Read Harmony Central reviews of Haywire Custom Guitars

Customer Reviews

Hi Rick,
You are right, I do love it.It looks great, it feels fantastic and it sounds brilliant. Unfortunately, thats given me a problem. I need 2 guitars and I don't even want to touch my old one since your guitar arrived this morning. Which means that I'll have to buy another HAYWIRE guitar,so I'm getting straight on to your e-bay shop as soon as I've written this.

Thanks again Rick for a great guitar.
Dave Garcia
Perth
Western Australia

I got the guitar yesterday and yes she's a beauty. I love it. The guitar is everything I hoped it would be, the set up is perfect. Thank you for the phone calls and friendly conversation. You need to be complimented on your customer service and for assuring that everything was as I desired. My satisfaction with doing business with you is complete. I look forward to purchasing one of your custom jobs in
the future. Thanks and Merry Chrismas to you and yours.

John Adams

I just bought a Haywire custom Strat via e-bay and I am one happy guitar player. It is just as advertised: It is a dream to play and hold and is absolutely beautiful. This is my first experience with a Strat; my other guitars are a Gibson ES-135 and a Gibson acoustic SJN that I've had since 1964. So this Strat is a new thing for me, and I'm having a blast! The action is quite low, and I need to get used to it,(or raise it), and my fingers really fly. The neck has the most beautiful custom inlay that was crafted just perfectly. I love it!
By Paul Blum

I finally got the guitar last week but I was working up north so, yes, more waiting. The guitar looks and plays amazing as you assured me. It looks so clean and feels like a Les Paul should. I am very happy I sent it you and look forward to doing future business with you. Thanks again Rick! You resurrected a neglected instrument and I will definitely be showing it off!!

Mike Melvin

I did my first gig with the new baby! It was a One Tree Hill gig at a men's recovery center in Dahlonega, GA.
Both Mambas were amazing, and having one to compliment the other is an awesome combination. There was a guy there who plays and he was admiring your work. he even came back and told me that he went to your website. He was very impressed! And, I am one VERY PROUD 2-TIME HAYWIRE OWNER!!!!!

I'm attaching a picture that might work for your website. Again, I can't do the guitars justice if I'm in the picture with them, but this one came out OK. I'll keep taking more as gigs come up.

Thanks Rick for everything!
BB

I just bought a Haywire custom Strat via e-bay and I am one happy guitar player. It is just as advertised: It is a dream to play and hold and is absolutely beautiful. This is my first experience with a Strat; my other guitars are a Gibson ES-135 and a Gibson acoustic SJN that I've had since 1964. So this Strat is a new thing for me, and I'm having a blast! The action is quite low, and I need to get used to it, (or raise it), and my fingers really fly. The neck has the most beautiful custom inlay that was crafted just perfectly. I love it!
By Paul Blum

Rick the guitar is amazing! I'm still playing with the tone as I'm use to having a double humbucker on the bridge but I'm sure I'll get the right combo. Again thank you!
Grace & Peace,
Troy

Dear Rick,
I got the guitar yesterday and yes she's a beauty. I love it. The guitar is everything I hoped it would be, the set up is perfect. This has got to be the best deal on ebay. Thank you for the phone calls and friendly conversation. You need to be complimented on your customer service and for assuring that everything was as I desired. My satisfaction with doing business with you is complete. I look forward to purchasing one of your custom jobs in
the future. Thanks and Merry Chrismas to you and yours.

John Adams

Rick ,
Once again I wanted to thank you for your amazing work building my Black Mamba. This instrument is truly a work of art! You have been a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. I absolutely love the abalone inlays, both on the neck and in the knobs. Thanks so much for suggesting that I go with them. Those, along with the AAA Birds-Eye Maple neck really do set it off as a very unique guitar.... Uniquely MINE!!

The set-up is perfect. And your attention to detail is superb! As advertised this is a "Gig-Ready" guitar. The neck and action are smoother than anything I've ever played. And the combination of the SRV pickups with the EXG and SPC give this baby such a wide range of tones and personalities, I'm thinking of naming her Sybil! She goes from a soft and sweet baby doll to a flame throwing she-devil with the flick of a wrist. I LOVE IT!

I will definitely be recommending you to anybody I know that may be in the market for a new guitar. Dollar for dollar this was by far the best value out there. I could not have gone anywhere and bought an instrument with half the features I wanted for the same price you gave me on this one with everything I asked for (and a few extras)!

Hopefully early next year I'll be ready to have you start a new project. That Great Bigsby Tele has really got my attention. Of course, I'd have you add a few modifications, but I know it would be a magnificent axe. Keep up the good work! I'll be in touch.

