Read on to learn about my process for getting to know you so I can build an instrument that satisfies and exceeds your needs. Contact me by phone or email to get in touch and get the process started.
- We’ll begin by discussing your musical goals. Will you be playing in a band where volume and projection are a top priority? Or is this a studio instrument with a priority on tone and playability? I’ll also ask for some video footage of your playing style. All these factors will go into the choice of wood and design that I recommend.
- What instrument are you currently playing? What do you like about it? What do you dislike? Is there another instrument you’ve played and preferred? Do you have any specific requests (e.g. neck profile or width)?
- Then we’ll move on to aesthetics: Is there a particular sunburst you’re attracted to, or do you prefer natural wood? Any custom inlay that will help make the design uniquely yours? Do you have your own wood that you’d like to be incorporated into the build?
- Based on these conversations, I’ll recommend an initial design, including style and materials, and I’ll give you an initial cost estimate.
- Once we’ve settled on the details, I’ll give you a firm quote. You may have other ideas along the way, which is perfectly acceptable, but that will add or subtract to the cost depending on the change.
- You pay 1/3 of the estimate as a down payment.
- From here on, each step of the process, I’ll send you photos to keep you updated and give you a chance for further input.
- When your instrument is structurally complete, but not yet varnished, you have the option to pay me another 1/3, take possession and play it for a month. At that stage, if you want me to adjust the neck profile or make minor adjustments to tone by thinning the top, back, etc., it’s relatively easy to do.
- Once you’re happy with the tone and playability, I’ll add the finish. You pay the final 1/3 upon receipt of the instrument.
Not quite as simple as going down to Guitar Center and pulling one off the wall!
STANDARD PRICING
My standard designs are simple enough to keep the price down, but leave room to further customize your instrument if you wish. They include:
F-Style Archtop Mandolin: Base price = $2,400
A-Style Archtop Mandolin: Base price = $1,800
- Flame maple, mesquite, or figured mninga back and sides
- AAA Sitka or Adirondack red spruce top and bracing, deflection tuned
- Rosewood or ebonized mesquite 22 fret fingerboard
- Cumberland Acoustics bridge
- Bone nut with stainless steel zero fret
- 18% nickel-silver fretwire
- Grover 409 tuners (nickel)
- Prucha tailpiece
- Nickel strap button on tail
- 2-way trussrod
- b/w purfling on top and back
- Cream or white ABS binding on body
- White MOP position dots on face and side of fingerboard
- White MOP “M” headstock inlay
- Sunburst with vignetting or natural finish
- French polished top, oil varnish back, sides and neck
- D’addario EJ74 (medium gauge) strings
- Crossrock ABS Molded Hard Shell Case
Dreadnought-Style Steel String Guitar: Base price = $3,000
- Indian rosewood, mahogany, figured mninga, flame maple, or mesquite back and sides
- AAA Sitka spruce top
- Sitka spruce, scalloped X-bracing (forward or rear shifted)
- Mahogany neck
- Rosewood or ebonized mesquite fingerboard
- Rosewood bridge
- Bone nut, saddle and bridge pins
- Gotoh Magnum Chrome Lock-Trad 3+3 Tuners
- Medium 18% nickel-silver fretwire
- Chrome strap button on tail
- 2-way trussrod, soundhole access
- D28-style soundhole rosette
- Herringbone + b/w purfling on top and backstrip
- Cream or white ABS binding on body
- White MOP position dots on face and side of fingerboard
- White MOP “M” headstock inlay
- Black PVC pickguard
- French polished top, oil varnish back, sides and neck
- Gator ATA molded flight case
- D’addario EJ17 (medium gauge) strings
Other Instruments (Ask for quote)
Custom Options: Any of these options can be applied to the above standard models. Price will be adjusted up or down depending on actual cost of materials and labor.
- Birdseye, quilted maple or other tonewoods
- Adirondack red spruce, western red cedar or other top woods
- Ebony fingerboard and/or bridge
- Extended fingerboard
- Wooden pickguard
- Wood binding
- Bound fingerboard and/or headstock
- Abalone position dots and headstock inlay
- Custom inlay
- Gold hardware
- Waverley tuners
- Lacquer or Polyurethane finish
- Cutaway
- Pickup