YOUR GUITAR BUILD
Here's a breakdown of a typical guitar build and the stages involved.
select model & spec
Choose your preferred model (SC, DC or T) and then contact us to finalise your choice of body shaping, scale length, hardware, wiring.
We'll confirm a total cost of your project and then you'll pay a 25% deposit (non-refundable) of all estimated costs (the deposit covers essential materials and design time to begin the project. You can opt to pay the remaining balance due in one or two further payments. 100% of the estimated costs are due before collection / shipping.
wood selection
Choose the wood for the guitar body, top (if applicable) and neck.
You can browse the bodies and tops we have in stock or which are available from our wood suppliers here. If you can't find the wood(s) you're looking for we'll suggest available materials from our wood suppliers. Once you've made your selection we order the wood for your build.
finish selection
If you'd like to see how the wood you've selected will look in different wood finishes, just ask for a 'finish selection and we can cut offcuts from the wood we've selected for your build to prepare in the finish(es) of your choice.
build stage #1
We begin to thickness, then cut the shape of your guitar, route and drill the cavities for the neck, pickups, controls and wiring. We'll complete the neck and fretwork and brand and finish the headstock, then wind or order the pickups and buy in the other hardware that you've selected for your build.
NB We need to complete the finish selection in tandem with Build Stage 1 and await your final decision before proceeding to Build Stage 2.
build stage #2
We begin to finish the guitar and neck in your chosen finish. We make the truss- rod cover.
We'll update you after the first applications of finish and give an approximate timeline for completing the build. Our standard lacquer can be applied and be ready to cure in approximately 21 days. Nitro cellulose lacquer and some of our other oil finishes require longer curing times - to a certain extent this is dependent on time of year and ambient temperatures.
