Praise

Are Lichty the best handmade acoustic guitars and the best handmade ukuleles around? Read what our customers and fans have to say

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, custom rosewood ukulele

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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, Cuban Mahogany OM Guitar

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If you want a luthier-built instrument that is made to last, take a serious look at Jay Lichty’s ukuleles. This is a custom-made uke that you won’t have to treat with kid-gloves. This is a working musician’s ukulele. A Jay Lichty uke would be a great addition to anyone’s collection.- Mickey Maguire, Ukulele Player Magazine

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My Cocobolo Dreadnaught guitar has arrived. It is gorgeous both in appearance and sound! You are an especially talented luthier and I am thrilled to own my first Lichty guitar. – David M, FL

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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, D.D.S. Brazilian Rosewood Baritone Ukulele

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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, TN, Claro Walnut Dreadnought Guitar

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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, Brazilian Rosewood Tenor Ukulele

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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, Brazilian Rosewood Dreadnought Guitar

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I am proud to say I taught Jay to build his first guitar. His guitars show great craftsmanship and sound really good. – Wayne Henderson, world-renowned Luthier, Musician and all around great guy

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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, renowned surfboard and guitar artist, ArtCo Surf

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I own several great vintage guitars, but I believe that we are now witnessing the real golden age of guitar building in America. Never before have so many craftsmen been so dedicated to building fine instruments and Lichty Guitars are at the forefront of that movement. And they play every bit as good as they sound, too. – Michael Reno Harrell

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Well, I’ve had some nice axes come my way, but this one is making me re-think what I expect from an acoustic guitar, It’s a work of art Jay Lichty – thank you! – Geoff Achison

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Guitar arrived safe & sound. It is awesome. I love it. I look forward to playing it for years to come. Many thanks. – Bart Johnston, Mahogany Alchemist Guitar

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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, Koa Tenor Ukulele

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When I asked Lichty if there was a secret to making such remarkable guitars, he said there was. Wayne Henderson, who has become a friend and mentor, once told him to make the inside just as beautiful as the outside – “as if that’s the part everyone is going to be looking at.” If that isn’t a good philosophy about how to make things right, then I don’t know what is. – editorial by Sid Evans, VP & Editor Garden and Gun magazine

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I’m thankful that this has been such a brilliant collaboration. Your willingness to work with me every step of the way on the design has resulted in a one-of-a kind slotted peghead tenor ukulele that has elegance, artistic beauty, incredible sustain and the pure voice of an Angel that, in my opinion, is second to none. Understanding that I play honky-tonk and country music with my band and that I wanted a super full sound with emphasis on the mids and with a great low register, you built the perfect ukulele. By choosing a set of Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides that is, in and of itself, a work of art and pairing that up with a beautiful Curly Redwood top you achieved just the look and tone I was after. Not only is she beautiful, but her tone, clarity, boldness of sound and absolute “purity” on every note and chord is perfect. I’m amazed by how big of a voice she has with no vibration or distortion. Jay whatever you did to build and to bring Angel to life, forget it all, as there can only be one! – Paul Ruben, renowned magician and ukulele lover and performer.

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My Lichty guitar is absolutely incredible! It feels beautiful to play and sounds so balanced, so phenomenal. Honestly it is the coolest guitar I have ever seen or played. I wanted this guitar to represent who I am and what I bring to the table as a musician.Between Jay’s craftsmanship and Clark’s artwork – man they nailed it! – Mike Gossin, Gloriana

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Dear Jay, The ukulele arrived earlier today. The case is awesome. It is very well made and fits the uke like a glove. And the Uke: Beautiful. Gorgeous. These woods are amazing, I love all the details in it. I think it has a sophistication to it that really makes it a winner. I’m getting to know her a bit now, noodling with it, checking the tuning. It sounds so wonderfully different than my other ukes. You were right about the neck thickness: already I feel it is easier to fret. I think you got the set up string height just right for me, it is very easy to work the chords. Big sound, very balanced and the top end is cleaner and clearer than my Kanilea tenor. Full and rich. These are just first impressions. Will send you more soon, when I calm down. Very Best, Thanks – Craig Turner, NC, Pau Ferro Tenor Ukulele

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I love these guitars. They are visually stunning and such high quality. Of course, the tone is the most important thing, and Lichty Guitars have got great tone! – Chris Padgett, the StereoFidelics

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Jay, thank you so much for getting the guitar to us so quickly. Daniel has been enjoying it and thinks it’s the coolest thing. Thank you again for providing such a beautiful, unique and useful gift. I know we will enjoy it for many years to come. – Adair Bard who purchased an Indian Rosewood Guitar with a Curly Redwood top, one of our favorite guitars, for her husband Daniel.

