Bellow you will find the most often asked questions posed about the guitar purchasing process. You can use the menu on the right to skip to the relevant area.
Ordering
Q: How do I order a Guitar?
A: If you're familiar with Abhorrent then fill out a quote form! If you're not familiar then browse my social media or the Armoury section of this website and fill out a quote form or contact me directly.
Q: How much does a build cost?
A: Custom ordered instruments start at £3000 plus shipping with most being 3-5k dependant on materials/hardware/complexity
Q: How does payment work?
A: I try to keep it simple. All custom order guitars have a flat deposit of £1000 unless they have particularly expensive hardware/materials. The rest of the payment can be paid on completion or in instalments if preferable.
Build process
Q: How long will it take to receive my guitar?
A: Ordering a custom shop instrument requires patience. Every Abhorrent custom is a 1 of 1 hand built instrument. As of writing there is an approx 2 year wait time although I am working on bringing this down.
Q: If I proceed to order, will I be updated on the build process?
A: Yes. Abhorrent is a community first business, all builds currently in production will be featured in my posts and stories which you can be tagged in if desired. It is always my priority to give the most inclusive and open seat in the house to those investing in my work.
Q: Can I make changes during or before the build process?
A: Small cosmetic details or additions during the process are fine. Hardware changes are done at my discretion, once original hardware has been purchased there will be an upcharge involved in order to purchase new parts. If you change your mind on something its always best to do it ASAP. Please do not decide you want a Nightbringer instead of a Leviathan when I am doing final assembly on the guitar.
Specifications
Q: Can I customise my Abhorrent?
A: YES. The pictures I use are from past builds, they serve only to demonstrate. The quote form allows you to completely tailor your guitar, or better, set parameters of what you do and don’t like then let me cook. If in doubt, ask!
Q: Can you build me something completely bespoke or to my design?
A: Potentially. Abhorrent is the representation of my artistic vision and it has a design language. I am also open to modifying my existing shapes and/or changing carve styles in order to make something unique. It’s always best to ask!
Q: I have an idea but I don’t know exactly what I want, can you help?
A: YES. The quote form has some tick boxes to demonstrate the level of involvement you need in the creative process, alternatively you can email me.
Q: Do you build left handed guitars?
A: YES. The only limitation is on the hardware that is available.
Q: Can you build me a multi scale instrument?
A: Yes, Any shape can be made in multi scale at cost of making new templates.
Q: Do you make extended range guitars?
A: Yes, all Abhorrent shapes work in 6/7 string configurations up to 26.5” scale length with many available in 8 strings up to 29” with basses available up to 6 strings. Other scales/string quantities can be discussed by contacting direct.
Materials & Finishing
Q: What woods do you use?
A: As with any luthier, I have my preferences. I use Ash extensively for open grain finishes. I use Sapele as an alternative to Mahogany as I believe it sounds better in the context of a metal guitar. I use White Limba for lightweight painted guitars. My necks are mainly Multi-Lam with a Maple base or Sapele based. Fretboards are generally Richlite, Indian Ebony, PME or Maple. These are my go-to's that I stock however if there is something specific you require most woods can be sourced.
Q: What pickups and hardware do you use?
A: As with woods, I have my preferences but most things can be sourced. For pickups I extensively use Bare Knuckle and EMG, for hardware I mainly use Hipshot and Gotoh.
Q: Can customers supply their own hardware.
A: Yes, I will re-use good quality hardware if that is what you would like put on your build.
Q: Can I request a custom finish?
A: Yes, provided it will technically work and not look shit I will always try to push the envelope when it comes to aesthetics. Having image examples is always useful.
Q: Do you offer Relic finishes?
A: Yes. I can Relic hardware; my gunmetal black hardware option is a very popular choice. I can also offer aged nitro finishes or road work oil finishes (however these are pretty good at aging themselves)
Q: Can you provide artwork or feature provided artwork on my guitar?
A: Yes, I trained as a designer and have been drawing and creating my whole life. Most Abhorrent’s feature at least a little of my artistic touch where as some become full canvases. I’m also willing to work with third party artist or customers own artwork if I believe it will make a quality end product. This is not limited to Band logos etc.
Shipping
Q: Do you ship overseas?
A: Yes, I regularly ship to places like the USA/Canada and I can ship to most countries with a few obvious exceptions (Russia/Iran/Afghanistan etc)
Q: How do you package the guitars?
A: All guitars unless otherwise requested are shipped in a bespoke fitted hardcase and double boxed. All hard cases are foam lined in-house after the guitar is built, specifically for that guitar, to keep it protected. Each guitar is shipped with a Certificate of Authenticity and if you're well behaved you might even find some case candy.
Q: How do you ship and how long will it take?
A: I ship by airmail, predominantly via UPS Express which is usually a 5-10 working day service. US customs can be a little slower. If you live in a country with more complex import protocol I can use a service called PACK AND SEND who specialise in international door to door shipping fulfilment.
Q: Will I have to pay duty on arrival?
A: On overseas shipments, most countries will have their own rates of VAT/Import Duty that I am unable to mitigate. I will do everything that may be necessary for customs clearance but once the guitar leaves the UK, it is out of my control to an extent, as with any international order. Once the guitar enters your country, it becomes your responsibility to perform any necessary communications with customs, although I will assist where I can. Rest assured, as I use premium shipping services, custom dealings are generally automated and straight forward.
Q: Can I collect in person?
A: Absolutely, yes. If you’re in the UK I always recommend this option over shipping.