General Options


Choose Left or Right Hand

A right handed guitar player uses his/her right hand to pick or strum the strings, while their left hand presses the strings against the neck. Left handed guitar players are the opposite.

Choose Number of Strings

A standard guitar comes with 6 strings. A standard bass guitar comes with 4 strings. If you are just starting out, you should stick with 6-string guitar, or 4-string bass. Some players want more strings on their instruments so they can expand the range of notes they can play. This expanded range can be lower notes, higher notes, or both.

Choose Scale Length

There is not one standard guitar scale length, but the three most common are 24.75", 25.00" and 25.50", and they are known to be used by Gibson, PRS and Fender, respectively. If you are just starting out, you should choose any one of the three scale lengths mentioned above. If you are tuning your guitar down, we recommend choosing a Baritone Scale Length, which is any scale length longer than 25.50".

For bass guitar, the most common scale length is 34.00". If you are just starting out, you should choose 34.00". Some players with relatively small hands will prefer a short scale bass because it is smaller and easier to play. We offer a 30" short scale length for this purpose.

Choose Construction Method

The construction method refers to how the guitar neck is attached to the guitar body. There are three ways to attach the neck to the body:

  1. Bolt-on: this is the most economical construction method where the neck is attached to the body with 4 large screws
  2. Set-Neck: this is a slightly more expensive construction method where the neck is permanently attached to the body with glue
  3. Neck-Through-Body: this is the most expensive construction method where the entire neck and body are constructed from the same piece (or pieces) of wood.

We don't believe any construction method is necessarily better than another construction method in terms of how the instrument sounds and performs. However, you should consider the following facts:

  • Bolt-on necks can be easily replaced if broken
  • Set-neck and Neck-Through-Body necks cannot be easily replaced if broken.
  • Set-neck and Neck-Through-Body instruments require a higher level of craftsmanship.


Body


Choose Body Shape

We recommend you choose the shape that appeals to you most. Unlike acoustic and classical guitars, the shape of an electric guitar or bass does not significantly affect the way the instrument sounds or performs. Choose from our existing body shapes, or, send us a drawing of your original design - we can build that, too!

Choose Body Core Wood

All our instruments are handcrafted from quality tone woods. If you're just starting out, we recommend you choose the wood that appeals to you most based on its appearance, and don't worry too much about how the type of wood affects the sound or performance of the instrument.

* The type of body wood used can affect the way an instrument sounds, but it does not make as big of an impact on the sound when compared to other aspects of the guitar, such as the pickups.

Choose Body Top

Body tops are optional. If you're just starting out, you should either skip this option, or choose the veneer top that appeals to you most. We offer veneer tops (paper-thin layer of wood) and cap tops (thick layer of wood). Most people will add a top to their instrument because of the top’s naturally beautiful appearance. Some people will add a top to their guitar because it can affect the overall sound of the instrument, too (only applies to cap tops, not veneers).

Choose the Color for Body Top

Choose the color you want for the body top. You can choose the color for the sides and back of the body later. You can choose whether you want the color to be solid, transparent, metallic, or gloss, and matte in a later step.

Choose the Color for Body Sides and Back

Choose the color you want for the sides and back of the body. You can choose between solid, transparent, metallic, or gloss, and matte in a later step.

Choose the Kind of Color

We offer three kinds of colors:

  1. Natural - choose this if you want to see the wood grain and natural color
  2. Transparent - choose this if you want to see the wood grain
  3. Solid - choose this if you do not want to see the wood grain
  4. Metallic - choose this if you do not want to see the wood grain, and if you want highly-reflective metal flakes mixed in with the color

You can choose between gloss and matte (satin) finishes in a later step.

