Commissioning your Flame Guitar

Let me build your dream guitar

There are a number of reasons why people commission a hand-built, custom guitar. Maybe you have owned a few guitars and are looking for something a bit different, or draws together the best of what you like from each guitar. Or maybe the thought of creating your own, unique, guitar excites you; with your choice of tonewoods, pickups, hardware, neck width and thickness. The options you can’t get from the big guitar manufacturers.

There is a lot to consider when commissioning a guitar, but ultimately it should be fun and I will try to make the process as easy as possible.

Let’s talk!

Most commissions start with quite a length discussion. This is a really important part of the process. During that discussion I will try and understand what type of guitar you are after. Don’t worry if you are not clear at the start of the process quite what you are after. It will become clear as we talk through various options. From those initial discussions I will suggest scale length, choice of tone woods, pickups and various hardware options.

Putting together the specification

Another really important step in the process. Following the initial discussions I will put together a detailed specification. This will list all aspects of the final build. It may go through several versions before it is finalised. For me it is really important that both parties fully understand what they are committing to. It also avoids any unforeseen misunderstandings further down the build process.

Starting the build and payments

Once the specification has been agreed and we are ready to start the build, I will ask for payment of one third of the final cost of the build. As the build progresses I will endeavour to keep you updated and send occasional photographs of the build. Prior to applying the finish to the guitar, whether that be in lacquer or oil, I will ask for payment of a further third to be made.

Finishing the build

Once the guitar is finished, and if this is possible, I will invite you to collect the guitar. This will give an opportunity to adjust the string height so that it is just right for you. Assuming that you are happy with the guitar final payment will be made.

At all stages of the build I will endeavour to keep you informed about progress and aim to make the whole experience an enjoyable one for you.

Please contact me should you wish to discuss the commissioning of a Flame custom guitar.