Custom Guitar

Custom-built guitars are a mere fantasy for the average person. Typically, one needs to be well-known or affluent to lay their hands on a custom hand-built guitar tailored specifically for their comfort. In today’s world, mass production and global distribution have made it possible to purchase virtually anything you desire, including guitars. Major manufacturers are now producing high-quality instruments at affordable prices, thanks to advanced production techniques that offer customization options, which would have been expensive and impractical in the past. However, there are also thriving cottage industries of individual guitar makers who can create a completely personalized guitar to suit your requirements.

Some may wonder why bother with a custom guitar when there are numerous options available in the market. For many, the primary reason is the need for ergonomic customization. You may benefit from a unique neck geometry that fits your hands better or custom electronics to capture your playing style accurately. Any feature or combination of qualities that you can’t find in a standard stock instrument can justify the need for a custom purchase.

A good starting point is selecting the wood for your guitar. You may need to do some research to determine the tonal characteristics of different guitar tone woods. Narrow down your options based on the tone you are seeking.

As you delve into the possibilities, you’ll discover that there are numerous variations in woods. For instance, if you desire a spruce top, you can explore various spruce types such as Sitka, Adirondack, Engelmann, German, Carpathian, Bosnian, and many more. On the other hand, the woods used for the back and sides offer more visual variety and come in an even wider range of exotic types.

Conduct thorough research to find out the consensus on the tonal qualities of specific woods. Remember, though, that the wood is just the starting point and not the sole factor influencing your tone.

If your friend or luthier is available, it would be a great idea to have them accompany you to a lumber shop that sells different types of exotic woods. Consider the guitars you have owned in the past and determine which woods you have enjoyed the most. Keep the following three points in mind:

Tone: Denser woods generally produce brighter sounds.
Beauty: Some woods are more visually stunning or elaborate.
Weight: Denser woods are heavier.

Some lumber shops may have guitar body Schecter Guitars - Schecter Guitars: High-End Quality and Rarity Schecter guitars are currently known as high-end quality instruments that are sleek and beautiful, with a price to match. Best recognized for their custom-made guitars, which can only be purchased through authorized dealers with restrictions, Schecter Guitars have gained a reputation as a rare breed – and they are… blanks available for you to choose from, which are often more affordable than buying a larger piece to cut.

Lastly, when selecting wood, it’s important to be aware of the ecological and sustainability issues surrounding many exotic woods. There are ethical and legal concerns associated with a significant number of woods commonly used in guitar production, especially those used for the backs and sides. Consider your stance on these issues and be mindful of potential problems, particularly if you plan to travel abroad with your instrument.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME