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If you've ever marveled at the gleam of a vintage hotrod or the flawless chrome on a custom guitar, chances are you've admired the handiwork of Advanced Plating Inc. —even if you didn’t know it. Tucked just outside Nashville in Portland, TN, this powerhouse of precision and artistry has quietly shaped entire industries. And at the heart of it all are Steve and Sheri Tracy, the visionary duo whose grit, generosity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made API a cornersto

This holiday season, skip the usual gifts that get forgotten by January and give something truly unforgettable— the experience of...

As everyone sits around carving turkeys and passing mashed potatoes, we here at Guitar Build Workshop found ourselves pondering one of life’s deeper questions: Are guitars vegan? Short answer: nope. Long answer: it’s complicated—and kind of funny. You see, a lot of traditional instruments aren’t exactly tofu-friendly. In fact, if you’ve ever cracked open The Foxfire Book  from the Classic Appalachian How-To Book Series  and read the section on “How to Make a Banjo,”  you’ll q

In the world of guitars, most people talk about tonewoods, pickups, finishes, and fretwork. But behind every great instrument—especially the truly innovative ones—there’s a team of builders, machinists, and engineers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. OneTen Machining is one of those rare shops. Quietly brilliant. Relentlessly precise. And absolutely essential to the future of guitar design. Who They Are OneTen Machining is a small, family-run precision machine shop w

When it comes to giving gifts, most people default to the tangible: gear, gadgets, or gift cards. But for musicians—especially those who live and breathe creativity—there’s something far more powerful than a wrapped box: an experience. At Guitar Build Workshop, we’ve seen firsthand how hands-on experiences transform not just skills, but lives. Whether it’s a father and daughter bonding over a custom build, a touring artist crafting a one-off story piece, or a group of friends

When you're building guitars that tell a story, every detail matters—from the finish to the pickups to the hardware that holds it all together. Over the years, we’ve dialed in a tight roster of supplier partners who consistently deliver the quality, reliability, and innovation we need to keep our shop humming. Whether you're setting up your own workspace or diving into your next build, here are some of our top picks: 🛠 StewMac: The Gold Standard for Guitar Tools If you're ou

Looking for the ultimate weekend escape? We’ve already planned it for you — guitars, good food, and great vibes. Just follow this simple...

Just north of downtown Nashville lies a trio of neighborhoods that locals love — Historic Germantown, Salemtown, and the Buchanan Arts...

Fall in Nashville means cooler weather, beautiful colors, and a little extra time to do something unforgettable. If you’ve been thinking...

One of the number one questions we get from students is: “What type of finish do you use in class, and how does it dry so fast?” We get...

We get it — Nashville has no shortage of places to stay, especially with what feels like a zillion Airbnbs in every direction. But if...

There’s no shortage of great food around GBW, but after plenty of taste testing (you’re welcome), we’ve narrowed it down to our top 9...

…but I do — and Dex and Laura are definitely at the top of the list. We had the absolute pleasure of hosting these two again yesterday....

At Guitar Build Workshop, we take inspiration from one of the greatest innovators in guitar history — Leo Fender. Leo wasn’t just a...

We all know the struggle: you want to surprise your husband, boyfriend, brother, or dad with a gift that feels meaningful, unique, and...

Build Guitars, Build Teams: Host Your Next Company Event at Guitar Build Workshop Looking for a corporate event in Nashville that goes...

Nashville’s known for its wild party scene—late nights, loud bars, and mornings you’d rather forget. But what if your celebration could...

Nashville is famously known as Music City , and if you’re a guitarist or music enthusiast, it’s one of the best places in the world to...

Yesterday’s corporate class at the Omni downtown was a highlight in an already packed weekend for GBW—we released eight new guitars into...

Today’s class at GBW turned into something special—we hosted our friend Zach and his crew for a bachelor party after party. Instead of...