Service Agreement
Fretline Studio — Design Services Agreement
This agreement is between Fretline Studio ("Designer") and the individual or entity commissioning work ("Client"). By paying the project deposit, the Client agrees to the terms below.
1. Scope of Services
Designer provides 2D technical drawings (blueprints), 3D CAD models, and vector inlay artwork for electric guitars and basses.
1.1 What This Service Is
Designer translates the Client's existing design concepts into production-ready technical files.
1.2 What This Service Is Not
Designer does not create original instrument designs from scratch. The Client is responsible for providing, at minimum, a rough sketch, reference drawing, or other visual starting point.
1.3 Right to Decline
Designer reserves the right to decline or discontinue any project at Designer's sole discretion, including impractical designs, projects requiring proprietary technology, or potential IP infringement.
2. Specification Approval
Before work begins, Client will submit a project specification sheet. Designer will provide a written quote. The project begins when the Client approves the quote and pays the deposit. The approved spec sheet is the baseline for all revision and change-order decisions.
3. Revisions and Change Orders
Each project includes three (3) rounds of revisions. Cosmetic adjustments are revisions. Changes to approved spec-sheet parameters are change orders, quoted at $75/hr with a one-hour minimum, billed in 15-minute increments thereafter. Extra revision rounds are billed at the same rate.
4. Payment
50% non-refundable deposit before work begins. Remaining balance plus change-order charges due before final file delivery. Client receives watermarked proofs during the process; production files release after full payment.
5. Timeline and Cancellation
Turnaround times are estimates. If Client is unresponsive for 30 consecutive days, the project may be closed and the deposit retained. Client may cancel at any time; the deposit is non-refundable. If Designer cancels, the deposit is refunded in full.
6. Deliverables
Body and neck blueprints include planar views, profile views, cross-sections (neck), headstock detail (neck), critical dimensions, and scale verification. 3D models include multiple machining-stage versions. Inlay artwork includes production vectors and a fretboard mockup at 1:1 scale, with the working Illustrator file included as standard.
Source files (Rhino, Illustrator for blueprints) are not included by default. Available at +30% of the project fee.
7. Client Responsibilities
Client must provide a starting point for the design and complete the spec sheet. Client is solely responsible for verifying all dimensions, scale, tolerances, and fit before cutting. Designer is not responsible for material waste, machining errors, or fit issues.
8. Intellectual Property
Custom commissions: Client owns 100% of the original design upon final payment. Designer's standard library components remain Designer's property. Designer may display completed work in portfolio unless Client requests confidentiality.
Pre-made plans: Personal-use license only. No redistribution.
9. Limitation of Liability
Designer's total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific project. Designer is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. If Client provides a design that infringes on third-party IP, Client is solely responsible.
10. Confidentiality
Designer will not share Client's unpublished designs without consent, except for portfolio use (unless opted out) or as required by law.
11. General Terms
This agreement, together with the approved quote and spec sheet, constitutes the entire agreement. Amendments require written acknowledgment. Designer is an independent contractor.
Acceptance
By paying the project deposit, Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all terms of this agreement.
This agreement is a template drafted for Fretline Studio. It has not been reviewed by an attorney. Designer should have this document reviewed by a licensed attorney before relying on it.