The construction method is the upgrade.  Reprise is all hand built and the top and back are hand carved.  

While the hardware, pickups and electronics installed on Reprise are also offered as upgrades on the DockStar and Ernesto models, Reprise is built like an archtop guitar and the DockStar is built as a hollowed-out solid body.  Reprise is the upgrade.

Nitro is generally considered a finer finish on high-end instruments. It appears differently than polyurethane. Where poly has a plastic-y and very clear appearance, nitro has a much softer touch allowing the wood to breathe, and appears differently to the eye than the slick poly finish. It has a texture and quality all its own as you view it up close.

Reprise is built very similarly to acoustic archtops. The top is generally thinner than many electric Archtops.  It makes the guitar top and back, as well as the neck under your fretting hand vibrate with energy when the strings are strummed. You can test out a guitar by strumming the open strings and putting your hand on areas of the top. Reprise vibrates all around the top plate.

When pre-ordering a Reprise Koa, you will have the option to choose from a small selection of koa woods available at that time.  For the Reprise and Reprise Dark Amber models, we do not offer wood selection.  Additionally, we do not offer wood customization for the neck and fretboard.

Unfortunately, we are unable to customize the materials used to build a Reprise guitar, except for the Reprise Koa model as mentioned in FAQ #5.

We do not offer the option to customize the finish color on Reprise.  Check out our R2 model, which is made in California, and offers some additional customizations.

The body and neck are assembled and sprayed with nitro in China.  The hardware and electronics assembly are done in Los Angeles, CA, as well as the final fretwork and setup.

We set the action to 1.75mm above the 12th fret on the low E string, and 1.5mm above the 12th fret on the high E string.  We allow for the bridge to be lowered slightly if you prefer a lower action, and we can set the action to a specific measurement.

We install D’Addario 10-46 gauge strings.  If you would prefer a different brand or string gauge, please let us know so that we can slot the nut and bridge saddles appropriately.  

Yes, Reprise guitars are serialized.  We are starting from Serial #999999, and going backwards down the number line.  You can find the serial number under the neck pickup.  On the first few models, the serial number can be located by looking inside the f-hole.

Yes, we can do that.  If you have a design, please contact us to discuss.   There is currently no additional charge for this option.

Order fulfillment for a Reprise guitar range from 8-12 months, because we are backlogged on fulfilling orders.  Reprise and Reprise Dark Amber models are built in small batches throughout the year.  Please check our Production Schedule for information on Reprise production runs.

Sure, just let us know that you’d like to see some photos.  We’ll upload them to your Order Queue Status page online.