Anyone try a TGP-CoOp Field Test Tour?

[dannyhinesgtrs]

Now that I have your attention ;)

Has anyone tried to send a guitar or other piece of gear out to forum members for a trial period and feedback?

There would certainly have to be certain parameters to keep it moving and keep it positive. Maybe one whole week to use it at a rehearsal and gig.

Shipping would be the biggest hurdle to overcome.

Any thoughts?

[Jim Soloway]

I've been doing it pretty much non-stop for 7 years. It's worked very well and he overwhelming majority of people have behaved responsibly and honorably.

[TDJMB]

I tried out one of Jim's guitars that way. It was very helpful and I appreciate his willingness to send his beauties out on tour. I think there have also been some pedal tour boxes.

[dannyhinesgtrs]

WOW Thats great.

[Glowing Tubes]

Hey Danny,
If your considering a tour, put me on the list. :-)

[dannyhinesgtrs]

Will Do!

Hey Danny,
If your considering a tour, put me on the list. :-)

[Jim Soloway]

Hi Danny. I got your e-mail and I'd be happy to respond. There's no reason for it to not be discussed in public. Most people hear are aware of what I;ve done over the ears anyway.

My first suggestion is to simply take a look at the Test Drive page on my website. It lays out the policy pretty clearly. Here's a quote direct fro the page that explains the policy. "There is no fee to test drive one of our guitars. We ship the guitar to you for a few days. You can play it through your own rig, take it to a rehearsal, a gig or a session. Find out what it's really all about and then ship it on to the next stop. The shipping to the next stop (or back to us) is your only expense."

As for the shipping part, I put a lot of extra take on the critical areas of the box so it will last for several stops and I try to group the stops in a geographic area so the distance between stops is minimized. Obviously that can't be done every time, but it helps to at least try. I ship the guitar in a light weight poly foam case that's both inexpensive to ship and does a great job of protecting the guitar. In general, I bring the guitar back here after six or sever stops for an inspection, what ever service may be needed and a new box.

In addition to the page on our web site, I occasionally announce a new new tour on the dealer's emporium but after all these years it tends to be pretty much self sustaining.

As for design changes based on the input from the testers, that's not really the purpose for us. It's more about letting people experience or guitar first hand. That's important since we're not building a traditional design. Testers often order guitars and they may use their experience with the demo guitar to decide the specs for their guitar or they may want a few specific changes from the basic format but for the most part, we just build the guitars that that I believe in and let the chips fall where they may.

[dannyhinesgtrs]

Jim,

Checked out your Test Drive page. Great information, simple and to the point. Seems like a great "grassroots" way to get the instrument into the hands of players. Which is what its all about anyway. Thanks for your insight. Definitely going to try to organize this for one of my instruments. How often is your test guitar sent out? Is she a busy bee?

[Quinny]

Aside from Jim's good stuff as above, get yourself to the Schroeder Guitars forum and look up info on the 'tour guitar'. Around the USA a few times, a trip over to Europe and plenty more I'm sure. Early on in the grand scheme of Schroeder Guitars as a business proper.....but what a guitar it is/was, no doubt responsible for many a customer order.

[Guitarpentry]

I believe Rice guitars has done this as well...

[B Vance]

I am a proud recipient of one of Mr. Soloway's test drive guitars. I believe I was the first person on that particular list so I can't comment on whether other users appeared to be as careful and considerate with it as I was. But, I gather from this continuation of the process that it must be the case that he's getting what he wants.

I applaud him and others for that.