River Fire Guitars
Custom builds with surgical precision
River Fire Guitars
Custom builds with surgical precision
Why consider a River Fire creation?
One of a Kind
Personalization
Personalization
Each guitar is a truly unique, one-of-a-kind creation, ensuring no one else will ever have the same instrument. Instead of a fixed menu of styles, the focus is on bringing your vision for an electric guitar or bass to life. If it’s possible to craft it, it will be done with dedication and care.
Personalization
Personalization
Personalization
Time will be dedicated to understanding exactly what is desired. There will be no pressure to choose from pre-made options. The goal is to create an instrument that truly reflects your tastes, preferences, playing style, and personality.
Connection
Personalization
Premium Wood
All guitars are finished with a stunning oil-based treatment. While staining is an option, the natural beauty of the wood is usually preferred to highlight its true character. The goal is to foster a deep connection to the instrument and to allow its warmth and natural qualities to shine through.
Premium Wood
Variety of options
Premium Wood
You’ll have the option to choose your preferred woods, but there is also an opportunity to explore some carefully sourced, unique selections. The goal is to use woods that inspire enthusiasm and excitement for both parties involved.
Variety of options
Variety of options
Variety of options
Passionate about exploring new possibilities and expanding horizons, a love for taking risks and pushing boundaries drives the work. The collection includes a diverse range of electric guitar and bass styles, from adding unique twists to traditional designs to crafting entirely original concepts. Creativity and innovation are at the core of every creation.
Precision
Variety of options
Variety of options
A long journey has led to a deep understanding of what players desire: a dependable instrument built to last, comfortable in the hands, featuring impeccable fretwork, perfect intonation, sleek lines, stunning wood joints, and an incredible range of tones.
How this works
Reach out
Only 3-4 orders will be accepted each year to ensure a perfect fit for both parties. If possible, visiting the shop or connecting via video chat is highly encouraged, allowing you to try one of the recent creations—though this is not mandatory. The most important aspect is establishing a solid understanding from the start. Please use the contact information at the bottom of the webpage to get in touch, and we can begin with a phone conversation!
Costs
This is an important question and is fully understood. Since the primary income comes from a day job, the focus is not on generating profit from guitar building. A fair labor fee will be established based on the effort involved. Costs for materials such as wood, hardware, electronics, and the case will be covered, with full input provided on all choices. The aim is to avoid unnecessary charges and maintain transparency throughout the process.
Labor fees are as follows: $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 entirely original designs, a custom labor quote will be provided based on the specifics. Final costs generally range from $2,250 to over $5,000, with a $1,000 down payment required. The process is intended to be straightforward, with no negotiations.
Turnover
The involvement of a day job means that the process may take some time, but the end result will be well worth the wait. The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the project and any unexpected variables or setbacks that may arise. Efforts are made to keep no more than two guitars in the queue at once. Additionally, charity projects are ongoing, which could influence the schedule. Please anticipate a minimum turnaround of six months.
Stand by the work
If there is anything that does not meet expectations, every effort will be made to make it right. Should the guitar not satisfy for any reason, it can be returned for a full refund. Additionally, any issues that arise later will be addressed with full support, standing firmly behind the craftsmanship.
No Negativity
Guitars are created for the joy of the craft and to bring balance to life. A zero-tolerance policy is maintained for negativity, including difficult, insulting, or intolerant behavior. In such cases, a full refund will be issued, and the partnership can be respectfully concluded.
Creating an Experience
Throughout the entire process, your involvement will be a key component. A thorough interview will be conducted to understand exactly what you’re hoping to achieve, ensuring your vision is fully captured. The journey will involve ongoing collaboration, with back-and-forth discussions covering every detail—wood selection, design style, hardware choices, scale length, pickups, fret size, strings, nut, action height, and more. Regular updates will be provided at each stage, keeping you informed and engaged as the project progresses, ensuring the final instrument truly reflects your preferences and expectations.
If you’re interested and capable, you have the exclusive opportunity to personally shape the neck by hand, tailoring it to a profile that feels just right and uniquely suited to you. This level of customization is a rare offering that cannot be found elsewhere, making each guitar neck truly customized. The process becomes a collaborative effort, combining expert craftsmanship with your personal input to create an instrument that’s deeply meaningful and uniquely yours. Working together to shape the neck is a rewarding and inspiring experience, adding a special sense of connection to the final result.
Acknowledgements
Sammy Hagar
Neurosurgery
Sammy requested a custom-made baritone after trying and loving one of the guitars from the collection!
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
Guitars crafted in the shop were featured on the cover of WORLD NEUROSURGERY in December 2023. This recognition highlights the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into each instrument, showcasing the artistry and dedication involved in creating these unique guitars.
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Click here to read a featured news article highlighting the Custom Charity Guitars initiative.
Vision
The goal is to craft stunning instruments that not only showcase exceptional artistry but also inspire and enable musicians to produce extraordinary music. These instruments are designed with meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for craftsmanship, aimed at those who truly appreciate the artistry behind every note. The focus is on creating tools that elevate the playing experience, allowing musicians to express their creativity and passion through instruments built to the highest standards of quality and beauty.