Unlike many builders you see on the Destroy All Guitars website, all guitars from Longbottom are strictly MADE TO ORDER, built by hand, and are fully custom to your specifications. This is one of the areas where Destroy All Guitars shines - because of our decades of experience guiding folks to their dream guitar we are the perfect go-between to manage your custom build. The lead time on full custom builds is usually 15-20 weeks - this is from receipt of first deposit through to completion.
All Longbottom builds utilize the following:
- Hand picked, premium woods for both the neck and body, special woods can be sourced too
- Pickups from Sunbear, Radioshop, Bare Knuckle (or pickups of your choice)
- CTS pots, P.I.O caps, Switchcraft electronics
- Gotoh, Wudtone, Callaham or Wilkinson hardware
- Your choice of fretboard radius 7.5”, 9.5” or 12”
- Color choices from one of England’s best bodywork and finishing workshops
- All guitars are finished in a traditional spec nitrocellulose lacquer that ages over time to give a natural patina of vintage checking and true vintage wear, hard wearing modern polyurethane finishes are also available on request
- All full custom builds come with a Hiscox hard case included in the price
Popular Upgrades:
- Roasted maple neck: $45
- Sunburst or multicolour finish: $115
- Candy finish: $215
- Callaham trem upgrade: $130
- Body binding: from $115
- Compound radius fretboard - $130
The model described below should be considered a possible starting point for your Longbottom guitar. When you're ready to discuss and order your instrument - CALL US TO ORDER.
There is a certain magic and beauty in a stripped-back, slab-body instrument, and the 037 Kadett is a tribute to that minimalist design. Despite having just one pickup—with the P90 being the most popular choice—the quality electronics unlock a surprising range of tones, simply by adjusting the tone and volume controls. The "less is more" approach can often lead players to discover new melodies and notes that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Originally conceived as starter instruments, Junior and Student models quickly became favorites among professional musicians across a wide range of genres. Players such as Leslie West, Bob Marley, and Johnny Thunders made these guitars their go-to choices. Whether it’s the simplicity, the increased sustain and overtones, or just the striking look, these instruments have earned a lasting place in guitar history. Longbottom elevates this classic concept by incorporating a rolled fretboard, premium woods, and high-quality hardware, refining the "student model" into a serious instrument for players who want quality craftsmanship with a no-nonsense approach to achieving tone.
Tonewoods & Sound
For a pure traditional feel, you can opt for a mahogany body, faithfully recreating the famous tones of '50s guitars. Cedrela wood offers a fantastic medium-density, lightweight alternative. Sonically, it shares many qualities with old-growth mahogany, making it an increasingly popular choice among luthiers. Cedrela takes nitrocellulose finishes exceptionally well, allowing you to develop its natural ageing as the instrument begins its journey with you.
Premium hardware is used to ensure your guitar performs at its best. The Radioshop ‘The Classic’ P90 is the choice for increased dynamics, warmth and to capture that '50s sound which crosses all genres. The small details add up and that's why Longbottom uses Paper In Oil Caps, CTS Pots and Switchcraft Jack and control switch.
- Body: mahogany or cedrela, high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
- Neck: mahogany or cedrela, high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, traditional truss rod
- Measurements: 24.625” scale length, 22.5mm at 1st fret, 23.5mm at 12th fret, 42.5mm width bone nut
- Fretboard: rosewood, 12” radius, medium jumbo fret wire, mother of pearl dot inlays
- Construction: set neck
- Hardware: one-piece aluminum wraparound bridge
- Pickups: classic P90
- Electronics: CTS taper pot, Paper In Oil caps, Switchcraft output jack
- Includes: Hiscox hard case