Ordering an Andrews Guitar

If you have come to the point in your musical life where you are considering having a high-end, custom instrument built to your specifications, you have probably paid your share of dues. You've spent a lot of time practicing, honing your skills, deepening your knowledge, and refining your preferences. Most likely, you've gone through a succession of guitars of varying quality, and found most of them less than ideal. You're looking for an instrument that will inspire you to take your playing to the next level, and beyond. You are seeking a beautiful, faithful companion that will abide with you harmoniously for many years.

I certainly understand that taking this step involves not only a significant financial commitment, but a deeply emotional one as well. If an Andrews guitar has made it onto your short list of choices, I am here to assist you in any way I can, to plan and create your dream guitar.

Warning! Lots of information on this page!

If you want me to draw up a singularly unique design, something completely original, I ask for a $300-500 non-refundable design fee. A lot of planning and engineering are required to successfully develop a new design, and those are billable hours, just as they would be with an architect. If you decide not to have it built, I have been fairly compensated for the time I have spent. If you decide to go ahead with the project, the design fee will be applied to the cost of your instrument.

Andrews Archtop Acoustic Guitar Headstock

I will need to know which model you are after, the woods, cutaway or no, and the trim package you would be interested in. Feel free to be as specific or as open as you care to be and I will do my best to be a good guide. I would be happy to email photos of some sets of wood, binding and purfling choices, if you like. I must ask for some aesthetic control. I wouldn't dress in plaid AND paisley and my guitars shouldn't either. I like to choose elements that contrast or that frame other elements. Too many spectacular woods just clash.

-With this information I can compile a price quote.

Should you know your favored nut width and string spacing, scale length and neck profile, I will want those specs. If you are unsure of the exact dimensions I am happy to work them out with you. I would be interested to know about your playing style, your other guitar(s) and what you like about them, and what it is you would want in particular from your custom made Andrews.

Designing your instrument:

A base price is listed with each model on the instument pages. Since the materials and some of the processes of each individual build are different, the price quotes do vary; The prices listed below are just a guide. I have a few varieties of back and side sets that fall into the basic quote and I have carefully chosen this stock and supply for it's excellent tonal properties. Reserve and special order sets and other materials will add to the total based on their present market value and availability. Should I need to source any material be aware that it may take a little time to acclimate to my workshop.

Base instrument:

-AAA Sitka spruce, Alaskan yellow cedar, Western red cedar - tone wood

-2A Indian rosewood, African padouk, grenadillo, bubinga, mahogany - back/ side set

-Two piece mahogany neck with a laminate strip matching the body wood or trim

-Open back Grover or Gotoh tuners

-Purfling of alternating, contrasting lines

-Oval sound hole with bound opening

-Headstock veneers, front and back (always with two piece necks)

-Pearl "Double A" inlayed headstock

-Pearl dot fretboard markers, front and side

-Wood binding

-Kluson tailpiece (Archtop)

"Step Up" trim package: $800 (a $1150+ value):

-Choice wood bindings

-Bound fingerboard

-Bound headstock

-Rope purfling or burl purfling for additional $75

-Side purflings all around

-Oval rosette matching the purfling (add $100 for archtop)

-Diamond or "Flower" fretboard inlays in pearl

-Hand cast bronze tailpiece (add $150 archtop only)

Construction and trim options added to base price:

-Choice bindings $50-150

-Cutaway $450

-Slotted headstock $300

-7 string $300

-12 string $450

-Left handed, No Charge

-MOP top purfling, $400

-Bound headstock $100

-Bound fingerboard $100

-Diamond fretboard inlay $100

-Flower fretboard inlay $150

-Side purflings all around $300

-Burl or bookmatch headcap $50

-Rope purfling $100

-Burl purfling $200

-Burl or double rope rosette $225

-Sound port, drivers side, with binding $250

-Sunburst top finish $300

-Sunburst, entire guitar $600

-Hand cast bronze tailpiece (Archtop) $225

-Hand made hardwood hard-tail tailpiece (Archtop) $600

-Waverly tuners: market price.

Pricing:

When you are ready move foreword, I ask for half of the total agreed upon price as a down payment before I start the instrument. I will keep you apprised of progress as the build proceeds. At final completion, the remaining balance is due, including the cost of a case, any added extras (such as pickup installation) and shipping and insurance charges, before your guitar will be sent to you. From the starting date, it may take 4-6 months to complete, depending on my build schedule and the complexity of the project.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. I intend that your new Andrews guitar will be a perfect fit for you, and that you will be delighted with it in every way. In the off- chance that there are any problems, Just let me know within three days of receipt and we will decide what to do. Depending on the issue, I can re-work it, make you a new one, or return your money. Should you want a refund, I will expect that the guitar will be returned to me in the same new condition as when I shipped it to you. Refunds on custom instruments built to your specs may be contingent on successful re-sale of the instrument. All shipping and insurance costs will be your responsibility.

Terms:

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Aaron Andrews warrants solely to the original purchaser of any Andrews musical instrument, that the instrument purchased shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for as long as the instrument is owned by the original purchaser, and until the ownership of the instrument is transferred to another (unless otherwise noted by me). This Limited Warranty does not apply:

(a) to wear or breakage of frets or strings, or other normal wear and tear

of the instrument or its parts;

(b) to asserted defects caused by modification, misuse or abuse or

improper maintenance of the instrument;

(c) to asserted defects involving subjective personal likes or judgements;
(d) to asserted defects caused by accident or exposure to extremes of

temperature or humidity which cause harm to the instrument; or

(e) to electrical or mechanical components not manufactured by me.

Binding, rosewood rope purfling

outside relief of burl

Unique cocobolo sides

Andrews Guitars and all content copyright Aaron Andrews

Photos courtesy of Steven Sheriff and Aaron Andrews