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Would you guys ever consider building basses?

Yes, absolutely. We actually have a 4-string and a 5-string in production right now. We hope to add them to the website at a later date when they're completed. Thanks! 

Would you guys ever branch into amps?

Probably not because guitar-making is really our specialty and strength. Thanks! 

You're marketing your guitars toward the praise and worship crowd. Am I allowed to use one of your guitars for a different scenario? Maybe some jazz or soft rock?

Of course!

I'm thinking about commissioning a baritone guitar with a 30" scale, tuned ADGCEA and strung with 14-gauge strings. Would the fatter strings require a custom nut or bridge?

There will be no problem on the bridge side and we would slot the nut according to the heavier gauge strings. But, if you're concerned about the heavier gauges making the string spacing too tight, then we could potentially increase the nut width on a commissioned build. For reference, we already use a slightly wider nut width: 43mm (a little wider than 1-11/16"). Thanks!

How long does it take to get a custom guitar built

We're currently estimating 4-5 months. This is a moving target based on a couple factors like how many builds we have at a given time and the complexity of the build. Thanks!

Any thought as to adding V neck carves? I’m really flexible about what I’ll play, but some V’s have really stuck.

Yes, we can do V neck carves on commissioned builds. Just leave a note in the "Special Instructions" section. Thanks!

Will you build a Les Paul style guitar too ?

We can build something inspired by that design, but nothing too similar. Just leave a note about it in the "Special Instructions" if you decide to place an order with us. Thanks so much!

If you were to describe yourselves as a Christian guitar company, would you mean that, a) the guitars are Christian and you are the company that makes them b) the company is Christan and you work for the company making guitars c) you are Christian and you have a gutiar making company or d) all of the above Cause if you guys aren't all in for this thing, I don't even know if I want one.

Hi Austin - Definitely option C as our co-founders are both followers of Christ. Thanks for your question!

Just wanted to add that I love that your aim is to bring glory to God and your instruments are tools for worship. I was given my first guitar at 39 years old after praying for God's leading in that desire. :)

Amen, brother, all glory be to God. Your story reminds us of Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." God bless you!

Where are your instruments built?

Hi Robert - China. We own and operate a factory there and then perform the final fret work, electronics, and setup adjustments at our shop in California. Thanks! 

Would you consider adding more humbucker options in future?

Hi Kai, it's possible, but the current offering will likely stay in place for some time. 

Any thoughts on branching out to acoustic guitars?

Hi Sherman - we have one small batch of acoustics (OM-style model) in production now. It will be fitted with an LR Baggs Anthem SL pickup system. We also have a hollowbody with humbucker/humbucker pickup configuration in the works. 

So much fun creating a custom guitar for a giveaway! Love the mission of the company--you've got a fan for life! :)

Thanks Abby! 

What are your favorite guitar players? Biggest influences?

How long is the wait time for a build usually?

It'll vary depending on how many builds we have in the queue as well as the complexity of the build. But, we're currently estimating 4-5 months. Thanks, Theresa!  

Your website offers the ability to pick up an order "at the shop" for free, rather than paying for shipping. Where is your shop located?

Hi Jeremy - our shop is located in the SF Bay Area. If you're local, we're right by Highway 85 and 280 near the post office. We're open by appointment only, but only offer curbside pickup at the moment due to covid. 

Do you have any future plans for expanding the body shape options?

There is one more body shape we might add later this year (double cutaway version of the Model C2). Beyond that, it really depends on what customer preferences are and how creativity might strike down the road. Thanks, Joel! 

Do you offer doing tapers/contours at the neck heel?

Yes, it would just have to be mentioned in the Special Instructions if you decide to place an order. Thanks, Kyle 

First of all, I love that this is a Christian company that focuses on God and creating tools to praise his name. That’s a wonderful thing that you don’t see much of in the business world. I am excited that you are branching out with OM sized acoustics. What kinds of wood are planned to be used on these?

Thanks, Michael! We're using solid Mahogany on the back/sides/top as well as the neck. It'll have an Ebony fretboard and matching Ebony head plate. Thank you for your interest!  

The custom builder tool on the website is awesome! Do you guys plan on expanding your tone-woods for hollowbodies? Many thanks and best wishes!

We'll email you about the woods. Thanks Josh!  

This is the BEST custom online building tool I've ever seen. Wow, great job guys! I would love to see a few more custom options for trussrod covers.

We’ll email you to learn more about what you're looking for. Thanks Casey! 

