Group Buys

[Bob Connor]

The last group buys have yielded some pretty good deals for forum members and also give us some access to products and markets that we probably wouldn't consider if we had to do it individually.

I'm looking for some suggestions of what we might look at in a few months time when our wallets have recovered from the last couple.

One thing to bear in mind is that we probably don't want to organise the next one around the time of the next OLF swap meet.

For those of you who haven't participated in the OLF swap meet they are definitely worthwhile as the spectacular wood and low prices have to been seen to be believed. And it's like a feeding frenzy.

We've set up a countdown clock that we'll set as soon as we know the date
so that you'll be able to log on as soon as proceedings commence.


You can find it here

Swap meet Countdown

I digress.

Group buy suggestions

Bindings - you can never have enough of every different wood imaginable

Indian Rosewood back and side sets - inexpensive and underated

Sandpaper

Any other suggestions please post so we can have an idea of what people need ( or maybe don't need but want it anyway )

Bob

[ozziebluesman]

G'day Bob,

Yep, Indian Rosewood back and side sets would certainly interest me.

Cheers

Alan

[Allen]

Tuners might be an idea.

[kiwigeo]

Graham Hein has expressed to me an interest in supplying Englemann Spruce tops to forum members. He's not a sponsor but how about we get Tim involved. Of course it would have to be economically viable for Tim. I think even if Tim takes a cut it'll still work out cheaper than buying from major suppliers.

Just an idea.

Cheers Martin

[Bob Connor]

Nothing like having a dozen or so Waverley's in stock Allen.

$139.50USD for Nickel/Ebony knob - $118.73 for six or more from Stewmac.

They are the dog's bollox as far as tuners go though.

I get my Grover Statites from the local music shop for about $50 (with a small discount)

The manager of the shop is a mate of mine who has often asked why I don't get an account at Lamberti Brothers (the wholesaler). They have a website (no prices) if you want to have a look at what thet stock, but they do have a basic line of bindings, purfs, nuts saddles, and all sorts of tuners.

I might look into this. It could bring the price down to $35-40 which is probably better than we'd get for a group buy from OS after taking freight into account.

Stewmac are selling them for 31.95( for 3 or more) so after international freight is thrown on it there's not a great deal of advantage from buying them locally.

Bob

[Paul B]

I need Waverly tuners - for slot head

Some EIR would be nice - I need a couple of sets with wide (6") sides for a couple of acoustic basses I'm planning.

Purfling and binding can always come in useful.

[Allen]

Hey, yer right, nothing wrong with having Waverly's on the shelf. In fact I'm pretty sure Hesh has some on his shelf.

I've got no idea what it takes to get Gotoh's direct from a wholesaler, but it might be a possibility. 501 minis with black knobs look real nice. Just an idea.

[Dominic]

Yep, all of the above. 1. tuners. 2. bindings. 3. figured maple drop tops for electrics 4. EIR
Dom

[joel]

I love wishlists!

1. Tuners. Something good but cost effective.

2. EIR back and side sets.

3. bindings and/or purfling.

That's it so far.

[Colonial Tonewoods]

Guys,
I might be able to point you to a place for a group buy on bindings and purflings. I don't carry that much of the stuff myself but know where you can get some really nice stuff at good prices.
Just thought I'd help get the ball rollin'.

[SteveF]

Hey All,

How about inlay material(MOP,Abalone),or maybe preamps(Fishman etc).....Rozette material.....................Steve `

[graham mcdonald]

I would certainly be interested in some EIR and purflings, though I only use a limited range

Good idea Bob

cheers

graham

[James Mc]

I'm not sure how many of the members use shellac but it is heaps cheaper to buy it in bulk. The Blonde (super de-waxed) at Mother or Pearl & Sons in Sydney is $660 for a 20kg sack. Postage cost may kill it for anyone else but could be worth the guy's down there getting together and buying in bulk.

[Allen]

The black vulcanized paper could be another idea to toss around.

[sebastiaan56]

I dont build enough to justify stocking up on much stuff, but black paper would be very useful,

[joel]

Strings.

Good (but cheap) strings.

[graham mcdonald]

Doing a group order from Just Strings might be an idea. I used to buy single strings from them until they decided on a US$75 minimum and then insisted on air freight courier to deliver them rather than the mail, which was another US$75! They have just about every string imaginable

cheers

graham

[Dominic]

Graham, I would be keen on strings also.
With any group buys from the US time is on our side. The dollar hit 94US last week and the economic fundamentals only point to it going higher. That is our commodity prices are going to keep rising and it looks like the $OZ will stay high for many years.
I remember when the dollar hit a dismal low of 47US around 2000 and thought I was getting a bargain when it was 75US in 2006.
Of course, if you are selling guitars outside Australia is not doing you any good at all but there must be plenty of cashed up WA miners.
Dom

[Allen]

Another idea for a group buy is Carbon Fiber rod. Los Alamos Composites has volume pricing and I've heard that they make some of the best CF around for Luthiers.

[Bob Connor]

Thats's Jim Watts who is a member over at the OLF and is where we buy ours from.

Excellent product and service and much better pricing than from LMI.

Bob