Who are the "hidden gem" luthiers with base prices under $5k?

[Toby Walker]

I'll throw my guy in here too. Dennis MacPherson of Black Pearl Guitars. I've played many of his guitars and they're all outstanding. His prices fall WELL within 3K and he'll work with you to custom design whatever you'd like.



http://macphersonguitarworks.com/

[Cazon]

Originally Posted by Rod Neep

John Hall
Without a doubt, the nicest sounding guitar that I own.... (and there are a few)
It gets almost all of my playing time, both at home and in public.
This one is a keeper. Forever.
I couldn't recommend John Hall's guitars more highly. I have never played one of his guitars that I didn't like (and I have played a few of various sizes over the years). So when I saw this one for sale at MFG a few months back, resistance was totally futile.

Rod

+1! - I saw that guitar on MFG's web site, was gassing over it and then it was gone - well good for you Rod

[Kindness]

Phoenix Guitar Co. in Scottsdale, AZ. Diane Huber is an amazing luthier.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by fitness1

David Webber, Steve Kinnaird and Dennis Kwasnycia should be in the conversation.....

Dennis has some great build threads in the "Custom Shop" sub forum.

[mikealpine]

Jonathan Razzo has been building some of the most beautiful looking guitars, very interesting designs, mostly dreadnaughts. Check out some posts in the Custom area. He's getting great reviews. I believe he's only on his 9th or 10th, so he's certainly not a seasoned pro, but even the other luthiers checking in say some very, very nice things.

[mikealpine]

Also, I believe Tom Doerr has a "stripped down" (but by no means anything less than a Doerr) that might fall in with your pricing. I think his guitars are among the most graceful out there.

[815C]

Also, Batson Guitars has their "No. 5" series which are way under $5k.

http://www.batsonguitars.com/no5/

[steveh]

One of the very best guitars I've played this year was by Ken Franklin (who posts here); indeed up there with some of the best I've ever played. His base is just 3600.

If you want luthier-built for way below 5K then it's hard to beat Trevor Kronbauer guitars, whose base is 2600. I've played a few and all have been astonishing value for money.

John Greven starts at 4200.

I'm in the UK and there are plenty of builders who'll build you a great guitar for well under 5000USD.

Cheers,
Steve

[Diamond Dave]

I'll throw in the mix DuncanAfrica (very cool guy, great project), starting at $799 for their all-hog model:

http://www.duncanafrica.com/

Dehradun, made in India by locals down on their luck who were taught by an American luthier:

http://dehradunguitars.com/

This guy on the Eastern Shore of Virginia who is rumored to make good instruments:

http://www.solidrockguitarco.com/

And a shout to my acquaintance BB Rierson of Roanoke County, VA, at Big Bear Guitars:

http://www.bigbearguitarworks.com/

[acousticjazz]

Originally Posted by mikealpine

Jonathan Razzo has been building some of the most beautiful looking guitars, very interesting designs, mostly dreadnaughts. Check out some posts in the Custom area. He's getting great reviews. I believe he's only on his 9th or 10th, so he's certainly not a seasoned pro, but even the other luthiers checking in say some very, very nice things.

I second Razo guitars, I was speaking with Jonathan for a while but due to other circumstances decided against building for now (sadly), but his work is great and he loves to talk about his instruments. Just PM him and check out he custom shop!

[L20A]

http://www.nowlandguitars.com/
Fantastic Guitars.
I have played several and all were gems.

[L20A]

Sorry,
Double post.

[s2y]

http://www.krguitars.com/Home.html

I picked up my KR fanned 7 string for $5k. It's fully loaded and then some. I'd like to think something a little more normal guitar might be in the ballpark of $4k or so.

I'm considering ordering a 28.6" scale 12 string sometime next year.

[Tony Burns]

Id have to add Colby Horton to that short list -i bought a 12 fret Sloped Dread open head -Crazy nice sound , for alot less than youd buy a mid ranged Martin or Taylor . Of course their are a few others I'd mention but were talking under 5 grand .

[RiloKiley]

Originally Posted by needspeed

+1 for Kwasnycia since I have one. He is great to work with and a real gentlemen and makes fine guitar to boot. Also Johnathan Razo who is just making his 10th guitar is a natural with real talent and his price is well within your budget....Steve

There are many phenomenally talented luthiers that sell guitars below $5k.

That being said, the one I recommend is always Dennis Kwasnycia. Everything needspeed said about Dennis is right, and I would like to add that the tone of his guitars is just phenomenal, really the total package.