When I build a custom guitar, the first step for me is to pick out the finest woods for the job. Be it a great piece of Ash, some spectacular Sapele Mahogany, or a beauty of a maple top or burl patch, it has to be spectacular though. I just got in a piece of quilted mahogany that i will be saving for a very special project.
I use quarter sawn woods for my necks with the nicest flame and figure i can get my hands on.
The Fretboard woods I choose vary from guitar to guitar but i really like Bocote. Its like rosewood but has a great pattern in it. Don't think that i won't use anything you want me to use for your guitar though.
After you and I finish deciding the scale length and overall design, I get to making the neck. I use both single-action and dual-action truss rods. You get more control with a single-action, but duals have a lot to offer too.
I have built dozens of custom Fender necks to replace ones that owners are not that happy with. they are very complete, right down to the "artwork". My connections at the Fender Custom Shop guarantee that the decal is the best in the world.
The body of a custom guitar can also be anything you want it to be. I usually choose a sapele mahogany back with a maple or burl cap for my custom designs. I have a large selection of burl and maple to choose from.
Once the body is routed and the neck is shaped, its time to mate them together to see if all went as planned. Depending on the bridge i use, some necks need a slight angle to make sure the guitar is playable when i am done. A Les Paul is a good example of an angled neck. The one below was built for J.J. Jensen on behalf or Midnight Lace Guitars.
Once they are mated and i have fretted the neck it's time to apply a finish.
I use 100% nitrocellulose lacquer when finishing my custom guitars, unless otherwise desired by the customer. It is the traditional lacquer of choice for vintage guitars, and in time they will glow in a black light just like a vintage guitar. At that time you and I will choose all of the hardware you want, if it hasn't been done already. Everything is on the table from locking tuners to Botique Handwound pickups. I do wind my own pickups, but some people are very loyal to their favorite brands. I don't take it personal.
Don't forget that EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE! Look below and see Dave Kury's butterscotch Stratocaster I did for him. It's ash and the finish looks just like a vintage Tele's, right down to seeing the dimples in the topcoat.
After a check up assembly and final fret leveling, I do the buffing to bring the guitar to a mirror shine. Final install follows of the hardware and then I wire up the guitar. Many of my guitars have custom wiring. I will often use a blender knob instead of a selector switch. I even have a setup where i can blend the coils of a humbucker, it's better than a coil tap!
FINALLY, after months of work, the finished product is ready to go. The one below now belongs to Steve Vai recording artist Tony Smotherman. Below that is a Stratocaster i made to my 1963's specs and kept for myself. The last pic is the back of the new version of Tony's guitar, it has more dramatic lines. The top of the guitar is at the top of this page.
Hope you have enjoyed this little tour, maybe it will make you want to build the guitar of your dreams. And I know that totally custom built guitars can have very hefty price tags, but don't let that keep you from asking what yours might cost. I may surprise you!!! My custom Strats are LESS than what a good American Strat costs today.
Ask me, you never know!
