Guitar Crafting & Customization

Explore our hands-on reviews of the best bass guitar necks available, with real insights into replacement, custom builds, and tips for every bassist.

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

The first time I saw a guitar with custom inlays, I was mesmerized. The intricate patterns dancing along the fretboard told a story that words couldn’t capture. That moment ignited a passion that would shape my career for the next three decades. As a luthier with an engineering background, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate … Read more

The first time I laid eyes on a rainbow eucalyptus guitar, I was stunned. The vibrant, multicolored streaks dancing across the instrument’s body were unlike anything I’d seen in my years as a luthier. It was as if someone had captured a rainbow and woven it into wood. That moment sparked a journey of discovery … Read more

Did you know that the wood used in a Telecaster guitar body can dramatically alter its sound? As a luthier with decades of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a simple change in body material can transform a Telecaster from a twangy country machine to a warm blues beast. This surprising versatility is just one of … Read more

I never imagined that a discarded cigar box could be the catalyst for my musical journey. Yet, here I am, strumming a 6 string cigar box guitar that I built with my own hands. The first time I heard its raw, bluesy twang, I was hooked. As an engineer turned luthier, I’ve always been fascinated … Read more