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My kids' elementary school has an annual fundraising auction, and I'm thinking about building a guitar for next year's auction. I know we have had a few charity auctions here, but I wonder whether a school setting might be different. Has anyone done anything like this? Any thoughts our suggestions would be appreciated.

Among other things, I wonder whether it would generate higher bids to give the winning bidder the option of either (1) taking the guitar that is "up for auction," or (2) having me build another one to the winner's specifications (assuming similarly valued materials).

Also, I know something like 70% of all guitars sold in America are dreads; does this mean more bidders will be interested in a dread? Or in an auction setting, will bidders be more interested in a custom guitar that doesn't look like every other dread out there?

I would build one to whatever specs you want. I think it would just turn into too much back and forth if you go with someone elses specs...Maybe say the winner has his/her choice of style (Dread, OOO, SJ, etc) and list the materials you will use. Don't forget the disclaimer, if they want to substitute materials, there may be an extra charge.

Its always nice to do what you are doing but remember, there are always one or two out there that could turn it into a nightmare. Just my 2 cents.

I am currently build one for the my military unit reunion. I first of all thought of auction and then which process to go, a built or as you thought build one to winner specs.
I choose and think best way is to do a build presentation guitar (sJ coco maple binding with some specific inlay for Marine Corps and Recon. Dred, 000/OM or SJ are all good basic designs with good followings in each, that is probably not an issue. You could make a photo diary of the build as part of the deal.

I choose along with my recon brothers to do a raffle instead of an auction. We know 350 to 400 guys and other surviors of unit will show and probably all will buy a raffle ticket and from last time more than one at $5.00 each (most do $20-$50 each) Bottom line more money for raffle than acution for the assocation.
This is still a custom guitar. You can do your label to present that.

Just to note. This guitar is being done with Bill Moll and I thank him for use of his shop, time, input and full colaberation on this guitar. He is a true friend and mentor.

Those are excellent suggestions. Frank, I hadn't thought about the nightmare potential on a build-to-your-specs auction, and that probably tips the balance in favor of just auctioning off a pre-built guitar. Stan, the raffle idea is a great one. I don't know that we'll get the same turnout at the school as you would for your reunion, though. I'll talk to the people at the school and see what makes sense.

Thanks again!