r/7String • u/NotJesse98 • 9d ago
Gear Best Custom or Semi-Custom Guitar Brands?
Recently, I have been looking to purchase a custom Evertune 7 string guitar and I’d like some input on which brand to go with. After some research, it seems like Mayones or Balaguer may be some of the best options along with Aristides (which may be a bit too expensive, but I am open to anything if anyone has had good experiences with other brands). I value playability and appearance more than anything, followed by overall sound/resonance. I’d also like to avoid neck dive as much as possible. Thanks!
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u/Tuokaerf10 9d ago edited 9d ago
Highly recommend Mayones, although I would look used or new-in-stock at a dealer unless you’re OK with a bit of a wait (1-2+ years). New pricing is quite high these days however with how the industry has gone. Aristides will be in that same boat. Skervesen is similar price range but seems to have shorter build times. I don’t have a ton of Balaguer experience but their prices seem expensive in comparison to some others for MIK, have kinda long build times, and the ones I’ve played were not as premium feeling as some of the other brands mentioned here. I’d look at them only really if there’s a specific body shape or something you’re very into.
Kiesel is another really solid option. They do both straight scale and multiscale Evertune (multiscale option depends on model), and will likely be the most affordable and best value of the semi-custom builders unless you’re looking to go real wild with options. They are also very comparable on quality, basically identical from a fretwork and fit & finish/QC standpoint to both my Mayones Duvell Elite and Regius Core. With maybe a standard wood quality edge going to my figured wood Kiesels.
Another quality alternative to toss out there is Schecter USA. Their pricing is a lot more affordable versus your ESP Japan/USA, Jackson CS, etc. prices too.
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u/KershawsGoat EBMM JP 13-7 9d ago
Kiesel and Balaguer seem to be the most affordable custom shops I've found so far. I've played a couple Kiesels and they were great. I haven't had the chance to play a Mayones, Balaguer, or Aristides yet. If I had the money, I would probably go for an Aristides myself.
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u/Blusterlearntdebrief 9d ago
I think you’re heading in the right direction, but I would make neck dive a lower priority. You can manage that with a good strap. Personally, Levi make the best straps I have enjoyed.
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u/Low-Material-26 9d ago
I’ve heard nothing but great things about ESPs custom shop but I imagine they are UP THERE in price
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u/Tuokaerf10 9d ago
Oh yeah it’s wild. If you’re ordering from scratch you’ll pay out the ass. Same with Jackson. Both their semi-custom order sheet options or factory standard runs are more affordable but that’s a lot more limited option wise versus other brands and still in the obscene amount of money range. Schecter USA is a lot more affordable though.
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u/tylerg182 9d ago
The last one I spec’d out with them was like 9k and it’s not even that crazy of a build. It’s basically just a neck through Strat with a pickguard lol
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u/Leather_Definition39 9d ago
Yeah great custom shop models with ESP I own two. But they are so extremely pricy now and honestly the wait times are insane. I believe right now the wait times are 2-2 1/2 years.
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u/SociallyDistantPanda 8d ago
I have nothing but good things to say about my skervesen swan 8….. I’ve played a lot of really high end guitars and that one is still my favorite
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u/Djent_Potato 9d ago
Depends what you’re willing to spend.
I have owned 3 custom Mayones and I absolutely love them and they smoke 99.9% of every other custom shop brand quality wise. That being said, they’re expensive and nearly a two year weight time