Choose the Kind of Finish

We offer two kinds of finish:

  1. Gloss - choose this if you want your guitar to have a very shiny, highly-reflective surface
  2. Matte (Satin) - choose this if you want your guitar to have a slightly shiny, slightly-reflective surface

You may want to consider the following facts:

  • Gloss finishes attract fingerprints
  • Gloss finishes can be easily buffed to remove light surface scratches
  • Satin finishes do not attract fingerprints as much as gloss finishes
  • Satin finishes cannot be as easily buffed to remove light surface scratches compared to gloss finishes

* The type of finish can affect the way an instrument sounds, but it does not make as big of an impact on the sound when compared to other aspects of the guitar, such as the pickups


Neck


Choose Neck Wood

The neck wood is used for the headstock and for the back of the neck (where your thumb rests when playing the instrument). Be careful not to confuse the neck wood with the fretboard wood, as they are separate and different. All our necks are handcrafted from quality tone woods. If you're just starting out, we recommend you choose the wood that appeals to you most based on its appearance, and don't worry too much about how the type of wood affects the sound or performance of the instrument.

* The type of neck wood can affect the way an instrument sounds, but it does not make as big of an impact on the sound when compared to other aspects of the guitar, such as the pickups.

Choose Fretboard Wood

The fretboard wood is used for the part where the frets are installed (front of the neck, where you press on the strings). All our fretboards are built from quality tone woods. If you're just starting out, we recommend you choose the wood that appeals to you most based on its appearance, and don't worry too much about how the type of wood affects the sound or performance of the instrument.

* The type of fretboard wood used can affect the way an instrument sounds, but it does not make as big of an impact on the sound when compared to other aspects of the guitar, such as the pickups.

Choose the Color for the Back of Neck

Choose the color you want for the back of the neck. You can choose between solid, transparent, metallic, or gloss, and matte in a later step.

Choose the Number of Frets

There is not one standard # of frets, but the three most common are 21, 22 and 24 frets. The extra frets simply mean you can play some additional high notes. If you are just starting out, you will probably be just fine choosing 21, 22 or 24 frets. But, you should probably avoid the fretless option unless you're specifically learning how to play fretless instruments.

Choose the Size of the Frets

The frets are the little metal pieces that are installed in the instrument's neck. Frets do not make a significant difference in the sound of the instrument. They come in various sizes and materials. If you're just starting out, we recommend choosing Medium size frets made of Nickel-Silver. For a more scalloped feel, we recommend Extra Jumbo size frets. For increased durability (wear-and-tear), we recommend Stainless Steel frets. Some customers have reported stainless steel frets to be very slippery and brighter sounding when compared to nickel-silver frets – this could be a good, or a bad thing depending on the player.

Choose the Inlays

The inlays are the little shapes that are installed in the instruments neck/fretboard. Inlays do not make a significant difference in the sound of the instrument. They come in various shapes and materials. Inlays allow a player to quickly see where certain positions are located on the fretboard. They are also a great way to decorate, or personalize an instrument. Choose among our existing inlays designs, or send us a drawing of your own designs. Some popular inlay designs are band logos, initials, corporate brand logos, or tribal designs.

Choose the Inlay Color

The inlay color does not make a significant difference in the sound of the instrument. We use acrylic material for black, white and pearl white color. We use genuine abalone shell for abalone color.

Choose Shape of Headstock

We recommend you choose the headstock shape that appeals to you most. The shape of the headstock does not significantly affect the sound or performance of the instrument. Some of our headstock shapes are pointier, which means they can get damaged more easily when dropped or bumped. Choose from our existing shapes, or, send us a drawing of your original design - we can build that, too!

Choose the Color for the Headstock

Choose the color you want for the headstock face. You can choose the color for the back of the neck later. You can choose between solid, transparent, metallic, or gloss, and matte in a later step.


Components


Choose the Tuners

The tuners are crucial components on all guitars and basses. They are installed in the guitar's headstock and they secure one end of the string (the other end is secured by the guitar’s bridge). There are two types of tuners:

  1. Non-Locking
  2. Locking

Locking tuners are always better than non-locking tuners, but they are more expensive.
It is easier to install strings and easier to keep strings in tune with locking tuners.
If you can afford locking tuners, then we always recommend them over non-locking tuners.

Choose the Bridge Type

The bridge is a crucial component on all guitars and basses. It is installed on top of the body and it secures one end of the strings (the other end is secured by the tuning keys).

