Morrison
CUSTOM'S
Morrison
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"Building and designing my own custom guitar was my dream. Now with those skills acquired in pursuit of that goal I want to help you design and build an electric guitar that you can truly call your own."
Please fill out the form below to request a consultation.
Custom Guitar Considerations
Scale Length
The scale length of a stringed instrument is probably the most important detail to determine when it comes to designing any guitar.
The scale length is determined by the distance between the guitar nut and the bridge. Once a scale length is determined then the locations of the frets can be calculated. Websites, like StewMac, have online calculators to help any builder layout frets relative to their own scale length. The 12th fret of any guitar demarks the location of the middle point on the scale length. In other words, if the scale length of a stringed instrument is 24", then the distance from the bridge to the 12th fret is 12". The same can be said for the distance from the nut to the 12th fret, which again is 12".
The larger the scale length the longer the neck will be. As the scale length grows, so too does the distance in-between the individual frets. This immensely changes the feel of the instrument. Guitar chords or licks that stretch more than 4 frets are more difficult the play at the lower end of the fretboard when the scale length is greater. However, at the higher end of the fretboard the greater distances between the frets result in more room for your fingers to meet their targets.
In addition to the physical differences that result in a changing scale length the tonal characteristics change as well. Please continue reading the following 'Bolt-On or Set-In Neck?' section of this page for a continuation of this topic.
Bolt-On or Set-In Neck
The main differences between a set-in neck and a bolt-on is the fact that a set-in neck is glued into place.
Why choose Set-In?
A set-in neck theoretically should result in greater sustain from your instrument due the tight joinery between the body of the guitar and the neck. Traditionally Gibson Les Paul's are configured in this style.
Theoretically greater sustain should be gained from a set-in neck, however, this isn't always the case. Often times a Fender Strat with a bolt on neck can have better sustain over the Gibson counterpart. This might be due in-part to the fact that the scale length on a Fender guitar is greater than that of a Gibson Model. Because the scale length is almost a full inch greater, the string length on a fender guitar is longer which means there is more mass being moved when the string is plucked. The greater mass has more momentum to keep the string vibrating resulting in greater sustain.
Why choose Bolt -On?
Many Luthiers and guitar builders often choose to build their guitars with Bolt-On necks due to the main benefit of being replaceable. If a bolt-on guitar neck were to ever break or be found to be defective, it can easily be replaced. A set-In neck would require destroying much of the build to replace a bad guitar neck. It would often be easier to replace the entire guitar instead of trying to replace just the neck. Because of the cost-benefit of the bolt-on neck it is more beneficial to have an easily replaceable neck at the expense of a possible loss in sustain.
Which one does Morrison Custom's prefer?
Here at Morrison Custom's, it is preferred to use a set-in neck. Even though the risk of failure for a guitar build is greater we believe that the feel of a set-in neck and the potential for greater sustain
is more important than the risk of a neck going bad. We stand behind our craftsmanship and our ability to produce quality, stable, guitar necks. However, there is nothing wrong with buying a guitar with a bolt-on neck. It all comes down to your own determination of the cost benefit analysis and your preference as a guitar player.
Wood Selection
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What to Expect When Ordering
So you have decided to order a Morrison Custom electric guitar. Congratulations!
Upon receiving a submission for consultation Morrison Custom's will reach out at your designated date and time. During that time we will discuss options for your custom guitar and we will help guide you through the build process.
Please note: All Guitars are made to order.
Deposit Requirements:
- Signature Morrison Custom: $1000.00
- Seiffert Classic: $1000.00
- Lefkus Custom: $1000.00
- Build Your Own: $1500.00
Lead Times:
- Morrison, Seiffert, & Lefkus Guitars: ~3 Months
- Build Your Own Guitar: ~4 Months
During the build process we will update you on a weekly basis on the progress of your guitar and when appropriate add pictures and videos for you to follow along.