who sells best CBGs

Diglydog January 17, 2015 at 2:55pm

Some CBGs do seem expensive but, as far as I'm aware, the purchases are voluntary. It's the same with everything. $4,000,000 for a car ? Some people pay it, and we all have our own perception of value.

I know that ChickenboneJohn said he doesn't use CBN to sell, but the forum should be somewhere that you can get opinions on builders from people who bought their instruments, which is what you're looking for.

If labour and overheads are costed realistically, then no decent instrument that is hand-made in the West will be cheap. We can't compete with the labour costs in developing countries and bulk shipping is cheap. Hobby builders can opt to sell things at a low price because their hobby doesn't need to put food on the table.

Sawbones > Diglydog February 10, 2015 at 10:56am

Agreed,I built some partscasters(King V,Firebird,doubleneck V)and everyone thats seen them was blown away I assembled(I dont consider it building unless you start w/ a wood blank) them.They look and play great,1/4 flamed tops,USA necks,quality parts.And everything was bought new off ebay.So I have under $350 into each,which means I'd have to sell for $600 minimum for my time and expertise(NOT!).

I was ready to buy a Swamp Witch,but he told me he quit fretting.

Sonny Wentling December 20, 2014 at 1:16pm

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Sonny Wentling December 20, 2014 at 12:52pm

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John Roberts December 15, 2014 at 6:21pm

I would like to recommend John DeSmet who sells through Ebay.

His 3 string CBGs have maple neck and fretboard. Mini-Humbuker pickup and aSprague Orange Drop Capacitor.

Plays very well and sounds great. The price is $175.00 and free shipping.

In my opinion there is a lot of low priced junk in the CBG market. And.........there is also a lot of overpriced instruments as well.

Matthew Borczon September 9, 2014 at 7:18pm

I hope so John and you are worth every cent you charge. I know you have a family so you know how it is. I got 4 kids under 16 years old so my money to spend on me is o so few and far between. Thank God I love kids even more than cbgs. It is very nice to hear who makes guitars you admire. I just love the sound you get from yours, its the kind of sound that makes a 15 year old boy jump a train. Magic is not too strong a word.

Matthew Borczon September 9, 2014 at 12:42pm

Jim, I like what you said about the best being ones you build. I find that to be true. Even though I have sold a few over the years I am way more interested in giving people the information to build their own. That process though frustrating at times is o so rewarding. I also appreciate your assessment of Red Dogs stuff. From what I have heard and seen and from Shane Speals review of one a few years ago I think John is one of the very best builders going. I would love to see a more affordable version of his cbg, but I bevel he builds at a level where people who appreciate it will pay his price. He also is trying to earn a living with this so he can not afford to price below his worth. You approach this with a fair and balanced opinion in your posts here and I respect and appreciate that. I do think there is room for both, simple and rustic and inexpensive but sounding cool, through seamless top level elite quality also sounding awesome. Personally I will keep playing what I build and can afford, but I would love to own a red dog someday. This thread is pretty interesting. You raise some really good points.