The Custom Woodshop
YOUR GUITAR, HOT-RODDED.
Welcome to the Hot Rod 6 Strings Custom Woodshop. The premier destination in Connecticut for high-performance mods, custom builds, and expert lutherie.
The Definition
WHAT IS A "HOT ROD" BUILD?
It's your dream guitar, built by a master. We start with a classic body style and build from the ground up with your choice of premium tonewoods. Or we create a high-performance Parts-Caster to your exact specs. Vintage feel, modern performance, and 100% your vision.
VINTAGE FEEL. MODERN PERFORMANCE.
100% Your Vision
Where Guitars Are Born
THE WOODSHOP
Every Hot Rod and Tatalias instrument starts as raw lumber in our Brookfield woodshop. Body carving, neck shaping, fret slotting, inlay work: all done by hand, on real benches, by real luthiers. No CAD. No CNC. No shortcuts.
From Napkin Sketch To Finished Guitar
THE 6-STEP CUSTOM BUILD PROCESS
Every Hot Rod custom guitar starts with a conversation and ends with an instrument you'll play for the rest of your life. No two builds are the same.
THE CONSULTATION
Sit down with Chris, in the shop or on a virtual call. Bring reference photos, favorite guitars, sound goals. Honest feedback on feasibility and pricing.
DESIGN & SPEC SHEET
Every wood, every hardware choice, every electronics decision documented. You review, refine, and approve before anything gets cut.
MATERIALS SOURCING
Chris hand-selects every piece of wood personally. Nothing goes in a Hot Rod build that Chris hasn't touched.
The Finish Room
NITROCELLULOSE & CUSTOM PAINT
We're known for our nitrocellulose lacquer work, the same finish used on the most coveted vintage instruments. A thin nitro finish lets the wood breathe and resonate, and wears in the way the vintage pieces did. From solid colors to custom graphics, our paint room brings your vision to life.
Google Reviews · 4.9 Stars
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Wow, what a great experience!! I was immediately greeted by the huge smile of Louis Baummer when I brought my 45yr old Yamaha acoustic in for a long overdue set up and string change. Louis treated me and my guitar like I was the same guitar royalty that regularly frequents their shop. Louis told me he always treats every piece like it was owned by family. And he certainly did!!”
“The absolute best guitar technician/luthier on the East Coast. I have been bringing my guitars to Chris for over 20 years, and his service, repair skills and expertise is unmatched. I am happy today to drive two hours each way in order for Chris and Louie to work on my guitars! If you want your instrument to play right, bring it to Hot Rod. They truly are the best.”
“I don't live close, but I go out of my way to bring my guitars here. Their service is unmatched, and their prices are reasonable. It is immediately apparent that Chris and Lou are passionate about guitars and know what they are doing. If you ever need service, you want people who care about your instrument as much as you do.”
YOUR GUITAR, DONE RIGHT.
From ground-up custom builds to critical, tour-ready repairs, we have the master-level expertise to bring your vision to life. Stop in the shop.
14 Del Mar Dr, Brookfield, CT · (203) 775-6989