Official Luthiers Forum!

An excerpt from a recent client email...

"What I have in mind is basically a concert scale uke
with a soprano sized body. I prefer to play concerts but I would like
something a wee bit more compact and with a little less volume for late
night playing and traveling.

I would also like to pursue the idea of using mostly, if not all, US
sourced woods. "

This job will take some serious design considerations re: bridge placement, bracing, 12 or 14 frets,etc. before we begin a discussion about materials.

These kinds of jobs are interesting, but always involve compromises (I guess most jobs do).

How do you folks handle this pre-construction design phase with clients? Do you simply exchange a number of emails or is there a specific process?

When does money enter the picture? In what fashion? Is there a contract? A set time frame?

I'd appreciate some discussion.

I give free consultation to perspective clients, as much as they need to know what they will commission. Once the decision is made to commission a guitar and the types of woods are chosen then a 75% deposit is required before any specific design work is done or any required material is ordered. Here is a copy of my deposit schedule and how it works

Deposit Schedule
           A 75% of total sale price deposit is required to reserve a spot in the building schedule. This deposit is 100% refundable prior to material order, 80% refundable less material cost after material is ordered, 60% refundable less material cost and labor at a labor rate of $10/hr after commencement of construction. If any custom inlay work has been cut and inlaid prior to cancellation of order, the deposit is 50% refundable less material cost and labor at a labor rate of $10/hr. No materials will be ordered nor will construction started prior to receipt and bank clearance of the deposit. The balance will be due at pick-up/delivery or prior to shipping if shipping is required.