Looking for a Luthier who can make a replica

designerseye88 · November 2017

Hi, Im thinking about commissioning a high quality replica guitar and was wondering if anyone out there can recommend a UK guitar builder? i have been looking at builders in Europe but would like to keep the project a bit more local. Replicas of this guitar are available to buy but I would rather give the money to someone who has learnt their craft rather than a big corporation plus it would be nice to get something which i have been a part of the decision making process.

Anyways if anyone knows of anybody that is good and reliable please send their details my way.

Thanks

Alex

Teyeplayer · November 2017

Hi and welcome, we’ve got a load of great luthiers here that I’m sure will be able to help you, along with build threads showcasing their work.

What is it you are looking to build?

designerseye88 · November 2017

Ah thanks, Im sure Luthiers hear it all the time but I'm looking to get a replica LP 59 built. Ideally aged.

Thanks

Alex

Moe_Zambeek · November 2017

Calling @richardhomer ;

cj73 · November 2017

^ shall we have a sweep on what he says?

sweepy · November 2017

May I humbly suggest that you get a Gibson R8 or R9 instead of a custom build, apart from the terrible depreciation you’ll have at least an idea what you are buying

cj73 · November 2017

designerseye88 said:

Ah thanks, Im sure Luthiers hear it all the time but I'm looking to get a replica LP 59 built. Ideally aged.

Thanks

Alex

Would you want it to say Gibson on the headstock @designerseye88

CloudNine · November 2017

@MDPhillips ;

Handsome_Chris · November 2017

Is this thread going to descend into one of those Terry Jones arguments?

Corvus · November 2017

@customkits

cj73 · November 2017

Handsome_Chris said:

Is this thread going to descend into one of those Terry Jones arguments?

I'll pay for another 5 minutes

Wolfetone · November 2017

The custom route would be an interesting (and cheaper?) option but I cannot see the advantage unless you were going to specify certain features that weren't present in a Gibson R8/9. What would a decent luthier charge? £3/4k?

I would also refute the belief that reissues aren't made by people that have learned their craft. My understanding is that the custom shop guys are fairly well versed in their work. The results certainly look good to me.

Strat54 · November 2017

I think an expert like @Ossyrocks would be able to point you in the right direction. I would message him. Replica's are a sensitive subject and not always best discussed on here. Good luck.

Sassafras · November 2017

Another forum favourite, MD Phillips.
He can make you anything as long as you've got gigantic hands.

WezV · November 2017

Strat54 said:

I think an expert like @Ossyrocks would be able to point you in the right direction. I would message him. Replica's are a sensitive subject and not always best discussed on here. Good luck.

It does depend on the definition of replica. Replicas with Gibson logo's get a hard time on here, but replicas with the builders logo don't at all.

The other thing to consider is which features of the 59 burst are important to you, as it will massively affect price and availability. To some its the logo. That is illegal, but it is there choice to make.

The big problem with replicas for me is they are often judged by their accuracy to an original, and not their value as a guitar. hence gibson can advertise on the accuracy of its plastics as if its a really big deal.

I make the occasional gibson style guitar (a statement, not an advert. I am not looking for work) I wouldn't class them as replicas and purposely deviate from gibson spec to make sure they don't end up being judged the way replicas are.

So to answer the OP. Might be worth a chat with @customkits or worth a look at @RiftAmps burst thread built by Anthony Ryder
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/107765/ngd-burst/p1

designerseye88 · November 2017

Thanks for all the info, much appreciated

jumping@shadows · November 2017

@designerseye88 PM me my friend, and all will be revealed

FelineGuitars · November 2017

Just in case anyone suggests me - obviously I don't do clones of such guitars and certainly don't entertain putting other makers names on . I am happy to make a Lion with the features that we like making them with , maybe with a colour scheme, neck size and pickup choices that will evoke much of the spirit of such a guitar.

Teyeplayer · November 2017

jumping@shadows said:

@designerseye88 PM me my friend, and all will be revealed

Much better than a clone. We’ve all seen the evidence.

Neil · November 2017

cj73 said:

designerseye88 said:

Ah thanks, Im sure Luthiers hear it all the time but I'm looking to get a replica LP 59 built. Ideally aged.

Thanks

Alex

Would you want it to say Gibson on the headstock @designerseye88

Oh yeah, he'll want the name on it.

57Deluxe · November 2017

Joe Wihte - I have seen a replica of 57 Tele he did as a commission and was superb

https://www.jwhite-guitarworkshops.co.uk/

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Looking for a Luthier who can make a replica

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