Guitar Crafting & Customization

Discover a proven process for applying Tru Oil guitar finish, with insider tips, real-world application techniques, and expert guidance for flawless results.

Discover the real-world benefits of bone guitar nuts, expert installation tips, upgrade advice, types, and how to pick the best nut for your instrument.

Discover expert advice on guitar pedal enclosures, from buying tips and enclosure types to hands-on DIY and customization options that fit every musician.

A luthier’s hands-on approach to guitar crackle finishes: discover expert techniques, DIY methods, and insider tips for stunning vintage paint jobs.

Discover expert tips, tested products, and common pitfalls for customizing your guitar’s headstock with decals. Unlock your style with pro insights.

As I ran my fingers across the fretboard of a vintage Martin, I was struck by the shimmering abalone inlays that caught the light. In that moment, I realized that guitar inlay materials are more than mere decoration—they’re the soul of an instrument’s visual appeal. With nearly three decades as a luthier and an engineering … Read more

The first time I held a mahogany guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. The rich, warm tones that emanated from its body were unlike anything I’d heard before. As a luthier with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve come to understand the profound impact that mahogany has on a guitar’s sound and performance. … Read more

The first time I held a sapele wood guitar, I was skeptical. Could this lesser-known African tonewood truly rival the revered mahoganies and rosewoods that had dominated guitar craftsmanship for centuries? Little did I know that this encounter would spark a journey of discovery, challenging everything I thought I knew about guitar tonewoods. As an … Read more

I still remember the day I first laid eyes on a hollow body guitar kit. As a seasoned luthier, I thought I’d seen it all, but this unassuming box held the promise of something extraordinary. Little did I know that this encounter would revolutionize my approach to instrument building and spark a passion that would … Read more

The first time I held an Okoume wood guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. The instrument’s weight, or rather its lack thereof, caught me off guard. As I strummed the strings, a warm, resonant tone filled the room, defying my expectations for such a lightweight wood. That moment sparked a journey of discovery … Read more