Ethics Question

[Lizard Leg]

I build pedals and get asked all the time how does my pedal compare to X brand, or Y Brand, etc. I don't answer those directly. I don't like comparing my pedal to someone else's pedal. Every player has different tastes and my pedal may be their favorite, or another builders pedal might be their favorite. Depends on their tastes, style, etc.

However, if a customer sends me an email or letter where they compare my pedal to someone else's pedal, is it unethical to post that on my website? or should I post the letters and X out the other companies names?

Steve

[RDM]

I don't see that as being unethical. It's a comparrison, and not a flame war.

[59Vampire]

Take the high road. Use the comparison but call the competition "pedal X"

[Jahn]

Taylor guitars used to do that "Guitar X" thing but in the recent past have let comment from fans just air it all out on their newsletters, like "My Taylor is better at XXXX than the Gibson I used to own" and so forth. I think you're on safe ethical ground as long as those are the honest opinions of your cilentele.

[davecan]

I would include the name brand. It's just someone's opinion. And as a potential buyer, I would like to know that they thought your distortion pedal was smoother sounding than a B*ss Blues Driver, for example. By taking the other brand out the comparison is meaningless because they could be comparing apples to oranges (but I would never know).

[Lizard Leg]

Dave,

which is exactly the reason for my dilemna. If I did the comparison with the companies names left intact, then as a consumer, you could get a better idea of the pedal. If I put it ****, you're right, they could be comparing it to a Chevy Nova.

Any other builders care to chime in here?

Steve

[Lizard Leg]

BTW - for the time being I have the taken the names off the site.

[lannyhall]

As most of us have, I have owned many pedals (and guitars and amps), and I need the feedback of how one pedal compares to another. I don't think I would post immature reviews like some offer, but but include those that compare rather than flame.

What not to post:
My Korean-made Sniperdrool is like way better than any Privatestock PRS. Those PRS privatestock guitars are just rippoffs designed for dum old white guys with to much coin. The Sniperdrool kicks a**. Get one in all black- they sound the best and pretty much play themselves. As soon as I get next weaks allowance, I'm going to see about buying an amp, and it will sound even better.

[Lizard Leg]

Lanny, I had to laugh out loud at that post - sorry!

No, that is a far cry from the types of letters/emails I am talking about. I only have a limited amount of room, so I am choosy about which ones I want to post, mainly ones that compare apples to apples, as well as explaining the entire rig are the main ones I posted, as well as the ones I thought were just cool.:D

[Gigbag]

Also make sure you comply with your state's unfair trade practices laws (if any). If you don't misrepresent or bad mouth competitors, you should be fine. Honest (not fabricated by you, and accurate in your opinion) opinions made by your customers should be OK.

[KCWM]

I do not think it's unethical.

I love being able to hear comparisons, either clips or from other consumers, when I decide to buy a pedal, pickups, or anything else gear related.

It's not originating from YOUR opinion, rather, it's originating from someone else's.

[Vintagegitar.no]

I know it is a slightly different business culture in the US compared to Norway, but the general opinion over here is that you shouldn't mention competitors to describe or compare your own products.

[Lizard Leg]

I guess therein lies my question, I am not mentioning the names, but customers are. Where does the line get drawn?

I can see where posting a customer letter about a pedal, but *** the names cannot possibly help someone reading it without knowing what it is being compared to.

[K-Line]

If you say that you compare then no way. But if it is a customer, then that is them and not you. I once said that my stuff compares to Fender/Nash/Etc and wow did I get an ear full from Mr. Nash and FMIC. Comparisons are for the buyer IMHO

[Lizard Leg]

K-Line, I agree 100% that we as builders/owners shouldn't be comparing.
This is strictly relating to customer letters and emails.

[RC2]

I think the way you have it now is best. Everyone gets the general idea from the letters and you get to stay on the high road.