Cool AX8 rig board from Nice Rack Canada

[BSRIAudio]

I would love to see a receipt for the work. The assembly labor there is probably 2 hours to attach all the items to the board, measure and make the cables, and rout everything cleanly. The builder is a pro and based on my years of making cables and wiring boards I cant imagine it would take me longer than that. Then another hour to assemble the actual board if that's an in-house product. $50 in parts there. Parts for the cables (connectors, cable, solder, heat shrink, etc...) are about $70. Less if the builder buys in quantity.

So what's left is the breakout box. I'm going to say parts for that box would run $80-$100 because there are a bunch of connectors and switches, a handful of small transformers, a pricy finished hammond box with stick-on graphics, etc... Design, layout, and assembly of that box would take about 4 hours if some elements were totally custom and untested. But its a pretty straightforward patch bay/splitter with isolation.

So maybe 7 hours of labor and ~$220 in parts. So if this actually cost over $2000 for assembly then that's a damn good job to have at $250 an hour. I'd do that all day long

 

[Nice Rack Canada]

To those inquiring about our pricing structure for AX8 system builds...

It would seem that Econ forgot to mention a couple of items worth noting about the system build estimate he received.

All of our system builds are packaged in custom flight cases. The cases we use are a welded aluminum construction. These cases are lighter by about 40% & much stronger than riveted Plywood/ABS laminat roadcases. This type of case when compared to the equivalent size & features in a Ply/ABS construction are about 20% higher cost. When a user is paying for cargo or doing the moving themselves, the full derived value of the case becomes obvious.

A rolling case for an AX8 system with a storage compartment for the cabling, setlists, picks, capos, straps, strings, sheetmusic, iPad etc is $550 of the total system build cost. We don't build the cases themselves or the pedalboard blank, we use a premium grade fabricator for these services, translation we make zero net on the case or board.

Another point worth noting is that our pricing is done in Canadian Dollars. As of today (June 14) the CDN to US Exchange is $1USD = $1.32441 CDN. So to start with take the $2K figure and divide by 1.32441 = $1510.10 USD.

Aside from the exchange and the roadcase, also included in our estimates is the External Cabling for Stage use. A 25' Multicore cable that carries 117/220 VAC to the Pedalboard, Audio In to the Pedalboard from a UHF rack or Hardwire, 4x Output Cables for Stereo FRFR & FOH use and MIDI In & Out Cabling for use with a DAW or other MIDI equipment. Total value $400 to $500 CDN depending on options selected by the user.

Marykelly might want to consider a couple of items. First we only use premium grade materials and we price match Digikey & Mouser on components. We buy from the same manufacturers that the large volume online stores do. Their purchasing volume is much higher than ours at the manufacturer which gives them (deservedly) lower pricing, however our sales price still matches the "Walmarts" of electronic components.

Let's start on the I/O box, the same enclosure from Mouser is $36 before CNC Machining & Pad Printing, end cost $50. Then inside the box there are $90 worth of Neutrik panel mount jacks. $25 worth of switches. $200 worth of Isolation Transformers. Total box parts costs $365 CDN.

Next up is the external switch box from the estimate, $15 for the Enclosure, $28 for Carling Switches & $6 for the Jack, total parts cost $49 CDN.

Now onto the on-board cabling, there's $224 worth of SwitchCraft Plugs & $35 worth of Canare & Mogami Cabling, total parts cost $259 CDN.

Then we need to attach everything to the board. Using roughly 8 feet of 3M interlock tape runs up a tab of $56 in tape, plus another $14 in Cable Ties & Tie Downs. Total parts cost $70 CDN.

So let's go over the total estimate again.
$550 Case
$100 Board
$400 Multicore Materials
$360 Interface Materials
$259 On Board Cable Materials
$70 Fastening Materials
Subtotal $1739 CDN in Materials.

Aside from the materials cost we apportion 10 shop hours for AX8 builds. That time frame covers consultation time with the client, design time, fabrication time, testing & programming time and shipping facilitation time. Hopefully you can understand why we have to charge for these services, we feel it's essential to make a few hundred dollars per day to cover shop rent, utilities & insurance while allowing us a small net amount to cover our personal cost of living.

 

[Docster]

To those inquiring about our pricing structure for AX8 system builds...

It would seem that Econ forgot to mention a couple of items worth noting about the system build estimate he received.

All of our system builds are packaged in custom flight cases. The cases we use are a welded aluminum construction. These cases are lighter by about 40% & much stronger than riveted Plywood/ABS laminat roadcases. This type of case when compared to the equivalent size & features in a Ply/ABS construction are about 20% higher cost. When a user is paying for cargo or doing the moving themselves, the full derived value of the case becomes obvious.

A rolling case for an AX8 system with a storage compartment for the cabling, setlists, picks, capos, straps, strings, sheetmusic, iPad etc is $550 of the total system build cost. We don't build the cases themselves or the pedalboard blank, we use a premium grade fabricator for these services, translation we make zero net on the case or board.

