Video Demos: general question

[madbean]

As I am gearing up to box some projects and do demos of them, I noticed that it has been a VERY long time since I did the last YouTube video. The main thing that keeps me from doing more isn't so much the boxing up and rolling the camera, but rather all those things combined with doing artwork. Artwork adds at least 2-3 hours to everything in my experience and I just find it difficult to set aside the time to create it, etch it and then clear coat it (which requires another day at least to dry).

So, if I were to do more video demos of projects but in generic type boxes without artwork or just hand-labels will anyone care? Does the look of the demo influence whether or not you want to build something? I think maybe it does. But, I also think more video demos would be helpful in the long run.

Please add your vote and give your feedback, if any.

[midwayfair]

I voted by how I honestly think I really would react, and not my cold analytic response: I think it should be a completed project. Why? Because it just feels more like a finished project that way. It will be more striking and memorable. I also think it would generate more interest from other people looking at the project. Whether we want to admit it or not, I think many of us have a better reaction to even just a few words on a pedal than a blank enclosure.

I'll happily donate painted and drilled enclosures to a couple projects to save you some time making a decal or etched plate.

[gordo]

While I can see Jon's perspective, I'm sort of the opposite.  I just like getting the gist of the effect and it's functionality.  Especially since the finished product at my end likely won't look as good as yours 

[kothoma]

Most people are listening with their ears...
So make your build as attractive as possible (sound and vision).
Sad but true: marketing is as important for success as development.

[rullywowr]

I think the most important thing is "how does it sound?"  Those on the fence are more likely to jump in to a project depending on the sound. I think those who take the time to breadboard a circuit before building are in the minority.  With that being said, an audio or video demo of the sound goes a long way.  How pretty the box is doesn't really matter as much as the overall "how can this make my guitar sound like x".  If the video is of a breadboard, or just a PCB hooked up to a testing rig it will help answer that question for those on the fence.  Just my 2c.

[miter53]

I just care about what it sounds like. And I think I would rather have a blank slate in my mind when it comes the look of a pedal. Utilitarian works for me.

[PhiloB]

Unfortunately, I think it matters.  Personally, I'd rather see more videos/demos if it meant less artwork but for the Madbean brand a finished product makes an impact.  Might be cool to see different forum members do the boxes/artwork!  I'd offer my talents but haven't quite acquired them...yet;)

[Vallhagen]

While I can see Jon's perspective, I'm sort of the opposite.  I just like getting the gist of the effect and it's functionality.  Especially since the finished product at my end likely won't look as good as yours 

This. Or a bit inbetween (i clicked "i dont care 'bout looks"). I think it can be clever to show a working simple design, maybe some generic "madbean project" sticker, and DYMOs for the knobs. Actually, by a simple design you also avoid to scare customers who might think "oh i can never manage to achieve that marvellous design quality". Thats also marketing.

...my 50 öre, som vi säger in sweden.

Cheers

[Govmnt_Lacky]

How it sounds = PCB sales!

How it looks = Good for competitions and Picture threads 

When I buy a MBP PCB, I am not saying to myself "WOW... I wonder how this is going to look in a fancy painted enclosure with aluminum knobs and artwork!"

[kothoma]

I'd really like to pretend that I'm only interested in the sound...

But honestly my experience with demos on youtube is this:
Almost everything sounds bad (or way below potential):
Bad miked amps in bad rooms with bad miked narrators.
More often than not bad balance between music and narration.
So if the vision is not completely blurry then at least I can enjoy the good look.

[derevaun]

Presentation does matter, but personally I prefer a demo with the amp miked, to hear how the board sounds without room coloration.

[kothoma]

And another thing: demos usually fail to answer my most important questions:

How will this thing sound in my context (guitar, amp, etc.)
How does it feel turning these knobs and dialing in sounds?
What does this thing to how my playing feels to myself (does it make me feel slow/flat/struggling or more expressive?)

[Govmnt_Lacky]

And another thing: demos usually fail to answer my most important questions:

How will this thing sound in my context (guitar, amp, etc.)
How does it feel turning these knobs and dialing in sounds?
What does this thing to how my playing feels to myself (does it make me feel slow/flat/struggling or more expressive?)

I think that we can ALL agree that these are things that we ALL face....

Bottom line is that we DIY because we LOVE it , are ADDICTED to it, and that we try to save some cash (not the case a lot of times but, some of the time)

The only real way to satisy ALL of the problems that you list above is to go to your local (insert pedal effects mom and pop or big named brand store here) and try out a commercial product. Then again... you might end up spending $250 on something that you could have built here for $40 

[RobA]

Hook the unboxed PCB up to a test rig and film the demo. I'd rather see your layout than a box anyway. That's where your artwork that matters to the product is.

[Haberdasher]

i'm kind of torn.
a finished box/completed project would certainly look more pro.
but from a practical standpoint the most impt thing is to get the demo out there so your customers can hear it.
i think the latter may win out because it's diy, & the object is to sell the pcb to a builder who will then decide for him/herself what the finished product will look like.