Sincerely,

Brian Bartlett
Cumming, GA

Rick,
I just had to write you this morning to tell you how much I appreciate all the extras you did for me building my "blues machine" - I've been playing it for a little over a week now just taking it in, and I must say it is without a doubt the best, nicest, coolest guitar I ever had!  The character of this thing is just awesome - it keeps revealing new tones and nuances - and I just love it Dude.  You're right those pick-ups do ring like a bell...  I love everything about it, the tone, sustain, setup - perfect intonation everything.  I've only been playing it through my Blues Cube 60 so far - and what a perfect match!

Oh, and what a looker - she is just "beautimous"!  Dude, the ebony fretboard is awesome - thank you so much!  Having only played off the rack Fenders in the past, I think I can say that this is the only strat I will play for years - I really love this guitar!  Thanks again Rick - your fine work is very much appreciated.

I'll send you a picture from the first gig - thanks again Rick!

Sincerely,

Mark Ahuna
Mooresville , NC

Rick,
The " Tommy Long Special" is a very fine guitar!!!!! Once again (now that I Played it) You guy`s at Haywire are excellent luthiers and after playing for 28 years, I can definitely say that you and your corporation are comparable to the Fender Custom Shop!!!!   Thank`s Again for the building of a one of a kind Strat!!

Tom Perlongo

Hi Rick,
As a Strat lover, I've owned several, but I've never owned one with the quality and workmanship of my newest Haywire custom Strat. It's also a very unique guitar with beautiful customization. Haywire did an awesome job setting up my Strat specifically for me and it plays like a dream!

Dwayne Johnson
Kansas City, MO

Hi Rick,
Sorry it took so long to write but i just can't put her down, its beautifully made the craftsmanship that went into this magnificent guitar is
overwhelming. Thanks for talking me into the soft v neck with the conical radius- its outstanding. The pickups with their " vintage" sound are just what I wanted, I like to bend while playing old Stones mid 60's songs and Otis Rush tunes. I just can't put it down. The sounds are smooth & sweet thank you so very much. I'll be calling around May or June, tax return time to get a custom tele made. You do know I'll never go back to my Music shop to buy ever again. Thanks it is fantastic! I just keep smiling. Thank you so much RICK!
Sincerely,

Robert Conway,
Mcalester,Oklahoma

Hey Rick,
You were right. I don't want to put this bass down! Even though I've only been playing a year, I've played on about 8 other basses. This one you made is definitely the best. It even beats out my Fender Jazz Fret less that also has a Warmoth Neck, and I Love that Fret less. The guys in my office think this P-bass sounds the best of the bunch, too, and I quite agree. It sounds and feels great! Plus it is a real beauty to boot! I may even be able to sell a couple of other basses that I've been sitting on since I'd rather play this one. The sound through my small practice amp is so great that I can't wait to try it and hear it on a full size amp with some power.

If I had to stretch and come up with a criticism, it would be that this bass has too much sustain for a P-bass (at least in my opinion). I know that I need to get better at muting the strings, but what a great problem to have....A bass that sustains too much! Instruments should not only be well crafted, but be works of art unto themselves. This one surely is. I am already thinking ahead to have you build me another one....Maybe next year! I'll keep in touch.
Best,

Russ

Hi Rick,
Great tone and playing it feels great. This is the first good guitar that I have owned, and I am glad I finally purchased it. It also looks fantastic. Great job and thanks again.

Michael Drews
Woodbury, MN

Dear Rick,
I wanted to drop you a line to tell you about Baby’s debut. The blues band that I play with did a show in Frankenmuth, Michigan (about 30 minutes from where I live in Saginaw) that was to be for their annual auto show, but it turned into an auto show-hurricane relief bash. We raised a tidy sum. Anyway, Baby behaved beautifully. She is easily the brightest guitar I own which backs off to a gorgeous shimmer for rhythm playing. For full on lead work the neck pickup can’t be beat. It is exactly what I expected it to be and then some.
I accidentally forgot two of the guitars I was going to bring my Godin guitar to the job for synth and acoustic stuff and another Fender guitar I have used for 20 years. So along with my Strat strung with .011 to .052 for slide and Baby that was all I had to do the show.
Our drummer’s wife (who rarely says anything) described my playing as “on fire” I told her I was just inspired. I know I’ve thanked you many times before, but I feel like I need to thank you again. This guitar will be a part of my blues arsenal for a long time to come. I'm sure I'll get restless soon and get a hair up there to start another project. When I do, I'll let you know.

David Cline
Saginaw, Michigan

Hi Rick,
This last one is classically beautiful!!! Absolutely reeks timeless Strat, but has a distinctive personal touch. Perfect Job!!! Now I am dying to get these other two here I ordered from you. I like what you said ... A "bevy of beauties", and that's what these 3, now 4 guitars from you represent to me. I now have a bona fide "collection" of exact Strats I've always envisioned, and you were just the person to make it all happen for me.