There are two types of bridges:

  1. Fixed Bridge
  2. Tremolo Bridge

If you're just starting out, we recommend choosing Fixed Bridge. They are easier to keep in tune and maintain. If you plan on using a whammy bar, then choose Tremolo Bridge.

Choose the Bridge Brand

There are hundreds of different bridges available on the market. If you’re just starting out, then we recommend choosing the Custom Top Guitars fixed bridge.

Here are some facts to consider when choosing among the other bridges:

  • Tone Pros Tune-o-Matic bridges have a locking feature to stabilize the bridge pieces onto the guitar body. They can be used on both flat top and carve top bodies.
  • Hipshot Hardtail bridges are an excellent choice for flat top bodies. They are not recommended for carve top bodies.
  • Evertune bridges are designed to keep your guitar in tune forever, and they do! Evertune bridges do not require any battery power or special robot gears. It is a passive, all-mechanical solution and can be installed on both flat top and carve top bodies.
  • Hannes bridges are designed to be extremely comfortable, and to maximize each string’s sound characteristics. This bridge is not recommended for carve top bodies.
  • Floyd Rose Tremolo bridges feature a double-locking system for the ultimate in tuning stability. They have the widest range-of-motion. If huge dive-bombs and harmonic pull-ups are mandatory, then we recommend the Floyd Rose
  • Kahler Tremolo bridges feature 6-way adjustable string saddles, which really allow you to dial in your string action and intonation. They have a fairly wide range-of-motion, but less than the Floyd Rose. The Kahler’s have a smoother feel compared to the Floyd Rose, and also have a convenient locking mechanism to convert the bridge into a fixed bridge.
  • Hipshot Tremolo bridges are simple, yet very effective. They have great tone and stay in tune well. They are a more compact system and are great for most tremolo users

Choose the Pickup Configuration

The Pickups are crucial components on all guitars and basses. They significantly affect the sound of an instrument. They are installed in the instrument’s body. If you’re just starting out on guitar, choose Humbucker pickups if you are playing hard rock and metal styles; choose Single Coil pickups if you are playing country and blues styles.

For guitar, there are two common types of pickups:

  • Humbucker (H) – generally have a thicker sound, higher output, and work well for most styles including hard rock/metal
  • Single-Coil (S) – generally have a kind of “twangy” sound, lower output, and work well for most styles, especially country and blues. Not typically used for hard rock and metal, but this is not a rule.

For bass, we offer four common types of pickups:

  • P Style – generally have a “fat, slightly hollow tone”. Commonly used in the neck position.
  • J Style – generally known to have a brighter sound. Commonly used in the bridge and neck position.
  • Humbucker – generally have a fuller sound with an emphasis on lows and mids. Commonly used in the bridge and neck position.
  • MM Style – generally have a cleaner tone, a lot of attack and bite, increased highs and lows. Commonly used in between the bridge and neck position, or in the “sweet spot”.

Choose the Pickup Brand

There are hundreds of different pickups available on the market. If you’re just starting out, we recommend choosing Custom Top Guitars pickups.

Choose the Color of the Hardware

The hardware color does not affect the sound or performance of the instrument. It is cosmetic only. Choose the color that appeals to you most. This color will then be used on all hardware, which include screws, nuts, washers, switches, tuners, bridges, and knobs.

Special Options

Choose Optional Upgrades

  • Strap Locks – these enable you to lock your guitar strap onto your guitar. Without strap locks, your guitar strap is at risk of slipping off, which could result in damage. We highly recommended strap locks if you dance or jump around while performing on stage with your guitar.
  • Your Signature on Headstock – this is a great way to personalize your custom guitar or bass!
  • Pick Guard – these are generally made of plastic material and they help protect your instrument’s finish from the constant contact with your guitar pick and fingertips. Pick guards are also decorative. Some classic guitar designs don’t look the same without the pick guard!
  • Custom Graphics – this is a great way to personalize your custom instrument. Some common graphics are corporate brand logos, band logos, family names, tribal designs, blood splatter, camouflage, just to name a few… Send us your design and we’ll put it on your instrument!