Free build?

jworrellbass · #1 08-30-2009, 12:47 PM

I've been talking to this guitarist who works at a local music store, every time I finish a bass I show it to him. He called me up yesterday and wanted to know if I would build him a guitar, no problem. Aparently he is in a band called Aleister Wild with Kelli Rhoads (Randy Rhoads brother) and Kelli Garni. He also told me he has an indorsement with Dean Guitars (I checked and yes it's true) and he gets his guitars for free.

It sounds like he wants me to build him a axe for free, I'm not Dean, just a start up. He's wanting to promote my instruments, I'm wondering should I ask him to pay for the wood and parts and I do the labor for free? Or should I cut him a good discount? It sounds like I might have more work coming my way with his bassist as well. One more thing I shoud mention is I'm married and my wife will throw a fit if I do this for free. Any suggestions?

Bigfork · #2 08-30-2009, 12:54 PM

That's great, what a compliment to be asked to build for them. At the same time, how ever you start off will determine in large part where you end up. I don't think I'll ever get to the place you are and ge asked to build something, but in real life I run across this all the time in my business. Here's what I think through when asked to provide a "widget" gratis.
1. Can I afford to do this? Sometimes the cash situation determines everthing.
2. If cash is not the issue, is this going to take me somewhere/get me something the business needs that I can't do on my own?
3. If this really provides value, why is the person asking for it for free? (There are good answers to this, like maybe they don't have cash, but have services or opportunity to trade.)

If you can front the money, and you're interested in doing this go for it! At the same time, I don't think there is anything wrong with starting with "Hey, I'd love to. Tell you what, I'll through the labor in for free if you guys pick up the materials." See what they say. You can always give it away later if you need to. Then again, once you have the name, the shots are yours to call. Remember, Alembic doesn't give away anything.

scottyd · #3 08-30-2009, 12:57 PM

Maybe a slight discount at first and then if he holds up to his part of the deal a better discount for future builds. Your time and effort should never be free.

jworrellbass · #4 08-30-2009, 01:05 PM

Yea, I know Fleishman Insruments doesn't do it for free either. When I was talking to him I told him I would give him a discount and thats when he told me about his "Dean thing", We are suppost to meet this week and talk about it some more. And yes money is an issue at this point. I build a 12 string tapper for a guy he works with last year and I got stuck tring to sell it later (I did sell it, but it took some time), I'm not saying he'll do the same but it would suck if he did. I quess right now I'm looking for feedback from other builders and what they think.

T-Bird · #5 08-30-2009, 01:36 PM

Hi.

I might be in similar situation in the future if a few of my projects get off the ground, so at the moment I can't speak from experience.

That said, in every trade, hobby and walk of life in general there's bound to be people who want or even require stuff to be free. Ie. they want someone else to pay for their stuff. The excuses are plentiful as to why. I guess we all have heard quite a few.

With me an attitude like that won't fly. Unless we are speaking of an example for a small or large run that will keep me busy and earning for quite a while.

IMHO, the best I would do is to throw in the labour, if I didn't (and I won't) get the parts in discount bulks. Then 30% off would be something I'd consider fair from my end.

BTW, I know that it was just an example but is the Dean we talking about Dean made in USA, or Dean- made in where-ever there's the cheapest labour and parts Dean?

Regards
Sam

jworrellbass · #6 08-30-2009, 01:42 PM

His name is Terry Span. When I googled it, he came up as a Dean artist. I was thinking aroung 30% on the labor as well.

Stinsok · #7 08-30-2009, 01:48 PM

Maybe a free build for a better known artist. I met a guy here in Alabama that has a Dean endorsement and has certain obligations to meet in order to get that free stuff. Who is to say he would be able to play your bass on stage without getting guff from Dean?

bassmanrocke · #8 08-30-2009, 01:55 PM

If he is endorsed by Dean why is he trying to get you to build him something. The point of an endorsement is to get recognition of your product. My guess is that he is required to play Deans when he plays out. I really think he is trying to play the "Rockstar" card, but I am not sure you will gain anything from it. You need to know the terms of his Dean deal before you agree to build him anything. Finally, it is nice that he is playing in a band with Randy Rhoads' brother, but does this ensure you any exposure for your product? I've never heard anything about Paul McCartney's, Jack Bruce's, or John Entwistle's brothers(provided they have any).

jworrellbass · #9 08-30-2009, 02:02 PM

You never heard of Dick Bruce? ..lol.. Thats some good advice.

Stinsok · #10 08-30-2009, 02:07 PM

Wouldn't Randy Rhoads' brother be fairly old? If he hasn't made it by now, it's not going to happen. He is probably lucky to have that Dean endorsement deal.

jworrellbass · #11 08-30-2009, 02:16 PM

http://www.guitarworld.com/article/k..._aleister_wild

This might help.

mixalot · #12 08-30-2009, 02:18 PM

If he doesn't care enough about you or your product to pay full price like everyone else, then he obviously doesn't respect your work or your effort. I would tell him to go fish. Most of those endorsing artists pay for their own stuff. If you give him a break, everyone else will expect one too.

jworrellbass · #13 08-30-2009, 02:26 PM

Either that or Randy had great life insurance and he's eating good.

Rob17 · #14 08-30-2009, 02:39 PM

The more I look at that bass in your avatar the more I like it.
When I saw it first I was like ***, but it it's brilliant, it's straight out off a fairytail. BEAUTYFULL

jworrellbass · #15 08-30-2009, 02:41 PM

Thank you, I always loved the Brothers Grimm stories.

erikbojerik · #16 08-30-2009, 02:55 PM

Only a slight discount - sounds like he's fishing to me. If you're really interested in a custom instrument, why on earth would you mention a factory-instrument endorsement deal? Unless you wanted the same deal.

wallshakerpbass · #17 08-30-2009, 02:58 PM

He's the one asking to play one of your instruments. It's not like you're begging him to play one. If it was you approaching him about playing one, then a free build might not be a bad idea, but since he came to you about it, you have the grounds to ask for payment.

jworrellbass · #18 08-30-2009, 02:58 PM

That's what I was thinking, I've only mentioned a discount to him. The part about free labor and him buying materials was something I thought about this morning.

Stinsok · #19 08-30-2009, 03:01 PM

I'd hate to go through all that trouble just to see it on ebay after a couple of months (Hey, I'm sorry! We were outta weed!)

Rob17 · #20 08-30-2009, 03:07 PM

My 2 cents, I'm with Bassmanrocke, I don't think Dean will let him play your bass.
I bet he has a contract saying that.