Thank you so much for creating such a fun, exciting and informative giveaway! As another participant mentioned, I too am heartened that this is a Christian company. Do you offer Stainless Steel frets as an option?

Yes!

Have you considered having additional control options? I want something with controls like a Baja Tele, but I don’t see the option.

We probably won't add any additional control options in the short term, but if you decide to place an order, you may add your control preferences in the Special Instructions and we may be able to accommodate you.  Thanks! 

What's your opinion on endorsing artists? Think this is something that Citizen is or will be interested in?

We aren't pursuing artist endorsements aggressively at the moment. But, an artist endorsement relationship that creates a win-win-win situation is something we would definitely embrace. It makes sense for everybody involved (1) the end user (2) the artist and (3) the manufacturer. Thanks for the question!

Will you ever make a V-shape body?

If there are any enough requests, yes! Thanks, Spencer!

Ok, so I saw that my acoustic guitar question was already answered. So, different question: would you consider adding a Floyd Rose bridge option?

If there are enough requests, then yes, absolutely. Our aim is to really cater to what praise and worship musicians want/need in their guitars. If you commission a build, you can always type in the Special Instructions section what you need and we may be able to accommodate you. Hope this helps! 

Is a black T style bridge tray something that anyone does?

Hi Michael - yes, they're out there. We built this one with a Wilkinson T-style bridge a while back. 

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Have you considered epoxy resin builds?

Not as a production model, but we can accommodate it for a commissioned build. Thanks, dARRIS!

Would you plan on adding any new woods soon? Burls even?

We probably won't be adding new woods, but we can accommodate burls and other materials like carbon fiber upon special request for commissioned builds. Thanks, Odin!

Is there a word for someone who can’t stop designing custom guitars on your site? Whatever it is... I’m one of them!

"Enthusiast" perhaps? Thanks for your interest and support, Chris!

Is it bad to customize too much?

Too much of a good thing is usually bad! :-D

Double necks?

We'd be glad to build a double neck guitar as a commissioned build. Thanks, Michael!

Have you every considered of making a Fanned Fret/ multi scale fret board?

We can accommodate this in a commissioned build, but probably won't offer any production model fanned fret guitars. With enough interest, there's a chance we'd offer a production model 5-string bass to tighten things up for that Low B string. Thanks, Lance!

I assume your P90s are made in-house. Is there a model/brand that you might compare them to so that I can get a good sense of how they'll sound?

Lollar and Fralin pickups. Thanks, Bashar!

Are you planning on doing any church/pastor discounts? Just curious at this point.

No, because we cannot give discounts based on a person's religion under federal law (42 U.S.C. §2000a(a). Thanks, David!

Where do you source you woods from? I’d love to win this contest, it is so cool and unique to have us design the guitar we would win!

All over the place, really, but a couple vendors include Maderas Barber and Global Wood Source. 

Any plans for building more agressive-looking guitars, like flying-v or explorer, for exemple?

We aim to serve worship musicians, so we probably won't offer shapes that can be seen as too aggressive for a worship setting. Thanks, Eissom!

I really enjoyed the configurator... really well done. Although, I would like to be able to see what the back of the guitar looks like in the tool. Have a blessed day!

Thanks, Paul! We've emailed you about how to switch to the back view of the guitar, but here it is again in case others have the same question:

What kind of guitar cases ship with the guitars?

Form fitted hardshell cases!  

Are you planning on offering more options for body tone woods in the future?

Probably not as a standard option, but we are open to using other woods upon request for commissioned builds.

Where do you build your guitars, (geographical location)? I can't seem to see it on the site, but maybe I'm looking in the wrong place! Thanks

We own and operate our factory out in China and perform final fret work and setup adjustments at our shop in California. 

I see you guys have a Teacher Discount!!! I will be sweet talking the wife for a future purchase! Thanks! I love the about you guys page! Question: where are you guys located?

We're in the SF Bay Area and welcome you to visit us if you're local or coming through town. You may schedule an appointment with us through our contact page: https://www.citizenguitars.com/contact Thanks!

Such a cool website and company, I can't believe I haven't heard about y'all until now. Where are you located? if your nearby I'll come by and give you guys a high 5! Thanks for the contest, also, by the way. would be SUCH a blessing to win.

We're in the SF Bay Area and welcome you to visit us if you're local or coming through town. You may schedule an appointment with us through our contact page: https://www.citizenguitars.com/contact Thanks!

Thank you for doing your giveaway. Your guitar configurator was great to use. Are you planning on someday having some "stock" models or are you planning to always be a custom shop?

