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Author Topic: Custom build companies...  (Read 2818 times)

Mr.Coneman

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Custom build companies...
« on: July 04, 2009, 02:20:26 PM »
Yeah, so it had always been my dream to have a custom shop guitar built to all my own specs, I have a general idea what it should be. So I figure I'll actually get started with specifics soon (since I have my bnk equipped Les Paul, I know what else I'm looking for...)

But I digress! The reason for the thread is, well, you guys are about the most guitar knowledgeable online group I belong too (hey you play BKP afterall) So I'm asking how I should go about making this come to pass? Which companies should I check out? I'm thinking when I eventually get it done my budget will hopefully be around 1000 pounds.. but I guess the lower the better as long as the company is good. So it cuts out any big name makers! No Jackson custom shop for me...I'd been set on Shamray guitars, look them up!

If it makes any difference I know I dont want any part in the physical building of the instrument - I'm hopeless at that stuff. So not one of these buy the parts and build it job. I may also go for an original shape/finish.
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MDV

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2009, 04:20:20 PM »
There are at least 3 very well regarded luthiers on these boards

Legra Guitars (Bob Johnson)
Wez Venables (WezV)
Feline Guitars (felineguitars)

I have a legra and it and bob are so good I commisioned another, and cant recommend Legra highly enough. Those on the boards that have Wez and feline guitars are similarly praising of their work.
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MDV

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2009, 04:22:19 PM »
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MDV

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2009, 04:24:31 PM »
Needless to say, some are better than others, some are quite specialised, some are extortionately expensive, many wont make you a complete custom, but rather have their own models that you can customise slightly - look around, see what floats your boat, send some test emails out, see what their responses are like (helpfull, complete information, pedalling their flavour of the month, interested in the project, etc etc etc)
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Mr.Coneman

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2009, 05:19:37 PM »
Thanks for the helpful replies :) Especially interesting that there are luthiers on the board, I'll get researching :D
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CL Aurora Super Strat > Calibrated Holy Divers with coil tap.

PhilKing

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2009, 08:04:57 PM »
I have guitars from WezV, Will Scott and Bravewood, Neal MCDunough and a neck which Feline did an incredible job on.  I have also played several Felines, Black Machines, Legras, Nathan Sheppards and used to have a Chris Eccleshall.  All of them can make you the guitar you want.  The cost will depend on what features you want.  I'm not sure where you are, but I would pick someone who you can visit so that you can check out their work and see if it suits you.    Of course all my custom builds have Bare Knuckle pickups!
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Jonny

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2009, 08:17:58 PM »
Don't forget Rek, a user on here a while ago had a custom from them. However their communications aren't that great, being Polish and all. Unless you can speak Polish.
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Adam.M

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #7 on: July 04, 2009, 08:55:24 PM »
Quote from: Jonny on July 04, 2009, 08:17:58 PM
Don't forget Rek, a user on here a while ago had a custom from them. However their communications aren't that great, being Polish and all. Unless you can speak Polish.

I can swear in polish, and when the shite hits the fan, what else would i need? :D
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dave_mc

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #8 on: July 04, 2009, 09:08:26 PM »
i have a legra and it's great; i hear similarly great things about wez and feline's guitars, but haven't tried them. You might need to up your budget a bit, though, prices on customs seem to have risen a bit recently... :(
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Alex

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #9 on: July 04, 2009, 09:38:40 PM »
ESP has a very good custom shop. With your budget though, you're nowwhere near their prices. I don't think it would be enough even for a RAN.
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Mr.Coneman

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #10 on: July 04, 2009, 10:10:17 PM »
The budget is just sort of a randomly thrown out number on what I was thinking I'd be willing to spend, given that this is just research it could be years until I actually do this so I guess I can up that price over time. I have to say those Felines look most excellent ...GAS...
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dave_mc

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #11 on: July 04, 2009, 11:32:14 PM »
no worries, just thought i'd better let you know in case you were disappointed. :) I know when i got my legra (2 years ago? something like that), £1000 would have been enough to get you a custom bolt-on superstrat, but LPs probably cost a bit more because of the set neck etc., plus as i said i think prices have gone up quite a bit in the last while, for several reasons (i assume). :)
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Mr.Coneman

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #12 on: July 05, 2009, 12:04:40 AM »
Yeah man. Seems to be the way of the world at the minute, everything from a pint in the local pub to a built to spec guitar is dearer. :(.

I had Shamray do me a quote a few years ago (when there was no way I could afford a pint never mind a new guitar :p) and they told me £1000, so thats where that comes from.

Now I'm just in two minds about a V or a Joe Satriani looking model!
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CL Aurora Super Strat > Calibrated Holy Divers with coil tap.

CJ

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #13 on: July 05, 2009, 04:52:02 AM »
don't know if they're in the same category as all of these small shop customs, but Carvin are certainly worth considering. i'm looking at them for my next guitar.
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GuiTony

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Re: Custom build companies...
« Reply #14 on: July 05, 2009, 11:35:15 AM »
Quote from: Mr.Coneman on July 04, 2009, 02:20:26 PM
Yeah, so it had always been my dream to have a custom shop guitar built to all my own specs, I have a general
idea what it should be.

Or, how about booking yourself on a guitar-building course, and build your own dream guitar?
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