Testimonials for Lichty Custom Guitars and Ukuleles
There are some pretty great handcrafted instruments being built today and while we don’t claim Lichtys are the best custom guitars and ukuleles, many of our happy customers do. We kinda like that and we’re proud to share what some of these fine folks who love them and play them have to say. We are so grateful to our customers for their enthusiastic support and for taking time to share! Our customers are all a part of the Lichty Guitars’ Family and we think they are simply the best!
- Read ukulele reviews
- Read guitar reviews
- If you are interested in taking a guitar or ukulele building workshop we invite you to read what some of our students have to say.
“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, Hawaii
“The guitar Jay made for me plays as beautifully as it looks. Exquisite craftsmanship, detailing, customized for my needs and sounds amazing. They are a pleasure to work with as well.” – Bonnie Raitt, California
“I love my new Lichty guitar! Everything about it represents perfect craftsmanship, beauty, and unforgettable sound!” – Noah Guthrie, South Carolina
“It’s absolutely amazing, fantastic, exquisite! It sounds awesome. For any serious guitar player this is out of control cool!” – Tom Gossin, Nashville
“I’ve always thought that it’s up to the player’s ability and technique to let the music speak from the guitar. That idea totally changed when I went into Jay’s studio and played his handmade guitars. All of them had unique colors to their sound and I totally forgot time when I was trying to mix and match those colors to the tunes in my repertoire. It sure was fun too!!! Jay’s guitars are so special because they add richness to the “sound-scape” that the player is trying to create and communicate to the audience.” – Shohei Toyoda, Japan
“I got the guitar last Friday and have been playing the whole weekend and yesterday… I LLOOOVVVEEEEE my custom Lichty guitar and still can’t believe it every time I pick her up =) And the sound… I can’t find words to describe how perfectly it fits my music, it is just unbelievable.” – Florian Girstmair, Austria
“I just picked up my custom acoustic guitar from Lichty Guitars and I’m speechless – the guitar is beyond my expectations. It’s the perfect guitar and a joy to play!” – Greg Hendler, North Carolina
“The Lichty OM Guitar is the first hand-crafted instrument I’ve ever owned and it’s changed my world! Playing and performing with the Lichty has made me to totally re-think what I expect from an acoustic guitar – wow! – Geoff Achison, Australia
“There is something very powerful about playing a custom-made Lichty Guitar. I know each piece of wood and each component was selected with me in mind, Knowing luthier Jay Lichty, I know there is a tremendous amount of heart and soul that went into every detail of my guitar. For me it gets even better – my custom Lichty was crafted right here in the Carolinas.” – Jonathan Gray, Charleston
“Lichty is destined to be one of those instruments that becomes a classic. What most excites me about Jay’s guitars are how well they sound on record. We have tons of options around the studio but when tracking acoustics everyone in the control room says go with the Lichty.”- Jody Porter, New York
“I have my custom guitar! It is gorgeous. I have been breaking it in for a couple hours. I’m surprised at how deep the base is for such a shallow box. It must be the redwood. Really stands out when stacked up to my other guitars. Really a great combination. I already can notice the changes as they happen in playing it for a while. Looking forward to this instrument acclimating to our altitude in Tahoe. I had someone look at it he said it was the best looking guitar he had ever seen. Of course it is!!!! Thanks for getting it done. Great working with you.” – Greg Jones, California
Describing a Lichty Lacewood long neck tenor – “A very exquisitely designed and uniquely handmade tenor ukulele for the tone connoisseur, the lover of beautiful exotic woods and for those elevated by the most musical of instruments. Lichty makes some of the best ukes in the world, and this one is among the finest we’ve played. This instrument is exceptional!” – Andrew Kitakus, Hawaii Music Supply, Honolulu
“Thank you for another fantastic experience and exquisite instrument – the Kīkū. Again you’ve exceeded expectations. It was a lot of fun collaborating with you on this project for this unique and new style of instrument. From the first mention of it during our visit last May, through the many discussions on various aspects of the design, to the final completion of this distinctive, splendid instrument, it was a pleasure working with you. I am very proud to own another Lichty masterpiece as well as the very first Kīkū.” – Bill Witmer, Pennsylvania
“I simply Love my custom guitar! She is so easy to play that I hit the chords and notes more cleanly and play with more confidence. When I play with more confidence, I sing more confidently, and sound better in that respect, also. The whole experience is lifted to a higher level, and I couldn’t be happier! Jay… Thank You So Very Much!!!” – Martha Tacha, Maine
“Thanks for everything! This entire experience has been a joy – “watching” you, someone who is truly living his passion, create something that will inspire, comfort and bring joy and happiness for years to come. Thank you for sharing your gift with me.” – Alan Jang, California
I received my custom tenor ukulele from Jay Lichty of Lichty Guitars several weeks ago and I have to say it is my favorite sounding and playing uke of my collection. It’s a masterpiece in workmanship and sound. I love it! – Julie Strietelmeier. UkuleleReview.com
Your custom ukuleles are truly MAGNIFICENT instruments and they make me more committed to do my best to have ukulele people see and hear them. Lichty Ukuleles continuously redefine QUALITY and push that horizon farther still. My experience and knowledge of ukulele tell me yours rates among the very best I’ve ever seen or played. – Hawaiian ukulele player and ambassador Kimo Hussey
I want to thank you for the masterful job you did in building my custom dreadnought guitar. The entire process and result were wonderful. You started by providing an incredible array of body styles, woods, and accoutrements for my dream instrument. Jay’s patience in explaining the options and possibilities was much appreciated as were his subtle guidance and inventive solutions. You are gifted both as a luthier and as a listener.
