Thinking about a custom guitar?
I get it — commissioning a custom guitar can feel daunting. There are choices to make, details to consider, and a lot of excitement mixed with uncertainty. That’s why I’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often. Whether you’re curious about the process, materials, or timeline, these FAQs are here to help you understand what goes into building a guitar that’s truly yours.
What makes a custom guitar different from a factory guitar?
A custom guitar is built specifically for you — not for mass production. Every detail, from tonewoods to neck profile, is chosen to match your playing style, aesthetic preferences, and tonal goals. It’s a collaboration between player and builder.
How do I start the process?
Reach out with your musical goals and any ideas you have for tone, feel, or design. We’ll discuss your playing style, preferred body size, and visual elements, then develop a detailed build plan before any wood is cut.
Can I include custom inlay or artwork?
Definitely. Inlays, rosettes, and engraving can reflect personal symbols, Celtic motifs, or other meaningful designs. I’ll help translate your ideas into elegant, lasting details. I enjoy that detailed work very much and work hard toward incorporating that design element into the overall design of the guitar.
How will my guitar sound?
Each instrument is voiced for balance, clarity, and responsiveness. I pride myself at maintaining a balanced tone across the spectrum. Not a big, thumpin’ bass, not a jangly treble-heavy sound. But pretty even. Because it’s tailored to your playing style, the tone will feel familiar yet uniquely expressive — something you won’t find off the shelf.
What does a custom guitar cost?
I used to joke about this using a popular line from the movies, “how much you got?” In reality, that’s not that much of a joke. My base price is $10,500, and the sky is the limit from there. So, how much you want to spend can very much determine the price of this guitar. Pricing varies based on materials, design complexity, and features. That said, “base price” should not be seen as any sort of lower model (as it often is in the auto industry). I guarantee that a base priced guitar will get every bit of care in craftsmanship as even the highest priced guitar. You’ll receive a detailed quote before the build begins, with clear options for upgrades or simplifications to fit your budget. There will be no surprises in terms of pricing.
How long does it take to build?
Most custom builds take roughly 12 months, (from initial design ideas to delivery) depending on complexity and current workload. Each instrument is built by hand, so time is invested in voicing, finishing, and setup to achieve the best possible result. If things are going to be different I’ll contact you as soon as it looks that way. Communication is very important throughout this process.
Can I choose my own materials?
Absolutely. You can select tonewoods, bindings, purflings, and hardware. I’ll guide you through how each choice affects sound and weight, ensuring the guitar feels and responds exactly as you want. I will, however, discourage you from SUPPLYING your materials. It’s a pretty nerve-wracking situation to try to bend a set of irreplicable sides.
What level of customization is possible?
Nearly everything is customizable: body size, bracing style, neck carve, string spacing, scale length, tonewoods, bindings, purflings, rosette design, finish type, and inlay work. The goal is to build an instrument that feels intentional in every detail. If you browse through my gallery, you’ll see very high levels of customization, from double-necked acoustics to fully take apart travel guitars. I’ve done it all. (well, at least until you hit me with a new idea, which I’ll likely jump at)