PMB Promotions - PuttMeBack

Company Description

Music/Guitar Industry Accessories.

The Problem

As a professional session musician Dr John Duck, owner of Ducks Deluxe, became frustrated with the laborious task of putting new strings on his guitar. With no efficient product available in the market, John decided to create one himself.

The Challenge

To produce an improved version of the existing string winders on the market that could be sold at a reasonably low price so it would be available to all, whilst allowing room for profit on each unit.

The Process

MotionTouch worked closely with John to produce a product that would be easy and quick to use, as professionals need to change a string quickly when performing.

It was decided that the best material to use for the product would be ABS plastic and that the product would be compatible with any household drill to provide the quick winding capability. This also meant that it was not necessary to include the driver in the product itself, which minimized cost.

The original size of the drive was an issue, as only a minor imperfection during production could mean that the product would not fit a customer's drill. This accurate connection was essential and maintaining this high level of quality can be difficult when producing a product on a mass scale.

The Solution

The problem was solved by MotionTouch working closely with the factory to ensure that the quality control agreement ensured that each cavity on each product was identical.

The product is very flexible and can be used to tune guitars, mandolins, basses, banjo's, steel guitars, dobros and jazz boxes. It also successfully fits any ¼ inch screwdriver or ¼ inch socket driver, has a precision molded solid body, offers the users a direct drive to the tuning keys and because the product is plastic is doesn’t scratch the tuner buttons.

It was decided to produce the product in a range of colours to ensure that it was marketable. By specifying pantone colours, MotionTouch could make sure that the colour on each individual product remained true so as to maintain consistent branding. When manufacturing was complete, MotionTouch organized for the product to be sent directly to John in Nevada, USA from the factory in China.

The Product

The Spin-a-Roo String Winder

The Outcome

Like many of the innovators that work with MotionTouch, Dr John Duck funded the entire project himself, raising the capital required privately. The product has performed well in the market since its launch, exceeding all expectations. Within 6 months of its launch a quarter of the original stock was sold and sales are still going strong. Since that time, John has looked to further improve the design, which has added value to the product line.

"MotionTouch will always be the first folks that I call on with any new product ideas. They were very attentive to every detail about the product run and if I had any issues or concerns, they were always solved with a helpful and positive attitude. I received a final prototype before the product was sent in for approval on design and colour before the run began to make sure that everything was as planned. I found them to be ideal to work with… a 10 out of 10! I owe both Henry and William breakfast in Las Vegas the next time they come out to the desert!"