Bring Back Frantone!

An open invitation to music industry manufacturers...
#Frantone #Pedal #FranLab
- Music by Fran Blanche -

[wesrihn]

I think if these pedals go back into production the value of old ones tanks immediately. The best way to capitalize on this situation is to make 5-6 new pedals a month and sell them through the same channels as used pedals.

[al]

Reach out to MXR. They’re working with Paul C. and Analog Man… it’s kinda becoming their thing to be the go between for boutique builders and public demand.

[McTroyd]

Ironically, re-releasing the pedals through a major manufacturer might make those existing pedals still more valuable. All they have to add is _MADE BY FRANTONE_ to the listing (in caps, because nobody uses lowercase on store listings) to differentiate from the new product. Still, I'm sure there's quite a constituency of aspiring musicians who'd be interested in Frantone making a comeback. Best of luck! I hope someone reaches out (or at least calls back).

[joeflosion]

Its such a shame I only discovered your channel a year or two ago. I've lived in and around Philly my entire 28 year life, I would've loved to buy one of these back when I played religiously. Had I found a Frantone pedal at George's Music in delco back in 2012 who knows what could've happened. You rock Fran!

[HaydenWWest]

Josh of JHS has mentioned you and your pedal legacy specifically on his channel. He certainly holds you in high regard.

[jhinto]

A little late to this video but check with All Pedal in KY. They used to and still do manufacture for several larger companies.

[pgriffinbaron]

Fran, I just found your page a few minutes ago from watching another video about the sovtek big muffs/small stones and there was a link in it to this page. I'm so happy I found you! My "Sweet" pedal has been a mainstay on my pedalboard for YEARS and every variation of my board. It's one of the only ones that always goes on whatever board i'm making.

[screamengine]

Hey @Fran Blanche I think ART (Applied Research Tech) out of Rochester, NY would be an interesting prospect for your pedals. I have some of their gear and have not had a hitch with anything over the years. Well built, good finish and long lasting gear and I think every music store in North America carries at least 1 or 2 things they produce so distribution channels are there.

[jeepmanxj]

Fran. I've had the pleasure of playing through your pedals. They are second to none. Sadly they are priced on the high side for me, but the value is absolutely there. The value being there is what's important to a consumer. Sadly sometimes that prices the manufacturer out.

I hope you figure out a way and build a desire to make it happen.

[novafawks]

Man, I would LOVE the Frantone line to come back. As a musician, I really want to use them but can't afford the 4 figures :/ maybe one day!

[openup]

My pedal board is populated with ONLY made-in-the-USA pedals. I await your first offering… love to add a FranTone!🎸

[rider]

I’m a Sweet owner and I’ve heard they’re going through the roof.
I’m also shocked that there has not been a manufacturer to bring these back. Wish you the best.

[LeeBlaske]

I wonder if EveAnna Manley at Manley Labs might be interested.

This is a weird time for any small-scale manufacturing, though, even reasonably significant producers. I'm a fan of Eurorack products, that I use in my studio, and it's absolutely amazing how in that market, most current products made by manufacturers are out of stock because of supply chain issues. They're missing key parts needed to finish assembling units and ship them. Also, finding labor must also be tough in the current job market (although it's good that employment levels are so high).

[arfcorps]

It blows my mind that none of the boutique (and I use that term loosely) pedal manufacturers have not reached out to you to pursue a Frantone collaboration, have you reached out to Josh Scott at JHS pedals? If anyone, Josh understands the importance of your contribution to guitar pedal history.

[gaz]

There are a huge amount of pedals out there but so very few have a second hand value of 4 or 5 times the new price.
I’ve tried to get a Frantone pedal and couldn’t get one. Now they’re so far out of what I can afford. I would love to see you making them again. Selfishly just so I can finally own one, maybe all of them eventually.

[cookingwithjesus]

You could sell hand signed versions. Limited batches of a special color. Numbered batches. All kinds of options.

[JohnBrown-zu]

There's that outfit in California who do the manufacturing for Wampler, Tone King amps, and several others. You could do design and marketing. They can source parts, put them together, and do the distribution.

[SpydersByte]

Not that you don't deserve a call, but I think it would be incredibly helpful to actually try and reach out to the companies you wouldn't mind working with. If you just sit around waiting for requests hoping that the right people will see your content you end up with nothing at the end, like you say it is now. I know fear of rejection sucks and some people just hate having to try to 'sell themselves' to an employer (myself included), but it really is reaching out on your own that will actually land you a deal somewhere. And you definitely deserve a good deal.

[flymypg]

To keep the Frantone prestige, you really need a high-end company with a great reputation AND a leg in the music business. Ideally, an offshore Asian company desiring a higher US profile. I'd avoid China for now, in case they follow Russia's example and go rogue. Perhaps Japan, Korea or Taiwan?

The problem with US folks picking up your brand is that they may see it as diluting their own brand. An Asian company with global presence would seem to be the way to go.

Perhaps something like "Frantone by Yamaha"?

[joecichlid]

You, are an artist among the world of pedal makers. It kills me that those companies aren't beating at your door to make your pedals again.