Looking for a builder!

[dylanheeg]

Hey AGF! Hopefully this is not an inappropriate post.

I have been off the grid here for a few years and have lost track of all the great builders. I am looking to commission a guitar.

Looking for something around 5k. Basic woods, cutaway, small amount of custom inlay.

Let me know which builders I should be checking out! Would love some recommendations! (Can be contacted directly at [email protected])

I'll continue to look and see what I find but the experience on this forum has always been very valuable to me all these years with several custom builds.

Thanks all!

[rogthefrog]

What type of sound are you after? Traditional Martin? Traditional Gibson? Irish? Modern American?

[The Bard Rocks]

These all recently had prices under $5000 on their web sites. There are others who do not post prices so, while long, this is not exhaustive.

Aaron Hix
American Song
Nick Appollonio
Artemis
BassRock
OC Bear
Bowerman
Brock
Boucher
Burner
Allan Carruth (who often posts here)
CB
Charis
Char
Collins
Steve Denvir (who posts here as well)
Elijah Jewel
Chris Ensor
Fairbanks
Franklin
Greg German
Ed Bond of Halcyon & TInker (who posts here)
Hewett
Drew Heinonen
House
Kraus
Kronbauer
Benoit Lavoie
Jay Lichty
Joe Mendel
Bil Mitchell (sic)
Moonstone
Ark New Era
Nickerson
O'Brien
MPA Acoustic
Oriskany
Phoenix
Brock Poling
Leo Posch
Jon Razo
Reede
Roach
Running Dog
Stein NY
PKT
Triggs
Webber
Ben Wilborn
Tony Yamamoto

[ChuckS]

I think you’d get a greater response if you’d let us know your playing style, as well as the type of music and how you like it to sound.

That being said, Alan Carruth makes a wonderful guitar.

[dylanheeg]

Wow - didn't realize that there would be such a long list. I figured my budget would eliminate most builders.

By the way I'm looking 5k all in, not base price.

A little more detail - looking for a versatile guitar more suited towards finger style and light picking. I use a thin pick when using a pick and definitely not looking for a thumper.

Something like an SJ size or auditorium.

Tone - hate describing tone, but let's say for tone I like Taylor's and Goodall much more than martins/Gibson/Collings. So I guess that's more of a modern sound with some overtone rather than traditional Martin tone.

Thanks!

[fitness1]

Just sent you a PM....

[mercy]

I like the same kind of sound and am in the process of negotiating for a build but at much less than 5C. If I could spend that Id go to Goodall.

[tadol]

I’d eliminate the possibility of any higher end shop build, and also the possibility of a used instrument from a solo builder - there are alot of great instruments in that range and less, and personally, I’d think you’d find that you can get alot more guitar and also be able to really audition it prior to putting your money down -

[dylanheeg]

Originally Posted by mercy

I like the same kind of sound and am in the process of negotiating for a build but at much less than 5C. If I could spend that Id go to Goodall.

I do love Goodall but I'm looking for some specific custom features that likely are not available with a company like Goodall.

This will be a customized guitar to commemorate my son's birth so certain custom features will make it completely unique. Thus, used guitars and larger ship builders aren't really an option.

Thanks!

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by dylanheeg

I do love Goodall but I'm looking for some specific custom features that likely are not available with a company like Goodall.

This will be a customized guitar to commemorate my son's birth so certain custom features will make it completely unique. Thus, used guitars and larger ship builders aren't really an option.

Thanks!

Welcome back to the AGF, Dylan.

Please bear in mind that it is nearly 2018, and high-quality custom guitar builders also have to earn a living.

Further, in this price range, and as an "all in" guitar, you will likely get exactly what you pay for...nothing more, and nothing less.

I hope that you can come up with something that works for you, and within your budget.

[PaulHintz]

The OP might do a Google search for MN based builders. He’d get some non-famous names who might be able to accommodate his budget and specs limits. Owasso, Dragonfly are two names that come to my mind. The established builders around here, Applegate and so on, would certainly be beyond the stated budget. As Larry Pattis noted, above, about more widely known builders.

[dylanheeg]

Thanks for all the replies and emails - yes, I am fully aware that more well known builders are far out of reach. I am very comfortable going with an up and comer or someone who may not demand such a premium due to being well known.

10k + guitars are amazing and I've played and owned several. I'm glad they get paid for their success because they build an amazing product.

[cjsmithley]

Dylan,

I️ have two guitars built by Minneapolis luthier Tim Reede and love them both. Check out my YouTube channel in my signature for a couple recordings of the SJ to give you an idea of his sound. You will get everything on your list for $5k. Good luck with the commission - it’s a very fun process.

[rogthefrog]

Originally Posted by dylanheeg

Wow - didn't realize that there would be such a long list. I figured my budget would eliminate most builders.

By the way I'm looking 5k all in, not base price.

A little more detail - looking for a versatile guitar more suited towards finger style and light picking. I use a thin pick when using a pick and definitely not looking for a thumper.

Something like an SJ size or auditorium.

Tone - hate describing tone, but let's say for tone I like Taylor's and Goodall much more than martins/Gibson/Collings. So I guess that's more of a modern sound with some overtone rather than traditional Martin tone.

Thanks!

Talk to Tony Yamamoto. Tell him Roger sent you.

[Brushwood]

Hi Dylan,
I think one of Bil Mitchell's guitars (Bil with one L) would really fit what you're looking for in price, playability and sound. I own one of his Koa/Adirondack parlor guitars and love it. His shop is in Riegelsville, Pa and is named Guitar Parlor.
Best of luck in your quest,
Bruce