How Many Colors Do We Paint?

[the explode man]

Because of the time and money involved with changing colors, having to stop and set up to shoot a handful of bodies is just not worth the money.

Again, (assuming you're replying to me) this dodges the question. We know it takes time and money. No one is arguing it. No one is questioning whether it takes time and money. No one is questioning that limiting colours streamlines their process. I'm questioning why they won't allow us to pay for the extra efforts. No one has addressed this.

 

[xjbebop]

Haters gonna hate.... can't do nothin' about it....

Black, White, Red. Done.

 

[kimonostereo]

Again, (assuming you're replying to me) this dodges the question. We know it takes time and money. No one is arguing it. No one is questioning whether it takes time and money. No one is questioning that limiting colours streamlines their process. I'm questioning why they won't allow us to pay for the extra efforts. No one has addressed this.

I can't speak for BP, but I can imagine that they just don't have the means to add that into the assembly / creation process. I'd have to guess they build specific instruments in rotating shifts throughout the week/month in order to meet whatever demand/orders they already have. Within that process, theres already a multitude of options to build each instrument. The ones that take the least time might be a pickguard or adding a piezo. The ones that take the most time is painting, drying and polishing.

That said, I'd guess they try to paint as many different models in the same color when that paint gun is loaded for that specific color. Once they're done with that, they clean out the equipment and work on the next color. I can't imagine how much effort it is adding a custom color to that process as a "one off" for a customer. A custom color is asking them to shoot a body and/or neck then clean the equipment out just for one guitar. Not sure how much labor that is, but in a factory, I can imagine that time = money and I'm not even sure if it can be factored in to the line.

I'd bet if they had multiple spray and curing booths as well as multiple skilled painters they could do it. That would involve a larger facility, more labor and probably higher prices for guitars.

Bottom line to me is that I'm not sure EBMM would find it feasible to offer it at any price because it just wouldn't work for their current facility or setup. A good company knows that it's better not to offer something that can't be done correctly no matter how much money a customer is willing to pay you.

 

[the explode man]

Haters gonna hate.... can't do nothin' about it....

Black, White, Red. Done.

This is counterproductive and irrelevant. I cannot understand this attitude.

 

[the explode man]

I can't speak for BP, but I can imagine that they just don't have the means to add that into the assembly / creation process. I'd have to guess they build specific instruments in rotating shifts throughout the week/month in order to meet whatever demand/orders they already have. Within that process, theres already a multitude of options to build each instrument. The ones that take the least time might be a pickguard or adding a piezo. The ones that take the most time is painting, drying and polishing.

Thanks for the insight. This partially makes sense to me, but again doesn't seem consistent with the rest of what they've said. If they're doing batches, why not throw a Stingray in with their batch of Petrucci's? What is preventing this? Like, here's a video of them in their plant painting a guitar

. What is preventing the dude from holding a Stingray/Sterling/whatever body instead of holding a JP?

Earlier in the video, the guy doing the tour talks about how ALL of their guitars are made to order. So, they are literally already doing all of the work that would be required, but for some reason they keep saying "no, we can't do it because nobody buys green basses". What they're saying and what they're actually doing is just not consistent and nothing they've said addresses this.

 

[djlynch]

I love ebmm necks and bodies. I'd buy one of every model in black or white if I could afford it!

 

[Magic Jason]

There is still a solution for you guys who want "custom" EBMM.

Practice hard. Play gigs. Record great songs on great albums. Become a legendary master player such as Mr Lee, Petrucci, Lukather, Morse,...

Then BP will gladly build your very own guitar with every single specification you might request.

But...long is the road, I admit.

 

[xjbebop]

This is counterproductive and irrelevant. I cannot understand this attitude.

"Haters gonna hate..." is in reference to the OP=

""As far as the current colors, we offer 60, we stock over 80 plus colors
I think this is a lot and cannot figure out why everyone is complaining""

The rest is meant in jest.... see the smiley??

Hang around awhile.... you'll see how things work...

 

[Dead-Eye]

Preface: EBMM has to do what is best for EBMM. If not enough people ordered the things to make it sensible to produce them, it's absolutely the right choice to discontinue them. Now, with that out of the way...

As far as the current colors, we offer 60, we stock over 80 plus colors
I think this is a lot and cannot figure out why everyone is complaining

Because there used to be more.

In my opinion, the ability to choose from more colors than everyone else offered was one of the things that made EBMM stand out among guitar companies . Same with the option to have piezos on lots of models. And of course, every time you take an option away there will be someone who is unhappy because they liked that option (possibly except for cases where you really never sold a single one, but I hope that didn't happen). That doesn't mean you have to keep making everything, but is it really so surprising that reducing options makes people who liked those options unhappy?