Jay’s craftsmanship, chronicled by Corrie’s website photos of the construction process, has produced a work of stunning visual and acoustic art. And oh yes, did I say I love this guitar? It has instantly become that “Old Friend” that players talk and sing about, and I’m inspired to play it daily. Now that dream of mine has been made real.Thanks so much for making my fabulous Lichty dreadnought. I will treasure it. – Andy Haynes, North Carolina
The custom Brazilian rosewood long neck tenor ukulele you crafted is exquisite! It far exceeded my expectations. After reviewing the other testimonials on your website, there’s not much left to be said except “Ditto”. The praise is so well deserved. This is my first Lichty instrument and the entire experience was fantastic. It certainly won’t be my last Lichty purchase. It was very special to be able to stop and visit with you and Corrie, and what a fantastic surprise to find you had the uke in process. The craftsmanship, build quality and tone are sensational. I am thrilled with this uke! – Bill Witmer, Pennsylvania
My custom ukulele is absolutely exquisite in every respect and has far exceeded all of my expectations! The tonal quality is breathtakingly sweet and clear yet there is considerable depth and sustain. Likewise, I am ecstatic about the design and attention to detail in the finishing. From a fingerstyle perspective, the action is an absolute dream! – Garth Mercer, British Columbia
I knew when I saw your website and the Baritone Brazilian Rosewood and Spruce, that this was the Holy Grail of Ukuleles, and I was right. I am very happy with everything you have done on this instrument. It has more than met my expectations. The action is right on, as is intonation. The attention to detail is perfect as is the woods. I could go on and on, but I think you know what I mean. Thanks for a great experience. Best regards, Leland F.Hansen, Washington
I want to express the overwhelming pleasure your beautiful instrument has brought into my life. For the first time in many years I can say I am truly inspired to play. It has been said “the player makes the guitar” but in this case, and at this point, the guitar is making the player. Thank you for the wonderful guitar that holds so much potential in its strings and also for the warm reception at your shop to which I would love to return. – Dean Leroy, Tennessee
Jay, you truly have a God-given talent as a luthier and it was a pleasure to not only do business with you and Corrie but also to build a friendship. I love the guitar that we designed together and I’m sure that another Lichty order will be placed in the near future! Thank you for your patience, dedication to providing excellent customer service, and passion for building gorgeous instruments. Please send my sincere thanks to Corrie for all of the great pictures along the way. I’m sure this guitar will remain a treasure in my collection for the rest of my life. Thank you for building such a gem that is an inspiration to hold and play. – Justin Whitesides, South Carolina
I am proud to say I taught Jay to build his first guitar. His guitars show great craftsmanship and sound really good. – Wayne Henderson, Virginia
Jay is the one of the most talented custom guitar builders emerging in the world right now, his attention to detail, and choice of materials are second to none. – Clark Hipolito, North Carolina
Guitar arrived safe & sound. It is awesome. I love it. I look forward to playing it for years to come. Many thanks. – Bart Johnston, New York
Jay, we’ve got the UKE!! It’s absolutely beautiful! I wish I could play it – but we’ll hear it soon enough when we give to Justin!! Thanks again for making this a priority, and helping us create a beautiful, an unforgettable gift for our son! – Robin and Mark Goldstein, New Hampshire
I haven’t written since U 69 flew home It’s hard to put this into words but I am going to try:
First gratitude–for the initial talking through process and your help and suggestions, understanding clearly what I wanted and helping me refine that over time, gratitude for putting me where you did in the production line, gratitude for your ideas about shipping.
The Ukulele you made for me is beautiful, amazing, incredible in looks, sound, playability –all the things we talked about you were able to produce in this magnificent instrument. Everyone who hears, sees and plays it, is blown away. I have been enjoying making music with it at every possible opportunity. What a gift to myself…the best!
This is the Rolls Royce of Ukuleles, and am I ever loving every minute of the ride!THANK YOU JAY. I recommend to everyone who can possibly do it, get a Lichty! – Shayna Caul, New York
I got the guitar yesterday and just let it sit in the box acclimating to the harsh Florida winter. Cracked it open today and proceeded to play the heck out of it. It really plays AMAZINGLY well! And the ergo features really make it super comfortable to play. I have to admit, this is my first acoustic instrument with wenge. It really kills for this guitar!!! I suspected it would sound great and I’m glad I gave it a try. I am diggin’ how tight the low notes are and the terrific note separation on jazzier chords on the wound strings. No mud!!!
