Custom-Made

We invite you to embark on the journey of creating your unique, custom-made guitar with Reeves Guitars.

Reeves Guitars is synonymous with the artisanal crafting of custom handmade guitars, a process that combines traditional lutherie with a personal touch. Each guitar begins its journey as a concept, carefully tailored to the musician’s preferences and playstyle. Steve, the master luthier behind Reeves Guitars, hand-selects the finest woods for each instrument, considering factors such as grain, age, and tonal characteristics to ensure optimal sound quality.

Old-growth Honduran Mahogany, Madagascar Rosewood, Ziricote, Cocobolo, Adirondack Spruce, Carpathian and Sitka Spruce are among the favored materials, prized for their resonance and durability. Attention to detail is paramount in every step, from the delicate shaping of the wood to the carving of the braces and precise setting of the frets and inlays.

The customization process at Reeves Guitars goes beyond mere aesthetics and enters the realm of acoustic engineering. Steve applies his deep understanding of guitar physics to adjust every element, from the thickness of the top to the bracing pattern, ensuring that each guitar not only looks unique but also sounds distinctly individual. This bespoke approach allows for the creation of guitars that cater to diverse playing styles – from the bright, clear tones ideal for fingerstyle players to the robust, resonant sound sought after by strummers.

The final stage of creation involves fine-tuning and finishing touches, like hand-polishing and setting up the guitar to meet the exact specifications of the musician. With a dedication to craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, Reeves Guitars delivers instruments that are not just tools for music but also treasured personal heirlooms, resonating with the passion and skill poured into their creation.

The Custom Process

The process begins with a conversation, where we get to understand your musical style, preferences, and the dream guitar you envision. We encourage you to reach out to us to start this exciting collaboration.

To get in touch, simply email us at steve@midlandscustom.com. We're also available for phone consultations at +1(803) 315-0047‬. We're eager to discuss your ideas, offer insights, and answer any questions you might have about the process, materials, timeframes, and pricing.

Once we have an understanding of your vision, Steve will work closely with you to refine the design and select the perfect materials. Throughout the creation of your guitar, we maintain an open line of communication, ensuring that the final instrument not only meets but exceeds your expectations. We're committed to making this experience as enjoyable and memorable as the guitar itself. Let us help you turn your dream guitar into a reality at Reeves Guitars.

Current delivery time on a custom Reeves guitar is approximately 9-12 months.
A $1000 deposit is required for a custom order to hold your build spot in the queue, then 30% to start the build, and remainder is due upon completion.
Guitar will be shipped once the final payment plus shipping cost has cleared the bank.
We ship with FedEx or UPS, depending on your preference.

Custom Process

Reeves Guitar Styles

1. Reeves Model O (Custom Parlor):

This charming guitar, reminiscent of an old Martin style O, brings a touch of nostalgia, echoing the pioneering designs that led to the famed “prewar” Martins and Gibsons. Its smaller, vintage-styled body practically invites you to pick it up and play. Perfect for both fingerstyle and flatpicking, this guitar produces a strong, sweet, and mellow response, much like the beloved old Larson guitars of the early 20th century. Standard features include a 24.75” scale length (or a customizable full 25.4” scale) and 14 frets to the body (with an option for 13 frets), a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard, a 1 11/16” nut width, Old Growth Mahogany back and sides, and a Sitka Spruce top. Ideal for parlor guitar aficionados or those seeking a smaller guitar with great projection. Priced from $5,200.00, plus tax and shipping.

2. Reeves Model OO:

The OO model stylishly fills the gap between the intimate Parlor and the larger OM/D models. This medium-sized gem is just right for those who love fingerstyle or flatpicking, and its size is particularly appealing to women and players seeking a comfortable yet strong and responsive guitar. It comes with a 24.75” scale length, your choice of a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard, a 1 11/16” nut width, Old Growth Honduran Mahogany for the back and sides, and a Sitka Spruce top. A harmonious blend of size and sound, starting at $5,400.00, not including tax and shipping.

3. Reeves Model OM/D:

The OM/D is a beautifully crafted guitar, based on the classic Orchestral or OOO model. Its pleasing OM body shape, coupled with a slightly deeper body and Steve’s expert top brace voicing, results in a guitar that boasts a more complex tone and power than many of its larger counterparts. It’s a symbiotic masterpiece in dimensions and sound. The standard setup includes a 25.4” scale length, 14 frets to the body, a 1 11/16” nut width, and a blend of Honduran Mahogany (back and sides) with your chosen Spruce top. This lightweight beauty is the go-to for those wanting a powerful sound without the bulk of larger guitars. Prices start at $5,600.00, excluding tax and shipping.

4. Reeves Custom-D:

Drawing inspiration from the legendary prewar Martin D-28 and several 1940s Martins, the Custom-D is the quintessential Bluegrass guitar that built Steve's early 2000s reputation. With a slightly shallower body than traditional models, it offers a bit less bulk but still delivers the powerful tone and response expected from a fine vintage instrument. This model features a 25.4” scale length, a Rosewood or Ebony fingerboard, Old Growth Honduran Mahogany back and sides, and a 1 11/16” nut width. For those who admire the vintage sound with a modern touch, starting at $5,600.00 plus tax and shipping.