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All About Guitar and Old Bones Pickups Team Up for Ultimate Guitar Customization
24/03/202509/03/2025
For many guitarists, the idea of owning a custom-built guitar is a dream come true. Unlike off-the-shelf models, a custom guitar is designed to meet your exact needs, whether that means a specific tone, unique aesthetics, or a perfect fit for your playing style. But when it comes to price, the answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple number.
The cost of a custom guitar depends on multiple factors, including materials, hardware, craftsmanship, and any additional customisation such as pickups, finishes, and fretwork. Instead of a one-size-fits-all answer, the price is dictated by your vision, budget, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for a straightforward, well-crafted instrument or a one-of-a-kind showpiece, we can help you navigate the costs and options available.
The type of wood used for the body and neck significantly impacts the price of a custom guitar. Different woods offer varying tonal characteristics, weight, and aesthetic appeal.
For instance, mahogany provides a warm, rich tone, while ash and alder offer a brighter sound with excellent resonance. Exotic woods such as koa, wenge, or ziricote can push the cost higher due to their rarity and unique grain patterns.
Very dependent on how much does a custom guitar cost will cost you.
The body shape and construction method also play a role in pricing. A solid body guitar is typically more affordable than a semi-hollow or hollow body design due to the extra craftsmanship required for the latter.
Hardware includes everything from the bridge and tuners to the nut and frets. Premium components like locking tuners, high-end bridges, and stainless steel frets can improve tuning stability, sustain, and longevity but come at a higher cost.
If you’re after a specific playing feel, you might also consider a custom neck profile, compound radius fretboard, or hand-rolled fret edges, all of which require extra work from the luthier.
A guitar’s finish isn’t just about looks, it can also affect the feel and tone of the instrument. A nitrocellulose finish, often preferred for its ability to let the wood ‘breathe’, requires more time and expertise than a standard polyurethane finish.
If you have an existing guitar that you want to give a fresh look, our guitar refinishing service offers professional resprays to give your instrument a brand-new aesthetic without the cost of a full custom build.
A custom guitar built entirely by hand from a skilled luthier will naturally cost more than a modified factory model. The level of attention to detail, hand-carving, and unique construction methods all add to the price but result in an instrument that is truly one-of-a-kind.
While custom guitars can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, there are ways to get a high-quality instrument that meets your needs without overspending.
Define Your Priorities: If sound is your main focus, invest in high-quality pickups and electronics rather than exotic woods or intricate inlays.
Start with a Base Model: Some luthiers offer base models that you can customise to keep costs reasonable while still getting a personalised guitar.
Consider Upgrades on an Existing Guitar: Instead of a full custom build, upgrading components such as handmade pickups or a professional respray can transform your current guitar into something special at a lower cost.
Be Open to Recommendations: We can help guide you based on your budget and expectations to ensure you get the best possible instrument for your money.
While custom guitars can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, there are ways to get a high-quality instrument that meets your needs without overspending.
Define Your Priorities: If sound is your main focus, invest in high-quality pickups and electronics rather than exotic woods or intricate inlays.
Start with a Base Model: Some luthiers offer base models that you can customise to keep costs reasonable while still getting a personalised guitar.
Consider Upgrades on an Existing Guitar: Instead of a full custom build, upgrading components such as handmade pickups or a professional respray can transform your current guitar into something special at a lower cost.
Be Open to Recommendations: We can help guide you based on your budget and expectations to ensure you get the best possible instrument for your money.
If you’re passionate about your playing and want an instrument that feels truly yours, a custom guitar is a fantastic investment. Not only does it allow for a perfect fit in terms of sound and comfort, but it also gives you a personal connection to your instrument that mass-produced models often lack.
That being said, the cost varies greatly depending on your choices. Whether you're looking for a full custom build, upgraded pickups, or a new finish, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
If you're considering a custom guitar, check out our recommended builders and get in touch to discuss your ideas. We’re happy to advise on pricing, options, and what’s possible within your budget.
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