custom guitars andother things

[StevieM]

Just testing the water here.
I'm thinking about about making custom guitars, and other instruments, like dulcimers/lutes and things. Plus 'primitive' or 'native' drums and stuff. Basically, if it's a wooden instrument (apart from wind, unless it's primitive), I'd certainly have a go.

Do you think there'd be much interest in any of these?

This a pic of one I made for me.


It's a Maple neck, the fret markers are black Bog Oak, the nut is Bone( not plastic)

[Kody]

I tried to get into building guitars- Bought some books- bought all hardware, pots, wood for the neck, body, and fretboard. So, far I have the body cut out and routered for a Floyd, but that's where I stopped......3 years ago   I just don't have the time or quality tools(or money to buy them)

I'd love to have the knowledge and skill to make customized guitars from scratch. Looking at the guitar you posted- You definately do!
I like the inlay work on the maple neck-and I'd definately go with a bone nut too! What kind of pickups are those(do you wind your own)? and what kind of wood is the body? Looks nice man!

Maybe you could sell them on Ebay and get rich- only one way to find out! Best of luck!

[Greeny]

That's REALLY cool. I can't even imagine the satisfaction of being able to make a guitar to your own spec and finish! It looks like you know your stuff really well. So impressive 

I'm not sure eBay is the best route, because it's hard for people to know what they're buying until they actually see the finished article. I think people would be nervous about parting with money on that basis. The only way it could work on eBay (in my opinion) is to have some really good testimonials from happy customers to build up the trust.

If it was me, I'd speak to a good guitar shop and get them to display one with an ad for you. It's a win-win... they'd get a one-off custom guitar in their window, and you'd get free marketing. And you never know, someone might just want to buy that one!

Just an idea. I supposedly get paid to come up with marketing and advertising ideas 

[bydle]

I agree to Greeny. Also I would try to make and sell/give a guitar like that to a popular local band guitarist maybe. It is the best way to gain customers I think at reasonable cost.

[SteveG]

Very nice! Did you make the neck too?

[StevieM]

There's not really many specialist tools needed after the main cutting/routing. A small block plane, couple of files, maybe a spokeshave/ small fine saw and sandpaper, that's about it! Oh, and plenty of time Sounds like you're partway there with the bits cut out, don't give up on it. Even if you only manage an hour or so whenever, you'll get there. Just one downside, you don't know if it works OK 'till it's finished!!!

Not sure what the body is, must admit, I cheated a little on the easiest bit. I had an old broken one, so used that body and reshaped it, but ALL the rest is made by me. And no, not clever enough to wind my own coils. Not sure what the pickups are, came off the old one. They're not the best, probably replace them at some stage.

Yep, it's certainly satisfying, but then that's what I do, make wooden stuff.

I won't be doing any for a while yet anyway, hopefully in the next 3/4 months though. I'll keep you posted ( yep, pun intended )

I think you're right about E Bay for those reasons. It's ok for established names, but unknown?? I'll just see how things go.
It's good to get the general opinion though.

[mr2kewl]

steve - that is a sweet looking piece of craftsmanship you've going there. but i will agree with tim - word of mouth will be your best bet for getting folks to with their $$$ or... (i don't have a symbol for pounds) anyway - you get the drift. i bought both of my guitars off eBay and held my breath until i got them. unfortunately, my bass arrived damage in shipment, though that didn't have anything to do with the quality of the guitar itself. i think that will be your biggest hurdle.

markr

[StevieM]

You're right. Anyone got Francis Rossi or Fish's e mail addresses??
Nope? How 'bout Joe Bonnamassa then?
Oh well, it's the hard way then

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

[Wiley]

wow I missed this post great job!! What fun it must be to be able to build something like a guitar.  My only other talent is to paint on rocks and walls etc.    Do you think anyone would like a rock?  LOL  maybe I should post a pic.

[StevieM]

Thanks . I'm quite pleased with it.
I'd love a painted rock, especially if you do the Native American type of art?  Postage would probably be a little excessive though;D.
Yep, post pics.