What is a "Spec Guitar"

[Merlemantel]

Beginner's question. What is a Spec Guitar? This my first rodeo talking with luthiers. Thanks in advance.

[BrunoBlack]

I think it is shorthand for Speculative, meaning build without a customer.

[Merlemantel]

Originally Posted by Haasome

I think it is shorthand for Speculative, meaning build without a customer.

That makes sense. Thank you.

[The Bard Rocks]

You build it to demonstrate what you can do, hoping it will attract either a buyer or someone gets inspired enough by it that they commission a new one from you.

[gerberguitars]

Originally Posted by Haasome

I think it is shorthand for Speculative, meaning build without a customer.

Yes, what he has said. Short for speculative.

However, I'm guessing that some builders have adapted "spec" to mean something like "built to the builders specs" or "builders choice". Having more to do with specifications rather than speculative.

[Bruce Sexauer]

Originally Posted by gerberguitars

Yes, what he has said. Short for speculative.

However, I'm guessing that some builders have adapted "spec" to mean something like "built to the builders specs" or "builders choice". Having more to do with specifications rather than speculative.

That’s the difference between “spec” and “spec’d”.