Working with you on these was a pleasure, and the first Instrument told me exactly you were the right man for the job. Your attention to detail and your professionalism has been tremendous and I am a very happy customer indeed.

What you do is art, as that is what I do too ... and there won't be one day these guitars are not appreciated for the artisan craftsmanship and genuine care that went into them. I learned a great deal in putting the parts together, and having the right person do this for me was extremely important. Organizing materials and specifying construction is what I do for a living, and I appreciate your compliments on how I prepared this job for you because in this case, playing beautiful guitars is something I love.

Count on me always staying in touch, and keeping you informed of new projects for myself, and certainly I will recommend you to my friends or anyone. Should you need references or testimonials for you and Haywire I won't hesitate to provide them at anytime. In addition, if you need me to help you out with any photo montage color studies for potential customers, I would be glad to assist you.

These 3 guitars are simply gorgeous and you are the best!!!

Anthony
Bridgeport, CT

Heya Rick !
Its been about 2 months with the new guitar and I just wanted to say its been nothing short of a dream guitar. I had been toying with the idea of buying the Strat and then an LP studio to accompany it but after playing this guitar I know an LP will just be a let down. Been toying around with home recording and posted some stuff to MySpace, ( http://www.myspace.com/k2mia ) - including a plug for haywire guitars in each of the liner notes. :) Thanks again, and I will continue to spread the word.

Andrew Cowan
Reidsville, NC

Rick Mariner,
I wanted to take a few moments & tell you that I really appreciate your skill & craftsmanship as a guitar builder . Your guitars are quite simply the best I have ever played. Every time I take one to a jam or gig I get compliments all night long on the great tone as well as the stunning looks of the instruments you built for me. They are a joy to play & are exactly the way I want them to be. I will be a customer for life. I’m glad were friends.

Carl E. Sperry, Jr.

Its arrived at last Rick. It's beautiful, the neck is sooo slim and gorgeous. One question though, if the strings are a little too low and do I simple use an Allen key to raise the saddles a little ? Well… in England we call it an Allen key you probably refer to it as some thing else. Its as gorgeous as you said and a dream to play I'm so pleased.
Cheers,

Danny
Devonshire, England

HI RIck.
OK so, I got the guitar at the morning(Wednesday) and went home to check, the guitar and as you say is a serious instrument, definitely it is. I love the action it's so good I realy feel the guitar is a part of me. I'm very surprised with the neck, wow.. she is perfect!!! all together with the perfect body of the TELE-you created a AAA fender telecaster. well done, again thank you Rick

Yaki Mazor-Israel

Rick,
This is one a hell of a guitar. I've been on a road trip for about three days, and although I'm traveling with a Brook travel guitar, I'm really missing the (Grand Marshall)!!! It is, without a doubt, the most pleasurable electric guitar I've ever played. Others are fun, of course, and I own a number of them, but this one keeps inviting me to pick it up and . . create. I haven't yet adjusted the action at all, and it does still have a little too much string slap for me, but my gosh, what a fine instrument -- the tone is superb, the neck is a joy, the feel of the instrument just shouts "quality," and everything just works perfectly.

Danny Marshall

Hey Rick,
I just received the guitar yesterday, the postal system is sometimes a little slow to get things over here. I love it already and it plays like a dream! Thank you very much for all your hard work and effort!
Sincerely,

Grant Spanier
San Francisco, CA

Hello Rick,
I'm sorry for the delay. I was waiting for my son's birthday. I received the guitar and as my son says it is Awesome! Most of all, he is very satisfied with pickups and sound it makes. Body and weight of the quitar are also unique. He likes to play "his new guitar" because it is so light. Even though he has one guitar with similar body this one makes his playing much easier he says. Everything looks so nice!! Thank you again for this unique piece.

Juraj & Juraj Farkas
Elizabeth, New Jersey

Hello Rick,
First at morning i went to the postal office, and got the Tele. You made a professional instrument, in every single fret's the sound absolutely astonishing. This one you made is definitely the best, you are professional Rick. Working with you it's pleasure, and the first Instrument told me exactly you were the right man to work with. Your attention to detail and your professionalism has been
tremendous and I am a very happy customer indeed. it's alway's pleasure to work with you. Thank you again.

Jackob.M Israel

Hello Rick !
I received guitar ,Thank so much ! My son loves it! You did unbelievable job on this guitar. I'm going to leave super positive feedback about You and your shop. One more time Thank You for your honest business. God bless You !
Sincerely,

Pavel Gud
Amsterdam, Holland

Dear Rick,
I received the guitar today. You were right. It looks great and sounds even better. I have been playing it nonstop, totally clean, but also using a lot of my favorite effect combinations. It is a pleasure to play, you did a great job on the neck. Thanks again for building this beauty and for your generous spirit and support.

