Planning Your Custom Guitar
What to know before you commission a handmade instrument
Bear in mind that your answers to these questions do not need to be definite, but it is useful to consider these point before we chat.
1. What Matters Most to You?
A custom guitar isn’t just about materials — it’s about fit. Ask yourself:
What playing style do I focus on? (Fingerstyle, flatpicking, strumming?)
What kind of tone do I love? (Warm and woody, bright and responsive, deep and open?)
What physical feel do I prefer? (Neck profile, body size, string tension?)
What should my guitar look like? (Aesthetics can make or break your relationship with an instrument)
This helps shape everything from body shape to tonewood selection.
2. The Role of Tonewoods
The wood you choose affects both sound, feel and looks. Here's a simplified starting point:
Spruce: Bright, clear, and responsive - great for detail.
Cedar: Softer, warmer tone - ideal for fingerstyle techniques.
Mahogany: Woody and dry, with great midrange.
Rosewood: Rich and overtone-heavy - bold and lush.
We’ll discuss what suits your playing and tone goals best. If it’s possible for you to visit the workshop we can go through the material options together.
3. A Guitar That Fits You
Comfort matters. You’ll play better if the guitar fits:
Body shape and depth should match your posture and playing habits.
Scale length and string spacing can be adjusted for hand size and technique.
Neck shape can be fine-tuned for grip and feel.
Do you need a cutaway? An arm bevel? A Manzer wedge?
4. Design Details That Matter
This is your chance to make the guitar truly yours. Consider:
Rosette and purfling design
Inlay or engraving (or keeping it minimal)
Headstock shape, finish style, binding preferences
All of these reflect your taste - and help create an heirloom piece.
5. What to Expect from the Process
Commissioning a custom guitar is collaborative. Here's how it usually works:
We start with a 15–30 minute call to discuss your goals and ideas.
You’ll get a written proposal with specs and price confirmation.
A deposit confirms your place in the build schedule.
Throughout the build, I’ll share updates and photos.
Once complete, the guitar is set up to your preferences and delivered ready to play.
Ready to Explore?
There’s no pressure to commit. If you're curious, the first step is a simple conversation.
Let’s talk about what you need - and whether a Swannell guitar might be right for you.
Fill in the form below to book a free 15-minute call