Help With Custom Guitars

[lyonk55]

After seeing all the gorgeous guitars posted all over the internet and finally having a good chance to save some money, I've decided I want in on this whole custom thing. I'll probably be looking at putting an order i with a luthier towards the end of the year or the start of the next one. Problem is: I'm completely new to this, so I'd like a bit of advice from folk who know what they're talking about.

First off, good builders? Who has the best mix of quality work, reasonable  prices, shorter turn around times and just an overall good experience? The ones I've been considering most have been Skervesen, Sabre and Ran (leaning to Skervesen), but I'm definitely open to suggestion.

Next, specs. I've got rough idea of what I would like, but would like a bit of help refining it before approaching builders. Using Skervesen as an example, I'd be most interested in the superstrat style models (raptor and 4AP):
http://www.skervesen.eu/
As for specs:
7 strings
Black limba body
Figured walnut or maple top
Bolt-on (or heelless set-in a la Nolly's Vik if possible) neck
Ebony or maple fret board
25.5 to 26 inch scale
Bareknuckle Pickups

So a bit vague, but that's why I'm here. Sound-wise, I'm looking for a metal guitar that can cover the modern alt/prog slow tuned stuff (Red Seas Fire, Periphery, Deftones) to a more melodic death style. So, high gain, nothing mid-scooped a solid low end and clarity (I play into an Engl Screamer with a BBE Green Screamer boost if that helps). From what I understand, limba should be a decent body choice for that.

The fretboard and tops: how much difference would the ones I mentioned be. They seem to be described very similarly so the choice is down to looks until someone says otherwise.

I'm more lost for the neck material. From what I understand, I'd be after brighter tops, fretboards and necks for what I want with limba. Maple seems like it would be the safe bet, but I need help here (especially considering the guitar as a whole).

I suppose pickups are the last decision after everything else, but Blackhawks, Aftermaths and Ceramic Warpigs were my first thoughts.

Finally, what about the little things I'm probably not thinking about. And what can I expect as an overall experience (I know every company will be different, but just a general thing). That was a bit long and I might be a bit useless, so thanks to anyone who reads and chimes in with advice.

[JJretroTONEGOD]

Crimson guitars?

[Zaned]

Once you've chosen the luthier, he can really help you with the wood choices. As you have extended range, I bet you'll end up with maple as neck material. It has a defined tone and attack. Fretboard choice is a different thing. Both maple and ebony are bright, but in different ways; ebony has bottom and highs and a crisp attack, while maple tends to have a lot of mids, with a tight attack.

As you've chosen a super strat style body, that already shapes the tone to a certain degree. You didn't mention what type of a bridge? That plays a role too. If you go with a bolt-on neck and a floating trem, the neck wood has a big role in the tone character. More so than with a fixed bridge.

-Zaned

[Toe-Knee]

it sounds to me like you need to shoot MDV & Legra a PM.

He has a custom guitar from Legra and the woods were very precisely chosen to bring out certain qualities and to be really tight and focused.

[Nadz1lla]

...Bolt-on (or heelless set-in a la Nolly's Vik if possible) neck...
...Red Seas Fire, Periphery...

Well, I am actually going to see Dylan at Daemoness on Monday because I am finalising the spec for my custom with him and maybe even going so far as to put down my deposit.

I seriously recommend giving him some thought because, as you can see, I have highlighted some relevant parts of your requirements.

First of all, Heel-less set-neck, like Nolly's (dare I say "signature"?) Daemoness Red Seas Fire Cimmerian?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.167656546627423.43435.100001492372646&type=3

Secondly, you're after a Black Limba (otherwise known as Black Korina) body? So, like Nolly's other Daemoness Cimmerian?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.167635276629550.43420.100001492372646&type=3

(There's a reason he has two Daemoness guitars.  )

As for the musical influences you are aiming for, Red Seas Fire we have already covered with the above links.

Periphery.... well here's Misha's (Periphery's lead guitarist and song-writing genius) Daemoness "Bulb" Cimmerian:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.241984055861338.61727.100001492372646&type=3

I know you're looking for a relatively quick turnaround, unfortunately in the Custom Guitars area, "quick" is not something I would look for in a Luthier. If someone can churn you out a custom axe in a matter of a couple of months, that would ring alarm bells for me. (Are they spending enough time on getting it right? Why is their turnaround so quick, could that be lack of customers? If so, WHY is nobody getting guitars made by this Luthier? etc etc etc).

