Opinion poll!

[Nelson Instruments]

So some of you may have saw the teaser pic of my forthcoming budget model.
This idea has lead me to ponder the following and I'd like your opinions.
What if I were to offer all of my models in two versions. The first being the regular versions as we know them. The second would be a totally stripped down version with minimal trimmings and a satin finish which could be had at a pretty reasonable savings.
I've been noticing a lot of folks expressing how they'd like to own one of my guitars but money is tight.
So are there folks here that would dig the idea of a Nelson that would be a basic, no-frills workhorse that woukd give you the sound, feel, and overall look without the other things (for example gloss finish and aluminum guards) that add to the cost?

[Eivind August]

Yeah, that sounds like an interesting idea. Might be into that.

[Chankgeez]

Yeah, that sounds like an interesting idea. Might be into that.

2nd'd

[blakestree]

I'd like to see your budget model. And, I think it is a good idea for everybody to offer a budget somethin'. I wouldn't make that available for my whole line, though. Also, I think the aluminum pickguards are a distinguishing feature of your guitars. I wouldn't want to lose stuff like that.

[Nelson Instruments]

Well perhaps the aluminum guard could be an upgrade option. It would maybe add an additional $70. Keeping it off would keep the price point lower for those that don't care but it could be available for those that do want it.

[Bellyheart]

Good idea. Gibson>epiphone. MIA>MIM.

Smart moves

[colossus]

I'd be into that. A one pickup workhorse would be neat, with maybe esquire-like tone options to still cop neck-ish tones?

[blakestree]

I'd be into that. A one pickup workhorse would be neat, with maybe esquire-like tone options to still cop neck-ish tones?

That would be a good way to save on costs.

[culturejam]

Yeah, that would be awesome.

[sylnau]

I think your current production is not that expensive.
Compared to Fano, Koll, Duesenberg, PRS, Gibson, ...

If you have something like the Provocateur with a mahogany body (maple top)... wide fat neck , longer scale.
I would be interested. But for me the problem is the custom/brocker fees.

70$ more for a cool pickguard, is not something that would stop me.

[colin]

Budget line would definitely be cool.

But I think Sylnau has a point; maybe consider a "deluxe" line. Make it super pricey and appeal to the gear page blues lawyer market.

[culturejam]

Budget line would definitely be cool.

But I think Sylnau has a point; maybe consider a "deluxe" line. Make it super pricey and appeal to the gear page blues lawyer market.

I can see it working both ways.

Also, $1600 isn't exactly an insane amount to pay for a really nice guitar that's hand-made one at a time.

On the other hand, consumers are very conscious of future resale value. I know this first hand as a low-volume manufacturer of pedals under a brand that isn't exactly nationally recognized. So I'm not just bitching as a gear flipper (although I'm that, too), I actually run into this on the business side. I've had several people ask if I would send them a pedal "just to try" since the prices aren't exactly low and you can't try them in Guitar Center. I understand both sides of this problem all too well.

I'm likely willing to take a 40-50% hit on value for most pedals that I'm interested in. But I'm a lot less likely to do so as the value of a piece of gear approaches $1k and over. That's kind of my personal line in the sand regarding risk. Everyone (who operates on any sort of budget) has a different limit, of course. But that's where mine is.

Here's a great example from real life. In January, I bought a Les Paul Standard for $1250. Great deal and it was a cool guitar. In June, I had some home repairs flare up, and I had to sell some gear to cover costs. I sold the Les Paul for....$1250. I think I could have gotten more if I didn't have a pressing need and could wait longer. I knew this when I bought it, which made the purchase decision a whole lot easier.

So I'm a lot more likely to buy a $900 Nelson and hope that I like it and never need to sell it than I am a $1600+ Nelson. And that goes for any of the smaller luthiers. I'm not just picking on Nelson here.

[UglyCasanova]

Budget Attaché? Very interested.

[morange]

What, no poll? You tease.

[Nelson Instruments]

Well the Attache is discontinued. I have a few pickguards left in case I ever feel like using them up but I'm not sure I'll make more.
The folks that bought them really love them BUT by far the public reaction was a resounding "meh, what else ya got?!" So I think I'll focus on developing models that get more people excited.