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 T16 is Longbottom's refined take on the classic T-style guitar, originally introduced in the 1950s. While the original design was near perfect from the start, Longbottom's subtle updates elevate the playing experience—small changes that seasoned players will immediately appreciate.
A slimmer bottom horn allows for improved upper fret access while also enhancing the guitar’s overall aesthetic. A belly cut and chamfered armrest increases comfort without sacrificing tone, making long playing sessions more enjoyable. If this is your first T-style guitar, you might not fully appreciate these refinements—until you compare it to a traditional version.
Longbottom offers two options for wood choice for this shape, with alder or ash being the woods. Alder offers a full-bodied balanced tone with a medium bass response and strong mids—providing a warm yet articulate foundation that sits well in a mix. With it being sturdy and lightweight it makes a fantastic choice for lead or rhythm players seeking clarity and punch. Swamp ash has a slightly scooped midrange and excellent sustain, but is also bright and resonant. It’s crisp attack and dynamic response has been attributed to it being a bit harder than alder
Whichever wood you end up choosing, either will make a fantastic guitar as they are great tonewoods to work with. The maple neck adds stability and a touch of brightness, while the Indian rosewood fingerboard balances out the frequencies for a well-rounded tonal response. The materials chosen not only look stunning but also offer an ideal blend of weight, durability, and sonic character—ensuring this instrument will last for generations.
The best hardware is used to make sure that your guitar is always at its best. The Radioshop ID set is the choice for increased dynamics, warmth and to capture that '50s sound. The small details add up and that's why Longbottom uses Paper In Oil Caps, CTS Pots and Switchcraft jack and control switch.
This is a player’s T-style guitar—refined, responsive, and built for musicians who demand both comfort and tone.
- Body: alder or swamp ash, high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
- Neck: flame maple, oil or lacquer finish, traditional truss rod
- Measurements: 25.5” scale length. 22.5mm 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
- Construction: threaded bolts for a tighter, more resonant neck fit, offering improved sustain
- Tuners: Gotoh vintage split-post
- Bridge: Gotoh brass 3-saddle intonated bridge
- Pickups: '50s style Tele set
- Electronics: CTS premium audio taper pots, Paper In Oil caps, CRL switch, Switchcraft jack
Comes complete with a Hiscox hard case.
Also available in a hollow body version, for $5,000.