Ordering

Buying a guitar can be an overwhelming experience. I encourage you to call (828)398-8704 or contact me by email to custom fit you with a guitar to meet your needs. As a player, I understand the difficulties in choosing an instrument that you will be happy with and I will work closely with you to help determine what will work best for you. If you are within driving distance, I encourage you to come and visit me at the shop. The shop is located at my residence in Swannanoa, NC. If you plan to drop by please call for directions.

Pricing

The price of a standard instrument is currently $6000USD. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required for securing an order for a standard instrument. Instruments with non-standard dimensions, or with added options will require a larger deposit. Currently there is a one and a half year waiting list.

Payment

The deposit is required when the order is placed. You will be contacted when construction of your instrument begins. The balance of payment is required before the instrument is shipped to you, or when picked up. All major credit cards are accepted.

Terms

Any defect in craftsmanship will be repaired without charge for one year after purchase. Any repair performed by anyone other than the builder voids this agreement. The builder is not responsible for any defects caused by abusive handling, those caused by changes in humidity, or improper storage.

Options

Below are a list of options available and the additional cost of each. Non standard dimensions are not considered an option and will not incur additional cost but may require a larger deposit.

Wood
Brazilian rosewood	$2000
European maple	$1000
Macassar ebony	$1000
Madagascar rosewood	$500
Cutaway	$500
Tuners
Rogers	Current price
Alessi	Current price
Custom cases
Cedar Creek	$425
Calton	$775

Only perfectly quarter sawn Brazilian rosewood is used in the shop. This cut of Brazilian rosewood is very difficult to find today and when found it is very expensive, hence the premium. Quarter sawn wood is the most stable cut and most suitable for a guitar. With any other cut of Brazilian the chances of trouble from cracking are far greater and therefore should be avoided.

The European maple is jewel-like in its appearance. These guitars are rapidly becoming the most popular. The combination of look and top notch sound make them irresistible. There are two design schemes that are used with the maple guitars, one uses chechen bindings and bridge, the other bocote. Sound wise they are the same the difference is in the look. The chechen is sort of a golden greenish yellow and this combination with the maple is more subtle than the bocote. The bocote is darker greenish brown with some yellow for a higher contrast look. With age the bocote will go to a deep golden brown.

The Macassar ebony is such a striking look and topped with western red cedar produces a very rich, warm, sound with exceptional clarity. Pearwood goes very well with this kind of ebony and is sometimes used in the rosette and the purflings. The side laminations are also pearwood on the Macassar ebony guitar. The ebony guitars pictured in the gallery have rosettes with an Amboyna burl center ring and the pearwood Greek motif in its center. Typically the bindings on a Macassar ebony guitar are of Gaboon ebony. This combination is very striking and produces a true concert quality sound.

The custom cases are built by the manufacturers to the exact specifications of my guitars. Both brands are high quality cases. The Calton cases are of coarse waterproof.