While we stock a relatively small number of the most common selections, we are able to provide a virtually unlimited hardware selection. We tend to work with Gotoh, Hipshot, and some select OEM hardware, but have no objections to working with any commercially-available brand. Most hardware options are not considered special order even if we do not stock them. However, please understand that availability of certain items can vary, especially for less common finishes / colors.

Bridges

For guitars, we typically use either S-style hardtail bridges (such as the Gotoh GTC102) or N-type TOM-style bridges (such as the Gotoh GE103B-T), both in string-through configurations. We stock inexpensive OEM bridges in those two formats, for both 6- and 7-string guitars, for those on a tighter budget. Other configurations (such as using a tailpiece instead of string-through) and bridges (such as the popular Hipshot model) are available. Note that some bridge selections may incur design fees if their mounting pattern differs from those we already have templated.

For basses, we typically use a traditionally-styled medium-mass OEM bridge, configured for either top-load or string-through. This bridge offers 19mm string spacing in the 4-string configuration and 17mm spacing as a 5-string. As with guitars, we can make use of any commercially-available bridge, but some may incur design fees if their mounting pattern or string spacing varies too far from our existing templates.

Tremolo (vibrato) bridges are also available, though these come at added cost due to the work that is required beyond a hard-tail bridge. We have templates available for traditional S-type and FR-pattern tremolo units, but do not for other designs, which will incur additional design costs as well.

Nuts

We most commonly make our nuts from bleached cattle bone, but other materials are available as well. Note that dyed bone does not present a solid color, but rather offers a speckled appearance, owing to the natural variation in the material. Buffalo horn offers a more consistent appearance for those wanting a natural black option. However, we would generally recommend micarta or another synthetic if you desire a true black nut.

If not specified otherwise, our nuts are cut to fit the string gauges in our standard selections, and evenly spaced on string centers.

For guitars with FR-pattern tremolo bridges, a FR-type nut will be used. This can also be substituted in place of a regular nut on other tremolo-equipped guitars upon request.

Tuners

We recommend locking tuners on all of our guitar builds. We most often use Gotoh and Hipshot tuners, but can get virtually any tuner that is commonly available, with tuner selection mostly limited by headstock design. For example, the spacing on some designs necessitates selecting tuners that have vertical screw holes rather than offset ones. Additionally, most in-line designs cannot accommodate large tuner buttons.

Our standard bass headstock designs are intended to use compact tuners, such as the Gotoh GB707 or Hipshot Ultralite (3/8″). Some designs can accommodate larger traditional-style tuners, but some would require design modifications (and the accompanying costs) to do so.

Miscellaneous

We normally stock dome-top metallic control knobs, but as with everything else, we can use any commercially-available control knob. The main limiting factor is the control potentiometer(s) being used, as some knobs are only available for one or the other of the standard potentiometer shaft sizes.

For strap attachment, we have four basic button styles available: F-style, G-style, mushroom, and XL mushroom. We can also use any strap-locking buttons, including the flush-mounted Dunlop Straplok system. Available button locations vary by both body style and button / lock type.

Colors / Finishes

Virtually all hardware is available in chrome, with most also being available in black or gold. Select items are available in nickel, satin chrome, or black nickel. Please be aware that the less-common finish options can sometimes be unavailable for extended periods of time. If we cannot get a particular finish by the time we have your build scheduled to begin construction, we will alert you with the option to continue waiting, swap to a different finish, or cancel the build (with a refund).

Mixing and matching of entire components of different colors / finishes is generally available at no added cost. For example, having a chrome bridge and black tuners would not incur any additional charges. Mixing and matching of sub-components – including individual tuners within a set – is available, but at additional cost. For example, customizations such as having black saddles on a gold bridge, or having 3 chrome tuners and 3 black tuners would add additional expense.