String Making Clinic?

LBR · April 09, 2018, 04:00:17 PM

I've had this brought up before, had a few bring it up this past weekend...I've done string making seminars...basically Q&A, explaining the differences in materials, trying to help solve problems...but I haven't done a clinic. Would there be enough interest to do one at a shoot like the TN Classic? Had one guy tell me he'd happily pay $150...don't know that there will be a charge at all, if there is it won't be that much and if there is a charge it would include freebies (video, string and serving material). What say you?

LBR · April 09, 2018, 04:41:54 PM

Denton Hill has also been suggested.

Bill Leeming · April 09, 2018, 05:01:27 PM

Good idea for TN classic.

monterey · April 09, 2018, 07:45:01 PM

You mightn't be thinking of attending the CTAS high country shoot. I've never been to it and am not particularly planning to go but your clinic would tip me!

LBR · April 09, 2018, 08:21:18 PM

We did the High Country Shoot last year and plan to do it again, but it's a bit too far out for it to be a regular trip. Sorry...

Fattony77 · April 09, 2018, 09:04:38 PM

I think that's a good idea. I know I'd attend if I were going to any of the "major" get-togethers...

Captain*Kirk · April 09, 2018, 09:33:56 PM

If I was there I would likely be up for that, Chad.

limbshaker · April 09, 2018, 11:37:03 PM

I'd be in!

Friend · April 10, 2018, 06:24:00 AM

Should have plenty of interest.

snakebit40 · April 10, 2018, 06:26:05 AM

I would go if you were ever close. The High Country Shoot would probably be the closest to me.

Stump73 · April 10, 2018, 07:42:58 AM

Count me in.

Jim Brennen · April 10, 2018, 07:46:14 AM

I would probably be in for Denton Hill, sounds fun

Bigjackfish · April 10, 2018, 03:44:59 PM

I have been making strings but I am sure I could learn a thing or two from you.I will be at Denton this year bought a bunch of string material from you last year.

sam barrett · April 10, 2018, 04:59:02 PM

I'd definitely do it at Denton Hill.

LBR · April 10, 2018, 09:46:36 PM

Got to iron out some details, but looks like a definite "maybe" for the TN Classic at Twin Oaks next month. Haven't confirmed anything with the folks at the ETAR, but will work on that tomorrow.

Next question...what would be a reasonable price, if any? My thoughts are: just do it for free, or 2: charge a fee, but give back more than I charge in a sign-up package. String and serving material, video, wax, maybe even a BCY hat or t-shirt to go along with it.

I'm leaning more towards 2 just to ensure the people that attend are serious about learning to make strings. I don't mind answering anyone's questions, but it's going to be a lot easier to work 1-on-1 with say 4 or 5 who are serious about it vs. a dozen who are just curious. Just throwing out a number, but say charge $50 and give each person 2 spools of material ($18-$42), a spool of serving ($25), a DVD ($25), cake of string maker's wax ($5), and a hat or t-shirt ($15). For $50 you'd get items that retail for $88 to $112 plus the instruction. Or forget the freebies and just do a free clinic?

LBR · April 13, 2018, 10:19:42 PM

Haven't heard back from ETAR yet, so not sure on that one. On Twin Oaks, charge or not? Also, when? Friday night, Saturday morning? Those are about the only feasible times I think we could get under the shed, or Pappy might have a better suggestion on where to have it. Finally, string boards was brought to my attention. Bring your own? I don't have any extras, and passing just one around could slow it down a lot. If I can get these kinks ironed out, and don't find any new ones, I'll give it a whirl.

Killdeer · April 16, 2018, 08:28:32 AM

They used to have free clinics/seminars at the Baltimore Bowmen Trad Classic. I went to a stringmaking one, the first year that I attended the whole weekend. What a treat! They had a raffle, and I won the string board that I still use.

Having bought your video, and having met you, I predict that your clinic will be a romping success, no matter how you set it up. Very kind of you to consider providing such a valuable resource.

Killdeer

SteveB · April 16, 2018, 09:59:17 AM

QuoteFinally, string boards was brought to my attention. Bring your own?

You could demo how to use the board but maybe have bundles precut for all to use?

LBR · April 16, 2018, 10:29:21 AM

Steve, great minds think alike...and so do we! I was just thinking about that a few minutes ago. I'd rather for folks to be able to make a string they could use immediately, but learning to make a string is the goal. Maybe have a sign-up sheet Friday and Sat and get a length listed, do the clinic Sat afternoon. Got to get with Pappy to iron out the details.