Waiting for a custom

[identity71]

Hello
I would like a custom om, 42 style, deep body, adi top and cocobolo back and sides, 57 mm string spacing at the saddle, slotthead, adi braces ge, woody binding.
Any news about martin waiting time after covid? Collings or santa crus coukd be faster? I’m in italy

[cigarfan]

If you are going to have to wait anyway, you might consider getting on the Circa Guitars schedule. Maybe a longer wait but you won't be disappointed!

[justonwo]

I'm not sure about the wait times with Martin, but probably shorter than most luthiers. I know that Laurent Brondel has a pretty good turnaround time right now, and he can build a pre-war style Martin better than Martin, in my opinion. John Slobod of Circa guitars would be another option, but his wait is at least 2 years currently.

[soma5]

Bagnasco & Casati are Italian custom builders that build in the Martin tradition. They have a very good reputation. Unless the Martin name is paramount, you could talk to them.

[mercy]

I like having a non Martin. I seek out builders that I can talk to and reason with. I dont need Martin but I also dont like the gaudy 42 aesthetic. Let the wood speak for itself. Some excellent suggestions made below, Brondel would by my choice but i live in the US.

[Jamiejoon]

If you cannot afford Brondel or Circa, you should check out David Dart. In my opinion, he makes excellent vintage-style guitars. I have a wonderful D-18 that David built, in Cocobolo (no, I would not sell it!). Serious value for money. David has been building for 40+ years.

[usb_chord]

Martin Custom Shop wait is currently at 7-8 months.

[Nahil.R]

If I were in your position (and as mentioned, the Martin name is not essential) I would definitely seek out the luthiers mentioned, or even other great luthiers on this forum ... no shortage of talent and I am certain you can get what you want and some.

Happy shopping!

[Jwills57]

There are numerous American builders who can build a guitar to your specs; some are really pricey because of name recognition and longevity and noted emphasis for quality; some are not as pricey because, well, they just aren't. But that doesn't mean they don't build wonderful guitars. Check out Pat Foster, Jim Worland, John Datlen, Ken Casper, to name people I have personal experience with. You can pay $10,000 plus and get a great guitar; you can pay $4,000 plus and great a great, as well.

[StringMeUp]

Check out Bill Wise, Charis Guitars. You won’t be disappointed.

[identity71]

thanks for the info.