Hammersmith K4 - TalkBass Special Model

[Lowendtech]

Would non-matching (ie: black) headstocks be a fair compromise? I mean, if we did both the metallic gold AND the red body options, bit then did the TB specials with black headstocks, what would the groups opinion on that be? That makes things a ton easier on my end, and with our OEM.

Now you've done it. I'd like a metallic gold body with a red headstock please.

 

[primussucks9126]

I'd probably have to see mockup first, but I think I'd rather have a matching headstock.

If black was part of the whole trim, it could work, like on this ric:
Redirect Notice

I could get down with black binding on the blue model for sure.

But to have everything white with a black head stock seems off to me.

I have a number of blue instruments, and they actually all have black headstocks (or part black in thr case of my guitar), but black is part of their trim. My Ric and my custom Jaguar are both blue with matching headstocks.
Model of guitar I have (also my preferred shade of blue):
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https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/b4/72/21/b472219e6c80ca171114977ec586df53.jpg

Ive also got the Casady bass I previously posted, which also has a black headstock, but has black as part of the trim.

Lastly, Ive got a TMB100 in an infinitely less sexy shade of blue with a black headstock with no black in the trim which looks out of place to me.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o237/primussucks91268/Mobile Uploads/IMG_20150710_240633378_zpskxyjyy2c.jpg

So if were doing black headstocks, I think I'd like to see it with black binding, pg, hardware, TRC, and pickup. Unless a mockup changes my mind. I also think gold and red would go fantastic with this all black setup. Rootbeer should stay cream though.

Sorry, i know this is a heavy post, but I take my blue basses seriously.

Personally, I think the people who want these other colors should put there money where there mouth is. I don't mean that in a hostile way. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for manufacturers offering more colors (I won't consider a new Fender because I find their options uninspiring) I just know people like to fantasize about what should be avaialable, and never make moves when it becomes available.

You said you've got 8 deposits so far for these special editions, and adding these colors would make for at least 30 basses if your OEM requires a minimum of 5 (white tux, blue, rootbeer, gold, olive, and red, correct?) Not counting standard finishes. Colors can always be added down the road, but if people want them now, let them speak up with their wallets.

 

[ScarfFace]

Marko, I think no matter what you do, you are going to have someone wanting something different. It seemed to me that offering even three different finishes for a "special first run" was more than generous. I think those of us who have put deposits down on them understand that we are getting a great discount to a be a part of this run and we don't expect every single thing to be done to order.
If a person didn't like those colors they can choose from the standard colors, or pay more for a custom build. That's how things work with every other builder. I understand wanting to capture every possible customer, but I'd be cautious of making too many concessions for them. That comment is certainly not meant to be directed at any particular person. Just general thoughts.

 

[Meyatch]

I agree these are all fair points. I would have just done a TalkBass special in talkbass blue and be done with it. I could be totally wrong, but I just think the inclusion of root beer is a pretty weird choice, and red has a lot more appeal. But I'm probably going to stick with surf green anyway, especially as everyone seems to be all about all these special colors having binding, which I absolutely don't want.

 

[MarkoYYZ]

Thing is, I need stock to sell even beyond the TB special run. You guys would get the TB deal and extras, while any leftover of the same bass can be sold later on at regular price to the public. I have 8 deposits here, but don't need to have 20 sold to offer 4 colors, for example. It would be nice if they were all sold here, for exclusivity more than anything else, but if that was a requirement then I would have to trim it back to maybe 2 finishes. I don't mind ordering some red or gold - they will eventually sell - but you guys would need to accept the tradeoff that more colors = less exclusivity, because adding more color options isn't likely going to add 5 more buyers with each added color.

With this pre-order, and with the FB pre-order, I'd like to have maybe 40 sold. It's the 19th today, so we're actually on pace for that by the 28th, and we'll offer some flexibility on that date for people who trickle in after. The 28th is the date I need to lock in my colors and quantities with the OEM, but if bringing extra, I can be flexible with allowing some late sales. The order will actually be for between 130-150 total K basses, because that stock has to carry me through the summer until we get a next batch in around Aug/Sept.

What's more important - getting in on the first batch at a special price with options not being shared anywhere else until summer, or total exclusivity of the model?
.

 

[primussucks9126]

Personally, I just wanted it available in blue, exclusivity matters less to me, I'm fortunate enough that blue was chosen as one of the 3 colors to run.

If having the extra colors is cool with you and having the extra stock is beneficial, by all means, run them.

As I said, If I see a solid mockup I might be fine with black headstocks, but no matter what, the bass checks so many boxes for me that I'm not sweating all the fine details. I know you're a small business and I'd rather support you than cry over a sub $1000 production not being custom made for me.

