I am starting a new batch of guitars this month. I have always built guitars in batches. My shop is small enough that I cannot have all of my tools and jigs “set up” and ready to use. So, it seems logical to me that if I set up for a certain process that I use it several times to minimize that setup time. This works well for parts of the building process that depend on jigs or specific tools (shaper, spray booth, etc), but not so much for things that require individual attention (like voicing a top). Over time I have found that a batch of 10 – 12 is about the right size. If by chance (like now) I do not have enough orders to “fill” the batch I add a few “spec” guitars. I find it is always helpful to have guitars in the shop for folks to play – so that they can get a clear sense of my style of building, level of quality/workmanship etc. It is also a way to keep me interested – it is an opportunity to experiment. In my last batch I made 2 parlor (or O size) guitars. They were both very successful and gave me a good reminder of how much I love small guitars.
Another good reason for “spec guitars” is to prepare for upcoming shows – Healdsburg, Montreal, etc. As it happens the list of builders for the Healdsburg show has not been announced but a boy has to hope, right??
In the next week or so I will update the Web site with info about the new batch. If you have thoughts about the guitars I am making, or if you want to order a guitar (I repeat, a boy has to hope, right?) let me know.