We have plans to offer stock models for guitar, bass, acoustic, and hollowbody. Our first acoustic model and hollowbody model should be available within a couple months and our basses early in 2021.  

I thought the classical style headstock was unique, what body type do you recommend it for most?

It can work on any body type, but we'd use it on the larger bodies like the Model C3 and Model C4. 

How do you describe the sound of your mini humbucker?

Our mini humbuckers are relatively bright compared to full size humbuckers. Simply speaking, its tone falls somewhere between a single-coil and a humbucker.

What is better, p90s or humbuckers??

P90s are better suited for certain applications, humbuckers are better in others. But, neither are always better in all situations. Hope this helps!

What's your take on 7-string instruments? I feel they can be really versatile although they might not suit the p&w repertoire in most cases

If all seven strings are used, then we're all for it! If not, a six string baritone guitar could be a better choice. One less string in the way.

do you plek your builds? just asking out of curiosity

No PLEK. Just good old fashioned radius blocks, elbow grease and experience. That said, we'd be quick to incorporate a PLEK when the time is right. It's a wonderful tool.

When will your acoustics be coming out?

We're aiming for November 2020

I submitted an entry for the free commission build and this is a brilliant exercise in marketing! One thing I was looking for was flame maple binding. If I were to commission a build and wanted something custom like that (not offered in the options), would that be available?

Yes, we can accommodate that. We can also do a natural/masked binding if the body has a thick flamed maple cap.  

As a long time worship guitarist, I appreciate builders who are open about their faith. Do you wind your own pickups, and if not, whose do you use?

Yes, we wind all our own pickups!

Would you consider building acoustic guitars at any point?

Yes, and we aim to introduce our first acoustic model later this year. It's an all solid Mahogany OM-style acoustic guitar with an LR Baggs Anthem SL pickup system. 

How did your company first start?

This question deserves a longer answer, but in short, Jeff (our co-founder) had it in his heart to take his professional experience working in the guitar industry and use it to directly serve fellow believers involved in praise and worship ministry. 

How long does it take you to build a guitar?

Actual build time, less than two weeks. Total time from ideation to market could take months or even years. 

What is it like, working in such a creative company? (as in crew and the job itself)

The work is rewarding because we know some of our instruments will be used for giving praise, worship, honor, and glory to God. The crew is diverse and come with experience gained from different corners of the guitar world such as large-scale guitar manufacturing, luthiery school, guitar repair, musical performance, and praise/worship ministry. 

I’ve heard that Lincoln Brewster does a wiring mod on his Strats that he calls a “treble bleed mod” or something along those lines. Is that something that you can do on your guitars as well?

Yes, we can do that. We'd just need to solder a specific resistor and capacitor to the volume pot. 

Very nice! Will there be any more guitars added to the shop, or will it just be the C1 for now?

We'll be adding an acoustic and a hollowbody later this year. More guitars and basses to come in early 2021. 

Do you have plans to add a semi-hollow option for the T-style guitars?

We can build any body shape as a semi-hollow upon request. Yes, we plan to add them to the configurator in a future update. Thanks!

I love the choices in your guitar builder section! Do you wind your own pickups?

We use Lollar Pickups for our C1 model but will let you know if we look into winding our own!

Are there any demo videos of your guitars? They are beautiful and I would love to hear what they sounds like.

Not yet, we're working on it!

I love what this company is doing. Reminds me of what Jennings or Veritas is doing but the customization is through the roof. Thank you. Just curious about what your alnico V single coil humbucker sized PU are like. Are they similar to what you would find in the a duesenberg starplayer neck P90?

Our humbucker-sized single coil pickups are designed to sound like a P90 (they have a similar output) but they are a little brighter. Thanks, Josh!  

Are your pickups custom wound in-house, or are they outsourced? If outsourced, who produces them?

Our pickups are designed in house and then built by an outside vendor whose identity we need to keep private. Thanks, Matt!

It seems like there is no neck plate option on the custom strat body which makes me wonder, are the customized necks cross compatible with other standard bodies, or is the custom body compatible with necks and such? By the way, I am really digging the way the deep forearm and belly cuts and the body contours look, exactly what I was looking for. This company get lots of things right from what I can see. Exodus 35:35, God Bless

Currently, Citizen necks are not compatible with other standard bodies. However, we can build to fit standard Strat® (rounded) and Tele® (squared) neck pockets for commissioned builds. Thank you for that encouragement from scripture!

