SB MacDonald

Electric and Acoustic Custom Guitars and Repairs

+1.802-875-7397
Authorized :
Consider a guitar made just for you.

Custom Guitars and Instruments by Scott MacDonald

Specializing in acoustic and electric instruments that fit the musician’s style, hands and personality.
My custom guitars are made strictly by special order. Each is designed around the needs, spirit and personality of the player. Design, function, balance and tone come together to create an instrument that is an extension of you.

I make acoustic guitars, electric guitars and basses, resonator guitars, electric resonators and ukuleles.

There are many varieties of wood to choose from. All the wood I use is properly seasoned and air-dried for a minimum of three years.

Do you need electronics? The right system, if a pickup is desired, will honor the voice of the guitar

Each custom guitar I build is designed to fit your hands, style, personality and voice.

Step 1: Discuss and listen

We start off with a discussion about what your guitar needs to do for you. If possible, you visit my shop and you play while I watch.

Step 1: Discuss and listen

We start off with a discussion about what your guitar needs to do for you. If possible, you visit my shop and you play while I watch.

Step 1: Discuss and listen

We start off with a discussion about what your guitar needs to do for you. If possible, you visit my shop and you play while I watch.

Step 1: Discuss and listen

We start off with a discussion about what your guitar needs to do for you. If possible, you visit my shop and you play while I watch.

Details Matter

From the choice of wood, the inlays, the appointments and finish, it all comes together for an instrument for you.

Making a Custom Guitar

I build custom instruments that are unique and designed specifically for each player. To me, that is what “custom guitar” means. The instrument should fit your body and hands, have an action that matches your particular touch, and speaks to you when you hear its voice. When this happens, you grow as an artist.

The Design and Building Process

I like to get to know as much about each you and your music as I can before design and construction begin. Customers often visit me at my workshop for this reason. We can also arrange a series of online consultations so I can get to know you, listen and watch how you approach your instrument and music. We discuss woods, size, body type, scale length, nut width, fingerboard radius, finishes and design details. Customers often have design ideas in mind. I try to integrate this ideas in the correct way. You, the customer, are part of the process after all. My goal is that an instrument as unique as its owner is born.

A Magic Repair

Scott,
The guitar arrived yesterday. Thank you for getting it here before the weekend.
Everything looks perfect and it sounds great. I can’t see any of the dark marks I was
expecting to see where the cracks were. Magic?

Thanks again. Tim

Great fretwork

Scott,
Just wanted to thank you on what a great job you did with my guitar now that
I’ve played it for a few hours. No buzzes, no dead spots and each note has a nice
sweet ring to it. I also notice the nice work you did on the frets.

Thanks, Keith Boruf

They all play and sound great

Scott has taken care of my guitar, mandolin, and banjo. All of them sound and play better than ever before, and I’ve had them for over thirty years. I recommend him wholeheartedly!

Martha Trachtenberg

Major surgery on a ’64 Gibson

I have a temperamental ’64 Gibson with a unique sound. Over the years, I have had to take it to Scott for some major surgery. Not only did he fix each problem, he did it in a way that allowed my guitar to keep its wonderful tone. I couldn’t be more pleased.

Tom Griffith

Guild 12 String plays great

Scott,
I received the 12-string guild last evening that you repaired. You reset the neck
just right. The action is beautiful! And the sound is fantastic. Thanks for a job well
done.

Cal

My PRS is better than ever

Just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how happy and thrilled I am with the work you did on my PRS. It’s playing better than it did when I first received it!! I LOVE it.

Suzanne B.

Miracle man

You are the “miracle man.” Thank You Scott. A piece of my heart is back in place.

Ron Roper

You saved my Taylor

Hi Scott,
Just a note to let you know I received the Taylor “Horses” guitar today. It
looks great! The finish looks excellent. Also, the neck reset is superb.
The playing action is quite remarkable!!
Thanks for your care, and regards,

Bob Burger

Discuss Your Project

I’d love to t about your dream instrument. Please visit my contact page to reach out to me.

Find us and Follow

SB MacDonald
Custom Instruments

660 Mattson Road
Chester, Vermont
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