We use two-piece body construction as standard. We also offer multi-piece (3 or 4) bodies as a cost-saving measure, which are particularly well-suited to builds using opaque finishes. For a limited number of woods, one-piece bodies are also a possibility, though the body shapes can be slightly limited based on the specific piece of wood that is available.

We also offer laminate bodies – a construction technique more often encountered on necks – where several different woods are glued together, providing a unique striped appearance. Smaller strips in laminate bodies have an expanded variety of accent woods to choose from, but any sections that are 1″ or wide must generally come from our normal list.

A separate top may also be chosen, using either the same or a different species of wood. It is strongly recommended to pair a separate top with either binding or an opaque edge finish (including burst finishes with opaque sides), in order to hide the seam line between the top wood and the core wood. Use of a separate top also allows for weight-relief chambering, if desired.

Three general styles of body are available: flat-top, beveled, or carved-top. Flat-top bodies, as their name implies, have a simple flat top. Their edges may be rounded or bound, and my optionally have an arm contour cut on the lower bout. Beveled bodies also have a flat top, but are identified by their sharp beveled sides. In a way, these may be compared to having a contour cut that extends along the entire edge of the body, rather than just the corner of the lower bout. Carved-top bodies have a raised section in the middle where the bridge and pickups are located, and then slope down to the edges in all directions with gentle curves. Note that our carved-top models do not feature a continuously-curved top surface, but have a flat “island” with the bridge and pickups.

Wood Choices – In Stock

The following body woods are currently stocked in our shop.

Wood Choices – Generally Available

Additional woods are generally available for us to order. Note that availability of these woods can vary, and some are considered special-order and require an additional deposit. All one-piece bodies that are not currently in-stock are considered special-order.

Wood Choices – Tops

Any wood that is available for 2-piece or 1-piece construction can be used as a top. The following options are also available for top woods, though not being available as core woods.

We always keep plain maple and flame maple tops on hand. Quilted maple is available by special order only.

At this time we are not offering burls or veneered tops.

Body Thickness

We offer the following body thicknesses. For carved-top bodies, the measurement is the center thickness, with the edges being approximately 1/4″ (6.35mm) lower. Note that since our instruments are finished by hand, all measurements are approximate.

Neck Joint

Though all of our builds feature bolt-on neck construction, we do offer several different options for the actual neck joint.

• Standard Plate
  • The standard rectangular neck plate common throughout the industry.
• Curved Plate
  • A neck plate that is curved on the lower section, with the body side curved to match.
  • Note that this option is unfortunately not available left-handed, as we do not have a source for such plates.
• Rounded
  • Individual recessed ferrules for each neck screw, with the body side of the heel being rounded off, but not seamless with the neck.
• Carved
  • Individual recessed ferrules for each neck screw, with the body side of the heel being blended into the neck.

Pickguards

Any of our builds can be had with or without a pickguard of any style. A wide variety of materials are available, including single solid colors, multi-ply solids, pearloids, and faux tortoise.

Body Options

• Edge Radius
  • We can vary the degree of round-over on the body edges, from just barely breaking the edge to being fully round. Please be aware that a larger edge radius can limit the available options if you want a side-mounted output jack.
  • Not available for beveled bodies or V-type body shapes. Not applicable to the top edge on carved-top bodies.
• Binding
  • Top and/or bottom binding can be added. We stock solid-color binding in black, white, and cream. Multi-ply binding is also regularly available, and certain complex patterns (such as faux tortoise) are available for special order.
  • Note that we do not offer wood binding at this time.
  • Not available for beveled bodies. Selecting binding for an edge is incompatible with selecting an edge radius for the same.
• Arm Contour
  • The body-side of the lower bout can be contoured to provide additional comfort for those who prefer it. We can vary both the depth and extent of the contour. If you choose this option, we will discuss this variability during the planning phase. Depending upon your specific desires for this feature, we may also follow up during the building phase with work-in-progress photos for you to weigh in on further.
  • Not available for beveled bodies, carved-top bodies, or V-type body shapes.
• Belly Cut
  • The middle back of the body can be carved out for those who prefer how the body sits with such a cut. As with the arm contour, we can vary the depth and extent of the belly cut, following up with you in the same manner.