Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark on October 25, 2011 at 7:00am

Yup, this discussion has a horribly familiar feel - I think I recall several threads on similar themes. I guess there will always be a fresh supply of optimists.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on October 25, 2011 at 7:19am

Well I am not trying to be pessimistic. Just realistic. If you were really planning on selling CBGs as a business, having a lower, middle, and higher end product might be the best approach. From a viewable sales presentation, the customer can see what he can get for his money and make the appropriate choice. There has already been builders here on the Nation that have done quite well. www.loogguitars.com  has just launched their sales. I personally wonder if the $195 is too high for today. I guess like everything...nothing ventured...nothing gained...Thank you all for the discussion.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on October 25, 2011 at 8:17am

And don't forget that you, and all of us that sell, are fighting the stigma from the established musical community that CBGs are "novelty" instruments. And as such, the buyers don't believe that they should command a high price.

 

You can certainly overcome some of that prejudice with quality videos and pictures that will convince a potential buyer that they are, indeed, a legitimate musical instrument.

 

Imagine the wife, screaming at her CBG buying husband saying, "you paid $350 for THAT?????"

 

Nobody here will doubt that your work and craftsmanship is worth what you are asking. But, then again, we are not the ones who will be buying it from you.

 

The bottom line is, price your work at what you feel comfortable. If it doesn't sell, then be prepared to hang onto it until it does, however long that takes.

 

Maybe it will sell right away and make liars out of us!!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lowatter on October 25, 2011 at 10:17am

Thanks for that great thread link you provided Roosterman. I agree totally with what was said there. I will admit that this is only my 3rd build but at 51 years old, I've done alot in my life in various fields professionally and as a hobiest. I traded my 2nd 3 string build which was a very unique reso that I had 60 hours or so into to a good friend of mine that initiated the trade for a like new PRS SE One Korina guitar. He is estactic about the trade and the PRS is worth maybe $400 which works out to be $6.66 an hour not including design development and parts. I feel we both made a very fair trade however so it's really up to the builder as to what he thinks the market value should be demanded and if it can sell at that price.

I will say that my future builds(if I choose to build more) will be a little easier if I stick to the model I just produced because I have templates, build technique knowledge etc. to produce them a little faster. Will I charge less for them?...no, I think not. As I learn from any mistakes I made from the experience of prior builds, I'll be more confident and capable to produce an even better product faster. As far as the Asian markets go, I'd like to think that an educated buyer would really appreciate the fact that the 3/4/6 string guitar he's buying was made in the US, in the South by a local builder that takes alot of pride in what he's producing for sale. I have no intentions of building for a living and if I did, it would probably be solid body 6 string electrics or maybe the occassional acoustic. It would be slim pickens trying to eek-out a living competing with the Asian market or established luthiers however. For now, Im just content to build a few to see what happens and enjoy the process.

Roosterman said:

Remember this thread chaps?

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/thebritsarecoming/forum/topics/...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by c# merle on October 25, 2011 at 10:54am

i agree with keni here. you won't get rich making cbgs - about the only way to make a good profit is to build em cheap and sell em cheap. a no frills build selling for $90 will make you more in the long run than an awesome build that took way longer to make.

The guitars i've sold are all word of mouth sales where i take the time to play some stuff and show what it's capable of. plus cbgs are still rarer than hens teeth in scotland. functional art dosn't = cash unfortunately. but all the best of luck

Keni Lee Burgess said:

It is not that working hard is the problem...but receiving no satisfactory compensation for your effort. You can either fund your hobby with a vocation or make your hobby into your vocation. Either way there is always a bottom line. Making things by hand, one at a time will require a higher return. This is already reaching out to a limited market that has the financial means to  appreciate and afford the higher cost. The larger market needs a product that is more reasonable priced. An assembly line product.

Here is an example:

I feel http://www.nationalguitars.com/home.html makes the best commercially made US resonator guitar on the market today. I feel the quality construction and tone  justifies the price. The catch is that they start at about $2000.

I recommend www.republicguitars.com to players because I feel although they are built in China, the ower Frank sets them up personally and makes sure you receive a good instrument. Starting around a quarter of the price, makes them more approachable for your average player who is a hobbyist.

 

Any business in order to remain solvent needs to produce a product at a price point that the consumer is willing to pay.

 

Why do think McDonalds is doing so well. Do you feel they make "the best" quality burger or just good enough for the price? Food for the masses.         

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Keni Lee Burgess on October 25, 2011 at 12:03pm

I just want to thank Lowatter for starting this thread and sharing his thought. My best wishes concerning your upcoming surgery too. Speedy recovery! Additionally, I would like to thank everyone who added a comment. I read them all. It is quite refreshing to have a polite and indept discussion. This is the Nation at it's finest. Enjoy.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lowatter on October 25, 2011 at 12:55pm

THANKS TO YOU KENI! I appreciate the good recovery wishes. It's kind of a scary thing. I have a rare nerve inpingement in my left shoulder that caused my scapula muscles to die. It's really wierd...looks like someone took a very large spoon and scooped those muscles out of my shoulder. There's nothing there but a void that looks like a suction cup. After I heal a bit from this surgery, I have to have neck surgery to repair a ruptured disk. They will be fusing my C6 to C7 vertebrae in the process. I've always been VERY athletic and muscular, I guess...the times they are 'a changin'.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark on October 25, 2011 at 10:06pm

Personally, I build musical instruments to make music - if you want to build something to make money then build a printing press.

But seriously, you have to decide whether you're in this for enjoyment or business. If you're in it for business then you have to think like a proper businessman and face up to the harsh realities of the real world. If you're in it for enjoyment then have some fun damnit!

c# merle said:

i agree with keni here. you won't get rich making cbgs -

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on October 26, 2011 at 3:20am

Like the previous administration always said, "there are no rules" I will add to this, "Only suggestions"

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page