Buying a new, handmade classical guitar is a different process from picking an instrument off a shop shelf. Luthier made guitars are often built to order in small batches, sometimes one instrument at a time, and the whole process takes more planning and more patience than buying a factory made guitar. This page walks through what to consider before committing to a handmade classical guitar.
Budget: handwork costs more
A handmade guitar from an individual luthier is, as a rule, more expensive than a mass produced factory instrument, and it helps to understand why before you start comparing prices. A single builder spends far more hours on one instrument than a factory production line ever would, and the materials involved, particularly high quality tonewoods, are often more expensive on their own than the wood used in factory production. When planning a budget, expect that careful handwork shows up in the price, but in return you typically get an instrument voiced and set up specifically for the wood and construction chosen for that particular guitar.
Timelines: waiting lists and lead times
Many independent luthiers work from an order queue, meaning a guitar is built after it has been ordered rather than pulled ready made from stock. This can mean a wait of several months, and in some cases a year or longer, depending on how long that builder's waiting list is. If you need an instrument by a specific date, for a performance or an exam for example, it is worth asking about the expected timeline early, before committing to an order.
What to look at
A few details tell you a lot about the quality of a finished or nearly finished instrument. Check the fingerboard carefully: its surface should be flat and the fret installation clean, since an uneven fingerboard can cause buzzing or discomfort while playing. The quality of the finish is another useful indicator: an even, well sanded lacquer surface points to careful work, while uneven patches or visible flaws can suggest a rushed finishing process. A third key factor is the setup, sometimes called playability, which covers scale length and string height together: the strings should sit at a comfortable height above the fingerboard so the guitar feels good to play both near the nut and higher up the neck, without sitting so low that the strings buzz against the frets.
Questions worth asking the builder
A good builder is usually happy to answer questions about materials: which wood species were used for the top, back and sides, and fingerboard, and where that wood came from. Ask about warranty coverage too, what it includes and for how long it applies. If possible, ask whether you can try the instrument before finalizing the purchase, whether that means meeting in person or arranging a trial period. Answers to these questions help build a realistic picture of what you are actually getting and whether it matches what you are looking for.
Where to go next
Before placing an order, it is worth reading through our overview of guitar models and types so you know which construction and style best matches how you play. If a brand new instrument is not the right fit right now, take a look at our page on second hand guitars as an alternative.
