The $999.00 hand made guitar

[Dave Bagwill]

I'd be interested in that thread.

[Tim Benware]

My guitars start at $950 (Mahogany) and $1050 (EIR). So far in my market (Raleigh/Durham area NC) I have not been able to finish a guitar without getting it sold. I let the customer choose appointments and then make adjustments. I just got wood in to start another spec build and a gut showed up in m shop and bought it. I up charge for things like herringbone purfling, fancier pearl work, more expensive/exotic woods, ebony, etc. Starting my 7th this year and I've been averaging one a month for the last year.

[ken cierp]

It would be interesting to know how long it takes you guys to complete an instrument -- plus the finishing operations. Goes the "make a decent $ for my trouble"

[Kevin in California]

No Dave, I wasn't saying the Chinese made guitars can't sound good. On the contrary, my meaning was that they have gotten so good that in that price range, they are going to be hard to beat! The same thing has gone on in the knife industry. Most of the major brands have at least some of their production going on in China now and the quality has improved 10,000 % in the last 15 years, plus the American companies have quality control standards that must be upheld. I'm sure this is true of all the stuff we are now getting from there.
Anyway, I am encouraging this low priced guitar if it is possible to do and make some $$. At my stage of building, I wouldn't be able to pull it off.

Kevin

[Dave Bagwill]

Sorry I misunderstood you Kevin!!

[Kevin in California]

So Dave, should we meet, like half way in Sacramento and start a factory building guitars for $999. I'll bring the egg mcmuffins every morning if you'll have the coffee ready.

[Dave Bagwill]

I'll telecommute!! and fax the coffee to you!