Spec your guitar — Polin Guitars

Let’s get started.

It is important to consider this checklist as a means of asking questions that you may not have considered previously. It is not exhaustive, nor do you need to have answers to every one; we’ll work out the details in a follow-up video call and I can advise on anything you’re unsure of.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Fundamentals

Guitar/Bass

R/L Handed

Number of Strings

Body Shape (base price)

Body Construction

Semi-/full-hollow will require a top

Neck Construction

Scale Length

Timber

Body Wood

This is the main wood that will make up the body of the guitar. At this stage, don't worry too much about how the wood will affect the sound - choose from an aesthetic point of view to begin with, and we can discuss the resulting characteristics in the call.

Top Wood

This is a decorative 'drop top', a piece of attractive wood between 5 and 10mm thick which sits on the face of the guitar body (and headstock if desired). It is a purely aesthetic decision and has minimal bearing on the sound of the guitar. Many of the woods can be stained, just ask for details.

Neck Pieces

Polin Guitars come with multi-laminate necks as standard. This is both for long-term stability, and a premium look (as the contrasting wood species create visually striking stripes along the neck and headstock when laminated together) This, again, should be an aesthetics-led decision. Note: It is possible to layer very thin black/white veneers between laminates, to provide a contrasting line between them. These are free of charge and do not count as a 'piece'.

Neck Wood(s)

This is the wood that will make up the laminates in the neck and headstock. I do not offer woods that are unsuitable for neck construction, so again feel free to choose based on how the laminates will look together. This can often be a tricky thing to decide - search around the internet for inspiration, and of course I will be happy to provide guidance and examples to choose from. Note: The price here is for most expensive wood in the multi-laminate neck. If several premium options are required, price will be determined during consultancy call.

Neck layout

No need for exact measurements, just a rough idea of layout for neck laminates (for example; Wenge - Flame Maple - Wenge). If you're unsure of this, leave blank and we can discuss in the consultation call.

Fretboard Wood

Again, think of how the wood will look with the rest of the guitar, and what kind of inlay you would like to have.

Options - Neck & Headstock

Fretwire Colour

Number of frets

Fretboard binding

A decorative border around the fretboard.

Headstock Faceplate

This is a veneer for the front of the headstock, to match the body top (if there is one). If omitted, the neck laminates will be visible through the front of the headstock.

Fretboard Radius

This is how curved the cross section of the fretboard is. Typically, a smaller radius results in a more 'classic' feel, which feels comfortable in the hand (particularly for players who prefer to have their thumb over the top of the neck). Conversely, a larger radius (a flatter board) will allow for a lower action and be more suited to fast playing with a lighter touch. Fender tend to go between 7.25in and 9.5in, Gibsons generally have 12in fretboards, and the likes of Ibanez are often 16-20in. A compound radius is where the fretboard changes radius along its length. This allows for a more rounded fretboard in the lower frets, and a flatter one up at the top. It's a middle ground between the two styles. If you are unsure, leave this blank and we'll discuss it in the call. If you would prefer a compound radius, check 2 boxes

9.5in

10in

12in

16in

20in

Fretboard inlay

Dot Inlay Layout

If choosing dot/ring style inlays, choose the positioning on the fretboard

Inlay Additional Spec

Add details about your custom fretboard inlay here. We can discuss your idea in the consultation call.

Side dots

Hardware

Bridge

Tuners

Nut material

Pickups/electronics

Pickups

Prices are for a 2 pickup arrangement (or 3 single coils). For other arrangements, request in the box below.

Pickup Model(s)

If you decide to use Bare Knuckle pickups and are unsure of which model to choose, we can discuss this along with customisation options to suit your needs and the guitar's aesthetic.

Pickup arrangement

Coil split

This is a feature whereby you can split the coils of a humbucker pickup, effectively turning it into a single-coil.

Controls

Note: if you are commissioning a bass, choose 'other' and add your requirements to the 'Custom controls' box below.

Custom controls

Add any specific controls or layouts you'd like

Finish and colour

Finish

Typically, finish falls into one of two broad categories - sprayed polyurethane and hand-rubbed oil & wax. Sprayed polyurethane has a hard, durable and 'glassy' texture, and is shiny. Hand-rubbed oil & wax, however, has a more 'natural' feel, with a satin sheen and the texture of the wood preserved in the finish.

Colour

Specify stain colour(s), burst, fade, natural wood etc.

Other Options

Knobs

Hardware Colour

Hardware includes bridge, tuners, knobs (if metal), strap locks, screws. If you would like a combination of colours, please specify in the options text box below

Custom Hardware Colour

Add any custom combination of hardware colour here (eg. black bridge with gold saddles). Note that this is subject to hardware manufacturer availability.

Sandblasting

Only available on Swamp Ash bodies/tops, the sandblasting process accentuates the grain of the wood, resulting in a dramatic texture.

Pickup Mounting

The pickups can be directly mounted to the guitar body with threaded inserts, or mounted to pickup surrounds.

String Gauge and Tuning

Notes

Please add any design considerations that have not been captured thus far.