Are you going to produce any solid body Les Paul style shapes in the future? Not a copy as much as inspiration, as so many companies do. Because I'd like a solid body rather than the ES-335 shape with a single cut out, semi hollow that you currently have.

Yes, we aim to offer an original shape that fits that category of body style in the future. Thanks, Ami!

When did you guys start this business endeavor? Loving the builds and the look of quality!

November 13, 2019. There's a little more about it on our blog: https://www.citizenguitars.com/day-1

Loving everything you’re doing! Head over heels for your jazzmaster style guitars. Any chance of us seeing a mustang style build in the future? Would be awesome!

We could do something inspired by that shape, but not an exact copy. Thanks, Carson!

Would you consider custom wiring of the electronics, using a Tonestyler, or using custom pickups?

Yes, these are things we should be able to accommodate in a commissioned build. You would just need to add it in the Special Instructions section if you decide to place an order. Thanks, Cory!

Would you be interested in creating any short-scale models (22.5")?

We probably wouldn't offer any production models with that short of a scale length, but can accommodate that in a commissioned build. Thanks, Brent!

Does the body shape on an electric guitar chance to overall sound at all?

Will it change the sound at all? Probably. Some will disagree, but, we don't believe the body shape makes a significant difference in the sound of a solid body electric guitar or bass. Thanks, Richard!

Possible to get a solidbody singlecut shape?

Yes, we aim to offer an original shape that fits that category of body style in the future. Thanks, Jared!

Love the site and I love seeing a Christian run guitar company! Even if I don’t win anything you’ve given me something to save towards. Look forward to supporting your company in the future!

Thank you, Jacob!

I’ve been really interested in a variety of neck woods recently, love the roasted maple. Would you guys be offering things like rosewood necks or spalted fret boards in the future?

We're open to using different woods for commissioned builds, but probably wouldn't use anything too exotic on our production models. Thanks, Isaac!

What do you think makes citizens guitars stand out among the rest of the custom built guitar shops?

This looks cool. I like the website, the custom guitar builder, and the story of you all sounds really cool. When you include a piezo onto an electric guitar, what do you guys normally put in?

Graph Tech and Fishman piezo systems, but we may be able to accommodate other systems for commissioned builds. Thanks, Robert!

Would you guys ever consider endorsing an artist, and if so what type of criteria are you looking for?

Yes, we are open to working with artists who can help create a win-win-win situation. We would consider the artist's spiritual maturity, affinity toward our products, and online reach. Thanks, Andrew!

I love your site, and that configurator is a ton of fun. I was wondering though, what is the typical output for your s-type style single coil neck pickups?

It's a slightly hotter vintage style pickup with around 6K for the mid/neck pickup and around 7K for the bridge. Thanks, Chris!

Do you endorse any artists?

No, not at this time. But, we are open to working with qualified artists who can help create a win-win-win situation. Thanks, Brent!

Do you make extended range guitars? (7, 8 or 9 strings)

We have no plans to offer extended range production models. We may be able to accommodate for a commissioned build. Thanks, Daniel!  

Once you order can you make a change?

Yes. We will review specs and any special instructions with you before moving forward with the actual build. 

Do you have options for custom wound pickups?

Yes, we can do custom pickups. Please email sales@citizenguitars.com for more info. Thanks, Tyler!

Love the mission of this company, and the options on the builder are pretty awesome! Do you have a personal life verse?

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." - Philippians 3:20 (ESV) - thanks, Ryan!

Would you ever consider using a 5 way wiring set up on a 2 pickup configuration instead of adding a coil tap switch?

Yes, absolutely. A super switch or mega switch would be best for that. Thanks, Dale!

Do you have floyd rose available?

Yes, we can install a Floyd upon special request. Thanks, Eric!

Love the designs. How many builds have you guys completed?

As Citizen Guitar Co., less than a hundred.

Collectively, thousands over the course of our careers.

Thanks, Benjamin!

(Video: Citizen Guitar Co. Model CT in production)

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What color combo is your favorite?

Solid white finish with tortoise pickguard and chrome hardware. Thanks, Sarah!

I didn't see an option for Nitro finish, but if I win I would love nitro. Do you guys do that??

We spray poly but can spray nitro upon special request at an additional charge. Thanks, Lee!

I love the work you place in your guitars. Do you plan to make electric acoustic guitars in the near future?

We are making an acoustic (flat top) model and a hollowbody model currently and they should be available in late 2020. Thanks!

