What do the companies do?

[Hella1hella]

Do companies still hand wind? Or do they use CNC winders like I am seeing alot of people on here do. When I say "hand wind" I am referring to using a schatten type thing and their hands. I know companies like Duncan, Dimarzio etc probably use automated CNC type devices, but what about smaller companies like Lollar? I want to get into pickup winding, but If im going to do it I am going to start out with a pre-made winder and all of the tools, I dont want to have to worry about home-brewing devices, and then I can concentrate on winding amazing coils. However my main issue is, if I ever want to make a business out of this like 5 years or something down the line, will I be able to actually make products without a cnc machine? One of the reasons I want to get into pickup winding is the ART of it, and I want to be able to supply my friends and family with amazing pickups, if people decide they like them enough to want to buy it, that a bonus. I just want to know if people are actually hand winding pickups outside of their shops, or to a quality "production line" standard. Thanks in advance guys!

[copperheadroads]

Handwinding + some smoke & mirrors & a touch of snake oil is it = Sales pitch
There are a ton of new winders every week with the 5 year business program ....Were all gonna starve

[David King]

I'd say 5 year from now would be 15 years too late but who knows what's going to happen. I keep bumping into guys on the net who just started making pointy guitars and have orders out the wazoo to local hicks still living in the 1980s.

[big_teee]

Anymore I just make pickups for me, and the way I like.
If someone else wants one or two, then that's a bonus.
I agree on the 5 years too late.
Market already over saturated big time Now.
But, good luck in whatever you do!
T

[David King]

What I was trying to say was don't discount your local market. You might be able to sell a good number of pickups to locals but eventually that will dry up and either you will have developed a wider market by then or not. Then again if you were born to make the worlds best pickups there won't be any stopping you.

[rhgwynn]

Yeah I would say I only sell about 2 sets a month so far, if that; but I do have a budding relationship with builder or two, as well as a recording musician, that may take me on for a long-term partnership if they like the gear. It definitely is not something that would pay any bills at this point, and won't be for a long time I imagine. I can't say you guys didn't warn me though; but I am in it for the long haul

-Rob

[ReWind]

I would say that there's room in the market for more winders. I suppose one has to offer something special in terms of service, custom work, or original products, and offer it in a way that will get the attention of the right people, then provide a quality product that exceeds their expectations to keep their attention and get it snowballing.

All I know is that my evening project to save money buying pickups, by making them myself, totally flopped. I spent WAY more money, and even buy WAY more pickups form others now. I guess it's been about 2.5 years since my first public video with a company name on it. I had to quit my day job a few months back because I couldn't keep up with the pickup work. I've barely scratched the surface with original designs so far, so it's probably not that in my case.

Really, I'm surprised. I didn't expect my hobby would consume my life at first, then carry me through it after. I still treat it like a hobby. I make most decisions with the same mindset that I had back when I started, as if every pickup was going to be in one of my own guitars. I've had to learn to be a little (allot) tighter on the funds though. I still have many mistakes and more chances to learn ahead of me. I look forward to both. It could all go down the tubes tomorrow. Who knows? I'm enjoying the ride today, either way!

[big_teee]

There may very well be room for more Winders?
If you compare it to Real Estate?
I would definitely Call it a "Buyers Market".

[David Schwab]

Make something different from everyone else. Then you will stand out. Offer something no one can get elsewhere.

That's why I stayed away from the typical Gibson and Fender copies for the last 7 years.

[rhgwynn]

Make something different from everyone else. Then you will stand out. Offer something no one can get elsewhere.

That's why I stayed away from the typical Gibson and Fender copies for the last 7 years.

Do you have any patented designs David?

[David Schwab]

Do you have any patented designs David?

No. I have some unique designs however. One thing about patents, it's the fastest way to show everyone your new idea!

I started out by making pickups for my own personal use for instruments that I had built. So now when I have something I like, I add it to my pickup line. So far I have been focusing on bass pickups, as I'm primarily a bass player, but I started out on guitar, so I have been working on some designs for my own personal guitars. When I get a few that are different from the very crowded market, I'll start selling those. I also play lead guitar in a heavy grunge band, so I'm my own pickup tester lol

[rjb]

I also play lead guitar in a heavy grunge band,....

Hey, haven't I heard one of your songs on the radio...."Smells Like Geezer Spirit"?
Sorry, couldn't help it.

[David Schwab]

Hey, haven't I heard one of your songs on the radio...."Smells Like Geezer Spirit"?
Sorry, couldn't help it.

I used to sing that with a cover band a few years back...

This is the band.... Nikolitsa and the Comrades

[David Schwab]

I like this one.

[rjb]

I used to sing that with a cover band a few years back...

A mosquitow,
I forgot how.
A big horse fly,
I forget why....