Do you sell the kits you make?

[ponch]

Hey guys, just wondering if any of you sell the kits you make? Reason I ask, I've been putting up pics of my builds on Facebook and a few muso mates have shown a bit of interest. Up until now I didn't pay too much attention to it thinking of was just friends being nice, but just today I've had 4 people ask me for prices on the back of my lp in last months gotm.

Just wondering what you tell the customers about the guitars. I plan on saying that I source the body and.neck pre made but all hardware and electronics, finishes etc are customisable so it's a natter of their budget. Obviously I don't plan to price any guitar over the $1k mark that's built by somebody else.

I don't really have an issue selling kit guitars I've put together as long as they know what it is beforehand.

Which leads me to my next q. As a chef I refuse to buy in a product pre prepared and put it on my menu. It's definitely pride in my work but I don't see it as a bad thing. Same goes for guitars. I'd be more comfortable selling a guitar I've built from scratch. Even if I source necks, which I plan to do for now, and just build the bodies, at least I know I did it. I saw on gavs blog he did some dry runs on 45mm pine to get the hang of making a body. I'm planning to make the trip to the green house on my days off to pick up some pine to do a half dozen blanks. I've got a plunge router and that's about it. What router bits should I invest in? I'm planning on doing Tele style bodies for now caus they seem the easiest. Also, for templates, should I go plY or mdf and what thickness? Are there any other essential tools you suggest I pick up apart from wood, titebond, rasp, router bits, clamps, template material? I plan on getting wood that's already been surfaced and jointed, dressed or whatever it's called, but in reality, how dressed is it?

If you don't want to discuss any of this here, please just.email me at Andrew.s.walker1984@gmail.com.

Thanks heaps guys.

[GlennGP]

With my level of expertise (i.e. low) I've never done more than ask someone to cover costs (i.e. kit cost plus any extras bought for the finished product, like pickups or scratchplates). If you're consistently turning out guitars that are sweet, with great intonation, though, I'd not be ashamed to ask for something above costs, in consideration of the hours and skill involved. IMHO.

[dingobass]

I like your attitude
There is no dramas with selling kits you have made, as long as the customer knows it is a kit... As for price, that is alwys subjective but IMHO they really are not worth any more than $500-$800 finished.

When it comes to scratch builds I always advise that it is best to start with good quality timbers, even for your first build.
why? Simply because a decent chunk of tree will cause you to take more care, thus giving you a much better Guitar.

With templates, I prefer 12mm marine ply.
I would look at getting Jarrod to CNC your templates, having seen his work I can fully reccomend him.
The more accurate the template, the better the result.

Router bits.. You will need a few, preferably not from any of the big sheds full of shite. Carbatec sell good quality ones at a very reasonable price.
So you will need a 1/2" and 1/4" bearing guided profile bit for pup cavities, and 3/4" for the outside profile of the Axe.
Remember to cut no more than 4mm at a time, this will lengthen the life of your bits.
A 3/4" Forstner drill bit is handy for removing the bulk of timber from routouts, this will also help to lengthen the life of your router bits.

A jig saw is also very handy for removing the bulk of timber from the outside profile, with practice you can get within 1-2mm of your line.

Hope this helps, and feel free to email me with any questions at dingobass@pitbullguitars.com

Happy building!

[ponch]

Thanks guys for the replies. I let them know that while the woods used are not too bad they are pre built pieces that I haven't made. As for the prices, if its a kit build I'm with Glenn, basically spec the build to how the customer wants it, price it with receipts and that'd be it, it would be cool if they covered to cost of the build and no more. That way I can enjoy this hobby and it doesn't have to cost squillions.

As for the wood choices, I should have clarified. I have no intention to put the first few bodies I make in to action, or even finish them. They probably won't go past the sanding stage. I've never used a router in my life so these are purely dry runs to get a feel for the machines before I build a body for real. Great tip db to get Jarrod to knock up some templates, and I'd imagine they'd be cheapepr than sm as well. I'll have to get in contact with him when he returns.

In all seriousness though, how essential is a drill press? I like the idea of the spindle sander attatchments without having to buy a seperate spindle sander. Thanks again for your help guys.

[ponch]

And for the bits, I'm using a plunge router, not a table router. Do I need to get the bits with bearings on top or bottom? Such a new world this luthier stuff.

[dingobass]

No worries mate.
I agree with practicing on some scrap to learn how to fly the router.... They are a dangerous bit of kit and need to be treated with respect.
I have had a few close shaves with bits flying out.... One still resides on my neighbours roof!

A drill press is very handy, and those sanding bobbins are a fantastic idea.
Again, dont invest in an el cheapo from the big shed. Spnd a few more dollars and get a good quality one and it will last a lifetime and gives a much better result.

[ponch]

Ok great thanks db. I'll try find a good tool place in mackay to go check out. Not really familiar with the place but I'm sure there would be something. As for real body woods, are there any online places where you can order blanks?

[ponch]

For the router bits, does this sound right? A 1/2" and a 1/4" for pup routes, neck pocket and cavities with bearings on the top to follow the template, and 2 3/4", one with the bearing on top and the other with the bearing down the bottom for bodies. What length of the bits is advisable? And a roundover bit for the edges as well I guess.

[Brendan]

Body blanks are available from Pitbull - DB has some nice slabs of wood just for this purpose!
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/bodies-and-necks/

My 2c - pretty much resonates what's above - if someone knows that it's a kit and is cool with that, then if they are happy with the price, so be it! Depending on taste, additional pups, electonics, etc will add value, but I'd be clear with your mates that there's a difference between yourself and a professional luthier who has studied and has significant experience with building kits, etc.

Personally though, I'd be more tempted to get them to buy the kit, bring around a couple of drinks and work on it together - the feeling of playing something you have made is pretty special, and I reckon that lots of players are missing out at the moment.

[ponch]

Thanks for your input mate. Yeah I've told everyone I'm not selling them yet but will start practicing bodies soon and go from there. I think it's just mates being supportive more than expecting a hand carved archtop and they are well aware I'm new to this.
As much as I'd love for them to come over and build, I live 1500ks from home right now so I got into this as a hobby to keep my self busy on days off.
Managed to score a drill press today, just a little ryobi unit with enough travel to get through a body for ferrules etc for $20. So at past count its a router, free, drill press, $20. Rad.
Still stuck on these router bits though. I'm writing up a shoopping list so I don't forget anything.