A questions a about having a custom guitar built

[peterp]

I'm quite interested in the idea of having a custom guitar built, but I don't know anything about what it would really take to get that done. I'd like it to be similar in design to an LP but with some modified shaping and details to make it unique. I have the following questions:

1. Assuming top-notch wood and components are used, would it play any better (or worse) than a Gibson LP?
2. Who would you recommend to build it?
3. Roughly how much should I expect to spend and how long would it take?

PS: sorry about typo on thread title, created thread with iPhone

 

[Barnaby]

Well, I'd say confidently that a pro luthier made guitar can play noticeably better than almost anything out of the Gibson factory today. There are some amazing professional builders on here, any one of whom could give you the instrument of a lifetime.

My suggestion is to have a look at threads like this one and this one, then do some background reading on people whose work you like the look of. Finally, PM them and chat away.

I think finding a good luthier is a process that you should put some serious time into and this will pay off big time. We are lucky on this forum that some of the absolute best builders in the world often stop by and chat to us mortals. Pretty mind-boggling, when you think about it!

 

[Freddy G]

1. Assuming top-notch wood and components are used, would it play any better (or worse) than a Gibson LP?

That's all up to the particular luthier. He/she should find out as much as possible about what you want and like in a guitar. Particularly things like neck shape and size, fret wire size, fretboard radius. They should ask about your playing style, are you heavy handed or do you have a very light picking technique? All these things and more will help the luthier make something just right for you.

2. Who would you recommend to build it?

As Barnaby pointed out, there are quite a few top notch luthiers in this very forum. Take some time and do some research.

3. Roughly how much should I expect to spend and how long would it take?

You should expect a wait time of at least 6 months, probably a lot longer. Any luthier that's good will not be sitting on his duff waiting for you to call. You will have to line up in queue.

As far is what you can expect to pay, it will not be cheap. Especially if you are having a totally custom one of a kind guitar made. I won't start throwing figures out without any more details of what you want, but don't be surprised when you get a quote that seems very high (as compared to factory made guitars)

 

[bruce bennett]

there are several here that specialize in making kick butt Les Paul styled guitars. your in the right place .

and there are also a few that specalize in making something "unique" so your STILL in the right place.

 

[MRJ]

PM sent.

 

[kcassady]

There are some excellent luthiers on here.
Just find one that will do Gibson shapes, most won't.

 

[shadpeters]

Well I'd be happy to help you work on something like that if you want to check out some of my work Peters Guitars| Custom handmade guitars by luthier Shad Peters. That being said my work is just one possibility, and there are a lot of great builders around here so I'm sure that you can find someone whose style suits your fancy.
To answer your questions, I suppose as a builder I am slightly biased, but I think any custom builder worth his salt is going give a lot more attention to the little details in everything from the initial wood selection, to fit, finish, and the final setup, than any mass produced guitar is going to receive. That being said I think that you will be able to notice a difference in play-ability, tone, and comfort with a custom guitar. Not saying that gibson can't make a good guitar, but on average I think customs are probably more consistent winners.

 

[peterp]

Thanks for the feedback and PM's. I didn't realize there were so many guitar builders here, so it's great to hear. I'm limited to iPhone access currently, but will spend some time looking in detail as soon as I have access to a real computer and will reach out to some of the builders after that.

 

[EagleOnyx]

Thanks for the feedback and PM's. I didn't realize there were so many guitar builders here, so it's great to hear. I'm limited to iPhone access currently, but will spend some time looking in detail as soon as I have access to a real computer and will reach out to some of the builders after that.

Lol, this IS the luthier section! Just messin' with ya.

 

[peterp]

Lol, this IS the luthier section! Just messin' with ya.

The luthiers section is tucked away under Custom Shop as a subforum, so I wasn't really aware of it until I actively searched for it. Seems like more people would stumble across it if it was a separate forum rather than a subforum.

 

[Shepherd]

This guy does some amazing work.


[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4VOVkpG-Dw&feature=player_detailpage]Nik Huber 10th Anniversary Models - YouTube[/ame]

 

[bruce bennett]

The luthiers section is tucked away under Custom Shop as a subforum, so I wasn't really aware of it until I actively searched for it. Seems like more people would stumble across it if it was a separate forum rather than a subforum.

they don't want the "top secret Killer Luthiers forum" to become common knowledge ya know.

then EVERYBODY and his dog would come in here asking us all these questions, anytime of the day or night.. its would be just awful!

 

[captcoolaid]

My 2 centa and this comes from a lot of experience. Not in owning but in playing several hand built guitars. YES it will play better. Why because it is acrafted to you and you alone. The trick is to be blatantly honest with the builder. Not Rude but honest. Playing style hand vs neck thickness. what exactly you expect to get from your custom build. These are all huge factors when it comes to getting and playing custom built guitars. I have played several Rists and Max lps and can tell you there is a certain glee for lack of a better term when playing these guitars. If I could afford it Bennet, Roman, TKO and several others here would absolutely be all that I would own. The only names on my guitars would be theirs. If you can afford it get it you will never look back.