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Smellybum

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Ok
So I posted this at the worst time EVER (middle of NAMM), I've had litteraly some PM's and facebook messages over this so I'm putting a new thread up to explore the possibilities-

BP -I know this could well be a tall order, but if I've learned one thing around here it's if you don't ask you don't get... and whilst the current offerings are out of this world, I wondered if there'd be sufficent take up to have a limited edition ball for the UK/Europe.

the master plan breaks down into 2 2 parts ...

Part1
: -

BP, With the rate GC Exclusives is there any chance if we ordered enough that we could have a limited edition guitar for UK/Euro knuckleheads?

We'd (well I'd) order x number of models - I presume the minimum to be 15 or 25? - for example - a pinkburst luke x15 - if you got an order for that and it was for us knuckleheads would you build them?

Part 2 -
Working with Blind Lemon and maybe DaveB be in the loop or running the whole thing!!! (If you guys want to ???) - and maybe they'd finance it with me we purchase the instruments from EBMM and then through the correct dealer network we then sell to UK/Euro knuckleheads. (or I'm equally happy to step out of it... if there's an issue with me not being a dealer) -


Result: -


UK/Euro knuckleheads have the option to buy a limited run of a specific model (no variations) maybe a select finish etc. - nothing costly where production would need to be changed to buid it. - then 15 or 25 guitars are sold and the lucky knuckleheads get a killer bit of Ball for their buck- something special.

I'm well aware this might not be affordable/do-able, but I hope you can answer the question.

Thanks all in advance, if the answer is positive I'd then be looking for provisional/semi-solid orders (Via S&T if they're up for it too) -
***PLEASE DON'T TURN THIS INTO YOUR DREAM GUITAR/BASS THREAD*** -

Thanks for your time...
 

Luc

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Good idea, but I really doubt if people really want to buy them...they're pricey, and knuckleheads are picky, if it's not exactly what they want I think they won't buy it. Maybe offer it one time, and see if it works out.

EDIT: Does FAO mean for answer only? If that's the case, i'll delete this post.
 

Smellybum

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you're fine LUC, yes I see the risk - which is why I'd need to finance it - as It's not fair to expect EBMM ot S&T to take the financial burden on...
 

gerry d

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great idea.... but I don't know if it can happen...:eek:

I posted on a thread a few weeks ago about the fact the the Japan market got some great limited edition Lukes and I asked why only Japan..?

no answer was forthcoming although someone did mention that EBMM sell a lot of guitars there.. thats fair enough and I don't have a problem with that..

I do like the idea about a Euroball... but the problem is demand as has been pointed out....

would a limited run of 25 sell...? probably if the actual guitars were even more special than usual and exclusive for us in Europe..

the question then would be how do you choose what specs the guitar would have....?? you can't please everyone...

personally I think we should wait for the Reflex and AL HH guitars to get here.:)
 

threeminutesboy

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it's a good idea but really not that simple to implement

cause getting it manage from UK means you will upset other EU distributors German, French to name a few

from EBMM point of view this is feasible only per country or EBMM accept to built a limited run of something based on the feedback and commitment of all EU distributors.

Now if you can commit for 25 units for UK only why not :D

Trust me Smelly, managing distribution network and pleasing them is a tough job :p
 

Dante

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well, the uk outsell central continental europe by alot, so i don't see why not. and as long as other distributors can order it as well, there'd be little to fight about. and i recall the italian distributor (mog-somthing?) getting a limited edition some 2 years ago in celebration of their longstanding relationship with EBMM, they got venetian redburst instruments :D
 

Jimmyb

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Well, I reckon we should wait for the replies from BP or Blind Lemon, without making assumptions either way.
 

Big Poppa

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SPecial runs are part of very large orders Like a master order for 500-1000 pieces. THey are almost never less that 50 units. They usually originate with the distributor who takes and carries the risk. THey are almost never through only one dealer. The problem is the effort the distributor and focus they have to ahve is usually not worth it for them. we make them primarily for the German and Japanese markets only.

Having said that If you can get 50 people over there to agree on what it would be then we would make it. Im not holding my breath...
 

Dante

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SPecial runs are part of very large orders Like a master order for 500-1000 pieces. THey are almost never less that 50 units. They usually originate with the distributor who takes and carries the risk. THey are almost never through only one dealer. The problem is the effort the distributor and focus they have to ahve is usually not worth it for them. we make them primarily for the German and Japanese markets only.

Having said that If you can get 50 people over there to agree on what it would be then we would make it. Im not holding my breath...


or just go ahead and order 50 of the same! and if they agree with the specs, they'll buy it from smelly :D
 

paulstew64

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Great idea Smelly.

Yes, the difficulty here is spec. Is it an Al (no with the 2HB Al's and 3HB Als coming, and those colours too - not likely). Is it an Axis, Silo, Petrucci or Luke?

Here lies the difficulty. It's hard enough to get two people to agree on spec. Sometimes you have to take the ball erm...bull by the hands and just do it and hope the spec is good enough to get attention and sales.

There's always going to be those that will say it's a great idea. However, there's a difference between a good idea and parting with £2K.

Good luck with this Smelly.
 

jamminjim

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I don't know .... the UK group as a whole seem to be able to pull things off.
And this could be a western Euro thing, inclusive of many more.

What are the odds? As well, some wise old fart said, that anything that is difficult is worth the effort and reward.
 

Dead-Eye

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SPecial runs are part of very large orders Like a master order for 500-1000 pieces. THey are almost never less that 50 units. They usually originate with the distributor who takes and carries the risk. THey are almost never through only one dealer. The problem is the effort the distributor and focus they have to ahve is usually not worth it for them. we make them primarily for the German and Japanese markets only.

Have there been any special runs for Germany recently? Can't remember seeing anything unusual, but then, I don't see many EBMMs at dealers...
 

batyak

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Wow! Well depending on what model people from here in the uk want, I may well be interrested! Over to you smellybum! :D
 
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