Custom Guitars

If you like the idea of playing a Bailey, but don’t see your dream guitar in our shop – we can build it for you. As well as getting a guitar you have designed yourself, you can watch it all take shape here on the Bailey Blog.

Recent custom guitars and current work in progress.

How to order your custom Bailey guitar

Where to start

To make the best decisions about your Custom design, start looking at the range of guitars available – you could opt for a custom version of one of our own models OR something completely different – maybe your own unique design.

Consider things like how you want it to play & sound – scale length, no. of frets, neck size/profile, type of pickups (or the sound you are aiming for), bridge-type, and how you want it to look– type of wood/finish, shape of body/headstock, style of parts etc. – use the DESIGN CHECKLIST as a guide.

Try out as many as you can, look at magazines, and start to piece together all the features that you would want in your dream guitar.

This is the starting point for communicating your ideas, which we can then discuss over the phone (or by meeting if you prefer– you may want to look at catalogues & choose your wood in person). Once a spec has been agreed we can then work out an estimate or quote (depending on the guitar) and as soon as you are happy for work to start, an initial full scale drawing (again you may want to do this with here) .

No wood will be cut until you have given your written approval. We would also expect the deposit to be paid at this point. (A detailed full scale drawing of you dream guitar including a 3hr design session costs £85 – this is deducted from the cost of your custom guitar if you decide go ahead and have your guitar made)

1. DECIDE what you want- What features will it have, how will it play etc. – use the Virtual Guitar Builder to try out styles and parts

2. Use our DESIGN CHECKLIST- This will help you to make specific choices- get a rough outline of what you think you would like and any options

3. CONTACT US for an ESTIMATE- Call or email us and return the checklist if you want to discuss detail or have any Q’s .We will give you estimates or quotes for the spec and options in writing

4. DESIGN SESSION/VISIT- This would be a good point to come and visit us if you can – we can go over your spec, explain & discuss options and you can see wood and parts in stock . Mark will usually do a full scale drawing before building starts and you can participate in this, either in person or (if you can’t visit us) we can do it my email, photos and by phone.

If you want to experiment with the design and spec before getting a quote then this session will cost £85 (inc VAT) but will be deducted from your bill if you go ahead and commission the guitar. The drawing will be yours to keep if you decide not to start the build

5. QUOTE- once we have discussed options and you have made your choices, we give you a detailed written quote, timescale & delivery estimates

6. AGREE DEPOSIT- Once design & detail is agreed we will send you a written spec list for you to sign. Return this with a 30% deposit and then building starts..

7. BLOG BUILD- Regular updates on progress, consultation about detail & any changes

8. PAYMENT 2- another 30% is payable before the guitar goes to be sprayed or custom inlaid

9. FINISH DATE- We arrange delivery or you come and collect. Full payment of balance required

10. You PLAY your guitar – and if there are any issues or tweaks needed you let us know asap and within 30 days. We want you to have a guitar you are happy with and love to play and we can resolve any of those under our warranty arrangements with you

11. FREE MOT- After 3-6 months your guitar receives a free check over & set up – we can collect if you can’t visit. This enables us to make any adjustments you might need and check parts, finish etc.

12. GUARANTEES- Parts, materials and workmanship guaranteed (except for normal wear or accidental damage) and we are happy to discuss any issues, changes, & future upgrades with you. We will give you full details of this with your quote.

We know it is a big step to commission a custom guitar – you are welcome to come and visit us to talk through your ideas before the design stage and with no obligation(or fees!) Just get in touch and we can make time to discuss your ideas.