Options
A guitar or bass should be an extension of you. It is a tool to help you maximize your potential as a musician. We also know that everyone is not the same. So why should you settle for the same guitar as everyone else. And if you wanted different, why is it doubling or tripling the price. I feel your pain and at my company, you get a multitude of options for no extra price. I like talking with you when you order your guitar so that I know you are getting what you want. When you get your guitar from me, I want you to make it your go to guitar that you will never get rid of
Life is full of choices, you should be able to make your own.
I hope if you end up buying one of my guitars it exceeds every expectation you had from it. I want it to be the most comfortable guitar you've ever played so if you play long gigs, the guitar doesn't wear you out. I want it to play the way you want to play, having one of the most comfortable necks you'll every hold. I want it to take your breath away when you open the box, hopefully thinking "This is the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen." And finally, I want it to be able to enhance your playing, giving you the comfort and ability to do things that you couldn't do before you got it. I want you to keep it for 50 years, or if you don't, complain about it being the guitar you regret you sold.
You've got them here.
Necks
From a players standpoint, probably the least thought about part of the guitar. However, it is your interface with the instrument. With my necks you have the following options:
Neck shape: I offer necks in a C, D, or V shape.
Neck width: Nut widths start at 42mm and can be up to 52mm wide depending upon the model.
Neck wood: My standard neck is made from Hard maple. I try to use figured if it is available. For an upcharge, I can make it out of exotic hardwoods.
Neck width: Nut widths start at 42mm and can be up to 52mm wide depending upon the model.
Neck wood: My standard neck is made from Hard maple. I try to use figured if it is available. For an upcharge, I can make it out of exotic hardwoods.
Fret board
We are still in pretty boring territory here, but seriously starting to affect tone. You also start making a visual impact with the fret board.
Fret board radius: I use compound radius as it allows for lower string action. I can and will use whatever you want. My most common fret board radius is 12 to 16 inches.
Fret board width: Nut widths start at 42mm and can be up to 52mm wide depending upon the model.
Fret board wood: You have the choice of: Hard maple, Flame maple, Bird's eye maple, Ebony, some Rosewoods (ask), Cocobolo, Chechan, Bubinga, Red Heart, Purple Heart, Zebra Wood, and even though it's not wood, black cast acrylic (Fastest neck you'll ever play)
Fret markers: I generally use abalone shell laminate or Abalam, for a slight upcharge, can use MOP. If you want a unique look, can also use woods that would complement the body of your guitar.
Fret board width: Nut widths start at 42mm and can be up to 52mm wide depending upon the model.
Fret board wood: You have the choice of: Hard maple, Flame maple, Bird's eye maple, Ebony, some Rosewoods (ask), Cocobolo, Chechan, Bubinga, Red Heart, Purple Heart, Zebra Wood, and even though it's not wood, black cast acrylic (Fastest neck you'll ever play)
Fret markers: I generally use abalone shell laminate or Abalam, for a slight upcharge, can use MOP. If you want a unique look, can also use woods that would complement the body of your guitar.
Frets
Now we're in geeking out territory, but it still makes the guitar your own
I use Dunlop fret wire, #6190 is my standard for most guitars, if you want something else from Dunlop, I can get it and use it.
Custom shop
As much as I don't want to charge extra, some things just cost more. The American flag guitar is a good example. It takes me about 3 times as long to do the custom body work as it does to make a standard guitar. It does make it a lot more expensive, but when you want to be noticed, you need a unique guitar.
Body
Finish
Pickups
The body says a lot about you, are you a vintage inspired person, or are you modern. Do you want to look like you can play 90 miles an hour or do you want to look like you and your guitar have been together forever.
I hope you noticed on the main guitar page, I offer a lot of options on bodies, both acoustic and electric. Find one you like then once again, you've got some choices to make. Bodies on the acoustics are typically Walnut, Cherry, Maple, or Poplar. I can do something different if you want. On electrics, the options are: Hard maple, Flame maple, Bird's eye maple, Ebony, some Rosewoods (ask), Cocobolo, Chechan, Bubinga, Red Heart, Purple Heart, Zebra Wood. In my experience, pairing an exotic wood top over a hard maple back makes for a stunning visual combination.
The finish says a lot too, glossy, shiny, built for speed or luxury, or weathered and soft, looking like you've been at this forever.
I have 4 finishes that I use on my guitars. I use a nitrocellulose lacquer (Which means it can check in extreme weather conditions) It is available in Gloss, Satin, or Matte finish. I usually also add a slight texture to Satin and Matte finishes as it give a weathered look. I do not "relic" any of my guitar finishes.
I am also working on a bed liner finish, want to have a couple of colors available, and want it to be durable.
I am also working on a bed liner finish, want to have a couple of colors available, and want it to be durable.
Acoustic, electric or bass, I want you to be able to get the sound that you want. Having a good selection available helps with that.
On electric pickups, there are too many options to go over on this site. Go to the link below to find links to pickup builders I work with.
On Acoustic guitars, I use L. R. Baggs products. Most of my acoustics have the Element RT system with volume and tone control. If you'd like something different from them let me know and I can get it for you.
jonkammerer@earthlink.net