Update 2-20-06

[imported_Schroeder]

Hey guys!
Another long day. Long week. Long couple of months. I know that there have been a few discussions on BAM about wait times from small builders. I wanted to get it out in the open on this forum and find out how everyone is doing. I appreciate all of your understanding so far and hope that everyone is still with me.

The House

My house is coming along, albeit somewhat more slowly than anticipated. We ran into major problems with plumbing and foundation (or lack thereof!) in the kitchen of the house. We were ready to basically tape, mud, texture and be done when we found this:

Here is a pic of me and Mitchell after cutting a hole in the kitchen floor to find the the floor joists were laying on the dirt!!! Also there is a 6' span where there was literally no foundation. Not good.
http://www.schroederguitars.com/p/images/Radio%20Lane/Foundation/foundation-problem.gif
Here is a pic of my brother in foreground (he came down from Seattle WA because he knew I needed help) adn my contractor watching me work!! This is after we took out the back wall of the kitchen and shored up the roof.
http://www.schroederguitars.com/p/images/Radio%20Lane/Foundation/foundation---wall-knockout.gif

Here is a pic of Mitchell and I after we mixed and poured the new footing and foundation.
http://www.schroederguitars.com/p/images/Radio%20Lane/Foundation/new-foundation.gif
Here is a pic of teh gravel base for the cement slab that we will hopefully pour this week.
http://www.schroederguitars.com/p/images/Radio%20Lane/Foundation/gravel-base-2.gif

A PAINFUL shot of how close my new shop is to where I have been spending the majority of my time....

http://www.schroederguitars.com/p/images/Radio%20Lane/Foundation/painful.gif

And here is how I left it tonight....
http://www.schroederguitars.com/p/images/Radio%20Lane/Foundation/windows-in-place.gif

[imported_Schroeder]

So my point here is that I have not just been kicking back drinking margaritas!!! I have been working my butt off trying to get this house done so I can live 100 feet from the shop. I also quit the day job and will be starting a part time position in a few weeks to make ends meet. I will be taking a couple weeks off to work on the house and at least get it so that I can bring my kids around without them trudging through a construction zone!! They do like the destruction part of the process though!

I will keep you updated. PLEASE feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sorry I can't give a definitive deadline on the house. I had hoped it would be done by now!! The house SHOULD start picking up now that this major setback is behind me. But I will keep you posted.

Thanks again guys.

Jason

[imported_sleepingtiger]

I'm with ya! All in due time(NPI). You've been very straight-forward fom the beginning & contacted me & I assume everyone, appraised us of the situation & asked if I wanted to back out, or wait & see. You even have a sample guitar traversing the country to give us a taste! I & i imagine, most of the others have quite a few fine guitars to play in the meantime, so it's not like "I'm suffering with a Squire Strat until that jerk gets his ass in gear!". Just do what you HAVE been doing: what needs to be done & keeping those effected appraised of the situation.
It's obvious to me that this will lead to better instruments for us, & more manageable lead times in the future. Just don't add a charge for the Mojo & good karma that will undoubtably be in all the guitars to come. Take heart, my friend....your real fiends are on your side. I know I AM!
Tony

[imported_Schroeder]

Thanks so much Tony. I hope you like the Tour guitar!

[imported_vangit]

From what I read on BAM about peoples complaints with other builders is that people are upset with long wait times with no communication, or explanaition fo the long delay (I have read over 3 years and waiting). At least with me, that has not been the case with you. I also understand that the wait time is so you can make us better guitars, not so you can go on vacation. One step back two steps foward.

Hell....you quite your job and you are moving your kids into a smaller house just so you can have a work shop! You got a "big set" and I'm in your corner that it works :!:

[imported_Shadscbr]

No worries here either Jason! Keep up the great communication, and everything will be just fine :D

Shad

[imported_dave_graham]

absolutely no complaints here either, Jason. just my typical "wow, this is the first time i'm actually waiting for something completely killer to get to me" anxiety, nothing more.

good luck with that house!!!!

dave

[imported_Schroeder]

Thanks guys. Well, maybe if you all just flew in for a weekend we could bang this thing out and get the house and a few guitars done! ;)

[imported_sleepingtiger]

Yeah, but I've seen my work!....I'd hate to lose a friend & get a crappy guitar to boot, hehe!

[imported_kev]

Watching your guitar building business unfold, coupled with some of the more intensely personal stuff such as the house issues (glad you caught that btw!), I'd say you have your priorities straight Jason. My perspective is a bit different only in that I do not currently have a Schroeder guitar on order, but I am pulling for you all the same.

Yeah, but I've seen my work!....I'd hate to lose a friend & get a crappy guitar to boot, hehe!

LOL! Man, that is a classic because it's all too often the truth! "I don't have any skills...gah!" LOL!

Kev

[imported_Will]

As another who hasn't confirmed his order yet. I know that life deals us unexpected turn of events. As a newbie here, I am just as excited for your buisness as the rest who are behind you. I only wish that I am on my way out to Cali to give you a hand anyway I can. I thought I woud be there by March 16th. But the potential buyers for my house failed to go through with the deal. Just Great...... Sarcasm on!

I hope to see the tour guitar, It seem I will still be here when it shows up here in Alabama. So Kev, keep me posted when you get it. Maybe we can get together and jam when it shows here in the South.

Will

[imported_DrPCR]

Jason, I hope you got the House "DIRT" cheap, otherwise shoot the home inspector.

No foundation? hmmm, wouldn't it been better to flatten the house and rebuild it properly??


Ok all this talk about small builders, well I know Stu, Bryan and I can't really pull out (although Bryan already has his guitar) since we convinced Jason to go down this path of glory.

I counted, and before this house move business, Jason had built me the neck, body in 6 months. Delayed for 3 months for the move so far. So 9 months into it. I figure I'll give him another 6 months to put the electronics and paint the darn thing. Ok ok, 9 months. So total time 18 months. More than that, I'll have to get my rope and have an old fashion "lynching" :)

[imported_Big Mike]

Yeah, after some discussion off board with several people in that thread, I will say the problem comes down to 100% communication. (at least from my vantage point).

You're doing it right Jason. Keep everyone advised, give reasonable estimates from your side, and let people know if something changes.

You'll head off 99% of the issues that way.

Man, if I had the Vac. time built up, I'd be on the way. Done lots of finish work, door and window installs in a previous gig.

Much mojo, and 2nd on lynching the inspector!

[imported_Schroeder]

Well thanks for the encouragement guys. I did get the property really cheap fortunately! There is a lot that is good about the place but the back of it had major issues. All is well now though! Moving out of the old house now at least! Yet another major project!! I will be COMPLETELY out by next Friday and living on Radio lane. Can't wait...

[imported_sleepingtiger]

Sounds like sweet, sweet music........

Nice to "hear your voice", Jason!