What to know first
There are quite a few very important factors to consider when purchasing a custom guitar. First, your level of experience and familiarity with guitar playing should be at the point where you feel comfortable basically building a guitar for yourself from scratch. Know how various elements, such as the width and thickness of the neck, can affect the playability. You’ll be making a lot of decisions regarding the customization, so it’s good to know what you want in advance. Second, recognize that this guitar is going to be made especially for you. It won’t be mass-produced in Korea; it will be totally unique. You should expect to compensate your luthier accordingly. If you’re having a guitar made that is perfectly suited to your needs, don’t be afraid to pay for the highest quality. This will likely be the greatest guitar you ever play – skimping here would be a mistake. Which brings us to the third point: Choose your custom guitar maker wisely. Make sure he or she has good recommendations from other guitarists whose work you respect. Play some of the luthier’s guitars before you commit to buying anything. Ask about all of your options (for example, available types of wood), and make sure the luthier is receptive to your feedback and ideas. Work out a deal before you commit to anything. Trusting your guitar maker is key, and will benefit you greatly in the long run.