I entered the sweepstakes, but only after submitting, realized I must have misclicked when I (apparently) asked for "no case". I thought that I had clicked "yes" to a case, but must have missed it when double-checking. Is there a way to edit and add that to the 'order'? The total would still be under the 3K limit. (I realize as a sweepstake there's only a small chance of it mattering, but still!)

We can add this if you're selected as the sweepstakes winner. Thanks, Rob!

In your "Commission A Build" page (which is a ton of fun, as wonderful to use), you have an option to add custom graphics. Are these removable for future use if we want, or are they under the finish?

The custom graphics are protected under the clear coat so they cannot be removed. Thanks! 

Great custom build interface and I wanted to create something that would be very versatile since a lot of praise and worship music has so many style influences. Do you see the company making acoustic and acoustic/electric instruments in the future, e.g .acoustic guitars, banjos or mandolins? Looking forward to following more from Citizen Guitar Co. and good luck to everyone in the giveaway!

We are making an acoustic (flat top) model and a hollowbody model currently and they should be available in late 2020. However, we do not plan to offer banjos or mandolins. Thanks!

In the guitar builder, do you think you'll add the option to do the sides a different color from the front/back? Mainly thinking for double bound guitar designs

Great question! We can definitely do a different color on the sides. For now, you would just need to let us know what colors you'd like by typing it into the Special Instructions section on the configurator. Thanks, and we'll definitely consider adding it as a standard option in a future update!

Do you have built guitars you can create a video demoing the sound? Love the designs!

We're working on it. Currently, we have the Model C1 Electric Guitar built and available. 

What is your guys' favorite model that you build?

The C1 is our first guitar so you can say we're quite fond of it! :)

Your guitars look great! Do you have any videos of them so we can hear what they sound like?

Thank you Jeffrey! We hope to have some videos and reviews up very soon. Please check back often for new content and let us know if we can help you with anything going forward!

If I wanted some pickups that I currently have with me to be installed in my guitar can I send them to you and have them be put in with my purchased guitar?

In some cases, yes! Please reach out to us at sales@citizenguitars.com for more information regarding our commissioned builds.

I would be interested in a strat-style build using pickups that I already own. Is that something you do? Thanks!

In certain cases we can! Please reach out to us at sales@citizenguitars.com for more information on a commissioned build.

Nice site & builder/configurator! If an order opts for lightly stained or natural finish, could/would the factory look for a presentable body (compared to say one due to be overpainted), or is it in the lap of the gods?

We may be able to offer you a custom finish upon request. If you have something specific in mind, please reach out to sales@citizenguitars.com for more information regarding a commissioned build and we'll be happy to work with you.

Would you consider making the body out of exotic hardwoods? Possibly for an increased price?

We may be able to offer exotic and premium woods upon request. If you have something specific in mind, please reach out to sales@citizenguitars.com for more information regarding a commissioned build and we'll be happy to work with you!

Will there ever be a filtertron style pickup as an option? This is the best guitar builder on the internet.

If you'd like to inquire about a commissioned build, please reach out to sales@citizenguitars.com and we'll be happy to work with you.

Is there a possibility of doing a thinline version of the C2?

Thanks for the suggestion! We're always looking to improve the playing experience and will let you know if this design ever comes to fruition.

I see above that you all have basses in production right now ... will we be able to build custom configurations just like your guitars?

We plan on offering a similar configuration approach for our bass guitars here in the near future.

What kind of strings come equipped on the guitars?

We use D'Addario XL 10-46 for all production model guitars.

Very excited about the giveaway, which introduced me to your very awesome company! I love what you’re about! Regardless of whether I win I’d still love to support you guys and rep your brand. Do you have any plans to make merchandise? Or even better if it’s available somewhere already that I didn’t see!

Thank you Jordan! We hope to offer merchandise before the end of year so please check back to the store often for updates and new cool stuff coming all the time.

What inspired the different shapes of your guitars?

We're inspired by some of the classic shapes that are well-known and beloved across all musical genres, but wanted to offer something new and unique for players that look for comfort paired with a more traditional style as well. 

Will you use more than one option for pickups in your hollowbody guitars?

 We're always looking to add new elements to our guitars and welcome all feedback and thoughts! Please let us know your suggestions and we'll always take them into consideration.

Would you ever offer more affordable models? I'm sure the price you charge currently is more than reasonable considering they're mostly made to order, but would you ever consider expanding the inventory to have more affordable tiers?

Thanks for your question about our pricing structure! We hope to add more models in the future and will always take your feedback and suggestions into consideration when it comes to pricing and features.