DCXGuitars

     I build custom guitars based on traditional designs.  My goal is to build sublime instruments that respond to the player allowing for a conversation between guitar and player. I want the player to know and feel that they have something special in their hands, something capable of taking them beyond their previous abilities.  I make sure each guitar can be set up with zero relief, which I believe is optimum for most players. Of course many players are accustomed to having varying degrees of relief (neck curve opposite the pull of the strings) and that can be accommodated. I also strive for a touch sensitive responsiveness in my guitars which can be an elusive quality. Many players have never experienced that sensation of touch sensitive responsiveness which makes them feel totally connected to the instrument. Its the best feeling in the world…. well almost the best...   

    I started DCXGuitars in 2006 to build cool guitars that I would want to play and own. I've had a fascination with 50's Les Pauls and Telecasters and to that end I've been building Hybrid Telecasters that have elements of 50's Les Pauls as part of their design, namely laminated tops with P-90 pickups.   For the most part these still sound like Telecasters. There's just something about the shape of the Tele body with a bolt on neck that transcends the influence of a LP style laminated body and P-90 pickups. 

 

     My build process starts with the acquisition of raw materials. Wherever possible I seek out reclaimed woods and other vintage parts and materials for my builds. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area we have quite a few resources for the raw materials including Heritage Salvage, Building Resources and Urban Ore to name a few.  We also have a couple of outlets supplying premium tone woods such as Global Wood Source and Earth Source. This gives me an advantage in being able to pick out the exact wood I need, in person, in hand. I've also been known to import exotic hardwoods from Hawaii when I'm supposed to be on vacation.  I keep an eye out for vintage pickups whenever they turn up on the used market and I've amassed quite a selection. This allows me to be selective and discerning when matching pickups to wood choices. The right tool for the right job. I've bought out a few local luthiers stock when they've gone out of business.  Right now I have quite a stash of tonewood air drying in my shop. I'm well supplied for this task.

     The point of this is to iterate that I am dedicated to creating the best sounding and best playing guitars I possibly can. I own some great examples, both vintage and modern, of the best playing guitars and amps available from Fender, Gibson, PRS, Parker, Musicman to name a few.  I regularly test my builds against them to make sure I'm on the right track. If a guitar I build doesn't sing or have that touch sensitive response or isn't otherwise just fun to play, it never makes it out the door. Fortunately I've gotten pretty good at selecting wood, pickups and hardware that work well together and have some kind of synergy. That's what sets my guitars apart from other boutique guitar builders.  I'm not afraid to toss wood that doesn't sing and I select for the best combination of raw materials, hardware and electronics. I stand behind all my guitars with a warranty covering materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the instrument.

I also strive to make my guitars as affordable as possible. If you have a custom build in mind, don't hesitate to contact me and I'd be happy to discuss the details with you.

Thanks,

Dave Carness

DCXGuitars