Why Buy a Custom Lichty Guitar or Uke over Another Brand?
There are some great handmade instruments out there but if you are looking for something really special and something that will inspire great music, Jay shares six reasons that he believes make Lichtys a great choice.
1) The Right Wood for the Right Instrument
I love wood and the adventure in finding the very best selection for each guitar. Each piece is hand selected for its esthetic beauty, strength, integrity and tonal quality. Though I may choose Indian Rosewood (as an example) for the back and sides, the specific piece of wood for that guitar has to meet my standards and has to speak to me through tap-tone and feel.
Would mahogany, rosewood or other be the best fit for the neck? One guitar may call for a top made from sinker redwood, another from red spruce. A Brazilian rosewood bridge may be the best fit for one guitar and a bubinga bridge for another. There is an alchemy that happens when the perfect blend of hand selected woods come together. For custom guitars, I work with you, the client, in that selection process. Factory-built models simply don’t offer this.
2) Musician as Luthier
Though there are talented luthiers out there who are not musicians, my experience as a musician is an important skill that I bring to the crafting of each instrument. Would I love to play this instrument? Keeping that question forefront as I build each guitar demands that I build with the highest quality materials, craftsmanship and care. That commitment and passion translates into musician–friendly playability, action and tone. Small adjusts are made each step of the way to ensure the final product is an instrument worthy of the finest of musicians. Factory-built can’t touch this.
3) Attention to Details (even those a guitar or ukulele buyer may never see)
Unlike a factory model, every inch of a Lichty instrument has been cut, assembled and scrupulously examined by one person. The bracing for each instrument is hand carved, as is each neck. No two are alike. The application of finish is a careful step by step process to ensure long-term protection for the instrument while maintaining the integrity of sound. It’s all in the details. There is so much for a musician to see on the outside in terms of detail, fittings, and finish and there is a whole world within that instrument. Turn one inside out and she’d be just as pretty on the inside as on the outside.
4) Personal Relationship – Between Luthier and Customer and Luthier and Instrument
I love working with you in the design process. As we discuss wood selection and features I get to know you and get a good feel what you want and need. All my customers are simply the best – great folks who are super excited about their instrument. I often send progress photos so that you can see your instrument being built each step of the way. (You might not want to even see this with a factory built!) As that building process unfolds the instrument and I are forging a relationship, as well. Each piece of wood speaks to me and, in response; I make adjustments as I go. It’s a very technical process while being a very intuitive one, as well. I can honestly say I love each instrument I build. Read what some of our customers have to say about the fit and feel of their custom Lichty.
5) Fits Like a Glove – Inspires Beyond Words
“I am convinced of your quality and workmanship and don’t mind telling you you’re right up with the very best. Thanks so much for a wonderful instrument!” – Kimo Hussey
When you order your custom Lichty instrument, you and I work together to ensure it has the perfect look, feel and sound for you. Every detail is crafted with your wants and needs in mind. An off the shelf instrument is just that – an instrument anyone can pull off the shelf and that lacks one-of-a-kind quality and design. When you pick up your new Lichty to play you’ll find it fits just right and expresses visually and musically your uniqueness. Having a custom-built instrument that fits so well will bring out the most inspired musician in you. It happens every time!
6) Investment
With a Lichty Guitar you get the satisfaction of spending your dollars on a one-of-a-kind instrument. Historically handmade instruments retain their value, and in most cases, increase in value. Think about it … a tree started this all by providing tonewood that is carefully crafted into a beautiful, resonate instrument. The earth becomes a tree that becomes a handcrafted instrument that will last for generations. Now this is the kind of investment you can wrap your heart and your wallet around!
Beyond the financial investment, when you choose a Lichty over a factory-built, you are investing in your joy and passion as a musician.
Nothing, I mean nothing, inspires great music more than a great instrument that you love to play. – Jay Lichty
We invite you to learn more about:
Lichty Custom Guitars | Custom Guitar Options
Custom Guitar Tonewoods | Lichty Custom Guitar Models