Buying Your Guitar
The Process of Designing and Building Your Guitar
In your first conversation with Michael, you’ll quickly realize this isn’t an ordinary “buying” experience. It’s nothing like walking into a retail store to pick up a guitar, even a fine one.
Michael invites you to become part of the design process. Together, you’ll explore guitar tops and tonewoods and their tonal personalities—comparing Italian spruce to cedar, mahogany backs to rosewood. You’ll discuss neck profiles, body geometry, and the layout of the frets. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to craft a guitar that perfectly matches your musical taste and playing style.
This is a truly collaborative journey. How involved would you like to be in the design decisions that bring your guitar to life? The choice is yours. You can customize every element, or you can trust Michael’s expertise once he understands your musical goals.
WATCH AS YOUR BASHKIN GUITAR COMES TO LIFE
Every Bashkin guitar is made to order with a flexible design process that welcomes your inspiration. From order to delivery, the process typically takes 18 to 24 months. During this time, Michael will keep you updated with photos, questions, and key decisions to finalize.
You’ll choose tonewoods—either from Michael’s personal collection of heirloom woods or from carefully sourced new sets. After selecting a guitar model suited to your style, you’ll help determine how your instrument will be voiced.
To inspire you along the way, Michael will share images of recently finished guitars. You might find yourself drawn to a “torched” burl rosette instead of a simple ring, inlays in the fingerboard, or an art deco overlay on the headstock.
For added comfort during long playing sessions, you might add a Ryan-style arm bevel, switch to a shorter scale length, or choose a slimmer neck profile.
Once construction begins, you’re welcome to visit the shop and will receive access to a private online gallery showcasing your guitar’s progress.
LISTEN AS YOUR BASHKIN GUITAR MATURES
Delivery day will be one of the most memorable moments of your musical life. But the journey doesn’t end there. Unlike many factory-built guitars that are stiff and overbuilt, your Bashkin guitar is crafted to relax and improve with time.
The more you play it, the richer and more complex its tone will become. You’ll feel the instrument grow more responsive, revealing subtle nuances that deepen your connection with your music. While others may not notice these changes, to you they will be unmistakableand deeply rewarding for years to come.
ORDERING YOUR BASHKIN GUITAR
Due to high demand, the order list is currently closed. Please contact Michael for details or to join the waiting list for when new orders open.
Base Price: $16,200 for all models, including your choice of a VISESNUT, Hoffee, or Calton custom case.
Optional Features: For pricing on upgrades and custom designs, please contact Michael directly.
Payment and Delivery via FedEx
A $1,000 non-refundable deposit secures your place on the build schedule at current prices. Once we have received your deposit, we’ll send you an invoice for your records.
You don’t need to finalize all options or specifications right away. Before construction starts, you’ll discuss your style and preferences with Michael, review available tonewoods (with photos), decide on a model, and settle on details. Custom options or rare woods may require a larger deposit.
You will be notified 30 days before construction is scheduled to begin, with 50% of the remaining balance due when construction starts. During building, you’ll have access to a private online photo album to watch your guitar take shape. The full balance is due upon completion, prior to shipment.
Your guitar will ship via FedEx Air. Shipping costs and any applicable local or international taxes are not included.
