current source for repro decals?

Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 5:40 pm
by tequila_in_teacups
johnnysomersett wrote:
Thu Feb 02, 2023 5:12 pm
tequila_in_teacups wrote:
Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:35 pm
Do you just get the one decal from Crox? I remember old feet would send a pair. Useful to have a spare in case of damage.
Yeah, he always sent me a spare
Sorry, just clarifying, Crox sends a spare?