Tao
New York, NY

Hi Rick,
What can I say, the guitar is fantastic. It feels like it was made for me. The neck is prefect, and the action is supple and responsive. I love the ash body - it's so light! I'm going to be putting in alot of hours on this girl, so I'm glad it's so comfortable to play. I've had many guitars over the years, but this is my first strat, and I'm glad I waited. The case is great to - very skoocum (tough)...and light too!
Thank you so much for your help with the tracking. Looks like it was another case of our silly Customs department taking their sweet time. So much for free trade. Oh well, it's here! and I'm very excited.
Thanks again,

Rob
Vancouver, British Columbia

Dear Rick,
Ok…I supposed to receive a nice guitar with a nice sound, etc. But I received a real GEM instead. You’ve made a superb instrument, and I never had a guitar like this on my hands. Thank you forever.

Fabian
Buenos Aries, Argentina

Hey Rick!
I got the guitar and I love it. It sounds awesome. Everything about it is perfect. Thanks for everything. I'm at work so sorry for this being short. Thanks again,

Les Gaverluk
Port Colborne, Ontario

Hey Rick!
Sorry it took me a bit to sit down and right this email. I’ve been to pre-occupied playing and recording this GEM of a guitar :) you're a wonderful craftsman and I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future purchases! This guitar is absolutely beautiful, it’s exactly what I expected. It is an amazing guitar and its working wonderfully with my studio. Thanks a lot for building this for me! I’ll be heading to college soon for audio production and this guitar is going to BLOW them away :) the black hardware and black body just look amazing, it makes me smile every time. As soon as I record a few final tracks I’ll send them your way I’ll give you feedback on ebay tonight as well but for now, back to the studio!! Thanks Again!

Michael Liesenfelder - Wausau, WI

Hello Rick,
Just a quick note to tell you that I received the Tele today. This guitar is simply Awesome! Looks great, Sounds great, and plays like a dream. Love it man... If I run into anyone looking for their "next guitar" I will send them your way...
Regards,

Eddie Perritt
Winston-Salem, NC

Rick,
Yes I received it. It is absolutely a gem. Everything I expected and more, no kidding. I have 5 SG Gibsons, an Explorer, a Les Paul and this guitar is so much fun to play. I took it right from the package to band practice and had an inspired night because it sounds so much different than my other guitars. However, just so you know. I fully intend to not only buy another from you very soon but recommend you. As a retailer that depends on positive feedback and referrals. I have to share this with you guy to guy. Part of what set you apart was the detailed set up of the guitar. I will enjoy this axe for years, and I`m dead serious about buying another, probably black with gold hardware. A very happy and satisfied player, will be a repeat customer no question. Thanks for all your help and support. Well done. P.S. I have an ebay store as a power seller with great feedback.

Greg Symbaluk
ST.ALBERT, ALBERTA
CANADA
T8N-5E2

Dear Rick,
Fantastic! I bought this as a back up to my other strat, and it has blown that one out of the water.

Dominic Rippel
New York, NY

USPS was very efficient this week. The axe arrived today to my pleasant surprise. First impressions, I'm blown away at how nice this looks and sounds. The neck is wonderful, the weight is just right. It's aesthetically and physically well balanced. I can see myself playing through long sets without feeling fatigued. Initially out of the box, the strings buzzed but that was because the action was very low, strings almost touching the frets. Maybe the neck shifted a bit in transit? Neck looks okay though. Is that the truss adjuster on the side of the neck? I adjusted the bridge to bring the action up to my specs and it feels great. I think I'm going to get spoiled by this neck. Chord tones have a nice shimmer to them when strummed, single notes punchier than I'm used to, most likely due to the EMG's which sound nicer than Gibson '57 humbuckers. It's feels funny to go back to a standard strat after playing this guitar. Well, those are my first impressions. I'm going to play it at a jam session this weekend, that will be the true test. I have a feeling it's going to be a real blast to play. I'll call you Monday and let you know how it all went.
Best Regards,

Eddie Lastra

Hey Rick,
Here is something below for your website, but it is really straight from the heart! You can cut and paste it on your site!

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about buying any guitar without actually being able to play it before I purchased it. However, after meeting you and playing a couple of gigs with you in the past, I was blown away by your style and awesome playing ability. Last week, I decided to do a little research on your company online to see what other people had to say about Haywire Custom Guitars. I was very impressed to say the least!

After talking to you about the specifications that I had in mind, I realized that you were the one to build my new custom guitar. Yesterday, I received it in perfect condition. I plugged it into my old Fender Twin Reverb, and was totally blown away by every aspect of the guitar.

I can't imagine how any company could possibly create a better playing or sounding instrument. Over the past twenty years, I have played, bought, and sold many guitars, but I won't be selling this one! I have never played an "Off The Shelf" instrument that even comes close to my new Haywire. Thanks Rick, for your time, effort, and great craftsmanship!

Mike Lynch