Benedetto Guitars, the Savannah-based archtop jazz guitar workshop, has published a detailed guide explaining how custom features affect pricing across its instrument lineup.
According to Benedetto Guitars, standard nut widths of 1-3/4 inches on 16-inch and 17-inch archtops and the Benny model, and 1-11/16 inches on Bambino models, are interchangeable at no extra cost. The company states that many custom finish colors carry little or no upcharge, and body depth can be tailored on most models, such as a 3-inch depth on the Bravo or 2-1/2-inch depth on the Manhattan, though depth changes may require an upgraded case.
The workshop reports that fully custom nut widths, unique neck profiles, and simple inlays carry modest charges. Higher investment tiers cover major structural changes, exotic tonewoods, translucent or blonde finishes, and intricate inlays. Benedetto notes that blonde finishes require hand-selected high-grade tonewoods, citing a blonde Bravo using Bravo Deluxe wood sets.
Certain specifications fall outside the build scope to protect acoustic integrity, including fan frets and traditional dot markers. Benedetto pairs electronics to body construction, using floating S-6 and S-7 pickups on hand-graduated solid tops and built-in pickups on laminated models. The company recommends its standard 25-inch scale length and supplies fitted cases matched to each series.
For more information, visit benedettoguitars.com.
