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 Home > Learning Center > Custom acoustic guitars

Custom acoustic guitars

Click here to see our selection of Custom acoustic guitars.

The acoustic guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world. They are played by both professional and amateur musicians and can be easily applied to nearly any musical genre. Because these instruments are so popular they can be readily found in nearly any music store; however, if you’re looking for something of a much higher quality than an off-the-shelf model, custom acoustic guitars are the way to go.

Custom acoustic guitars, when made by a qualified luthier, can be truly fantastic instruments. A quality custom model will often have a much higher degree of resonance than anything you can buy at a local music store, thereby producing a clear, warm tone that is a staple of a well built guitar. The overall tone of the guitar can often be adjusted to the tastes of the player through modifications in the type of woods used.

The type of wood that is used to create an acoustic guitar not only affects the sound, but can have a significant impact on the overall look of the instrument. While appearances are not always an important factor when searching for a new instrument, there is no doubt that a guitar that looks as good as it sounds will inevitably be a best seller. Woods that contain curly grain patterns (sometimes referred to as “fiddleback” or “flame”) are commonly used to produce custom acoustic guitars because of their uniquely striking appearance, especially when properly finished. Koa, maple and redwood are just a few of the woods that can exhibit this type of wood grain; with each having its own sonic characteristics.

Many makers of custom acoustic guitars incorporate their own “signature” design features. The unique placement of the sound hole is a common way for luthiers to distinguish their instruments from those of other manufacturers. The traditional acoustic guitar has the sound hole placed directly beneath the strings, in the middle of the sound board. Some of today’s best custom models have created designs that move the sound hole to other locations on the sound board, and in some cases it is moved to the side of the guitar, leaving the sound board as one solid piece.

It is important to keep cost in mind when looking for custom acoustic guitars. Because these instruments are made on an individual basis, and not on a factory floor, they can be quite expensive. Many of the best handmade guitars can sell for thousands of dollars. It’s for this reason that, as a general rule, they are only purchased by professional or experienced guitar players. If you’re just starting out on the instrument, it is highly recommended that you start with a less expensive, off-the-shelf model. Until one gains sufficient knowledge and experience, the differences between a factory-built guitar and a custom model will not be apparent in most cases.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the custom acoustic guitars that are available, it is recommended that you try several out beforehand. Custom guitar manufacturers produce instruments that are completely unique, and as such it sometimes takes some research before you find exactly what you’re looking for. Consulting with other musicians and guitar dealers is a good place to start.

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