Will the monoblocks be replaced?

[blackharp]

I see they just recently went out of production. Will there soon be another monoblock option? I recently purchased the beepre 2 and still waiting for it to ship. Thank you

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Prototype parts are on the way for two separate prototyping projects, one if which will definitely be monoblocks.

 

[blackharp]

Awesome! Will they be like the monamours? 2a3 or 300b? Any idea when they may or may not be available?

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Timeline on new kits is completely impossible to predict, especially since one of my ideas is extremely unusual.

 

[Jameson]

Man, you guys really thinned the herd on January 16.

 

[blackharp]

Extremely unusual? I like it already.

 

[Doc B]

Man, you guys really thinned the herd on January 16.

We really have to cut back our workload. Last year was our second biggest year ever, with just two of us handling orders. We're extremely grateful and at the same time quite worn out. I am already a couple years past the usual retirement age and I'd like to stay inspired to offer these kits for five more years. So we felt the best way to address the issue was to cut the items that sold in the smallest quantities, in order to affect the fewest customers. That way we cut our workload to something more mangageable and hopefully keep most folks happy.

 

[Jameson]

We really have to cut back our workload. Last year was our second biggest year ever, with just two of us handling orders. We're extremely grateful and at the same time quite worn out. I am already a couple years past the usual retirement age and I'd like to stay inspired to offer these kits for five more years. So we felt the best way to address the issue was to cut the items that sold in the smallest quantities, in order to affect the fewest customers. That way we cut our workload to something more mangageable and hopefully keep most folks happy.

I understand, Doc. I’m not trying to give you a hard time.

 

[Doc B]

I didn't think you were at all, just felt that you guys deserved to know the reasoning behind the kit retirements. Part of it is workload and part of it is thinning out kits that parts supply has been problematic for.

 

[Karl5150]

Doc,
As I've posted before, we on the other side of the order button forget, or can't even fathom, what it takes to put together a couple hundred pieces in a compact, secure package and get it out the door along with dozens (?) of similar boxes - Oh and all that other stuff that is required to run a business.
Anyway, thanks for being so forthcoming about your ideas/hopes/plans for the future of an important part of our favorite hobby.
Karl 

 

[Bubbatwoa]

Prototype parts are on the way for two separate prototyping projects, one if which will definitely be monoblocks.

Can you give any details at all on the upcoming monoblock kit?  I'm interested in building a pair of monoblock Kaiju 300b's and am wondering if I should wait to see what the new kit is going to be.

 

[Brillo]

Curious to know what might be coming down the line, and if there's any ETA.  I'm looking to bi-amp, or tri-amp, and complement my Paramounts.  Kaiju is out of stock, so is there something coming that's worth waiting for (silly question, I suppose)?

 

[Doc B]

There's always the possibility of new products. At the moment we have some design and product ideas that have gotten sort of stuck in the launch tube due to time limitations of everyone involved. I don't have anything specific to offer regarding monoblocks at the moment, but Kaiju will be back in stock soon. We are just waiting for some power tranformers to be completed.

 

[blackharp]

There's always the possibility of new products. At the moment we have some design and product ideas that have gotten sort of stuck in the launch tube due to time limitations of everyone involved. I don't have anything specific to offer regarding monoblocks at the moment, but Kaiju will be back in stock soon. We are just waiting for some power tranformers to be completed.

I ended up with the Kaiju and love it!!

 

[Doc B]

Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for the kind words!

 

[Alonzo]

Doc,
Have you considered just being the "design" portion of BH?  You design and build a prototype and sell us the design and BOM?  Cuts out the inventory, storage and shipping but still advances the changes and improvements you see to your product line.  Since you do such a good job on the manuals, if you provide it with the prereq pictures, you can charge an appropriate amount to support your product.

 

[Doc B]

I appreciate the idea, Alonzo. We're focusing on winding back our work lives these days with an eye on retirement. Probably the best outcome for everyone would be if someone wanted to step in and buy Bottlehead. It's pretty much a turn-key operation with a large and loyal customer base, well developed supplier relationships and a steady profit margin. The only downside is that I am getting old! With some fresh, enthused management Bottlehead could put out a lot of product ideas that we have developed but lack the energy to deliver at the pace we used to.

 

[Thermioniclife]

Perhaps PB. could fit the bill.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Perhaps PB. could fit the bill.

This is something I have certainly considered, and I have also discussed some possible partnerships to avoid having to take on substantial debt.  We shall see what shakes out...

 

[Thermioniclife]

Well I wish all at Bottlehead the best in the future. It would be a shame to see Bottlehead go to some entity that has not been involved in the past and lose the continuity of your ethos. PB has the skill and PJ has invaluable knowledge that took decades to acquire. Just one old man's opinion.
Regards, Lee