Who are your favorite boutique luthiers?

[Fret Me Nought]

Hi all. I own a small guitar shop which I will not name because I don't want this to be flagged as self-promotion. Anyway, I sell gear from many different boutique brands, like Sophia Tremolos, Nova Guitar Parts, Karma Guitar Amps, GT Plectrums, and Foxiepicks to name a few.

So, I'm looking to add some boutique guitars to the shop and wanted to get people's opinions on their favorite builders. I have a lot of connections through my Instagram page, @fret_me_nought, where I share boutique builds from tons of makers, but I want to better understand where the market demand is, who is trustworthy, and who you think I should partner with. I think it would be amazing to collaborate with folks on here for some exclusive runs and would love to know what you guys think.

Initially, I am thinking of working with Boyarsky, Rebirth Guitars who is my good friend and right down the road in Denver, and Days Custom Guitars who I've become closely acquainted with and is actually building a guitar for the shop as we speak. So I don't have a ton of capital to throw at these initial runs, but I thought it would be super cool to collaborate with the folks on here for some ideas. What do y'all think? Who should I partner with? Anyone want to spec out some initial builds with me? Cheers!

 

[thrsher]

Daniel Memory - Oni Guitars deserves all the attention

 

[vark]

KR Custom Guitars

 

[soliloquy]

In no particular order, and I have no experience with them:

Nik Huber

Patrick Eggle

McNaught

 

[ThePIGI King]

KR Custom Guitars

That's awesome! Those 10s are dope, I think it'd be awesome to have the extra high string... but neck dive lol

 

[MetalDestroyer]

My favorites, in order
1. Tom Anderson Guitarworks
2. ESP
3. Ernie Ball Music Man
4. Suhr

If you're a dealer you may be breaking some forum rules

 

[wheresthefbomb]

hear a lot of talk about that Harley Benson fella

 

[vark]

That's awesome! Those 10s are dope, I think it'd be awesome to have the extra high string... but neck dive lol

I just got a headless 10 from him and it’s so perfect

 

[SalsaWood]

Order a Ronciswall and let me know if he's gotten his shit together enough for me to order another one.

Padalka is one I see mentioned around here. Bit flowery for my tastes, but supposedly good instruments.

 

[Fret Me Nought]

Daniel Memory - Oni Guitars deserves all the attention

I am a huge fan of Oni. I've posted quite a few if his builds on the page. Have you played any of his?

 

[Fret Me Nought]

Order a Ronciswall and let me know if he's gotten his shit together enough for me to order another one.

Padalka is one I see mentioned around here. Bit flowery for my tastes, but supposedly good instruments.

Padalka makes some of my all time favorite instruments. I just posted one of his headless builds on the page. I am not sure if he works with retailers though.

I love Ronciswall too. I'd definitely consider his work

 

[Fret Me Nought]

KR Custom Guitars

They are new to me. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Fret Me Nought]

In no particular order, and I have no experience with them:

Nik Huber

Patrick Eggle

McNaught

I am a big fan of Nik and have heard really good things about his work. I even got to try one at another local shop. The craftsmanship is top notch.

I've definitely come across some guitars from McNaught, but I'm not as familiar with his builds.

Can't say I've heard of Patrick Eggle before. I'll take a look into his work. Cheers!

 

[Fret Me Nought]

My favorites, in order
1. Tom Anderson Guitarworks
2. ESP
3. Ernie Ball Music Man
4. Suhr

If you're a dealer you may be breaking some forum rules

I guess we'll see what happens. I love Tom Anderson and Suhr. EB makes some awesome guitars, but I really want to focus on small builders. Thanks for your input!

 

[thrsher]

I am a huge fan of Oni. I've posted quite a few if his builds on the page. Have you played any of his?

I have had two e scales in the past and currently own a straight scale 7 of his

 

[narad]

I am a huge fan of Oni. I've posted quite a few if his builds on the page. Have you played any of his?

We have. I can't much imagine a better guitar, or a better luthier for that matter.

 

[Fret Me Nought]

We have. I can't much imagine a better guitar, or a better luthier for that matter.

Good to know! I appreciate the input

 

[Fret Me Nought]

I have had two e scales in the past and currently own a straight scale 7 of his

Awesome! The fact that there are two of you on here recommending his work is a good sign. I will see if he is open to collaborating.

 

[LunatiqueRob]

I have a build that's almost done with Dean Gordon Guitars (a Virtus Headless model). His designs are some of the most forward thinking out there, playing as much attention to ergonomics as to aesthetics. https://www.deangordonguitars.com/

I also love Simon Padalka's work. Probably the most beautiful modern looking guitars I've ever seen. https://padalka-guitars.com/

Paul Lairat also does some beautiful work (although I like his basses more than his guitars): https://lairat.com/en/

And speaking of basses, I have to mention Rob Allen: https://www.roballenguitars.com/

 

[mehegama]

For metal mostly, Skervesen and Kiiras are producing amazing instruments