Frank Brothers Guitar Company

I'm in Jacksonville, FL, and Frank Brothers Guitar Company is in Toronto. I had not been familiar with them until I came across a thoroughly photo-documented thread about a custom build of one their instruments on The Gear Page- a website for grouchy cork sniffer guitar aficionados, working players who buy and sell gear, and a lot of in-between goofballs like me.

The care and precision that goes into these guitars is impressive to say the least, and puts them in the category of luthiers rather than "assemblers" that modify and assemble available components into what is frequently a truly inspiring and functional instrument, but isn't a creation from raw stock and vision. These dudes build 'em from planks and freaking boards. Of the most select beautiful tone woods they can find.

I don't know if the Franks would approve of this description, but my Signature model is what I imagine kids who grew up with the Jetsons, and then Mod Italian and Japanese guitars, leavened with a familial background in serious musicianship and sound engineering; finished with comprehensive training in the techniques and principles of guitar building- would conceive and create. The design might be polarizing to some degree, I freaking love it. It balances right, the neck is right, the controls are right, the pickups are right. It's just plain right.

Here's what I would conclude-if the aesthetics speak to you, be assured you're getting something that's constructed at the very high end of the quality spectrum. From innovative practical advances like the piece behind the nut on the neck that serves to protect against the LP curse of headstock cracks, to the impeccable finishing and best-available components, these guys make something you can't get anywhere else. This is it. And it's awesome.

I ordered a custom order from FBGC. It is everything I could have hoped for. It sounds amazing. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality of the build is unbelievable. You will not find a better instrument.

Amazing people making amazing guitars!

Check these guys out.