Official Luthiers Forum!

If a customer approache you with a specil request for a build that he/she has plans for including headstock, bridge and body shape, would you do it? Would you say no? Or maybe meet in the middle?

Me?
No.

Depends on the design. Look at it, imagine the build process, structural/acoustic considerations of the bridge and such, and if you want to do it, then do it

But make sure any design elements that require structural planning are set in stone before you start.

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about branding via standard headstock shape and logo inlay. People can always look inside the soundhole if they want to know who made it. But if there's going to be a logo on the headstock, I'd want it to be mine and not the customer's. No info is better than misleading info.

Good answer Todd!

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

Mr. Stock's answer is a good one, I like it.

As for me, since I am basically a repair guy who builds - I do not have a "signature" peghead design. Nearly everything I have built had a peghead shape determined (or approved) by the client.

I am currently planning a new instrument - and not to a client's specs. The peghead design will be something that compliments the whole instrument, not just something to identify me as the maker. I guess you could say approach it more as a sculpture, not as a marketing device.

Have I made any sense?

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

If I had the time I would do it. Charge him for the cost of the guitar and the extra cost/time to you to do the extra things you need to do to build a new model. I would also make it 100% clear no refunds, his design, his risk.

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

If I was in a good mood when they asked I'd politely say no. If I was in a bad mood I'd tell them to build their own guitar.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I would do it, but I will have to sit down with the customer and go over the design considerations. Someone might want me to build them a heart shaped guitar (not electric of course) and I would tell them this isn't possible, etc. but work with him to refine the design into something that works for the musician.

It goes without saying that there will be additional costs to this because there are too many unknowns here, plus time will have to be spent to build a different design than what you're used to.

The only thing I will not do is copy another manufacturer's logo... this is illegal because it is trademark violation. Even if someone wants me to build them a copy of a vintage Martin I will not put "CF Martin" on the headstock.

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com