who's the best custom guitar builder??

[matrixx29]

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!

 

[GPG Greg]

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.

 

[matrixx29]

you link didn't work.

 

[GPG Greg]

Fixed. Raisin Bran and links in the moring, something's gotta give!!!! LOL

 

[Kappy]

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

 

[matrixx29]

those definitley look good. i like the Dolphin

i'm impressed by Corye James original valutes.
what do you think?

http://www.coreyjamesguitars.com/features3.htm

 

[matrixx29]

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.

 

[r9player]

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.

 

[Kappy]

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.

 

[stratofied]

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

My choice would be Nik Huber.

Interesting. Nik Huber's would be worth a look.

 

[Clorenzo]

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!

 

[Glowing Tubes]

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?

 

[aleclee]

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.

 

[Jon Silberman]

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.

 

[Boomdoggy]

Chafin!!Ben is a great guy and makes incredible guitars.I have an Ember and am waiting for a Targa and Helios.

http://www.chafincustom.com/index.html

 

[73171]

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!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Shreve]

Originally posted by Andersonguy

How do you guys like the sound/playability of them?

IMO, Ron's guitars are the ultimate "Total Package" instruments. They sound and play every bit as unreal as they look.

 

[SAVROHR]

Add Roger Giffin to the list www.giffinguitars.com. Absolutely amazing guitars.

 

[matrixx29]

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.

 

[rwe333]

who's the best custom guitar builder??

Likely Brian May and his dad...