River Fire Guitars
Custom builds with surgical precision
River Fire Guitars
Custom builds with surgical precision
Why consider a River Fire creation?
Premium Wood
Variety of options
Premium Wood
You’ll have the option to choose your preferred woods, but I’d love to introduce you to some unique selections I’ve carefully sourced. I will insist on using woods that we both feel excited about.
Connection
Variety of options
Premium Wood
My guitars are all finished with a beautiful oil-based treatment. While I’m open to the idea of staining, I truly prefer to showcase the wood’s natural beauty. I want you to feel a deep connection to the creation and experience the warmth of the wood.
Variety of options
Variety of options
Variety of options
I’m passionate about exploring new possibilities and broadening my horizons. I thrive on taking risks and pushing my limits. My creations encompass a diverse array of electric guitar and bass styles. Whether it's adding a unique twist to something traditional or crafting a completely original design, I'm all in!
One of a Kind
Personalization
Variety of options
You’ll receive a truly unique guitar that no one else will ever have. Each of my guitars is a "one-off" creation, and I don’t have a set menu of styles. Just share your vision for the electric guitar or bass you want, and if I can bring it to life, I absolutely will.
Precision
Personalization
Personalization
I've come a long way since my first twenty guitars and truly understand what players desire: a reliable instrument built to last, that feels comfortable in your hands, with impeccable fretwork, perfect intonation, sleek lines, stunning wood joints, and an incredible range of tones.
Personalization
Personalization
Personalization
I will spend time really getting to know what it is you want. I won't push you on something I have made already. The goal here is to make something that is a reflection of your tastes, preferences, playing style, and personality.
How this works
Reach out
I’ll be accepting only 3-4 orders a year. It is essential that we ensure a perfect fit for both of us. If possible, I’d love for you to visit my shop or connect via video chat. It would be great for you to try one of my recent creations, but it’s not a requirement. It’s important that we have a solid understanding. Please reach out using the contact info at the bottom of the webpage, and we can kick things off with a phone conversation!
Costs
I completely understand that this is an important question. I earn significantly more from my day job, so my focus isn’t on making money. I’ll set a fair labor fee based on the effort involved. You’ll cover the costs for wood, hardware, electronics, and the case, but you’ll have full input on those choices. I’m not here to nickel and dime you!
My labor fees are $1,000 for a bolt-on neck guitar, $1,500 for a set neck or carved top, and $2,500 for a semi-hollow double archtop. For completely original designs, I’ll provide a custom labor quote based on the specifics. Final costs will generally range from $2,250 to upwards of $5,000, and I’ll require a $1,000 down payment. I prefer to keep things straightforward and don’t want to negotiate.
Turnover
Did I mention that I have a day job? It may take some time, but I assure you it will be worth the wait! The timeline will depend on the complexity of your project and any unexpected variables or setbacks that might arise. My aim is to keep no more than two guitars in the queue at once. I’m also creating guitars for charity, which may affect my schedule. Please expect at least a six-month turnaround.
Stand by my work
If there’s anything you’re not happy with, I’ll do everything I can to make it right. If, for any reason, the guitar doesn’t meet your expectations, I’ll gladly take it back and issue a full refund. Additionally, if any issues arise later, you can count on me to stand by my work.
No Negativity
I create guitars for the joy of it and to bring balance to my life. I have no room for negativity and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for difficult, insulting, or intolerant behavior. If that happens, I’ll happily issue a full refund and we can part ways.
Creating an Experience
You will be a big part of this entire process. I will carefully interview you and get to know exactly what you're hoping for. We will go back and forth with wood selection, design style, hardware, scale length, pickups, fret size, strings, nut, action height, etc. You will receive updates all along the way. If you want and are able to you can help me shape the neck by hand to exactly a profile that "feels right". In many ways we will be making this guitar together.
Acknowledgements
Sammy Hagar
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Neurosurgery
Sammy asked me to make him this Baritone after he played one of mine!
Neurosurgery
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Neurosurgery
Guitars from my shop featured on the cover of WORLD NEUROSURGERY in December of 2023.
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Click here to read a featured news article highlighting the Custom Charity Guitars initiative.
Vision
To create stunning instruments that produce amazing music for those who truly appreciate the art of craftsmanship!