 

[Big Poppa]

No its not the surprising thing is that we discontinued MODELS of guitars and everybody wants to focus on colors nobody bought.

NObody is answering you our new Canadian with green guitars dont sell...

we have explained that we are a factory and there has to be a flow of instruments and a certain number made per day based on overhead and salaries and no matter what you charge it wouldnt be enough ....

 

[GWDavis28]

I've been reading this thread and just thinking. I see both sides, there are manufacturers that offer the upcharge for special paint, I like the idea, but I have no say here. Personally, people are fickle, they want what they can't have 99% of the time. BP you offer what you offer and if people want it, they'll buy it. But to me I like color myself, so if your offering black, white and one other color, I'm all set. I'm personally not in the market for a guitar, but if I were, I'd buy used and get it repainted, to get what I want.

Just my $0.02 worth. Glenn |B)

 

[Magic Jason]

No its not the surprising thing is that we discontinued MODELS of guitars and everybody wants to focus on colors nobody bought.

Reason why I JUMPED on my AL BFR. Best guitar ever! I feel sorry for the ones who didn't buy one!

 

[Ricman]

BP - Maybe your message is lost in translation, but your approach and tone is so confrontational and lacking in respect. I have been reading these boards for years and the massive majority of people who post here seem to be loyal supporters and customers. We are your fans. I am sorry that the business is struggling but it feels like you are taking pot-shots at the people who love you most. I don't understand why you would do that?

 

[Big Poppa]

Ricman I am not...that is the problem with printed word vs if we were talking in person you may interpret these words differenty...I am speaking honestly and directly...no corporate speak. My peers in the guitar business dont speak to the customers..because you cannot be open and honest and I have a choice....hopefully people reading can understand. I am explaining the inside of the guitar business and maybe I get a little abrupt when I explain it and then 5 people tell me that we are wrong.

I make it...a distributor has to decide which to stock...then he has to hope that what he picked the dealers will want...then the dealers buy it only to have a customer want that color iin rosewood Pete explained 480 jps...If we dont provide model focus we dont get the support from the supply chain.

Also we have 'X' number of employees....with those living wage employees in San Luis Obispo (which is the second most expensive place to live in the USA when you compare median income to housing costs) We have to make a certain amount of instruments a day to break even. If we add 5 to 10 gun changes and factor in the fall out from what doesnt make it through, we cannot make enough instruments to cover the overhead. Also look at the model the cutlass and stingray guitars street in the USA for $1,499.00 Most of the companies in the business a similar size are getting $2,800 for a very similar quality and featured guitar. We tried to offer ours at that price and the market didnt support us.

Now to the hurting. ALL guitar companies are way off in sales. Our sales went up last year and are up this year due to the new offerings and streamlining of our offerings. I will break even this year and possible make a small net profit after three years of losses.

I love this business and dont want to make crap...we never lowered our standards or layed employees off.

For the future we are very happy with our re brand...our new marketing and website and our ability to tell our story of a family owned guitar factory with innovative vision and a determination to create tools for artists. I couldnt me happier with our future
It just requires some tough choices

 

[Samoht]

Great words, BP. Thanks for everything.

 

[JasonT]

I will break even this year and possible make a small net profit after three years of losses.

Wow! That is really troubling to hear, BP, given the high quality guitars you produce and rising guitar prices over the past few years.

Full disclosure - I'm one of those who are disappointed that colors I like are not offered anymore. However, that disappointment pales in comparison to the economics and reality of your business. I would pay a premium for those color options, but it's obvious that streamlining your business is a requirement at this point. And honestly, I'm not buying lots of guitars theses days. I'll continue to hope for PDNs and other special runs when you can do it. In the meantime, do what you've got to do. You should be making a profit every year because your products are fantastic. If only it were that easy, right?

 

[Ricman]

OK, thanks for taking the time to explain BP. I wish you all the best. I love the natural Valentine. No paint....please note...

 

[edhalen]

Wow BP. Thanks so much for spending time with us here. It is really cool to hear from you about whatever it is that is on your mind regarding your business and or instruments, etc. We are fortunate. I am so glad I stumbled upon your guitars and this fun place years ago. Keep up the good work. Your guitars are second to none.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Dead-Eye]

No its not the surprising thing is that we discontinued MODELS of guitars and everybody wants to focus on colors nobody bought.

If it's any consolation I'm also sad that some models are gone (still thinking about a Big Al 5 at some point once I've found the right JP7)

Kidding aside, as I said I understand why you had to do it. It would be nice if it hadn't been necessary, but that's just the reality of business.

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I had a thought on this:

What if EBMM were to offer a natural version of each model for those who intend on seeking out a custom color of their own? Maybe offer the naturals at a slight discount to compensate for the out of pocket cost of applying ones own paint however they see fit?


Thoughts?