Excellence in a Guitar
How does the custom build process work?
- Every guitar starts with a conversation.
- We work directly with you to design an instrument that fits your tone, style, and feel. After finalizing the specs:
- You approve the design
- A $300 deposit secures your build slot
- We send progress updates during construction
- You review the finished instrument before shipment
- You’re involved every step of the way!
What does a custom guitar cost?
- Our electric builds start at $850 — giving players access to handcrafted, custom instruments without traditional boutique pricing
- Acoustic guitars start at $1,200
- Your final price depends on woods, hardware, electronics, and custom details. We’ll provide a clear quote before you commit
What types of Wood are used?
- Definitely tone woods
- Exotic hardwoods like Zebrawood, Ziricote, Bubinga, Curly Maple
- Acoustic guitars tops are usually Cedar or Spruce of varying species (like Bearclaw Spruce, Englemann Spruce, Spanish Cedar, Western Cedar)
- Electric Guitar bodies can be made from woods like Ash, Maple, Basswood, Swamp Ash, Alder, Walnut, Mahogany
- The wood selection depends upon the budget for a guitar
Is the deposit refundable?
- Your $300 deposit secures your dedicated build slot and materials. If construction hasn’t started, it’s refundable
- Once materials are cut and work begins, the deposit secures your build time and materials and is non-refundable
How long will my build take?
- Build times vary based on design complexity and current orders anywhere from 3 to 6 months
- We’ll provide an estimated timeline during your consultation
- We prioritize quality over speed
Can I make changes during the build?
- Overall design and requirements must be finalized before construction begins
- Once the build starts, specifications are locked in to ensure structural integrity and timeline accuracy
- Some changes can be made depending upon the stage of the building process and the type of change
Do you repair or set up guitars that weren’t built by EM Guitars?
- Yes — we take on repair and setup work for acoustic and electric guitars regardless of who built them, including fretwork, electronics, bracing repairs, and general setup
- Reach out with details on your instrument and what it needs, and we’ll quote the work
- Repair timelines are typically shorter than custom builds and depend on current shop volume
Can I customize the hardware and electronics on my build?
- Yes — pickups, bridges, tuners, and electronics configurations (including custom wiring, coil-splitting, and pickup combinations) are all part of the design conversation
- We can source premium/boutique hardware or work with parts you already own
- Hardware choice affects final pricing and will be reflected in your quote
What if there’s an issue when I receive my guitar?
- We accept returns within 2 weeks after delivery for:
- Major physical damage
- Significant playability defects
- Photo documentation is required.
- Minor setup adjustments (string height, intonation, etc.) are not considered defects and can be handled by a local technician.
Do you ship internationally?
- Currently, we serve the continental United States only
Ready to Start?
- Custom builds begin with a conversation
- Contact us to discuss your dream guitar
