Gordon-Smith Guitars

Support

Click on an FAQ below to find out more information. If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us here and we'll try to help you as much as we can.

• Can you build me a customized guitar?

  Basically (other than substituting other makes of hardware), the answer is No. Hand built guitars are of course inherently expensive, but we try to make our guitars affordable to most by sticking to standard formats. We pride ourselves on making one of the best playable and reliable guitars on the market for those who take their playing seriously.

  As Dave Burrluck of Guitar Magazine once said... ‘in terms of playability and sound per pound, I believe there's nothing that can beat them.’ He summed up our philosophy right there. So, if you just want a work of art to hang on the wall I'm afraid we can't help.

• Do you build left handed guitars?

  Yes we do and unlike most other makes we do not charge any extra on any of the models.

• Do you make Acoustic guitars?

  No. We do however make two guitars which are available in semi solid and semi acoustic versions. The Gypsy and the Galaxy.

• Do you build 12 Strings?

  Yes. 12 string is available as an option on most models. The cost is currently £112.82 on top of the cost of the standard guitar.

• Do you build Twin necks?

  No problem. Basically the cost added together, of the two standard guitars which make up the twin neck.

• What pickups do you use?

  At Gordon-Smith we make our own pickups to suit our guitars and these are the only pickups we can recommend. However, we will fit other makes if you prefer and we are quite happy for customers to supply their own pickups. Obviously we will discount the price of the guitar to take this into consideration. We will advise if we think a particular pickup is unsuitable.

  Pickups spacing 50mm . Impedance 9.4 K-ohms.

• What colours are available?

  A good range of colours are available, as are natural wood finishes. If you want something a little different, we'll do our best to accommodate. But it may mean that we will ask you to supply your own paint. A ½ litre can of cellulose is plenty and easily obtainable from a good paint supplier. Metallics incur a 10% surcharge and we won't do custom paint jobs under any circumstances.

• What woods are the guitars made from and do I have a choice?

  Necks are normally made from mahogany or maple. Fingerboards, rosewood or maple. Body wood can typically be Brazilian cedar, spruce or poplar, dependant mainly on the finish colour of the guitar. Yes you can choose and we will advise.

• Do you supply a case with the guitars?

  No not as standard. We would have to add around £60.00 to the price of a guitar, which is a pointless expense for our customers if they already have a suitable case or a gig bag.

• Can I supply some of my own parts?

  We are willing to fit customer supplied parts, within reason of course and as long as they are compatible. We won't actually start the build until all parts are received and we have checked them for suitability.

• What is the scale of the guitars? Nut width, Compound Radii and Fret size

  Scale is 24.75 or 25.5, dependent on headstock style.

  Nut width typically 45mm (base of neck 54mm) and compound radii 12/14". Thickness of neck typically 21mm at first fret, 24mm at last fret.

  Fret size 1.5 x 2.5 mm.

  Distance between Bridge Post centres 3¼".

• Is it true that GSG make a unique one piece maple neck with no 'skunk stripe'? If so, how is this possible?

  Answer to first question: Yes we do. Answer to second question: Our secret!

• Are all GSG humbuckers coil tapped and what difference does this make to the sound?

  Yes they are. The coil tap gives a thinner, brighter sound with reduced volume. Similar to a single coil.

• What is the difference in sound between say a Gibson SG® and a similar GSG?

  With the tone set around 7-8, they are very similar. At 10, GS guitars are a little brighter. Overall string balance is a little better and coil tapping offers a wholly different spectrum.

• What is the build time?

  Depends on model and how full the order book is. Currently around 6 months.

• My guitar is old but still plays great. But I'd like to clean it up a bit. Any suggestions?

  Your local music shop will have polishes and oils etc. But if you're stuck in the house with an hour to spare and it's too far to bother. Gloss finish: just whip out the Household polish (Mr Sheen etc) and a nice soft cloth, bit of elbow grease and you're away.

  Satin finish: Damp cloth is all it needs. Oh, and the elbow grease.

  Rosewood fingerboard: Lemon oil. OK, might not have that in the cupboard.

  Maple fingerboard: Damp cloth again.

• Can you retrofit your vibrato?

  Depends on model, but normally yes.

• Do you supply spares?

  Depends on model, but normally yes. Contact us for more information or look around to find what you need.