And what a beauty to look at! The bloodwood is too sexy. The attention to detail is awesome and just the right amount of bling for my tastes. What can I say about the alien-head faceplate (crafted by Jay from wood that Steve sent to him). Seems like it should be a totem in some shamanistic ritual to communicate with ancient aliens (I’ve been watching to much H2 network). It makes the guitar really feel like it’s very personal. That ebony was a fortuitous and bizarre find. I’m glad we could incorporate it.
Also, I was so excited at first to play the guitar that I hadn’t really peeked into the soundhole and scrutinized the neck joint. Man, that thing is a work of art. It really incorporates so smoothly and, dare I say, sexy in the way it seems to meld into the body of the guitar. I just sat there staring at it for a good long while!
I have enjoyed the heck out of this process and I thank very, very much for making it happen. I’ve been staring at all the ukes on your website for months now. Never played one, but boy they make me want to…. – Steven Effren, Florida
I LOVE this baritone UKULELE!!! Honestly, the instrument is so gorgeous! I just enjoy the feel of running my fingers all over it and the way the colors in the abalone shift as you tilt the ukulele. The photos were good, but really didn’t do it justice. The colors and marvelous grain are absolutely beautiful and blend wonderfully together. The fit and finish of this instrument are wonderful- so smooth, with tight joints and no glue or finish blemishes anywhere! The braces are so delicate and thin. But it’s the sound that is the most wonderful of all! You really did an outstanding job, Jay, and I truly appreciate the effort and resulting high quality. – Martha Carlisle, Maine
The instrument arrived today and completely exceeded my expectations. I am thrilled to have an instrument of this calibre. It has wonderful tone and is well beyond my capability but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Your craftsmanship is a pleasure to hold and look at and play. – Tom Harrison, Oregon
Describing Lichty Granadillo Tenor Ukulele – A very exquisitely designed and uniquely handmade tenor for the tone connoisseur, the lover of beautiful exotic woods, for those elevated by the most musical of instruments. Lichty is an east coast luthier making high end ukes that are among the finest you will find. This instrument is truly exceptional! – Andrew Kitakis, The Ukulele Site, Honolulu
I’m absolutely delighted with my guitar! I’ve now been playing it for a couple of weeks and I find it hard to put down. When you told me how great it sounded and then you said “wait ’til you feel it”, I really didn’t know what you meant. Now that I’ve been playing it, I definitely do! It’s so responsive to my light touch and the volume surprises me. But what I really love is the richness and complexity of its voice. When I came to your shop and tried the instruments you had available, I was impressed but didn’t find the one that quite hit what I was after. However, you were so wonderful to carefully listen to what I wanted and guided me as we selected the woods that would breathe life into it. Once we hit upon the Madagascar (what a phenomenal ring of the tap tone) and you were so sure about the Engelmann Spruce being the ideal match, I felt it was going to be special, but I had NO idea how special. Its physical beauty is evident, but its beauty literally speaks for itself when I begin to pluck the strings! I’m convinced you’ve come up with a real winner with the diamond bracing and the soundport, also. And the extra 1/16″ on the neck width makes it so easy to play. Thanks so much for listening and putting your special touch on this instrument. WOW!!!
And a thanks goes to Corrie for the beautiful photos of it being built. It was really special to see it coming together and to now be able to go back and see the beautiful insides. – Ken Williams, Tennessee
The uke just arrived, and it is one sweet sounding instrument! It is beautiful and sounds even better. Thanks so much! Who knows…maybe I’ll get another guitar down the road from you! I’m sold. You have the highest quality and were great to deal with. Thanks again! – Loretta Lewandowski, Missouri
Describing a Lichty Cococbolo Baritone Ukulele – Masterful construction with a dark, mellow, complex voice. This is the kind of an instrument you can only get from a master builder who has a specific, tonal goal in mind. – Terrence Tan, Dream Ukes, Singapore
What can I say but that it is amazing! It has the most wonderful intonation imaginable! The Koa is absolutely beautiful! Of course, your craftsmanship is again superior! As always, it was a joy to work with you. – Loretta Lewandowski, Missouri
Today I’ve picked up my uke at the customs office and everything worked well. When I opened the case I was breathless: What a beautiful piece of art! It is crafted so well with a fine intuition for all details (e. g. the last blue colored diamond-inlay on the fretboard at 15th fret in a subtle contrast to the more green shaded ones before) and all inlays and bindings are mastered . The outside appearance of this instrument is nothing but perfect! The wood combination (orange & dark brown)in addition to the small red binding on soundboard matches fantastically!
When I made the first strum the sounding was much better than expected (and the expectations was really high!): wonderful crisp highs with subtle ringing overtones, a perfect note separation with good sustain and tight bass tones. So I’m totally satisfied with the sound characteristic and the overall coloring of tones. You did a really great job of craftsmanship and I want to thank you so much for this outstanding uke! I’ve played for 2 hours now and I could feel that the instrument slowly opened up even more. I’m sure it will still getting better and better…
Many thanks for this Cooper-stand and the nice case too. It’s a great ensemble of high quality parts. So I’m really happy to get this custom uke and I think it will be the undisputed crown of my uke-collection. Many thanks again for all your efforts. – Peter Kemper, Germany