Ordering

If you have any questions about your instrument, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to provide assistance and support whenever you need it.

My order forms have selectable dropdown fields which list various options and their costs.

Not every possible option is listed so if you are interested in an element not listed, please inquire.

I periodically raise my prices at random intervals, be it the base price or option costs according to the market & inflation.

Guitar order form
Ukulele order form

  • Strings

    Guitars: StringJoy or D’Addario 12-53.

    Ukes: Oasis Bright Flourocarbon.

    Setup

    My standard instrument setups are listed below, however I vary the action and neck relief according to owner’s playing style.

    Nut string slots- As low as I can possibly go without buzzing.

    Intonated to within 5 cents (open string / fretted 12th fret).

    Guitars:

    Action 5/64.

    Neck relief- 0.002”- 0.005” thou.

    Classical guitars

    Action- 2.5mmish- 3.5mmish

    Neck Relief- 0.005”-0.010”

    Ukuleles:

    Action- 2.5mm

    Neck Relief- 0.005”-0.010”

  • All finishes are tonally the same when applied very thin.

    My sprayed Gloss finishes are in the 0.003”-0.005” thick range.

    Satin finishes will be thinner than gloss finishes.

    Sunbursts will get a few more safety clear coats than a clear gloss.

    Tru-Oil or French polish offers the thinnest possible finish (0.001”) which is tonally beneficial but wood will dent easy.

    Non plasticized nitro will crack (with my help or naturally) for a relic look. It’s probably splitting hairs, but I feel that a broken/checked finish film helps tonally.

    I feel Finish Combinations (eg Tru oil or french polish for the top and urethane or nitro everywhere else is probably the best combo for tone and durability.

  • My standard fret wire is either 0.080” or 0.090” wide x Medium Tall.

    Evo gold wire is available for an upcharge but only to pair with gold hardware

    Stainless frets are a $100 upcharge.

    Bar frets (with traditional ebony neck reinforcement or modern double action truss rod) also available for an upcharge.

  • An initial non refundable deposit of $500 for ukuleles and $1000 for guitars is required for me to officially enter your name onto my waitlist.

    Your deposit also locks in the cost of the base price of your instrument. as well as any custom additions I build such as cutaways, arm bevel etc.

    The deposit doesn’t lock in the cost of external custom upgrades such as custom tuners (eg Rodgers), pickups, custom cases (eg Calton) etc might go up price between deposit and instrument completion.

    Lastly, I do not upcharge such custom additions as Rodgers tuners etc I either simply charge market price or get the customer to buy it.

  • I’m flexible with payments but typically:

    1st payment: When I begin the build.

    2nd payment: When I start applying finish to the instrument.

    3rd payment- All remaining balance due and all SHIPPING costs prior to shipping the instrument.

    All applicable import taxes, duties, or tariffs are the responsibility of the buyer.

  • I warranty my instruments for 4 years. This is what Rolls Royce offer and they are the epitome of quality and luxury, and also made of steel, not 0.080” of wood susceptible to humidity and falling off walls.

  • I build (and repair) at around 38% relative humidity.

    While the typical number you see is 45-55%, I have seen far too many instruments (both vintage and modern) damaged from owners not humidifying their instruments (myself included!).

    A lack of humidity damages an instrument far quicker and more extensively than exposing it to a environment in the 60-70% humidity range.

    Simply put, building and repairing at a lower humidity is smarter and safer bet for the longevity of any instrument.

    Damage (eg cracks etc) to the instrument from any humidity issue (too much, too little) is not covered under warranty.

  • My standard tuners are Waverly (16:1) or Schertler (18:1) open back tuners. I also offer Rickard banjo tuners (10:1) for a 1930’s look on guitars.

    The ultimate upgrade is a set of Rodgers tuners which are supremely excellent and superior in every way.

    I can accommodate any other quality tuner brand and style (eg Gotoh 510’s).

  • Pickups I recommend:

    K&K Pure mini (with matching preamp)

    LR BAGGS HIFI & HIFI Duet.

    Fishman Matrix.