 

[NKBassman]

Would non-matching (ie: black) headstocks be a fair compromise? I mean, if we did both the metallic gold AND the red body options, bit then did the TB specials with black headstocks, what would the groups opinion on that be? That makes things a ton easier on my end, and with our OEM.

If you did a vintage/faded red stain, I'd have expected a black headstock anyway. I think this follows the vintage Gibby short scale scheme, which is probably what's subconsciously influencing me in this case.

 

[NKBassman]

Marko, I think no matter what you do, you are going to have someone wanting something different. It seemed to me that offering even three different finishes for a "special first run" was more than generous. I think those of us who have put deposits down on them understand that we are getting a great discount to a be a part of this run and we don't expect every single thing to be done to order.
If a person didn't like those colors they can choose from the standard colors, or pay more for a custom build. That's how things work with every other builder. I understand wanting to capture every possible customer, but I'd be cautious of making too many concessions for them. That comment is certainly not meant to be directed at any particular person. Just general thoughts.

I don't disagree at all.

 

[Meyatch]

Here's my red mockup with black headstock. I'm gonna take my hat out of this ring though. I've pretty much settled on getting surf green, even if other colors become available.

 

[NOLA Bass]

Here's my red mockup with black headstock. I'm gonna take my hat out of this ring though. I've pretty much settled on getting surf green, even if other colors become available.

The red looks fine with the black headstock. Quite honestly, I think most colors will with maybe the exception of the Surf Green.

 

[Meyatch]

I agree, I'm sitting here next to my SG bass, which is red with a black headstock, and I never thought there was anything wrong with that.

 

[primussucks9126]

I can dig that with the black PG. I'm sure the blue would look good that way as well.

 

[GregC]

I'm most excited about TB blue, and would prefer it with the matching headstock and white binding. But a black headstock might work.

I am mostly in for a two pickup, long scale model. Would love to hear two-pickup sound clips first, if possible.

 

[wintremute]

Well, for when I get my Red, I'll want a matching headstock. So I'll wait (and waiting is probably good for my wallet).

 

[BigBigGuy44]

My take after reading all of the comments and individual wants:

Make an exclusive "Talkbass" model in blue. Matching headstock. Have option of scale length, block or dots inlay, binding or no binding and one or two pickups. This should satisfy a whole lot of people and goes well above and beyond what most manufacturers would do.

Save the other colors for special runs similar to what EBMM does with their PDN offering. Announce the color, open the order window and roll with it once or twice a year. Do pre-orders like you are currently doing to gauge interest.

I wouldn't jump the shark on every option expressed in here. To me, one product executed flawlessly is much better than half a dozen that you had to give concessions on.

With that being said, I would like to be first in line for a TB special blue 5-stringer.

 

[NOLA Bass]

My take after reading all of the comments and individual wants:

Make an exclusive "Talkbass" model in blue. Matching headstock. Have option of scale length, block or dots inlay, binding or no binding and one or two pickups. This should satisfy a whole lot of people and goes well above and beyond what most manufacturers would do.

Save the other colors for special runs similar to what EBMM does with their PDN offering. Announce the color, open the order window and roll with it once or twice a year. Do pre-orders like you are currently doing to gauge interest.

I wouldn't jump the shark on every option expressed in here. To me, one product executed flawlessly is much better than half a dozen that you had to give concessions on.

With that being said, I would like to be first in line for a TB special blue 5-stringer.

Yeah, I think even one custom color on an import bass is pretty cool. I'd love the olive green mentioned, but at the end of the day I'll take one of these in almost any of the colors that has been listed!!!!!

 

[wintremute]

My take after reading all of the comments and individual wants:

Make an exclusive "Talkbass" model in blue. Matching headstock. Have option of scale length, block or dots inlay, binding or no binding and one or two pickups. This should satisfy a whole lot of people and goes well above and beyond what most manufacturers would do.

Save the other colors for special runs similar to what EBMM does with their PDN offering. Announce the color, open the order window and roll with it once or twice a year. Do pre-orders like you are currently doing to gauge interest.

I wouldn't jump the shark on every option expressed in here. To me, one product executed flawlessly is much better than half a dozen that you had to give concessions on.

With that being said, I would like to be first in line for a TB special blue 5-stringer.

Your moderation and reason have no place among my demands. Good DAY sir!

 

[lowendmafia]

So we aren't doing he blue floral and pink paisley patterns I specifically requested?

 

[NOLA Bass]

So we aren't doing he blue floral and pink paisley patterns I specifically requested?

Those will come out with British flag, lightning storm, and naked chick graphic models.

 

[wintremute]

Well, now I'm second-guessing my choice.