Finally caved in to my daughters pestering me about selling my cbg's instead of giving them all away. So I camped out today at the Farmers Market beside the store she manages.
A few things surprised me, one that the vast majority of people completely ignore them even after spotting them. I can only assume they are not musically inclined or they don't think they are real instruments... no worries. Two, that those that DID know what they were often mentioned Justin Johnson or Samantha Fish... And I had several people that mentioned SeaSick Steve and SHANE SPEAL.... Yeah bro you are getting famous... :) All the way over to Penticton, BC
Anyrate, a fella did a double take on me cbg's. Asked if he could have a closer look. Told'm to take his pick which he did. Tuned it to what he wanted and started rock'n... Asked how much, walked away and came back in less than 5 minutes and claimed the box... boom... Now I got some coinage to build 20 more... everybody is happy...
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I'm thinking of having my laptop there with a slide show to show all the cbg I've made or maybe some videos of people playing cbg's , any thoughts?
A good day! Displayed your gits and made some money. Locals have been exposed to your craft and wares. My experiences have been similar at art walks and vending/displays at local fundraisers, my only venues so far. Lots of folks looking, many ask "what's that?", "it's made from a box?", and some variation of "it can be played?' or "can you play it?". Most people have never heard of cigar box guitars, and are generally smilingly surprised when you strum and pick a tune. Most will not buy...yet. But the seed has been planted. Like lots of you, I've given or gifted more than I have sold. But selling some pays for more parts and lumber. Got photos on your phone? A couple of business cards in your pocket and truck? You don't need to be at a sales venue to talk about gits, and you never know when a conversation can lead to interest, a request, or even a sale. This Spring I have reminded folks that I can make them a gift for a Dad or a Grad, and it is unique and something they have never owned.....and probably never seen. I'm not production or sales based, I'm hobby based. But I don't need all 22 gits, diddley bows, cbg amps and lap steels that are in my garage right now. What I can use more of is space to store the next ones, and a little $ to keep me in tuners and strings. Next Saturday evening we'll set up for a second time at a local Art Walk. I'll be sittin' back, playin' on my gits, talkin' and smilin' and handing out cards and home-printed fliers. Most won't buy, I hope a couple will, but folks rollin' by will see and hear about cbg's.They'll, probably be smilin' too. If nothing else, the seed has been planted.
Yep... I am full on with all that you stated. Plus I got one fella with a cigar box of his grand dad's that he didn't know what to do with. Asked if I could turn it into an instrument, so if he comes thru its a commission job. Got several invites to a couple music festivals too... although I have to pay to use the invite... :) I'll probably do the closest one just because its music and a whole lotta fun.
Thx for the encouragements too... CBNation is the greatest...
I'll repeat something Shane has said ... If you play them, they will come....
just some little diddy's that show it is in fact an instrument and not a fancy piece of wall art
but not the "im soooo into playing my music I have no time for the pesants"
Guess I should learn something on one... The "I'm sooooo into my music" thing wouldn't be a problem for me as in if anyone gives them a second glace I ask if they play and to try one. I'll pull one off the rack and hand it to them.
But you're right, if someones playing one, then people start stacking up. I mostly just went to have some fun, people watch, banter and enjoy the hot weather.
That's awesome, yea I going to go to my first craft fair, then have a art festival I'm going to go to and try to sell mine from a booth for the first time. I've sold around 10 so far but it was just word of mouth from friends and family. I hope I get at least one sold.
Sold ten, I'd say you are doing well then. Helps pay for the habit... :) Hope you do well at the festival...
good stuff man , congrats ;-)
Thx... I wasn't really expecting to sell anything and it was something different to do on a Sat morning... I had tons of fun... Had my 'display' of Man Glitter out and a plastic container half full of Man Glitter for people to try for free... Had some good laughs and banter... what its all about... Think I'll even do it again...