We love the work of the Fender Custom Shop; they are undoubtedly producing some of the most excellent electric guitars on the market. Considering they are one of the few who wrote the book on what an electric guitar is, this 1955 relic’d reissue feels, looks, and sounds incredible. It features a full neck profile and handwound ’55-style single-coil pickups. This instrument has the quintessential Stratocaster vibes. It’s been relic’d, so you don’t have to baby the finish, and it already feels well-worn and played-in. This is a lot of electric guitar mojo for the price. Dressed in Faded Fiesta Red, this guitar would look and sound good in anyone’s guitar stable. Oh and by the way, it was signed by Stratocaster master John Cruz.

Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, strat, jimi, srv, jeff beck, surf, vintage, vibe, funk, r&b, john cruz

This 2013 Fender Custom Shop “50th Anniversary ’54” Stratocaster, dressed in a relic’d Aztec Gold, is something to look at and, frankly, to listen to. The Stratocaster is one of the most iconic instruments in the world, spanning generations and genres alike. This specimen, however, has an undeniable surf rock vibe to it. Perhaps it’s the illustrious gold hue or even the delightfully oxidized paint from the relicing process. Handwound ’54 single-coil Stratocaster pickups and gold hardware. Incredibly figured birdseye Maple neck and fingerboard. What more could an electric guitarist want?!

Other keywords/misspelllings: Luthier, lutherie, strat, dick dale, 5 way,

A first for us from the bench of James Macdonald, this guitar named “Steal This Book” is one of three in a series crafted by Macdonald, dedicated to counterculture literature. *Steal This Book* by Abbie Hoffman was an exemplification of the 1960s counterculture and quickly sold more than a quarter million copies. The number of books stolen is unknown. This book was quite influential for James Macdonald. In his own words:

“I first came across Abbie Hoffman’s offering in the paperback rack of my local library when I was a seventh grader in the early seventies. I flipped through the pages and saw some sort of instructions on how to make a Molotov Cocktail. As one who spent a lot of time as a kid setting off firecrackers, this looked like fun. I remember giving the library a quick once over and feeling the urge to do as Abbie said—steal the book! My better angels won out that day, and I left it behind. My marquetry tells a different story—*Steal This Book* in the act of being stolen. What a radical name for a book!”

This instrument features astounding marquetry work; the attention to detail here is quite staggering. The headstock veneer references yet another book, the anti-war classic *Johnny Got His Gun* by Dalton Trumbo. The body is Honduran mahogany, with a figured walnut top and a variety of woods making up the marquetry: maple, holly, satinwood, smoked eucalyptus, butternut, and Sitka spruce. Aesthetics aside, this guitar actually sounds incredible, offering classic Les Paul tones. The Sheptone Red Headed Stepchild humbuckers can sing soothingly or scream raucously.

Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, PAF, grover, art, guitar, 2021,

From 2022, this PRS Private Stock Singlecut 594 features a striking Koa top paired with a Mahogany body. The fingerboard is Brazilian Rosewood, adorned with meticulously etched Mother of Pearl bird inlays. Curly Maple bindings trace the body and fingerboard, outlining this powerhouse of an electric guitar with elegance and precision.

Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, handmade, maryland, lp, tremonti, santana, 22-340915