open question for all the guys out there who repair amps, build amps, build amps full time, design amps etc etc.
I'm aware of highly skilled builders dipping a toe, in the water, I'm aware of some guys building clones, and some guys who are doing this as a business with varying degrees of success.
During amp discussions, I see some pretty wise and sage opinions not only around amps, but the business and market of amps in general.
To the amp builders and techs out there, have you ever considered pushing out amps as a business, what amps would you like to make and why - and if your one of the existing guys, how do you find the market and business in general.
what's stopped you / pushed you into doing it
From someone who only uses amps, I see a lot of quality stuff not happening and being talked about, I see a lot of junk being pushed out, I see silly prices, I see impressive prices, so from those in the know, what's your views.
I understand the risks, but someone say like Fuchs and Two Rock and dr Z, Jackson Ampworks seem to make a business out of it, yet their UK alternatives seem to struggle or not exist, the UK builders seem to be mods or clones of the more popular amps (which makes sense as they are popular for a reason)
Educate me.
Comments
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The American music scene is still very guitar orientated which helps things as well.
The Dumble clone phenomenon never really hit here, but in the US it resulted in companies like Two Rock, Redplate, Fuchs, Bludotone, Carol Ann etc etc... but of course theirs is a way bigger market.
I also built quite a few headshells combos and speaker cabs and the thing that I learnt was that you need to be making lots of them to get any sort of return for your time and effort. Every one I made for sale I paid myself well below the minimum wage for.
the fact that you no longer make pedals is sad enough, the fact that this is the reason is even sadder.
EDIT: 11. Medication helps.
Rift Amplification
Brackley, Northamptonshire
www.riftamps.co.uk
I left a very well paid design job in the O&G industry a year ago to pursue my parts business and amp building full time, I have never been this skint since I graduated but I enjoy my job on a daily basis and never grudge going to work.
I have allot of customers that want to build commercially, but I will point you back to no 4 above, oh and no 1
The UK market is small, now if we could actually enjoy the benefits of being in the EU our market should be just as big as the USA's, alas it is not.
From what I understand Cornfords demise was fairly unique and due to poor business dealings?
Rift Amplification
Brackley, Northamptonshire
www.riftamps.co.uk