who's the best custom guitar builder??

Discussion in 'Guitars in General' started by matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005.


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  1. Aug 2, 2005 #1
    matrixx29

    matrixx29 Guest

    i was told this is was a great place to get information about custom builders. I was looking at Driskle but his wait is too long, i'd rather have it now. I was looking in Vintage Guitar magazine and ran across Corey James guitars? He's local to me, and thought about calling the guy. Anyone know anything about him?
    I found this on his site and it looks awesome:
    http://www.coreyjamesguitars.com/images/illus/Desktop_koa1024x768.jpg

    any help would be great!
     
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    #1
  2. Aug 2, 2005 #2
    BCR Greg

    BCR Greg Member

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    My choice would be Nik Huber.

    www.nikhuber-guitars.com

    Stunning attention to detail, top shelf materials and perfect ergonomics.

    But that's just me. ;)
     
    BCR Greg, Aug 2, 2005
    BCR Greg, Aug 2, 2005
    #2
  3. Aug 2, 2005 #3
    matrixx29

    matrixx29 Guest

    you link didn't work.
     
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    #3
  4. Aug 2, 2005 #4
    BCR Greg

    BCR Greg Member

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    Fixed. Raisin Bran and links in the moring, something's gotta give!!!! LOL
     
    BCR Greg, Aug 2, 2005
    BCR Greg, Aug 2, 2005
    #4
  5. Aug 2, 2005 #5
    Kappy

    Kappy Member

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    Welcome to the forum.

    I don't know many custom builders who will give you your guitar "now". Most are at least a 3 month wait. Are you talking about buying one that is already made by a small builder/luthier? If so, what are your requirements? What kinda' guitar do you want?

    Asking for "the best" is pointless, since opinions vary so widely.

    Good luck finding what you want.

    Dave
     
    Kappy, Aug 2, 2005
    Kappy, Aug 2, 2005
    #5
  6. Aug 2, 2005 #6
    matrixx29

    matrixx29 Guest

    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    #6
  7. Aug 2, 2005 #7
    matrixx29

    matrixx29 Guest

    thanks Dave! i was told this is a great place to go and learn all i can before making my purchase.
    As far as getting it NOW, I just don't want to wait 12 months before i had it in my hands. I was told it would take a few months before i could have it, but i figured if i ordered one now, i could have it by christmas.

    I was looking for a curly maple top custom inlay, Korina back, and i REALLY dig those critter carves...heheh.
     
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    #7
  8. Aug 2, 2005 #8
    r9player

    r9player Silver Supporting Member

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    I like the one with the dark myrtle top and chevron Korina back .. but what a shame to put such a plain neck on it ..

    Volutes are interesting but since he is doing Lam necks you shouldn't need a volute at all I think.
     
    r9player, Aug 2, 2005
    r9player, Aug 2, 2005
    #8
  9. Aug 2, 2005 #9
    Kappy

    Kappy Member

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    Getting one by x-mas for most builders shouldn't be too hard, though there are some who have longer lead times.

    Check out Scott Heatley's guitars here. I'm GAS'ing for one of his bad. I think he's got a 3-4 month lead time too.
     
    Kappy, Aug 2, 2005
    Kappy, Aug 2, 2005
    #9
  10. Aug 2, 2005 #10
    stratofied

    stratofied Member

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    Check out Ron Thorn. You will have to get in line though.
    http://www.thornguitars.com/

    Interesting. Nik Huber's would be worth a look.
     
    stratofied, Aug 2, 2005
    stratofied, Aug 2, 2005
    #10
  11. Aug 2, 2005 #11
    Clorenzo

    Clorenzo Member

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    Many thanks for the heads up matrixx, I had never heard of Corey James. Some original ideas there, like the critter volutes (those are cute, I want a spider!) and the variable fretwire thing, awesome woods and nice body shapes. The prices look reasonable too. God help me, serious custom GAS attack!
     
    Clorenzo, Aug 2, 2005
    Clorenzo, Aug 2, 2005
    #11
  12. Aug 2, 2005 #12
    Glowing Tubes

    Glowing Tubes Gold Supporting Member

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    I have to confess, I had my first trip to the Thorn website. WOW!
    Talk about craftsmanship. Those are some of the coolest guitars I have ever seen. I love the "hidden" pickups.
    Only just internet met Ron and he is a very cool guy.

    I may have to look in to one of these.

    How do you guys like the sound/playability of them?
     
    Glowing Tubes, Aug 2, 2005
    Glowing Tubes, Aug 2, 2005
    #12
  13. Aug 2, 2005 #13
    aleclee

    aleclee TGP Tech Wrangler Staff Member

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    How do you define "best"? What are you looking for?

    For that matter, how do you define "custom". That term can mean anything from specifying colors and pickups to creating a new body shape.
     
    aleclee, Aug 2, 2005
    aleclee, Aug 2, 2005
    #13
  14. Aug 2, 2005 #14
    Jon Silberman

    Jon Silberman 10Q Jerry & Dickey Gold Supporting Member

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    Q. What's the "best" ice cream flavor?

    A. The one you like best.

    I.e., you have to tell us alot more about what you're looking for in your custom axe before we can offer truly serious advice.
     
    Jon Silberman, Aug 2, 2005
    Jon Silberman, Aug 2, 2005
    #14
  15. Aug 2, 2005 #15
    Boomdoggy

    Boomdoggy Supporting Member

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    Boomdoggy, Aug 2, 2005
    Boomdoggy, Aug 2, 2005
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  16. Aug 2, 2005 #16
    73171

    73171 Member

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    Add Terry McInturff to the list!!!!!!!!!


    and if your wallet's REALLY fat: Bob Benedetto, Kim Walker, Jim Olson, Mark Campellone.....


    so many great luthiers...I need to win the Lotto!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    73171, Aug 2, 2005
    73171, Aug 2, 2005
    #16
  17. Aug 2, 2005 #17
    Shreve

    Shreve Katzenjammer Kid Gold Supporting Member

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    IMO, Ron's guitars are the ultimate "Total Package" instruments. They sound and play every bit as unreal as they look.
     
    Shreve, Aug 2, 2005
    Shreve, Aug 2, 2005
    #17
  18. Aug 2, 2005 #18
    SAVROHR

    SAVROHR Supporting Member

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    SAVROHR, Aug 2, 2005
    SAVROHR, Aug 2, 2005
    #18
  19. Aug 2, 2005 #19
    matrixx29

    matrixx29 Guest

    well, i've looked at Thorn and Driskle, but the wait is just too long.
    even though they may be worth the wait.
    I really like that Koa guitar on Cory's site. would that be worth the extra money? or is curly maple better?
    some of the other guitars mentioned are awesome too.
    this corey guy is local to me. I'm gonna call him and see if he'll let me play some of his stuff.
     
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    matrixx29, Aug 2, 2005
    #19
  20. Aug 2, 2005 #20
    rwe333

    rwe333 Supporting Member

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    Likely Brian May and his dad... ;)
     
    rwe333, Aug 2, 2005
    rwe333, Aug 2, 2005
    #20
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