rhoads56

Why is nearly every bridge angled? Im just not sure why you would go to all this effort, yet use plywood?

Im not even sure what you mean by paint bleed. You mean the colour bleeds under the clear? If so, you're doing it really wrong. If you mean it gets on the fretboard face, then we all have that issue to some extent. Razor blade as a scraper fixes it in under two minutes for the whole surface. Just doing it in an arse about way, is going to take CONSIDERABLY longer. Efficiency man!

I couldnt move the sander on my own. It took three of us to get it off the truck. Two to drag it over to where it needed to sit, using a little flat trolley.

No, but that's because of a lack of body parts Where can I source some?

Too expensive. Cut with a hacksaw only takes half a minute as brass cuts quick, then bastard file it back takes about ten seconds. The holes are already drilled which means you have no alignment problems, just need to be tapped (if its cut deeper than the tap, I think Gotoh blocks are tapped all the way through or at least deep enough to still be usable, from memory the genuine floyd ones are not. I think you'll find that whole process is more like an hour, than just a few minutes. Floyd shorter blocks are available already fitted to a floyd, for zero cost if ordered like that. And you dont have to buy taps, etc. I prefer clients to see fresh parts, rather than something that's been modified to suit. And, if you arent PERFECT with the cuts etc, it wont fit as nicely as it should. My hourly rate is worth too much to much around modifying stuff already available to purchase ready to go

Or, just order the shorter block from Floyd...

I dont have a manager, but a business advisor. They kick my arse. They throw ridiculous suggestions at me, which I water down, and implement.

It surprises me you guys feel this way. I want more client interaction. More design input. Hell I had a guy say ONE word to me today that set my mind racing on a killer custom idea that will be great fun to build.

That's for Poly. Nitro $150 extra. Relics add $450. If it's a vintage instrument and will increase in value, add more. I can charge those prices because of my reputation. Why would I charge less? Which would you prefer: Charge just enough to whine that there isnt enough money in it, or charge enough to be able to go the extra mile if and when needed?? Im certainly not going to charge less for certain work. I have an hourly rate I like to meet or exceed, and charge accordingly. If people dont like the prices, they are free to shop around.

Forget about the "x times materials" model. Start thinking of the "I want $ x hour" model. As you get more efficient, you'll automatically get a 'pay rise'. As you build a reputation, you can increase your 'hourly rate'. As you start buying in bigger quantities, you'll start getting price breaks, effectively giving yourself a pay increase. My minimum rate is $70 an hour, and that's for ghost builds where someone else needs to make a decent profit margin on my work. Work on my own instruments is considerably higher than that. As for advertising, thats a new subject altogether. I spent $800 last year, and that provided well into six figures of signed up work. Of course, that advertising is only strengthening an already established brand though.

Yeah, thats why I raised prices to what I have. Didn't stop anyone though. I just need to learn to say no.

Mr Searl, $500 is too cheap. I haven't done a respray in the last 12 months under $950 for bodies, and $250 for necks. But, our economy can handle those sort of prices.

When you say cracks around holes, are these from inserting screws? Or from the buffing process? I can honestly say these things have never been an issue for me. Is it a difference in technique, or products?

Ok, so I guess this post is more aimed at guys out there that are already doing this full time, or are charging for their services... I've noticed, especially on forums such as mimf.com, there seems to be an attitude that we can only hope to ever earn just above the poverty line, and that we are struggling 'artists' and know that going into this career. You've seen the jokes: "best way to get a million in this business is to start with two!" etc... It is absolutely, the most common thing mentioned to me by luthiers, whilst I was establishing my business in the beginning. I'm curious to see how many people believe that going into it? Is it the case that you simply don't care, and the job satisfaction is worth more? Is it a case of 'thought there would be more than this, but Im happy with what Ive got'? Or even 'Im doing everything to succeed, and nothing is working?'? If the income side of things isnt there (or there yet), what do you think needs to change? I'm talking about us as luthiers, AND our clients/players. I guess I think about this every time I travel. I make a point of visiting luthiers around the world to try and expand not just my contacts, but my knowledge also. One thing that has really struck me is that guys that seems to be doing ok, really aren't (financially). They have the 'chops', but not the income. Maybe it's bad money management? Maybe it's just the areas Ive visited (mostly USA, but email conversations worldwide)? But it definately seems to be something else... ___________

$300 is a bargain for the time, effort and materials. Im not sure how it is chipping during assembly, that has never happened to me. Re-drill all your holes if that is where the problems are.

No, you don't Chris. I've had timber sent from other sources, through LMI for slotting and radiusing, and then on to me. $9 is cheaper than my hourly rate, so I always try to have stuff slotted at the source if possible. But, it isn't always possible... For under $250 you can set yourself up with a decent powered fret slotting system. If you're doing '10-15' you'll be most likely doing 10-15 more...

What's it worth to you?

Well, not too sure how many lives it really has saved, but I'll take the credit

I have an air powered orbital sander with a 2" disc. So, they do make them...

When it comes down to it, those that want the quick buck never last. Never. But that doesnt stop us trying to guide them does it? Another hour wasted!!

That's the truth right there. Push something that isn't quite right, and it breaks. I still think this is a hobby I really love. I just happen to be paid well

That popped up on my feed on facebook. Nice method.

Calm down ,your highness. If you re-read the first post- he's already been repairing and flipping guitars. He asked how to "make some money" not start a guitar building business. Yep, I see that, but I was responding to you And that's exactly what you've suggested he do: ""You can start by placing local ads and doing repair work"" What's wrong with getting a job that pays immediately, and refining your skills on guitars/woodwork/electronics over the years like we all had to do? You get the cashflow now, and build up the skills and reputation during 'hobby time'. Im not saying 'dont buy, fix and flip'. Im saying 'dont advertise that you are a repairer/builder'. I have seen a LOT of guys come and go, leaving a trail of destruction behind them, as "clients" pay them to practise and learn on their guitars. There is a new one on facebook right now, actively advertising he is a custom luthier, and can do anything. He shows off one respray, that looks like it was painted with a used tissue. But the prices are cheap, so it sucks in guys that can't afford any more. They aren't buying a bargain, they are buying a problem. If we need one prime example of someone like that, may I remind you of "litchield custom gutars".

NO NO NO Please dont advertise yourself until you are confident you can accept, and excel, in every aspect of the repairs you are offering. Otherwise, it's commercial suicide. You'll be dealing with people's prized possessions, and they get pretty upset if something comes back with excuses or sloppy work.

The server that hosted these pics has been wiped. All good, I can re-upload, but I gotta get time to do it.