Bespoke electric guitars and basses

Designed to your specifications and handcrafted in Manchester, UK

Hi, I’m Chris

Belfast-born guitarist and luthier, based in Manchester, UK

I am first and foremost a guitarist, having been gifted my first strat-copy at 12 years old. Through playing in various bands and fastidiously studying the instrument over the last two decades, I have developed a deep understanding of what elements constitute a truly high quality and well designed guitar.

Under the watchful eye of a master luthier in Co. Donegal, Ireland, I built my first guitar at 16. That guitar, and every one since, is a unique and purposefully designed tool; built for a guitarist, by a guitarist.

Collaborative design

Every guitar starts with an idea and a conversation.

A custom-made musical instrument is, by its nature, a collaboration between client and luthier. It is this fundamental principle of continuous input and feedback from both parties that lies at the heart of every build.

Machined for precision, hand-finished to perfection

Adopting a hybrid approach

The traditional methods of luthiery are well established and have been refined over hundreds of years. These time-honoured techniques, augmented by modern CNC machining technology, ensures that your bespoke instrument has the look and feel of true artisanship and the utmost precision where it counts.

Off-the-shelf instruments are designed to meet the needs of the market.

A bespoke commission is designed for you.

  • Initial design considerations

    Start your journey with a blank page, and note down as many details as you can think of to describe your dream guitar. It often helps to put together a ‘mood board’ of ideas, features and things you find inspiring. At this stage we're exploring options, no need to have all the answers yet. If all you have in mind is a model and number of strings, that's enough to get started.

  • Spec Sheet and Consultation

    Once you have the rough specifications of your design, navigate to the ‘Spec your guitar’ page (linked at the top of the homepage). Answer the questions you know, skip the ones you don’t, and send the spec sheet through. We'll then arrange a consultation to discuss the finer details of the build. I can advise you on anything you’re unsure of and answer any questions that you may have.

  • 3D Render

    After a down-payment has been made to secure the order, I will create a CAD model of your instrument, so you can see how it is likely to look when it is finished. At this point, we can make any design tweaks that are deemed necessary.

  • Build

    Over the following 6-8 months (spec dependent), you'll receive regular photographs and updates as your build progresses, ensuring that you are fully involved in the process from start to finish.

  • Delivery

    Once your instrument is completed and the balance is paid, it will be delivered via recorded courier service.

Get in touch.

It all begins with an idea and a conversation. To get started, fill out a spec sheet. If you have any other queries or want to ask about artist/endorsement arrangements, get in touch by emailing chris@polinguitars.com, or via our instagram page, and we can take it from there.

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