Frequently asked questions:

1.  What is the price range of your guitars?

For my design of a solidbody guitar, they start at $975 for already-built prototypes, and range from $1500-2000 for custom instruments depending on the level of customization.  Really complicated finishes or inlays will cost extra.  This is generally cheaper than many mid- to high-end guitars from the major manufacturers. Commissions require a 30% deposit, and quoted price is the final price (even if something costs me more than I expected). Please me to discuss your needs.

2.  Are your guitars 100% handmade?

Good question with a complicated answer.  All of my guitars are handmade (with power and hand tools) from rough lumber.  I do not buy necks or bodies from another vendor.  I personally design all of my guitars from top to bottom using a CAD program called Rhino3d.  This enables me to visualize the instrument as a whole and assure that all measurements are accurate.  From there, I have the final shapes cut in clear plastic (using a CNC service- BC Laserworks) as my tracing and routing templates.  All milling of lumber, joinery, shaping, and routing is done in my shop by me alone.  This includes hand carving of the necks as well.  The only parts of the final guitar that are contracted out are the little letters in my headstock logo and some inlays for the fingerboard- I just don't have the dexterity to cut them by hand as accurately as I'd like.

3.  What brands of hardware do you use?

I am a dealer for Hipshot products, so I use their awesome bridges.  I also prefer Sperzel locking tuners.  Both are made in the USA.  For electronics, I typically use Switchcraft jacks, Alpha or CGE pots, and Mallory or Sprague capacitors.  I typically use Kent Armstrong handmade pickups (from his Vermont custom shop) for Jazz applications and DiMarzio pickups for harder stuff (their Tone Zone is the sh*t!).  I will use any pickup that you ask for though, and can typically wire in any manner you wish (with coil splitting, phase switching, etc.).  This is your guitar, and I will use any component you wish at no additional cost (beyond my extra cost for the part).

4.  Can I get my own design made by you?

Yes.  I'm reasonably good with CAD programming, so if you send me a drawing, I can mock it up for your approval.  My cost is $40/hr for this service (which is insanely cheap), and it will take roughly 2-3 hours.  (I will send JPEG renderings of the drawings for your approval.) To have the appropriate routing templates made (that you will ultimately get to keep) it's another $40-50.  If you send me a polished CAD image with all of the relevant measurements, it will take me less time and will save you money.  If you send me a napkin with a sketch....well you know...  Expect to spend roughly $200 for your own design (as long as it's within reason).  For some examples check out page 2 of the photo album.

5. What kind of finshes do you offer?

Several. When I personally spray, I typically use Target Coatings' Emtech Sealers and Superclear Polyurethane.  They are among the most environmentally-friendly coatings available.  They're a little more challenging to spray than nitrocellulose or automotive finishes, but can give the same quality if done right.  I can also contract to have the guitar clearcoated by a local custom auto painter (using Permacron automotive finish by Spies Hecker).  It's a phenomenal finish, but the solvents are just too toxic for me to spray in my own shop.  I still do all of the final finish sanding and buffing myself for the ultimate mirror shine.

Believe it or not, putting a killer finish on a guitar is every bit as difficult as any of the woodworking and takes a long time (over a week for the multiple build coats).  My preference is to seal and color the guitar myself (I even did the burst on the photo album page), and have the clearcoat done by my auto painter. Given the reduction in my labor I do NOT charge extra for this (although it costs me $75 or so per guitar body).  It's just that some people want their guitar 100% made by me, and I will oblige if asked.

If you want a really sophisticated finish that's beyond the scope of my ability, I use Marty Bell guitar finishing (www.martybellfinishing.com).  He's a phenomenal painter and a great guy.  I recommend him for all your refinishing needs as well!

I do not use nitrocellulose.  It's incredibly flammable and bad for the environment, and it does not hold up the way more modern finishes do.  Both the Target coatings and the Permacron are sufficiently elastic as to allow the guitar to resonate when applied reasonably thinly.

6.  Do you sell parts, wood, etc?

Yes.  I will make a neck or body to your specifications.  I even make wooden knobs and pickup rings.  I also sell wood including mahogany, walnut, sycamore, and curly maple.  Cocobolo is a specialty.  Check out my partner, www.cocoboloking,com, for the very finest Cocobolo rosewood from Cental America.  I will be happy to find an awesome piece for you!