FAQ
Our current lead time from deposit to delivery is 10-14 months. This is an estimate, so actual build times may vary, but we will be happy to update you on the status of our build queue at any point.
Builds start at $2795-$3195 (depending on the model) and have the cost of specs and custom options added to create the final total. To get a custom quote click here!
Step 1 – Spec Sheet: Visit our custom ordering page here and fill out as much of the form as you can. If you have questions about any of the options or would like us to make a recommendation you can also email us at ordering@eqguitars.com. Once you have the form filled out to the best of your ability, click “submit.”
Step 2 – Review: We will look over your submission, and reach out with any additional suggestions to help fill in the blanks spots to get you a final build quote!
Step 3 – Place a Deposit: We only require a 30% deposit to begin any custom build. If you want to lock down your place in the build queue but still have a few things left to decide on, you are also welcome to place a flat $1000 deposit at any time. Once all of the specs have been confirmed, just pay the difference to bring the deposit amount up to the 30% mark. For payment, Venmo or PayPal (as a “Gift to Friends & Family”) work best for us, as there are no card or transaction fees. We’ll gladly accept other forms of payment if you prefer, but any fees that are incurred will be added to the final build total. Once your deposit has been placed, we will send over a deposit receipt and just like you, eagerly await your spot in the build queue to arrive!
Step 4 – Spec Confirmation: 6-8 weeks before we are scheduled to begin your build, you will receive a single page spec confirmation sheet to make sure that every detail is crystal clear and confirmed before we order any remaining parts and/or materials. Reply with corrections to any errors on the sheet, or with the phrase “I Confirm” if everything looks good and we’re off and running!
Step 5 – The Build: Over the course of crafting your instrument, we will send periodic status updates with in-progress pictures. We’ll try to do this in regular intervals, but don’t be concerned if updates are more frequent at some times and less at others, as we will still be making constant progress on your build behind the scenes.
Step 6 – Final Payment & Shipping: During the last assembly steps, we will send over a final invoice for the remainder on the build, as well as some shipping options. Once the final invoice is paid, your new Equilibrium instrument will be on its way!
Absolutely! Just send us a picture and/or description of the inlay and we will reply with quote for the expected material and labor cost. That being said, some designs translate better as inlays than others, but we will always let you know if we think a particular request isn’t going to work before moving forward.
We STRONGLY advise against inlaying your band’s logo on the fretboard! We want this instrument to be your go-to for every musical situation, and if the band breaks up, changes its name/logo, or you join another one, your guitar or bass will suddenly be much less exciting to play. We’ll still do it; but highly recommend putting the logo on a pickguard, truss rod cover or control plate that can be easily swapped out.
Depending on the body thickness, contouring or other factors, some options are either not ideal or even possible. For example: the body of an FT is too thin to accommodate a traditional blade switch, so we offer other pickup switching options instead.
Maybe… 😉 We don’t charge for consultations and are always happy to take a look at your concept. If we do decide to take on your project there will be a minimum $1500 upcharge due to the additional design time, thorough communication and spec confirmations that each one-off custom project necessitates to wind up perfect. However, we pride ourselves on designing our models far beyond a slab of wood cut into a shape: the thickness and contouring of the body, neck construction, scale length(s), electronics, hardware, and general wood choices need to work for the benefit of the person playing it. At the end of the day we want every instrument that leaves our shop to be the best that it’s receipient has ever played, so if we feel that the concept won’t actually serve you well or meet our standards for quality, we will likely pass on the project.
Yes! We have built guitars and basses for customers all over the world. If you’re curious what international shipping would cost, just email us with your address and we’ll compare some pricing options.
Every step of the build process from design and rough wood selection to finishing and final set-up is done by our small team of wonderfully talented people in our Somerville, MA workshop.
Yes, but we are a small company and are therefore selective about who we choose to work with, and particular about our expectations from that working relationship.
Before you reach out to us (or any company for that matter) and ask for an endorsement/sponsorship, it is important to understand what an endorsement actually is: a business partnership. It’s not enough to think that your band is awesome (even if we agree with you.) You must be able to demonstrate that you have influence over a large enough following of people that care about your playing and/or music to the point of wanting a piece of what makes that music possible (our instruments.) The discount that we would provide isn’t for nothing, but a payment for the exposure and influence that you would be giving us. If you can’t clearly demonstrate that influence then you’re probably not at the point to be asking for an endorsement yet, but either way we will gladly chat with you via email at: artistrelations@eqguitars.com.