We get a lot of potential customers asking whether instructions are included with each kit. We always respond that the instructions are on the site; directing them to our video guides, wiring diagrams, and this amazing Community Forum.
However, it does seem that many of our new competitors are offering Instruction Manuals; included with their kits. So, it might be time to reconsider our position and look at producing our very own Pit Bull Guitars Manual.
Whether it is actually printed and put in with the kit, or not, is up for discussion... being a bit of a Greenie, I'd say that is not necessary, as it's a huge expense (adding to the cost of each kit) and would use a lot of paper which many customers might just throw away (if they are onto their second, third or fourth kit). Also, a PDF of the manual on the site can have direct links to the Videos, Wiring Diagrams, etc, which you can't do in printed version.
Now, with so many different kits in the range, it is simply not practical to have a manual for every kit, so we are looking at a single Manual that covers all of our kits; guitar and bass; bolt on and set neck; all different pickup configurations; and finishing (painting vs staining).
We also think it would be great if we could produce our PBG Manual using the group knowledge right here on the Forum.
We actually have the seeds of a comprehensive manual here on the Forum; starting with Gav Bramley's thread "How to build your Pit Bull Guitar". We can use this as a kick off point, or start again from scratch.
The first step would be to develop Chapters to guide the drafting. Gav's thread provides a good base to work from:
1. Tools You'll Need For Building An Electric Guitar
2. Beginning and managing your Build
3. Body Preparation
4. Shaping the Headstock
5. Shielding
6. Leveling the Frets
7. Installing the Bolt-on neck
8. Installing Tuners to the Headstock
9. Grounding the Bridge
10. Installing the Bridge / Tremolo
11. Wiring Up the Electronic Components
12 Pickguard, Switches and knobs, and Strap Button Installation (and the pickups, bridge, pickguard and all other hardware)
13. The Nut
14. Putting on the strings
15. String and pickup height
16. Decals
17. Intonation
18. Entering Guitar of the Month
So, what's missing? Redundant? If we can decide on a Chapter list, I can set up a dedicated sub-Forum, with each Chapter as a separate Thread and we can all add to and comment on content for the Manual.
Ok, what do you think?