[AndrewG]

If you're willing to wait 9 months+ for a guitar who's sound you have no idea of until it is built, go for it. I tried this with a well-respected British luthier whose demonstration model sounded lovely. Unfortunately my finished guitar sounded nothing like it, despite being a fine instrument, and was quickly moved on. A very expensive lesson learned, never to be repeated. If I can't buy the guitar in my hands it stays on the wall.

Also, what is a 'hand made' guitar these days? Even the cheapest guitars involve a degree of hands-on work.