Custom Builds & Repairs

[seanlowe]

So, been repairing guitars for a long while, decided to at least make some cash from it - No website etc yet, however im in the uk, close to lincoln, so if you have repair needs feel free to pm/mail me and we can sort something out.

Price estimates (as a general guide, please dont take these as quotes as it may change per instrument.)

Refrets - £70-100
Setups - £20-30
Electronics repairs/upgrades - £20-£50
Certain finish repairs considered, though pm me as some are just not profitable :S


Now, on to the more interesting area - new builds. Right now I'm moderately poor, so I'd certainly need to work out some system of deposit/s on new builds - i could not afford to buy the materials for a new build.

As this is a new area for me, however, I can say that I can (for the first few builds at least) offer very very good rates. I'm aware I have nothing to showcase to show my quality of work, this is why i need something to start me off. I have been through every process involved with a build, just haven't had a chance to put them all in one place.

I have a handful of ideas and a sort of price guide for instruments aimed more towards jazz:

Ergonomic - I have plans for a klein-style ergonomic telecaster build. Headless maple neck, swamp ash body, hand wound or your specification for p/ups. String clamping fixed bridge (far smaller and lighter than steinberger or ABM equivalents.) Depending on quality of materials, figuring of woods, kind of electronics, £450-£800.

Ric-style - a rickenbacker type semihollow, laminated (maybe maple/walnut/maple etc) throughneck into a maple body. Should be a lovely bright sound. Thinking something like slightly tinted neck & body with brass binding would look elegant. Again, depending on materials, £400-700.

Bowlback archtop - Just starting a prototype, very excited about this. Consider Ovation acoustics style bowled back, really comfortable, focusses sound nicely with fiberglass back. This would be a carbon-fiber backed 17" archtop. Carved spruce top, maple neckthrough taking the place of neck and tailblocks, lining up to be a really strong build with the tone-depth or a big old box, with the bright response of a tele. mats depending, £450-900+.


These prices wont be around for long, and obviously are just examples. Essentially, these are just prices for the materials. If you have ideas and want a word or a quote feel free of course. I've played jazz for a long time, taught by some great players, so I know the kind of thing people around here will love. These estimates are far less than a quarter of what most luthiers would charge for similar instruments.

With any new business (as well as established,) obviously some trust is going to be involved, myself on not getting entrenched in a project that someone cant come through with their end on, yourselves on spending your hard earned cash. As i say, PM me if you would like to ring me at some point or if you are local, come over and we can work something out. I am a real person, not just 'the internet.'