The 5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Custom Guitar

Buying a custom guitar is an exciting journey, but it can be full of pitfalls. Avoiding common errors when purchasing a custom axe can save you time, money, and frustration.

Having a custom guitar built just for you is a dream for many players. It allows you to select numerous details, from the wood and electronics to the shape.

The challenge is that you can’t test several guitars and buy the one that sounds best. You need to trust that your luthier builds you an amazing-sounding instrument.

However, if you’re not careful, it can become a nightmare—I can attest to this from firsthand experience.

It seemed almost too good to be true: all the specifications I wanted, exactly as I wanted them. The luthier even took pictures during the building process.

It took him about nine months to finish a guitar that cost me well over $3,000. Unfortunately, it sounds terrible—truly terrible—even with top-notch pickups.

To make matters worse, it goes out of tune very easily, despite the quality locking tuners. And there were other flaws as well, but I won’t bore you with those details.

In short, do your due dilligence before you order a custom guitar. Take time to think about what you really need. 

Try out different guitars to see what feels good in your hands. 

Talk to other players and research luthiers carefully. And make sure your luthier is actually as good as he says.

This is just general advice. Below you’ll read about the five biggest pitfalls when ordering a custom-built guitar.

Key Takeaways

• Think about how the guitar plays, not just how it looks;

• Try different guitars to find what suits you best;

• Do your homework on builders and materials before ordering.

1. Ignoring playability and comfort

When buying a custom guitar, don’t overlook how it feels to play. A guitar that looks great but feels awkward won’t make you want to practice or perform.

Know what neck shape and width bet suits your hand. These features affect how easily you can move your hand along the fretboard. So, it’s essential to know what kind of neck shape you want.

You must have played different neck profiles for prolonged periods to know what fits your hand best. To know what is the most comfortable neck for your hand.

The weight of the guitar matters too. A heavy axe can cause shoulder strain during long playing sessions. If you go for the classic Gibson Les Paul combination of a mahogany body with a maple top, you’ll end up with a quite heavy guitar.

Needless to say, but I’ll mention it nevertheless: it makes longer practice sessions more strenuous.

Also, consider the body shape and size. Some designs may dig into your ribs or feel unbalanced when playing standing up. 

Test the guitar body shape you want in different positions to check for comfort, Though this may be impossible with many luthiers who have their own unique designs.

If you want a guitar built by a specific luthier but live overseas, you probably won’t be able to try his guitars and test their weight and balance. In that case, are you actually sure that the body of your desired luthier is up to your expectations?

Then there are fret size and material as well. They also impact playability. What feels most comfortable to you? Do you really know?

Jumbo frets allow easier bending, smaller frets offer more precise control. There are also stainless steel frets. They last longer but may feel different from nickel.

And don’t forget about your guitar’s setup. Action height, intonation, and neck relief all affect how your custom guitar plays. A well-setup guitar feels effortless to play.

2. Choosing the wrong size and shape

If you’re into acoustic guitars, picking the right size and shape for your custom guitar is key. Your comfort and playing style are obviously essential.

Body size affects sound and comfort. A dreadnought guitar might be too big if you’re small. A concert size could work better.

Shape impacts tone and playability. Some shapes to think about:

• Dreadnought: Big, bold sound;

• Jumbo: Even bigger, great for strumming;

• Concert: Smaller, comfy for fingerpicking;

• Auditorium: Middle ground, versatile.

Your arm length and hand size count too. A thick neck might not work if you have small hands.

Try different guitars before deciding. What feels good to play? What sounds best to you?

Don’t just go for looks. A pretty guitar that’s hard to play won’t be fun.

You’ll spend lots of time with this guitar. Make sure it fits you well.

3. Not doing your due dilligence about luthiers

When buying a custom guitar, it’s easy to get overly excited. But hold your horses. Skipping research on luthiers can lead to big problems down the road. I know all about it, as I explained at the beginning of the article.

First things first. Check out the luthier’s experience. How long have they been making guitars? What’s their track record? 

A seasoned pro will likely craft a better instrument than a newbie.

Look at their past work. Ask to see photos or, even better, try to get your hands on one of their guitars. It gives you a feel for their quality.

This is more important than you might think. It’ll give you the confidence you’re making the right choice (or not).

Also, try to find reviews from other customers. Were they happy with their guitars? Did the luthier meet deadlines?