I know Dylan has a waiting list, but it's nothing like what Blackmachine used to quote. In that regard, yes, it may be a little quicker simply due to man-hours available etc, but you don't want the guitar rushed, and Dylan certainly doesn't rush any of his work. The guy is a true artist.

Lastly I would also say, ANY name that comes up here, please please for the love of all that is Guitar-y, do a good, in-depth Googling of the companies mentioned. I was looking at Invictus when they first started making guitars back along, and I'm glad I researched it, otherwise it might all have ended in tears.

I can personally recommend Daemoness, I'm sure Nolly and Misha would also give their "thumbs up" too (although I know they both own a LOT of custom axes from different Luthiers).

Just have a mosey on over to the Daemoness Facebook page and have a gander through the galleries. They make my mouth water.  :lol:

[lyonk55]

...Bolt-on (or heelless set-in a la Nolly's Vik if possible) neck...
...Red Seas Fire, Periphery...

Well, I am actually going to see Dylan at Daemoness on Monday because I am finalising the spec for my custom with him and maybe even going so far as to put down my deposit.

I seriously recommend giving him some thought because, as you can see, I have highlighted some relevant parts of your requirements.

First of all, Heel-less set-neck, like Nolly's (dare I say "signature"?) Daemoness Red Seas Fire Cimmerian?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.167656546627423.43435.100001492372646&type=3

Secondly, you're after a Black Limba (otherwise known as Black Korina) body? So, like Nolly's other Daemoness Cimmerian?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.167635276629550.43420.100001492372646&type=3

(There's a reason he has two Daemoness guitars.  )

As for the musical influences you are aiming for, Red Seas Fire we have already covered with the above links.

Periphery.... well here's Misha's (Periphery's lead guitarist and song-writing genius) Daemoness "Bulb" Cimmerian:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.241984055861338.61727.100001492372646&type=3

I know you're looking for a relatively quick turnaround, unfortunately in the Custom Guitars area, "quick" is not something I would look for in a Luthier. If someone can churn you out a custom axe in a matter of a couple of months, that would ring alarm bells for me. (Are they spending enough time on getting it right? Why is their turnaround so quick, could that be lack of customers? If so, WHY is nobody getting guitars made by this Luthier? etc etc etc).

I know Dylan has a waiting list, but it's nothing like what Blackmachine used to quote. In that regard, yes, it may be a little quicker simply due to man-hours available etc, but you don't want the guitar rushed, and Dylan certainly doesn't rush any of his work. The guy is a true artist.

Lastly I would also say, ANY name that comes up here, please please for the love of all that is Guitar-y, do a good, in-depth Googling of the companies mentioned. I was looking at Invictus when they first started making guitars back along, and I'm glad I researched it, otherwise it might all have ended in tears.

I can personally recommend Daemoness, I'm sure Nolly and Misha would also give their "thumbs up" too (although I know they both own a LOT of custom axes from different Luthiers).

Just have a mosey on over to the Daemoness Facebook page and have a gander through the galleries. They make my mouth water.  :lol:

Haha! I've already read about that Invictus mess: looked nice...from 10 feet away...if you got it...

Daemoness is definitely on the radar. Dylan's work is amazing (especially the inlays - if I go for him, I'll need to get in on that!).

As for Legra, I saw MDV's on here a while ago and wasn't a fan. It just wasn't quite my thing so I never really thought about them. Just saw his newer one though...I need some more research...

Sorry, I forgot to mention Zaned: it'll be a fixed bridge, no matter the builder. I hate floating trems so much I forgot they were even an option!

[Alex]

After seeing all the gorgeous guitars posted all over the internet and finally having a good chance to save some money, I've decided I want in on this whole custom thing. I'll probably be looking at putting an order i with a luthier towards the end of the year or the start of the next one. Problem is: I'm completely new to this, so I'd like a bit of advice from folk who know what they're talking about.

First off, good builders? Who has the best mix of quality work, reasonable  prices, shorter turn around times and just an overall good experience? The ones I've been considering most have been Skervesen, Sabre and Ran (leaning to Skervesen), but I'm definitely open to suggestion.

