An Important Update: Custom Guitar Prices & Lead Times From 1st February

For the past few years, I’ve kept my pricing as steady as possible, even as the cost of running a small independent workshop has continued to rise. I’ve always wanted Ancoats Guitars to stay accessible, fair, and transparent. But after reviewing the numbers, my workflow, and the realities of building high-end instruments, it’s time for a necessary adjustment.

From 1st February, the price of all custom guitar builds will increase by 20%.

Just to confirm - this change applies only to custom orders. 

Stock guitars, exclusive drops, limited runs, and batch-made models will remain at their current prices (essentially 20% cheaper than a custom ordered build).

On top of that, lead times for custom builds will be moving to 6 months.

What This Means in Practice

A stock Granada Special might cost £1,400.

The same guitar as a custom order—your colours, your neck, your hardware, your pickups—will cost £1,680 from 1st February.

Stock guitars stay the cheaper and faster option. Custom guitars get the extra time, attention, and one-to-one work they require.

Why Custom Prices Are Increasing

1. Custom work takes considerably more time

Custom builds aren’t just different colours - they’re entirely different workflows.

Each one involves:

• Working closely with the customer from the first message to the final approval. Spec sheets, design checks, mock-ups - everything takes time.

• Ordering individual parts from multiple suppliers instead of using stock components. One-off pickups, hardware finishes, and special colours often come with longer lead times and higher costs.

• Unique setups, templates, and finishing processes for each build.

• More test-fitting, adjustments, and detail work because no two customs are ever the same.

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A custom guitar simply takes far longer than a stock build, and I want to make sure each one receives the attention it truly deserves.

2. We’re preparing to move into a bigger workshop

Ancoats Guitars has simply outgrown the current space. I will be very sad to leave the shipping container but it's just not big enough anymore.

To continue improving, and to meet growing demand for stock guitars and special releases, I need a larger, better-equipped workshop.

A bigger space means:

• A dedicated spray and finishing area

• Dedicated CNC room for a bigger machine

• More efficient production

• Better tools and machinery (proper router table, big band saw and drill press)

• Room to organise workflows properly

• Space to bring in help later on, when the time is right

• More storage space

  
  

But of course, a larger workshop costs more - rent, equipment, utilities, setup, everything. The updated pricing helps support this next step in the growth of Ancoats Guitars.

3. Custom guitars will never be discounted

Because of the amount of labour and one-off materials involved, custom builds will never be reduced in price.

Stock guitars, on the other hand, will continue to have the occasional discount—especially for end-of-line pieces or special drops. If you want the best deal on an Ancoats Guitar, that’s always where to look.

Why Lead Times Are Moving to 6 Months

This change is just as important as the pricing update.

Ancoats Guitars has been getting busier than ever (which I’m incredibly grateful for), and recently I’ve found myself slipping past a few deadlines. I absolutely hate that feeling. I never want to let someone down after they’ve trusted me to build their dream guitar.

Moving custom build times to 6 months ensures:

• I can hit deadlines consistently

• There’s enough breathing room to maintain quality

• No corners are ever cut

• Every guitar gets the patience and attention it deserves

  
  

This isn’t about working slower—it’s about working responsibly.

Why Announce This Now?

I want to give everyone as much notice as possible.

If you’ve been thinking about ordering a custom guitar—whether a Granada, a Stage, or something full-on bespoke—you still have time to lock in the current price before the increase on 1st February.

If you secure your build slot before that date, your price is protected.

Thank You

Running Ancoats Guitars is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I don’t take your support for granted. These changes will help ensure the business grows sustainably, the guitars keep improving, and every instrument leaving the workshop is something I’m genuinely proud to build.

If you’d like to discuss a custom build or have any questions, my inbox is always open.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead!

 Dave, Ancoats Guitars