I’ve been making cbg for a little of a year now, have 22 under my belt, a website, etc, getting better and better with my craft but I have seemed to get uninspired and not wanting to get in the shop and make them anymore. After my 8th one I started making them to sell and maybe that what got me in this slump. Since January I’ve only made 2 which is the second one is only 75% complete now it just sits there and I don’t have the inspiration or “will” to want to build anymore.
I’m asking all those that make tons to sell, what do you do to keep inspired and keep going, money is always a good push when one sells, but how to get out of this slump???
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Yup, I have to let em sit a while, but like Randy, I like to go back and improve old builds - change if not improve.
I had a bit of that burn out last night, so I just downed tools and went inside and read a book instead.
This place is inspiration for me. Sometimes I can't be bothered making a new guitar but then I see some photographs here and start salivating again!
Uncle John's point about playing your own builds, I completely agree. I've got a number of swish 6 string guitars that I've collected over time, and rarely play them now. I'd rather play one of my older shitty fretless things. Even as my builds get better I still go back to this really crappy 3 stringer I made ages ago that has Led Zep symbols all over it.
I've spoken to plenty people recently and they keep saying 'you should sell these'. I know for a fact they are not nearly as good as some of the ones kicking around that don't get sold for very much, so I don't see the point. I am building up a fair stock of these though so I'll have to start giving them away I think.
Did ya ever notice that all the people asking "do you sell these?" or suggesting that "you should sell these!" hardly ever have their hands on their wallet?
Yep! I've had people expect them for free because they are made from cheap parts. I've never charged for my effort, but the parts need to be paid for, bloody freeloaders lol.
lol
struck a chord clarky,many friends suggest "you should sell these",but why sell something that isn,t as good as you would like it to be?better to play with them and hopefully develop them into something special,bit like our children actually
I`ve taken old builds and done redo`s already and they turned out better.
I've felt the same way. We all get tired of the SOS. Clarky seems to feel the same way I do. And ED gives about the same advice that I would.
I've followed this and held back so far. As far as I know, I have not pissed off anybody here lately. My opinions here should make up for that. Sorry, builder/sellers - these are my thoughts.
1. It's better to play a C- instrument you made yourself than to play the (rare) A+ guitar someone else made.
2. Most of us can make a decent fretless - long scale is easier to play.
3. A lot of us do not have the skills to make a GOOD fretted instrument. But with care, and maybe a few tries - many - not most - can make one. I have ~ and my Indian name is Screws Up Plenty.
4. If building to sell is not fun - QUIT IT! There is a small percentage of us builders (not me) who have the tools, skills, precision and art to make decent money on this hobby. I will venture to say that a lot of builder/sellers are making MINIMUM WAGE OR LESS on their builds. So, again - if it aint fun, don't do it.
5. Buyer beware (is that caveat emptor? my 9th grade Latin has faded - shit, it's been 50 years). A lot of cbgs on ebay may look good to the casual eye, but are not very good.
6. I've had quite a few hobbies. This one making music on self made instruments is the best. (I think gifted instruments from friends and family must come close)
7. If isn't fun, take a break until you want to come back. We have ebbs and flows in our desire to create.
8. Dark chocolate, silver gray cars, red bikes, Charmin TP, forgiving women.
Just to cover a few of your points Uncle John.
#6 I have found that whenever you have a hobby that you enjoy and try to turn it into a business it tends to become work and that can take a lot of the fun out of it.
#7 As my flight instructor told me early in my involvement with aviation. "If you aren't having fun with this, why are you doing it?"
#8 Dark chocolate, fast fun cars, motorcycles, a good strong four wheel drive pick up truck, any soft TP and one wonderful woman who has put up with me for over 46 years.
Good food, good music and good friends make it all worth while! :)>
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