Hi folks!
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This update is long overdue. I just got home from a relaxing week out of town and I’m looking forward to getting back into the shop. It’s good building weather here in Minnesota. So how are things going? Simply put, I’m behind schedule, but I am here and I’m working. Those of you with orders currently in the queue should be up to date on the status of your build and I thank you for your patience.
If you have spoken to me about an order and are on the informal “wait list,” I haven’t forgotten about you and still plan to open a few order slots this winter. As I deal with increased demand, I’ve had to re-evaluate how I process and schedule orders. I am fortunate enough to have an abundance of custom inquiries, but it means I’ve had little chance to work on new designs and show guitars, which are the things I’m most excited about. My current build list will take me well into 2025 and I am trying to do a better job of giving more accurate lead times on custom orders. I will have more specifics when the order books open.
Another thing I’ve been thinking about for quite a while is how I work. I take a lot of pride in my ability to do what I do and the skills it requires. I’ve come to the conclusion that to do this in a manner that is most efficient and sustainable, I’m going to need some help. I am in the process of researching and procuring a CNC router to help with some of the bulk woodworking processes, as well as precision operations that are difficult to do by hand. I am still planning to do most custom inlay work by hand, because I think that is something that players value and I find the difference in line quality and detail is noticeable. Do you have thoughts on the use of CNC in guitar building? I’d be happy to hear them!
2022 Andromeda Elite Price Drop
If you’re interested in a Whalehazard but don’t want to wait, this beautiful Andromeda Elite is available at El Diablo Amps here in Minneapolis. In order to purchase a CNC and do some additional shop upgrades I am dropping the price by 10%. Listed at $5250, it is now only $4725. You won’t find a deal like this on a brand new Whalehazard anytime soon (you won’t see it online either, so please stop in or get in touch with Alan and his crew and tell them I sent you!) Douglas fir top, mahogany body, and some really tasty tortoiseshell celluloid. More details here.
I am also very pleased to announce that custom fitted hardshell cases are now available for your Whalehazard instrument! These are an optional upgrade for all new builds and can be purchased for your existing guitar as well. Made by Ameritage, they are heavy duty and classy, featuring an embroidered logo on the exterior and your choice of interior color.
Please note that turnaround time for these is several months, and I currently have only fitted cases for the Andromeda model, so other models will take additional time. Please contact me about pricing and protect your instrument in style.
Lastly, I have started taking on a limited amount of repair work again. Get in touch about setups, fretwork, electronics, etc. Still no finish repairs, but if you’ve got a cool project that needs some extra love, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am available by appointment only.
That’s all for now. As always, please email if you questions about custom orders, repairs, inlay, or if you’d just like to chat!
-Andy