Another point worth noting is that our pricing is done in Canadian Dollars. As of today (June 14) the CDN to US Exchange is $1USD = $1.32441 CDN. So to start with take the $2K figure and divide by 1.32441 = $1510.10 USD.

Aside from the exchange and the roadcase, also included in our estimates is the External Cabling for Stage use. A 25' Multicore cable that carries 117/220 VAC to the Pedalboard, Audio In to the Pedalboard from a UHF rack or Hardwire, 4x Output Cables for Stereo FRFR & FOH use and MIDI In & Out Cabling for use with a DAW or other MIDI equipment. Total value $400 to $500 CDN depending on options selected by the user.

Marykelly might want to consider a couple of items. First we only use premium grade materials and we price match Digikey & Mouser on components. We buy from the same manufacturers that the large volume online stores do. Their purchasing volume is much higher than ours at the manufacturer which gives them (deservedly) lower pricing, however our sales price still matches the "Walmarts" of electronic components.

Let's start on the I/O box, the same enclosure from Mouser is $36 before CNC Machining & Pad Printing, end cost $50. Then inside the box there are $90 worth of Neutrik panel mount jacks. $25 worth of switches. $200 worth of Isolation Transformers. Total box parts costs $365 CDN.

Next up is the external switch box from the estimate, $15 for the Enclosure, $28 for Carling Switches & $6 for the Jack, total parts cost $49 CDN.

Now onto the on-board cabling, there's $224 worth of SwitchCraft Plugs & $35 worth of Canare & Mogami Cabling, total parts cost $259 CDN.

Then we need to attach everything to the board. Using roughly 8 feet of 3M interlock tape runs up a tab of $56 in tape, plus another $14 in Cable Ties & Tie Downs. Total parts cost $70 CDN.

So let's go over the total estimate again.
$550 Case
$100 Board
$400 Multicore Materials
$360 Interface Materials
$259 On Board Cable Materials
$70 Fastening Materials
Subtotal $1739 CDN in Materials.

Aside from the materials cost we apportion 10 shop hours for AX8 builds. That time frame covers consultation time with the client, design time, fabrication time, testing & programming time and shipping facilitation time. Hopefully you can understand why we have to charge for these services, we feel it's essential to make a few hundred dollars per day to cover shop rent, utilities & insurance while allowing us a small net amount to cover our personal cost of living.

 

[Anonymous]

To those inquiring about our pricing structure for AX8 system builds...

It would seem that Econ forgot to mention a couple of items worth noting about the system build estimate he received.

All of our system builds are packaged in custom flight cases. The cases we use are a welded aluminum construction. These cases are lighter by about 40% & much stronger than riveted Plywood/ABS laminat roadcases. This type of case when compared to the equivalent size & features in a Ply/ABS construction are about 20% higher cost. When a user is paying for cargo or doing the moving themselves, the full derived value of the case becomes obvious.

A rolling case for an AX8 system with a storage compartment for the cabling, setlists, picks, capos, straps, strings, sheetmusic, iPad etc is $550 of the total system build cost. We don't build the cases themselves or the pedalboard blank, we use a premium grade fabricator for these services, translation we make zero net on the case or board.

Another point worth noting is that our pricing is done in Canadian Dollars. As of today (June 14) the CDN to US Exchange is $1USD = $1.32441 CDN. So to start with take the $2K figure and divide by 1.32441 = $1510.10 USD.

Aside from the exchange and the roadcase, also included in our estimates is the External Cabling for Stage use. A 25' Multicore cable that carries 117/220 VAC to the Pedalboard, Audio In to the Pedalboard from a UHF rack or Hardwire, 4x Output Cables for Stereo FRFR & FOH use and MIDI In & Out Cabling for use with a DAW or other MIDI equipment. Total value $400 to $500 CDN depending on options selected by the user.

Marykelly might want to consider a couple of items. First we only use premium grade materials and we price match Digikey & Mouser on components. We buy from the same manufacturers that the large volume online stores do. Their purchasing volume is much higher than ours at the manufacturer which gives them (deservedly) lower pricing, however our sales price still matches the "Walmarts" of electronic components.

Let's start on the I/O box, the same enclosure from Mouser is $36 before CNC Machining & Pad Printing, end cost $50. Then inside the box there are $90 worth of Neutrik panel mount jacks. $25 worth of switches. $200 worth of Isolation Transformers. Total box parts costs $365 CDN.

Next up is the external switch box from the estimate, $15 for the Enclosure, $28 for Carling Switches & $6 for the Jack, total parts cost $49 CDN.

Now onto the on-board cabling, there's $224 worth of SwitchCraft Plugs & $35 worth of Canare & Mogami Cabling, total parts cost $259 CDN.

Then we need to attach everything to the board. Using roughly 8 feet of 3M interlock tape runs up a tab of $56 in tape, plus another $14 in Cable Ties & Tie Downs. Total parts cost $70 CDN.

