Custom Builds
THE HOT ROD 6-STEP CUSTOM BUILD PROCESS
From napkin sketch to finished guitar. 100% handmade, nitrocellulose-finished, built in Brookfield, CT.
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. All work is 100% handmade: no CAD, no CNC, no shortcuts. Here's how we build yours.
THE CONSULTATION
What happens: sit down with Chris (or a virtual call) and talk through what you want. Bring reference photos, favorite guitars, sound goals. Chris asks about tone, feel, weight, playing style, and any physical needs (hand size, seated vs standing).
Result: preliminary design direction plus honest feedback on feasibility and pricing.
DESIGN & SPEC SHEET
What happens: Chris draws up the build spec sheet. Every wood, every hardware choice, every electronics decision documented. You review, refine, approve.
What's decided: body shape (Tatalias line or custom), body wood, top wood, weight target · neck wood, profile, scale length, radius · fingerboard wood, inlays, side dots · fret wire and nut material · bridge type, tuner brand · pickups, wiring and switching · hardware finish · body finish (nitrocellulose is default) · color, stain, relic level.
Result: signed spec sheet plus deposit collected (50% typical).
MATERIALS SOURCING
What happens: Chris hand-selects every piece of wood personally. Nothing goes in a Hot Rod build that Chris hasn't touched. Hardware and electronics ordered from authorized dealers (Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Kluson, Hipshot, etc).
Client experience: photos of your actual materials shared with you. Exotic tops take longer.
WOODSHOP
What happens: body carving, neck shaping, fretboard slotting and radius, inlay work, joinery, sanding. All hand-done in the Brookfield woodshop.
Client experience: progress photos throughout. Timing depends on complexity.
FINISH
What happens: nitrocellulose lacquer applied in thin coats over weeks. Cure time between coats is essential; this is why nitro takes so long. Aging and relic work applied here if requested.
Why nitro: read the Nitrocellulose vs Polyurethane page for the full story.
FINAL ASSEMBLY & SETUP
What happens: fretwork, nut carving, electronics installation, hardware installation, final setup to your preferred string gauge and playing style. The guitar is played and adjusted until Chris is satisfied.
You receive: the guitar, hardshell case, custom spec sheet documentation, and a personal setup guide.
From The Bench · Work In Progress
MID-PROCESS, ON THE BENCH
Not staged. This is what the bench looks like while the work is happening.
Notable Clientele
THE PROS TRUST HOT ROD
From touring legends to weekend players, the pros trust Hot Rod 6 Strings with their most prized instruments.
Andy Powell
of Wishbone Ash
Todd Rundgren
of Solo · Utopia
Vernon Reid
of Living Colour
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