With the custom guitar I mentioned in the introduction to this article, my luthier promised me it would be finished within 5 months. It ended up being nine months after pushing on him several times.

If you’re gonna have a custom guitar built, you know it’ll take time. But it becomes annoying if the building process takes much longer than the agreed deadline. Again, I know what it’s like.

It’s also smart to ask about the materials used. A good luthier will happily explain their wood choices and why they use them.

Lastly, make sure you’re on the same page about design. Can the luthier make the guitar you want? Do they understand your vision?

Before I ordered my first of two custom guitars, I was unpleasantly surprised to learn that most luthiers will stick to their own designs. So in most cases you can’t get the body shape you want, or the headstock you desire etc.

These restrictions are understandable from a business and marketing point of view, but it also means that you’re likely to sacrifice some of the details for your dream guitar.

Or keep searching for a good luthier who really wants to make a guitar to your exact specifications.

Doing your homework might take time, but it’s worth it. If everything went right, you’ll get the dream guitar that you will enjoy for many years to come.

4. Unsure about your requirements for a custom guitar

Knowing what you want in a custom guitar is key. You need to consider many, many variables. This makes it so hard to conjure up your dream guitar. Do you know all the available options, and do you know exactly what you want for each option?

Here are some tips to help you figure out your requirements:

1. Play different guitars: Try out various models to see what feels right;
   
   
2. List your preferences: Write down what you like and dislike about guitars you’ve played;
   
   
3. Think about your style: Consider the music you play and what features would help.

Your budget matters too, of course. Custom guitars can get pricey, so set a limit before you start.

And also, important, talk to other musicians. They might have ideas you haven’t thought of yet.

By now, it should have become clear not to rush the process. So take your time to research and explore options. 

The more you know, the better your custom guitar will be!

5. Overlooking the importance of wood and materials

When buying a custom guitar, don’t ignore the wood and materials used. These elements shape the sound, feel and looks of your instrument.

Guitar bodies are often made from woods like maple, mahogany, or ash. Each type of wood affects the tone differently. Maple gives a bright sound, while mahogany produces a warmer tone.

The neck wood is crucial too. It impacts playability and sustain. Rosewood and ebony are popular choices for fretboards due to their durability and smooth feel. But maybe a maple fretboard fits you tastes and music style better? Make sure you know.

Don’t forget about the hardware. Quality tuners, bridges, and pickups can make a big difference in your guitar’s performance.

Here’s a quick guide to common guitar woods:

• Alder: Balanced tone;

• Basswood: Light, good for beginners;

• Koa: Rich, sweet sound;

• Walnut: Clear highs, strong lows.

The right materials can turn a good guitar into a great one. Take time to learn about different options before making your choice.

Ask your luthier about the woods they use. They can explain how each material will affect your custom guitar’s sound and feel. Don’t decide quickly on this. Think it over. Ask another luthier for their opinion.

Because once ordered you can’t change anything anymore.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of poor craftsmanship to watch out for in a custom guitar?

Watch for uneven frets, gaps in joints, and sloppy finishes. These can hint at rushed work. 

Check that the neck is straight and the action is comfortable. Poor intonation or buzzing strings may point to setup issues.

Look closely at binding and inlays. They should be neat and flush with the wood. Rough edges or gaps are red flags.

How do I ensure the correct measurements and specifications are met in my custom guitar build?

Talk to your builder about every detail. Get the specs in writing before work starts. 

This includes neck profile, fretboard radius, and body dimensions.

Ask for progress photos during the build. This lets you spot any issues early. 

Don’t be shy about asking questions if something looks off.

Is it essential to have a well-known luthier craft my guitar, or are there reliable alternatives?

Big names aren’t always better. Many skilled luthiers fly under the radar. 

Look for builders with solid reputations and happy customers.

Check online forums and reviews. Guitar magazines often feature lesser-known builders doing great work. 

The key is finding someone who listens to your needs.

What are the key components to pay attention to for maintaining the longevity of a custom guitar?

Keep your guitar clean and humidified. Wipe it down after playing and use a case humidifier in dry climates. 

This prevents cracks and keeps the wood stable.

Get regular setups from a good tech. They’ll spot wear and tear early. 

Pay special attention to frets and the truss rod adjustment.

Proper storage is crucial. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. 

A good case or stand will protect your investment for years to come.