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It’s absolutely amazing, fantastic, exquisite! It sounds awesome. For any serious guitar player this is out of control cool! – Tom Gossin, Gloriana, Cocobolo Dreadnought Guitar

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Beautiful and very soulful tone. The guitar plays beautifully. Really exceptional finger style and I love the neck size. Now, I just have to get better to do it justice. Thanks and I look forward to working with you in the future. – Martin Christie, AL, Pau Ferro OM Guitar

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I’m definitely enjoying my beautiful new guitar. I take it everywhere and it’s such a pleasure to play. The size of the neck is perfect, and I’m glad we took the time to get it just right. – Jeanette Chapman, Indian Rosewood OM Guitar

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This guitar is INCREDIBLE! Lichty makes a truly fine instrument; the custom-making experience was a treat. – Haley Dreis, www.haleydreismusic.com, Honduran Rosewood OM Guitar

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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 usually says “go with the Lichty.” – Jody Porter, solo artist and member of Fountains of Wayne, currently finishing work on their fifth studio LP in NYC, Honduran Mahogany Dreadnougth Guitar

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Thanks for a wonderful evening Jay!…and the honor of playing one of your fine Handcrafted Gems… As a lifelong woodworker and cabinetmaker,I had a critical eye on your instruments and found them to be flawless pieces of craftsmanship. The real treasure was in the sound though! I loved the deep sweet tone of the Cocobolo Guitar that I was privileged enough to play and the ease with which it played. Best Wishes for your continued success as a Luthier and musician – Dale Rucker

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The guitar arrived on Friday just as planned. I’m very happy with how it looks and sounds. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into the guitar. I will keep you posted on the status of the guitar as it ages. I also want to say thanks for the CD of photos of the guitar in progress. I will keep checking your web-site, to see what you have in the works. Hopefully, someday, we will be able to work on another project together. Lane Pivonka, KS, Brazilian Rosewood Guitar

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Wood, like all living things, has a destiny. Perhaps it is to provide shade, or food (love them cherries), or shelter, or the priceless gift of warmth, or perhaps it is destined to be a guitar. A few weeks ago I paid a visit to Jay in his NC shop. He handed me a Honduran Mahogany dreadnought to play. I finger-picked a few chords and she sang the first of many sweet songs to me. Before I left, Jay brought out another one of his gems; a Brazilian Rosewood dreadnought. It was love at first sight. She looked right, she felt right and she sounded great. Both of these guitars INSPIRE me to play. I am inspired when I see them, I’m inspired when I touch them and of course I am inspired when I hear them. I love the guitars Jay built for me and am proud to be the caretaker of these fine guitars. When I pass on, these guitars will go to a player; money won’t buy them. – William Miller, Indiana, Brazilian Rosewood Dreadnought Guitar, Patchwork Parlor Guitar, Mahogany Dreadnought Guitar, Pau Ferro Dreadnought Guitar

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I want to tell you how much I enjoyed having the opportunity to examine your work while you were in Charleston. Every instrument I played impressed me, but the Pau Ferro OM stole my heart. I’m always checking out guitars in shops, and I’ve handled some quality instruments, but that particular guitar felt significantly different to me. Usually when I try a guitar in front of anyone, I become just as self-conscious and clumsy as I do when I try to perform on stage. But with that instrument I felt just fine, like we were partners. It didn’t matter much whether or not I played well – I just wanted to play. The instrument itself seemed to have a dignity about it – an emanation of the quality of your craftsmanship – that gave me confidence. That guitar is not just another good guitar. For me, it was definitely one of a kind. – N Bozanic, Charleston, SC

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Jay Lichty is a luthier par excellence! As a protegé of Wayne Henderson, Jay has upheld the very highest standards of build quality, timeliness, customer service and after-the-sale follow-up. My Lichty dreadnought is a work of art, even though it is a basic model. The volume, timbre and playability are outstanding and I have already experienced an improvement over the already outstanding sound in the short time the guitar has had to set up. I have complete confidence and trust in Jay to deliver excellence at a reasonable price. Robert Byrd, Hendersonville, NC, Indian Rosewood Dreadnought Guitar and a Sycamore Ukulele

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Your work is outstanding, from your choice of matching woods to your original designs displayed. There is no doubt in just a few moments of viewing your guitars there is a lot of care going into each and every instrument. I have seen thousands and owned over a hundred high-end guitars/mandolins/dobro’s myself and yours really standout. The folks who purchase your guitars now have made a great investment for their future for themselves or their love ones because they will be hard to get in the near future given high demand. Keep up the great work of art in making super guitars and unmatched sound quality stringed instruments. Lichty Guitars is a warm welcome to the music world. Regards, Chuck Brown, Blue Mountain Music & More, North Carolina

