Quote:
Originally Posted by Starr
I really like Les Pauls and don't have one yet. Would it be better and cheaper to have one custom made?
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Yes, luthiers can take more time and care to make an instrument personal and higher quality.
For example, A factory has a shipping dock where the wood comes in, Luthiers hand pick wood for your instrument.
Cheaper?? Hell no! It is like the difference between a store bought suit and one hand made by a tailor.
For a private builder wood costs more, parts cost more, better materials are used which cost more.
You have no assembly line and minimally paid workers.
I could go on and on, but the answer to the cost less question is a resounding NO.
Whenever a possible client comes to me and wants a guitar built for "less" than a factory counterpart, we part ways.
I take offense, because that person is too cheap to spend the money on the factory instrument and wants a personalized hand built instrument for less.
No way!
Guitar makers are skilled artists, not bargain basement operations.
A custom instrument will cost you more, as it should.
The third point;
You asked about having a Les Paul made.
No, that would be illegal.
If you want a Les Paul, save up your money and buy a les Paul from Gibson, or Epiphone. they are authorized to make Les Pauls.
I am not, and will not go down that road.
cheers,
Roman