I thought this was really interesting and raised an eyebrow.

ThorpyFX · January 2017

I found this intriguing to say the least. Who knew that these brands were all made in the same place in a massive factory.

TimmyO · January 2017

Interesting.

Economy of scale but 'boutique' pricing - clever.

TimmyO · January 2017

thought this would get more comment...

Cabicular · January 2017

Henning the 'crazy'' German makes it difficult to watch
i guess it makes sense from an economy of scale point of view
1 set of HSE regs, 1set of employment law
different areas specialising in different jobs (like tolex and cabinet manufacture)
If you had a line in one of these factories manufacturing Warthogs, would it make them any l as boutiqe? They are still custom designed and hand manufactured and as long as you tested and inspected them properly then I wouldn't see the problem
put your feet up Adrian and get some immigrants in

ThorpyFX · January 2017

Cabicular said:

Henning the 'crazy'' German makes it difficult to watch
i guess it makes sense from an economy of scale point of view
1 set of HSE regs, 1set of employment law
different areas specialising in different jobs (like tolex and cabinet manufacture)
If you had a line in one of these factories manufacturing Warthogs, would it make them any l as boutiqe? They are still custom designed and hand manufactured and as long as you tested and inspected them properly then I wouldn't see the problem
put your feet up Adrian and get some immigrants in

The business sense is off the scale, and the fact that they are buying up (some) companies that would have otherwise gone bust is also a great thing.

As for whether it matters, I'm not sure, It matters to me, but I may be in the minority.

ourmaninthenorth · January 2017

I initially thought that the makers are simply sharing the above mentioned economies of scale model, but that's not really what's happening here is it? or am I missing the point?

The umbrella company, Boutique Amp, appears to be swallowing up some of the brand names...quote at 19.30 " Boutique Amp have just bought ToneKing ... and they have big plans for the brand"

It begs a lot of questions...

Cabicular · January 2017

Not all builders are as good with a soldering iron as you though
would I like Dave Friedman to hand build me an amp if he had another 20 on the go?
probably not
i would have thought your 'real' value is in what's between your ears Adrian. I don't think anyone is particularly bothered by who solders what in.
And you know that's the only way to really scale ...

Sporky · January 2017

This is what makes it really hard for innovative small builders; you're squeezed between the people knocking out clones in their spare room, subsidised by a day job, and the fauxtique stuff that gets sold on all the handbuilt mojo nonsense but is actually cranked out by the hundred in a factory... most of the recognisable stuff wasn't a surprise.

ThorpyFX · January 2017

Sporky said:

This is what makes it really hard for innovative small builders; you're squeezed between the people knocking out clones in their spare room, subsidised by a day job, and the fauxtique stuff that gets sold on all the handbuilt mojo nonsense but is actually cranked out by the hundred in a factory... most of the recognisable stuff wasn't a surprise.

Agreed, it's not a whinge on my part. Business is business, it's just that the completion is tougher than I imagined.

Cabicular · January 2017

Your pedals are great and your price point is right
If I was you I would seriously consider trying to increase the margin
I realise ThorpyFX is probably a lifestyle business and there is nothing wrong with that.
but there are different lifestyles ...:)
Also I really believe your time and talent would be best spent on prototype design and manufacture and not a little bit of sales. Hey you know your own business and I'm not trying to lecture
I have every pedal you have produced (since Thropyfx) and I'd really like to see you be successful and profitable for years to come

Sporky · January 2017

It didn't come across as a whinge.

I think you going with a custom enclosure will have helped - you're less lost in a sea of Hammond enclosures. Also, I gather, your stuff sounds really rather decent.

ThorpyFX · January 2017

Cabicular said:

Your pedals are great and your price point is right
If I was you I would seriously consider trying to increase the margin
I realise ThorpyFX is probably a lifestyle business and there is nothing wrong with that.
but there are different lifestyles ...:)
Also I really believe your time and talent would be best spent on prototype design and manufacture and not a little bit of sales. Hey you know your own business and I'm not trying to lecture
I have every pedal you have produced (since Thropyfx) and I'd really like to see you be successful and profitable for years to come

Thanks! Here is the plan. Incremental growth, till it gets unfortable then expand, then rinse and repeat. I want to maintain links with the customer for as long as is humanely possible.

that and working with Dan Coggins (lovetone) is yielding some very interesting and certainly none derivative stuff....... I just need to work out how to build it all now....

Jack_ · January 2017

My desire to learn about this operation is unfortunately dwarfed by my desire not to listen to the guy presenting it.

With a good quality presenter, it could be interesting, but Christ he's irritating.

TimmyO · January 2017

Jack_ said:

My desire to learn about this operation is unfortunately dwarfed by my desire not to listen to the guy presenting it.

With a good quality presenter, it could be interesting, but Christ he's irritating.

When I first stumbled across him on YT a while back I felt the same - but I actually quite like it now - he's had some really good videos on his channel

Teyeplayer · January 2017

I think I'm most worried for the genuine boutique builders out there such as yourself @ThorpyFX. This video to my non-business mind seems to present intentionally misleading marketing. By putting 'boutique' in the company name mass production can ensue. I guess if nothing else it gives us a list of things to possibly not to buy, but it is hardly fair on the small guy in the long run, as inevitably when the problems that often occur with mass production kick in, other true boutique builders are likely to be tarred with the same brush thanks to the misuse of one word.

ennspek · January 2017

Cabicular said:

Your pedals are great and your price point is right
If I was you I would seriously consider trying to increase the margin
I realise ThorpyFX is probably a lifestyle business and there is nothing wrong with that.
but there are different lifestyles ...:)
Also I really believe your time and talent would be best spent on prototype design and manufacture and not a little bit of sales. Hey you know your own business and I'm not trying to lecture
I have every pedal you have produced (since Thropyfx) and I'd really like to see you be successful and profitable for years to come

This 100%. I'm in exactly the same position.
Your genius is obviously in the concept not the nuts and bolts so to speak. That said I like the fact that the pedals feel personally cared for, as do I as a customer. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a factor.
I order the pedals direct as I assume that's better for the company, and there is no point having a "supplier" who is losing money.
It is ultimately a business and you're a clever man, you'll work out where the balance lies.
It may be worth talking to people from different industries about production, distribution etc.

lustycourtier · January 2017

I thought 'amp builders guild' built most of these brands?

Moe_Zambeek · January 2017

I'm in the fauxtique camp when it comes to BAD. It just seems like a ripoff, a means to generate a bigger margin for the corporation. I felt the same about PBG.

Sporky · January 2017

Moe_Zambeek said:

fauxtique

I think I may have invented another internet winner there!

(I am aware it's already applied to fake antiques)

Moe_Zambeek · January 2017

Sporky said:

Moe_Zambeek said:

fauxtique

I think I may have invented another internet winner there!

(I am aware it's already applied to fake antiques)

Very appropriate - good work. Best neologism of the week!

Sporky · January 2017

Thank you.

I will add it to "lucky poo" and "you sunk my funnyship".

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I thought this was really interesting and raised an eyebrow.

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