Next, specs. I've got rough idea of what I would like, but would like a bit of help refining it before approaching builders. Using Skervesen as an example, I'd be most interested in the superstrat style models (raptor and 4AP):
http://www.skervesen.eu/
As for specs:
7 strings
Black limba body
Figured walnut or maple top
Bolt-on (or heelless set-in a la Nolly's Vik if possible) neck
Ebony or maple fret board
25.5 to 26 inch scale
Bareknuckle Pickups

So a bit vague, but that's why I'm here. Sound-wise, I'm looking for a metal guitar that can cover the modern alt/prog slow tuned stuff (Red Seas Fire, Periphery, Deftones) to a more melodic death style. So, high gain, nothing mid-scooped a solid low end and clarity (I play into an Engl Screamer with a BBE Green Screamer boost if that helps). From what I understand, limba should be a decent body choice for that.

The fretboard and tops: how much difference would the ones I mentioned be. They seem to be described very similarly so the choice is down to looks until someone says otherwise.

I'm more lost for the neck material. From what I understand, I'd be after brighter tops, fretboards and necks for what I want with limba. Maple seems like it would be the safe bet, but I need help here (especially considering the guitar as a whole).

I suppose pickups are the last decision after everything else, but Blackhawks, Aftermaths and Ceramic Warpigs were my first thoughts.

Finally, what about the little things I'm probably not thinking about. And what can I expect as an overall experience (I know every company will be different, but just a general thing). That was a bit long and I might be a bit useless, so thanks to anyone who reads and chimes in with advice.

Those Skervesen guitars look gorgeous. Me, I would probably be more a Warmoth or maybe, maybe a RAN guitars guy (cause they're relatively affordable and nice players).

[Nadz1lla]

One thing to be aware of with importing things of high value from the U.S: Tax!

I seriously wish I had just saved up another hundred or so quid and bought something off-the-shelf here in the UK rather than buying my Agile Septor Pro Baritone from Rondo Music in the U.S. With delivery and the Import Tax (which I hadn't expected / researched), the guitar cost me as much as a fairly decent Ibanez or Schecter would have from my local guitar shop. For such a shoddily-made instrument, I massively regret wasting that money. Returning it would have incurred more cost and been a bit of a logistical nightmare for me, so please research this and bear it in mind if buying anything from the U.S (assuming you are in Europe / UK, at least).

[lyonk55]

Yeah, I'm up in (non-sarcastically for a change) sunny Scotland. Only looking in the EU: I've seen nice stuff from the states, but it'd just be such a hassle.

[tekbow]

Yeah the whole tax thing had got pretty ridiculous recently. I go my PRS from the states maybe 4 years ago and back then the exchange rate on the dollar was really low (lots of dollars to the pund), we didn't have our 20% VAT rate (which actually does make a lot of difference given it's only 2.5% what it used to be) plus customs are being merciless, and am pretty sure import duty has risen anyway although i don't remember anyones attention being drawn to it..

The PRS, even with tax ended up with a 20% odd markup and was a steal, The Dino pedals i got a few months back easily ended up with a 30% tax markup, Am not touching anything bigger for a while.

[Philly Q]

I don't think Customs duties have increased, but of course there are also admin fees charged (by Royal Mail in particular) which aren't percentage-based so they're disproportionately high when it's a lower-value item.

It's true, VAT and import costs are a pain in the backside but the main issue now is unfavourable exchange rates.  I did buy a couple of Gibsons from the USA last year which still worked out a little cheaper than buying them in the UK, but for Japanese guitars I'm now paying well over the odds (and it's guaranteed I'll lose loads if I sell them!).  More fool me really, but I got so used to the bargains which were available just a few years back.

*******

None of which is much to do with custom guitars, sorry!  :lol:

I was going to say, don't forget our very own Feline.  I know Jonathan is known mostly for more traditional LP-style guitars, but he has collaborated with Blackmachine and built guitars in that style, could be well worth a look.

[lyonk55]

Hadn't really thought of Feline. Probably 'cause I'm so used to seeing "classic" guitars from him: always looked great, but not what I'm after...for now at least.

Thanks for the responses folks, you've been really helpful so far. More advice/suggestions are always welcome.

[JJretroTONEGOD]

Crimson guitars?

+1