Prices depend of several things, but to be brutal, it depends on whether your guitars are any good or not. Playability, action, materials, finish, components, appearance, individuality and workmanship all make a difference, but playability and sound are the most important. I've seen quite a few cheap CBGs that really were unplayable and as such shouldn't have been on sale at all...I just had an enquiry the other day from someone who'd bought a couple of cigarbox guitars off eBay and was disappointed with them, and now wanted something he could actually play, so the price depends on what you are putting out.
I think there is also a huge difference in expectations of what the instruments will do...some people making guitars make them and play them at home, which is all fine and well, but some players expect to be able to use their cigar box guitar in a live stage situation, in a band and at high volume...this is where the quality of the build, the experience of the maker and road-testing of the instrument in live situations starts commanding a higher price.
The simplest thing is to put them on eBay and let people bid them up to as much as they think they are worth. I used to sell on eBay a lot, but these days sell very few guitars there, as the overheads are too high for me, but it's a handy starting point. The danger is that sometimes there are a lot of people selling cheap cigarbox guitars on eBay, and that can drive the price down to the lowest common denominator.
I know Boxstock is my thing, but it really is the place to be to exchange ideas, find out about the whole scene and make new friends....Brighton to Manchester is a fair old step, but last year we had people over from Belfast and Belgium. Seeing what else people are making always amazes me in terms of their creativity and workmanship..I'm looking forward to more of that on September.
Thanks John that was really helpfull thanks for such an in depth reply unfortunately Manchester would be very difficult for me as I am disabled but I hope you have a great time cheers tinker
I suggest you sell all CBGs at £1000, except ones you seel to Glasgow musicians with the initials JM (you should sell to these good folk for £2.50 (just a thought)
Replies
BTW, Mr Tinker, I WAS joking in my comment! (I hope you do well re your "builds", ma man :)
Prices depend of several things, but to be brutal, it depends on whether your guitars are any good or not. Playability, action, materials, finish, components, appearance, individuality and workmanship all make a difference, but playability and sound are the most important. I've seen quite a few cheap CBGs that really were unplayable and as such shouldn't have been on sale at all...I just had an enquiry the other day from someone who'd bought a couple of cigarbox guitars off eBay and was disappointed with them, and now wanted something he could actually play, so the price depends on what you are putting out.
I think there is also a huge difference in expectations of what the instruments will do...some people making guitars make them and play them at home, which is all fine and well, but some players expect to be able to use their cigar box guitar in a live stage situation, in a band and at high volume...this is where the quality of the build, the experience of the maker and road-testing of the instrument in live situations starts commanding a higher price.
The simplest thing is to put them on eBay and let people bid them up to as much as they think they are worth. I used to sell on eBay a lot, but these days sell very few guitars there, as the overheads are too high for me, but it's a handy starting point. The danger is that sometimes there are a lot of people selling cheap cigarbox guitars on eBay, and that can drive the price down to the lowest common denominator.
I know Boxstock is my thing, but it really is the place to be to exchange ideas, find out about the whole scene and make new friends....Brighton to Manchester is a fair old step, but last year we had people over from Belfast and Belgium. Seeing what else people are making always amazes me in terms of their creativity and workmanship..I'm looking forward to more of that on September.
Best of luck.
Hi, Tinker
I suggest you sell all CBGs at £1000, except ones you seel to Glasgow musicians with the initials JM (you should sell to these good folk for £2.50 (just a thought)
Yours sincerely (and hopefully)
Jamie MacBlues (from GLASGOW)
maybe a few pics might help what pickups what wood is the neck etc
look forward to seeing them and maybe making a offer
There was a similar discussion in the Building Secrets, Tips and Advice forum a few weeks back. This should link to it:
Price Point Discussion
I agree that placing a value on your work isn't easy - good luck.
i am intrested in buying CBG,S just need some details and prices ,will you be selling them at the boxstock show in Manchester?