Off Topic Please help Big Poppa, AJ, and everybody else

[edrod]

Hello guys,

I need some help in a school project (presentation) that I am doing for school (creative design). My presentation is called The design of Left Handed guitars. I would like to talk about the JP specifically. I am having a hard time finding sources about production, machinery, etc.,

Some of the things I would like to learn more about are

I know the demand for LH guitars is small but
is there any other reasons why creating lh guitars is a problem?

Why are these instruments more expensive?

Is the process different from right handed guitars?

These are some of the questions I would appreciate to get help with. If I am violating some sort of rule I truly apologize and I will erase my content. Please, if anybody has any info fell free to help out.

Thanks a lot

Eddi

 

[josheyre]

That's an interesting question. I am curious as well. Lefties can run on the same mills as the righties, correct? CAD drawings can be mirrored. Tuners and electronics are the same. Is it really anything other than lower demand/volume and the overhead associated with stocking them that creates higher cost?

 

[Big Poppa]

Yes they are substantially more expensive...

First off the parts that cant be flipped are drawn and manufactured in very small quantities and we dont even come close to maging a margin on them...The minimum quantities that you have to buy cost more and are still more than you need so you have cash tied up in it.

A good rule of thumb is the more you can make the more your cost efficiencies
kick in

 

[josheyre]

I should've thought a little more. The tremolo bridge, for one, is a unique part for lefties, right? That has to be a considerable extra cost to produce those in low quantities, but that's assuming they're cast.

 

[the24thfret]

BP is right. The manufacturing is not a problem but the cost is because of the super low demand. EBMM and manufacturers in general build a business model to operate based on demand and managing costs. So manufacturing the sam product (essentially the same product, albeit left-handed in this case) with the same components with the same cost to EBMM but that can only be sold to a market that is 1/10th or 1/100th or even 1/10000th of the size of the original market completely throws the cost effectiveness of doing so. In order to really make a profit they'd have to charge much more because demand is less so therein production is less but the costs are the same. It's a business thing, not manufacturing.

 

[Big Poppa]

24th its both the cost of the hardware is double

 

[ScoobySteve]

BP, is it ok for me to ask, just how much of the process of making the guitar is hand labor?

 

[the24thfret]

24th its both the cost of the hardware is double

But the woodworking is the same cost right? I understand that the hardware is much more expensive because it completely needs to be redesigned. But can't you just use the same wood and cut a different shape out of it? Granted, you have to redesign the system, but it shouldn't cost more to produce, only more in R+D. Am I right on this one?

 

[Astrofreq]

I'm sure the costs factor in way more than just the hand labor. Electricity, insurance for employees, the cost of the plant, salaries, front parking spot, etc.

That's why I think BP should make all the guitars by himself at his house. We'd get them for like $200!

 

[Big Poppa]

That left handed wood is a bitch to source

 

[josheyre]

Now that's funny!

that left handed wood is a bitch to source

 

[fogman]

LoL!!!

 

[Nik_Left_RG]

Eddi.. Cant really help you with one but All the Best to you on this.. Hope all works out well..

 

[edrod]

Thanks steve, bp, and everybody else. If you can keep the info coming I would appreciate it.

Big Poppa, can I use you as a source?

 

[leftyguitarblue]

Well, all I can say is that I appreciate that you guys would make any guitar for us lefties, especially of this quality, and for the extra cost out of your pocket. It means alot and it builds customer loyalty as well.

 

[Big Poppa]

The cases are a real loser too...

Yes you can use me as a source....Glad to help

 

[edrod]

I was just thinking about the cases too. It does look like it would be a big pain. If only you could find left handed players that could actually play.

Thanks again BP, not only for this thread but for everything else.

 

[ScoobySteve]

The cases are a real loser too...

Yes you can use me as a source....Glad to help

Update tomorrow on Pete's website, "Due to recent developments we no longer carry or stock Left Handed EBMM guitars."

LOL

Just kidding Ed!

 

[edrod]

Update tomorrow on Pete's website, "Due to recent developments we no longer carry or stock Left Handed EBMM guitars."

LOL

Just kidding Ed!

 

[Dizzy]

There are also the other costs that are usually not openly discussed, like therapy & Counselling to all Righties for having to look at pics of the LH versions. (Thanks BP, you're so kind)










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