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.
The S4 is the Longbottom take on a timeless design, drawing inspiration from the legendary guitars that emerged from Fullerton in the 1950s and '60s. They've married all the best elements from that period to result in a classic instrument with all the right appointments, along with the addition of a few ideas of their own, which they believe offer an improvement on the original design. Premium woods and parts from some of the best suppliers across the world are used which adds up to a more responsive, resonant and comfortable guitar.
One of the key upgrades is the threaded bolt neck construction, which provides enhanced stability and sustain. A rolled fretboard for that played in feel, full nitrocellulose paint work allowing the guitar to breathe and age beautifully. The best hardware is selected from the start so no compromises are made. The Radioshop Vintage '63 Strat pickup set is selected, which provides that vintage sound that many players have in their head. The small details add up and that's why Longbottom uses Paper In Oil Caps, CTS Pots and Switchcraft jack and 5 way control switch.
Built for You
At Karl Longbottom Guitars, they believe in crafting instruments that match your vision. Whether you want to replicate a hero’s guitar or refine details based on years of playing experience, they work with you to create a guitar that feels like an extension of yourself. The S4 embodies that philosophy, offering a versatile, finely tuned instrument that adapts to the needs of serious players.
Tonewoods & Sound
The S4 is available in both swamp ash and alder, each offering distinct tonal characteristics:
Swamp ash is bright and resonant, with a slightly scooped midrange and excellent sustain. It’s a bit harder than alder, which contributes to its crisp attack and dynamic response. Alder, on the other hand, offers a balanced, full-bodied tone with a medium bass response and strong mids—providing a warm yet articulate foundation that sits well in a mix. It remains lightweight yet sturdy, making it a fantastic choice for lead players seeking clarity and punch.
- Body: swamp ash or alder, high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
- Neck: flame maple, oil or lacquer finish, traditional truss rod
- Measurements: 25.5” scale length. 22.5mm/0.885” at 1st fret, 23.5mm at 12th fret, 42.5mm width bone nut
- Fretboard: Indian rosewood, 7.25, 9.5 or 12” or compound radius options available, medium jumbo fret wire, mother of pearl dot inlays, 25.5” scale length
- Construction: solid piece of wood for the body and a threaded bolt construction for a tighter, more resonant fit for the neck, offering improved sustain
- Tuners: Gotoh vintage split-post tuners
- Bridge: Callaham or Wudtone steel block vintage 6-saddle bridge
- Pickups: vintage inspired early '60s set
- Electronics: CTS premium taper pots, Paper In Oil caps, Switchcraft 5 way selector switch and output jack
Comes complete with a Hiscox hard case.
Also available in a hollow body version for $5,300.