Who can build me a dream 7-string solidbody?

[AmundLauritzen]

So I've been in the need of a solidbody guitar to get a contemporary sound, yet at the same time wishing for a 7-string guitar for solo jazz guitar arranging so I thought why not smash two birds with one stone?
I've been looking into people building that kind of guitar. Luthiers making these guitars at an affordable price seems to be mostly metal kind of style guitars which I am not interested in. I want a telecaster-esque tone in the style of Ted Greene/Barry Galbraith. You could say a 7-string tele would be my ultimate guitar. Single coils all the way! 7 strings for ultimate bass lines for those duets with singers and also to be able to go into the low register for soloing.

Who can build me a guitar of this kind? I want it to look neutral style wise as I want it to be versatile for a lot of different styles. I am not superficial in terms of guitar looks, but a V-shaped guitar for jazz would look awkward if you get my drift. Suggestions appreciated.
This will be my all around guitar.

[Joe Carlson]

Couple ways to go,
You can build your own with parts from Warmoth:
Warmoth Custom Guitar Parts - Custom bass and guitar bodies and necks

You can buy an Agile and upgrade the electronics:
Agile T-7 Texan 3TS 7 String at RondoMusic.com

If it were me I would probably call Victor Baker and have him build me something. I have two of his guitars and for the first time in years I'm not gassing for something else.

[merritt stone]

Budget?

[AmundLauritzen]

I've admired Victors guitars for quite a while. He is a high quality luthier. My budget would be around $2000. Not much I know if you think in terms of archtops ,but for a solidbody I think it would suffice for a high quality guitar.

I'm not acquainted with building guitars, so I wouldn't be in the position to be able to put together an axe from separate parts. I know some players who have been very satisfied by the warmoth service, but I know jack about putting together those pieces to make an instrument and I don't intend to learn it any time soon. I'm looking for someone who can get high quality materials and put it together to make a versatile axe with a Ted Greene kind of sound for the price of $2000, preferably less.
Any luthiers who can accomplish this feel free to send me a PM. I can negotiate on budget if necessary.

[Jazzman301]

This guy:
Healy Guitars | Handmade Guitars and Repair – Easthampton, MA

Trevor worked at Sadwosky for years and is one hell of a guy and a superior luthier. He is just awesome. Check out his Bio. I know that when he left Sadowsky for other pursuits he left in the position of production manager...
He is at the very least worth getting in touch with. He is always willing to shmooze and talk about guitars and life.

'Mike

[merritt stone]

Originally Posted by AmundLauritzen

I've admired Victors guitars for quite a while. He is a high quality luthier. My budget would be around $2000. Not much I know if you think in terms of archtops ,but for a solidbody I think it would suffice for a high quality guitar.

I'm not acquainted with building guitars, so I wouldn't be in the position to be able to put together an axe from separate parts. I know some players who have been very satisfied by the warmoth service, but I know jack about putting together those pieces to make an instrument and I don't intend to learn it any time soon. I'm looking for someone who can get high quality materials and put it together to make a versatile axe with a Ted Greene kind of sound for the price of $2000, preferably less.
Any luthiers who can accomplish this feel free to send me a PM. I can negotiate on budget if necessary.

2k actually isn't much at all, especially when your talking 7-strings. That's just the reality of custom instruments. Prices usually start around 2500 and go up from their, all depending upon the demand.

Having said that and not wanting to dash any dreams, I'd shoot this guy an email of what you want and have him spec it.
Creston Guitars
I've never affiliated myself with him in any way though, so I can't vouche for him, but he seems like the real deal.

[marcwhy]

A little above your budget, but I'd get a Novax 7-string. This guy has three 7-stringers:


(tiny pic from Novax web site)

Marc

[Hammertone]

You might find a used 7-string Soloway - he posts here - maybe he can chime in.

Or you could contact Marek Witkowski in Poland - he's done some very nice 7-string strat and tele shaped guitars, and I have a few of them. In fact, PM me and we'll talk...maybe I can find some pix around here....

[AmundLauritzen]

Hmm, seems like I have to make changes to the budget. I guess custom guitars will generally be more expensive. Currently investigating Creston's website. Beautiful instruments, and sounded great from this one youtube video I saw. Anyone have personal experience with these guitars?