MIMF

Hello guys/gals!

I'm contemplating to design some guitars and have it completely done by a factory (as opposit to the last idea of they just building the hollow bodies)
Basically would be one derivatived from Strat, one superstrat, probably a V and an Explorer style, or something like this. Would want a LP alike, but I imagine the cost would be way higher.

I already have 2D drawings of the body shapes, headstock, some inlays, logo, etc.

My line of thought is mid level guitars, perhaps one or two a bit entry level, but not the US$99 garbage, some decent guitar.

I've no idea how people make these contracts, which factories are ok, which are bad idea...

Does anyone has knowledge on this?
Thanks

Hi Fernando,

What's your goal?... to have one of each type of guitar built for your personal use, or are you hoping to introduce a new line of guitars intended for sale to the public?

If the former, find a good local luthier who is willing to work with you bringing your visions into reality. Expect to pay more than you would for a comparable mass-market instrument - but know that you'll likely have a ton of fun along the way, and may very well end up with a better quality finished instrument than F's or G's factories can produce.

If the latter - how's your business acumen? Funding? Legal representation? Be prepared to invest years of your time and an enormous amount of capital. I'm acquainted with a luthier who has carved out a nice niche for himself teaching a local "kit build" acoustic guitar class. Very small scale, only five or six students/instruments at a time. Students start with a set of partially completed components (manufactured to his specs overseas in an effort to keep costs low) and end up with a completed, somewhat personalized, guitar. He spent several years building relationships and prototyping with his suppliers, including numerous trips to Asia to both research and build his network. Despite needing only a few parts at a time, he's had to have them manufactured by the shipping-container-load to meet his supplier's minimums. Keep in mind that everything a factory will produce for you will be paid for out of your pocket: prototypes, tooling, storage/shipping, etc. He's lucky/smart in that his business model sidesteps the additional need for a network of distributors to sell his finished product once they're manufactured.

Apologies if this response seems all doom and gloom - my hope is that you'll build those designs, play the heck out of them, and enjoy every minute.
... and please don't forget to post pics here on the MIMF. We'll all be rooting for you..