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Thanks so much for having us at the Charleston event. It really was a thrill to play a true handmade instrument and meet the guy who put his sweat into it. Yes, the Brazilian Rosewood guitar especially kept making me play it. I can honestly say it was one of the finest acoustics I’ve strummed. – Bradley Maclean, BBQ Bros

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Having an instrument you love to hold, to look at, to feel and to play inspires great music and extreme fun. My custom ukulele is a dream on all fronts. Kipling Gillespie, North Carolina

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I ordered a custom guitar from Mr. Lichty because I wanted an instrument that was one of a kind and reflected my individuality. By seeking my input in the processing of the order, I was sure I would receive a prized reflection of my own personal tastes which I would be proud to play and display for my friends and family. These things I expected and received ten- fold. But, what I didn’t expect, or pay for, was the inspiration such a fine instrument would instill in a rather mediocre talent like myself. My guitar is a delight to see and play and for that I paid a very reasonable price, but the inspiration I have received by having made this decision is priceless. So Order a custom guitar from J.W. Lichty and he’ll be kind enough not to charge you for the inspiration his fine guitars instill. – T. C.Sommer, Michigan, Bubinga Guitar, Mahogany Guitar

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The only problem I have with my custom Lichty Guitar is that everyone else wants to play it! The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is incredible and the sound is deep and full and very satisfying. – Charles Hall, North Carolina, Honduran Rosewood Parlor Guitar, Mahogany Dreadnought Guitar

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I have been to Jay’s workshop and watched guitars in progress. His work is incredible, and his dedication to it is inspiring. – M Smith, NC

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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, there is a tremendous amount of heart and skill that went into every detail of my guitar. This guitar is a treasure! For me it gets even better, my custom Lichty was crafted right here in the Carolinas! – Jonathan Gray

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I love this guitar and so does everyone who has picked it up and played it on the tour bus and in the studio. It’s amazing. This guitar holds its tuning better than any guitar I’ve known or played. Its stability and dynamics continue to impress me. Whether I play soft or aggressive, the notes always ring with a rich warmth and clarity. I make my living with a guitar and I’ve got say, Jay Lichty may be new on the luthier scene, but based on my experience Lichty Guitars are among the best. – Doug Lancio, Producer, Profession Musician, Nashville, TN

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Sometimes you meet someone, and you know instantly that you have made a heart connection. Such was my experience when I met Corrie Woods and Jay Lichty at the Lake Eden Arts Festival in October 2010. Since then I have had the pleasure of working with them in a variety of ways, including a collaborative event entitled Meet the Luthier: An Afternoon with Lichty Guitars. I hosted this event at my Healing Arts Center in Hendersonville, and was thoroughly impressed with the outcome. Corrie was an absolute delight to brainstorm with and has an amazing ability to put together a very professional and polished marketing strategy. On the day of our event, Jay and Corrie arrived early and went to work. What fantastic teamwork! Jay’s instruments are beautiful, and he was delightful. His performed brought round after round of well-deserved applause. Corrie and Jay bring with them a very authentic presence, and I very much look forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with them. Nancy MacDonald, The Healing Arts Institute, Hendersonville, NC

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Dear Jay and Corrie,We want to thank you for your performance at our gallery last moth. What a night !! It was beautiful and we could not have asked for it to have been better. Try as we might, but I don’t think we could ever top it! Thanks so much for entertaining us with your talent, humor and beautiful instruments. – Kim and Rich Nelson, Skyuka Fine Arts , Tryon, NC

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If superb tone and beautiful aesthetics are what you’re after in a
 guitar, look no further than Jay Lichty. His instruments are works of art and hold their own with the finest Martin and Gibson acoustics around. –Stanfield Gray of BBQ BROS.

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Dear Mr Lichty, On behalf of the Town of Tryon and as its mayor, I want to congratulate you for being named winner of Garden and Gun magazines’ 2010 Made in the South Award for your exceptional handcrafted guitars and ukuleles. Your talents and capabilities have earned you great respect in the professional music community and your dedication to quality has reflected well on this area’s great heritage of fine craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.I thank you for bringing your skills to our community and setting a fine example of how to rebuild America’s economic strength through individual skill and entrepreneurial spirit. I wish you success and fulfillment in all your endeavors. Keep up the excellent work, Sincerely, J. Alan Peoples, Mayor Tryon, NC