Skipper Custom Instruments - Pricing and Options

Pricing for Standard Models

In the past we've attempted to develop some "standard" instrument models that would allow us to offer an equally standardized price. What we've discovered is that every hand-crafted instrument is truly a custom, one-of-a-kind undertaking. In both quality and value, every Skipper instrument is an exceptional bargain. Options that other builders charge huge premiums for -- Adirondack spruce tops or hot-hide-glue construction, for examples (those two options are a nearly $5,000 upgrade on one of the most popular guitars) -- are standard on every Skipper instrument. Roger believes that the materials and procedures that produce the best-sounding and longest-lasting instruments should be used on every instrument, not just an elite few.

That being said, we do offer standard models in many instruments. Standard shapes and sizes defray the cost of design and the fabrication of special forms and jigs; standard materials are purchased in larger quantities and are often on hand. As truly ball-park estimates, our premium guitars begin in the mid-$2,000 range; F-5 mandolins start at around $3,500; and I'll build you a carved-top-and-back double bass for somewhere around $7,500.

Please bear in mind that these are not the only models we're willing to build, and that within these standard models, an endless array of custom options are available, all at reasonable prices.

Standard Models:

Our mandolins are "F" models.

Banjos are available in both resonator (bluegrass) and open-back (old-time) configurations.

Our fiddle standard size is 4/4, Stradivari shape.

Photos and sound clips of most of these models can be seen and heard in the gallery section of this site. Guitar sound clips are below.

Photos and Sounds
of the Three Skipper Guitar Models

Here are examples of the three guitar models at varying levels of custom trim.

The Dreadnought:

    And here, Shawn Craver is playing a Skipper Dred guitar. When you click the link, the sound sample will play on your default mp3 player

The OM:

    Here Shawn Craver is playing a Skipper OM45 guitar. When you click the link, the sound sample will play on your default mp3 player

The 000S:

    Listen to Shawn Craver playing a Skipper 000S guitar. When you click the link, the sound sample will play on your default mp3 player

Standard Features

All of our instruments share the following standard features:

• solid wood construction
• Adirondack (red) spruce soundboards
• hot hide glue assembly
• traditional, one-at-a-time construction
• tap and deflection tuning at every stage of construction
• nitrocellulose lacquer or varnish finish, depending on the instrument
• ebony fretboard and peahead overlays
• top quality hardware

Options

Your options are limited only by your imagination: shape, size, color, hardware, materials, number of strings, right- or left-handed, woods, inlay patterns--all are available. We'd be happy to discuss and price whatever is burning on your mind. Here are just a few basic variances from a standard guitar:

1. Tops other than Adirondack (red) spruce are also available: Engelmann spruce (left) and Sitka spruce (right) are common alternative choices.

2. Backs and sides are available in an almost unlimited array of woods. Shown here are East Indian rosewood, manogany, cocobolo, paela, Bostogne walnut, and ziricote.

3. There are also inlay options. If you can imagine it, Roger can likely re-create it in shell and other materials.:

To talk about other options, call Gerry Snelson at (301) 687-4316, or e-mail him at