I've been getting messages on Facebook from this guy Ian Elson who's trying to promote his new guitar company. I wasn't sure about the look of his guitars but I decided to watch the video this morning. The pricing is strong (from £750).
I think the
video on his site, although obviously low budget, comes across well. I like his approach and what he's trying to do. I hope he succeeds. The idea of a handcrafted, high quality instrument at a low price is obviously appealing, but after the struggles of Gordon Smith, he'll have a challenge. Not to mention the fact that most of us want guitars with familiar silhouettes (although from
this page I get the impression there are quite a few custom options).
My YouTube channel,
Half Speed Solos: classic guitar solos demonstrated at half speed with scrolling tab and no waffle.
Comments
However I disagree with his opening statement...
"Quality guitars have become too expensive and out of reach for the majority of working guitarist."
Absolute rubbish...
Guitarists have never had it so good. The quality and quantity of options for guitars under £500 or even £300 is getting better.
Straight out the box or even with a £50 setup. Quality guitars are getting cheaper I'd say.
Luxury guitars and big brands might not be cheap but decent quality working guitars are plentiful in a wide price range.
For this reason (and his showcase design isn't the prettiest) I'm out.
I applaude commerce and enterprise etc but his opening statement and the fact he thinks others should fund his pipe dream has not endeared him or his business to me.
That said I do wish him well. Another UK builder can't be a bad thing can it?
Just saying.
Don't talk politics and don't throw stones. Your royal highnesses.
I think that might prove to be a bit of a flaw in your thinking actually. I think the majority of what you term working guitarists - so either pros or semi-pros - very happily take £1k+ guitars out on the road, and in most cases hobby players can't wait to play live with their aspirational guitar. And the ones who wouldn't do so for fear of damage/theft etc would gravitate towards cheaper guitars than you are offering as their "road dogs", perhaps with upgraded pickups/hardware etc.
@IanElsonGuitar - Hullo & welcome, I can't view the vid at work but I'll have a look later on.
I would echo TTony's sage advice completely, but I'm sure/hope you've considered this side already.
Otherwise, the forum's not really here to talk about your business model (though feel free, we also have a Made in the UK sub-forum to showcase your work & updates etc). I'd hope that the collective will steer the thread back to your designs and thoughts on the product, rather than how it's advertised & funded etc.
FWIW, best of luck with your venture!
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Wholly inaccurate. Most banks are under immense pressure to lend to personal customers and small businesses as part of a commitment they made to the government. Not trying to "pile on" at all and wish you all the success but your claim is simply not true.
ETA in fact I actually quite like the guitar shape. Paint it purple and turn it 45 degrees and it looks like a winking octopus. That can only be a fucking good thing! Sounds well on the video as well, albeit low quality.
I can sort of liken it to music. If you've got really amazing lyrics (content), but a poor melody (the vehicle), it's not likely to be a hit.
Obviously it isn't as black and white as that, but you know what I mean.
In my opinion, for the little it's worth, I'd consider a different body shape that is less "difficult" as a main show piece/focal point of your advertising.
It's in the eye of the beholder and that, but it reminds me of one of those Danelectro things with added wang.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
Banks will lend but are risk averse. They will be looking for a sound business model.
As said on my post I wish you the best but TTony makes a lot of sense above.