What can you expect when ordering a bespoke handbuilt instrument?
Every single Banker is entirely handmade by one individual to a customer's requested specifications. There is no assembly line here, no setup team, no finish department, no shop foreman, and definitely no computers. I handle every single detail of your guitar from designing the concept, cutting the rough lumber, milling and shaping the components, mixing and applying the finish, polishing, cutting pick guards and control covers, designing and creating the control harness and wiring, fretwork, hardware and finish aging, assembly and setup, all the way to making the upholstered form fit inserts that keep your new guitar snug in its case. It is a very involved process that requires skill and precision every step of the way. In other words....it takes time.
Patience is an absolute necessity, I am very deliberate in my process but am also stricken with the curse of being a mere mortal. Things break, environmental factors create challenges, and sometimes my body needs a repair just like my tools do. I have never failed to deliver a guitar to its new owner and I never will, so if you abide by the idea that patience is virtuous and feel you are ready to get started, please keep scrolling...
1. SUBMIT A REQUEST
Complete and Submit the Custom Build Request Form.
2. BUILDER REVIEW
Your request will be reviewed to determine viability and pricing. Please allow 3-5 business days for the review process, Sunny Dog here is real thorough.
3. BUILD SHEET CREATION
If your custom build project is accepted, you will receive a preliminary build sheet that outlines all of the details of the guitar, as well as an estimated completion date and price. Review for any additional info or changes, and remember that some details like pickguards or knobs can be left as “TBD”. Sometimes decisions on those little details are best made during final assembly.
4. DEPOSIT
In order to move forward with your custom build and secure your place in the production queue, a deposit of 40% of the total build price is required. You will receive an email with a link to complete this payment via PayPal. Please note, this deposit serves as a commitment to purchase, and is non-refundable. Once payment is received, your custom build will be assigned a serial number and moved to the production queue.
5. THE WAITING IS THE HARDEST PART
As mentioned earlier, creating a world class instrument entirely by hand takes time, so it's usually best to put it out of your mind for a while. Matt will reach out when your build is underway.
6. COMPLETION, SETUP, & DELIVERY
When your guitar is finished, it will undergo thorough inspection and testing, and receive a professional setup with your desired string gauge and specifications. At this point you will receive an invoice for the remaining balance due, and once final payment is received your new guitar will be packed and shipped
to you. Alternatively, you may choose to schedule a visit to our shop in North Georgia and pick up your guitar in person.
I WOULD ALMOST ALWAYS RATHER BE IN THE SHOP THAN ON A LAPTOP
I understand that everyone likes to daydream and chat about their dream guitar, but that is not what this particular process is for. If you are just browsing, not considering a purchase for another 6 months, waiting on your insurance settlement, waiting for guitars to sell on Reverb, or in ANY POSITION OTHER THAN READY AND WILLING TO PLACE AN ORDER AND COMMIT A DEPOSIT, then please reach out to me via the CONTACT PAGE. As I'm sure your time is also precious, I like to keep unnecessary work to a an absolute minimum.
*Any guitars that we have in stock and ready to ship (which is very rare) will be listed in our shop and labeled as such. In the event we do have a guitar for sale it will be posted on our social media accounts, or our Reverb Shop.*