So let's go over the total estimate again.
$550 Case
$100 Board
$400 Multicore Materials
$360 Interface Materials
$259 On Board Cable Materials
$70 Fastening Materials
Subtotal $1739 CDN in Materials.

Aside from the materials cost we apportion 10 shop hours for AX8 builds. That time frame covers consultation time with the client, design time, fabrication time, testing & programming time and shipping facilitation time. Hopefully you can understand why we have to charge for these services, we feel it's essential to make a few hundred dollars per day to cover shop rent, utilities & insurance while allowing us a small net amount to cover our personal cost of living.

Boy do I know where you're coming from man - and you're not even talking about advertising costs!

Boutique guys like us are lucky not to lose money. It cracks me up when I see someone break down what an amp or other piece of gear should cost. Truth is no one except another small gear manufacturer has ANY idea. Boutique builders are NOT making a fortune from this...

Steve

 

[RoccoPezzin]

it looks awesome. well worth the price imo

 

[psychodave]

Nice things cost money. Part of the cost is peace of mind knowing something is done right the first time and will work when it's in your hands.

 

[BSRIAudio]

To those inquiring about our pricing structure for AX8 system builds...

It would seem that Econ forgot to mention a couple of items worth noting about the system build estimate he received.

All of our system builds are packaged in custom flight cases. The cases we use are a welded aluminum construction. These cases are lighter by about 40% & much stronger than riveted Plywood/ABS laminat roadcases. This type of case when compared to the equivalent size & features in a Ply/ABS construction are about 20% higher cost. When a user is paying for cargo or doing the moving themselves, the full derived value of the case becomes obvious.

A rolling case for an AX8 system with a storage compartment for the cabling, setlists, picks, capos, straps, strings, sheetmusic, iPad etc is $550 of the total system build cost. We don't build the cases themselves or the pedalboard blank, we use a premium grade fabricator for these services, translation we make zero net on the case or board.

Another point worth noting is that our pricing is done in Canadian Dollars. As of today (June 14) the CDN to US Exchange is $1USD = $1.32441 CDN. So to start with take the $2K figure and divide by 1.32441 = $1510.10 USD.

Aside from the exchange and the roadcase, also included in our estimates is the External Cabling for Stage use. A 25' Multicore cable that carries 117/220 VAC to the Pedalboard, Audio In to the Pedalboard from a UHF rack or Hardwire, 4x Output Cables for Stereo FRFR & FOH use and MIDI In & Out Cabling for use with a DAW or other MIDI equipment. Total value $400 to $500 CDN depending on options selected by the user.

Marykelly might want to consider a couple of items. First we only use premium grade materials and we price match Digikey & Mouser on components. We buy from the same manufacturers that the large volume online stores do. Their purchasing volume is much higher than ours at the manufacturer which gives them (deservedly) lower pricing, however our sales price still matches the "Walmarts" of electronic components.

Let's start on the I/O box, the same enclosure from Mouser is $36 before CNC Machining & Pad Printing, end cost $50. Then inside the box there are $90 worth of Neutrik panel mount jacks. $25 worth of switches. $200 worth of Isolation Transformers. Total box parts costs $365 CDN.

Next up is the external switch box from the estimate, $15 for the Enclosure, $28 for Carling Switches & $6 for the Jack, total parts cost $49 CDN.

Now onto the on-board cabling, there's $224 worth of SwitchCraft Plugs & $35 worth of Canare & Mogami Cabling, total parts cost $259 CDN.

Then we need to attach everything to the board. Using roughly 8 feet of 3M interlock tape runs up a tab of $56 in tape, plus another $14 in Cable Ties & Tie Downs. Total parts cost $70 CDN.

So let's go over the total estimate again.
$550 Case
$100 Board
$400 Multicore Materials
$360 Interface Materials
$259 On Board Cable Materials
$70 Fastening Materials
Subtotal $1739 CDN in Materials.

Aside from the materials cost we apportion 10 shop hours for AX8 builds. That time frame covers consultation time with the client, design time, fabrication time, testing & programming time and shipping facilitation time. Hopefully you can understand why we have to charge for these services, we feel it's essential to make a few hundred dollars per day to cover shop rent, utilities & insurance while allowing us a small net amount to cover our personal cost of living.

OK that explains a LOT more than a picture of just a board and a rumor of a $2k assembly price

If you're including top tier case, snake, etc... and its all priced in loonies then its significantly more reasonable. Looks good!

 

[Jeremy]

I love Mike's work...... So above and beyond in quality and really speaks to my own OCD tendencies. I've had him build me some MIDI cables in the past and he was great to deal with. Honestly, if I lived near him I wouldn't hesitate to have him do my rack.

 

[Nice Rack Canada]

I love Mike's work...... So above and beyond in quality and really speaks to my own OCD tendencies. I've had him build me some MIDI cables in the past and he was great to deal with. Honestly, if I lived near him I wouldn't hesitate to have him do my rack.

Thanks for the kind words about our efforts.

You know we build & ship systems to clients all over the world, Calgary is not far away at all...