Advanced Plating: The Unsung Backbone of Guitars, Hotrods, and Innovation

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 cornerstone of American craftsmanship.

More Than Plating—They Build the Industry

Advanced Plating isn’t just a plating shop. It’s a full-scale manufacturing operation that supplies critical components to the guitar and hotrod worlds. From tailpieces and bridges to trim and bezels, API’s reach is vast and foundational. Without Steve and Sheri, the guitar industry as we know it simply wouldn’t exist. Nor would the hotrod scene. Their work touches everything from boutique builders to legacy brands, and their standards have become the benchmark for quality.

Rising from the Ashes—Literally

API’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. The company has endured devastating floods and fires, each time facing the kind of setbacks that would shutter most businesses. But not API. Each disaster became a catalyst for reinvention. Their latest facility in Portland, TN is a testament to resilience and vision: high-tech plating lines, immaculate housekeeping, and a space that doubles as a museum of automotive and guitar history. It’s not just the best shop in the industry—it’s a living archive of American ingenuity.

Mentors, Makers, and Momentum

Steve and Sheri’s impact goes far beyond their own empire. They’ve mentored and incubated countless businesses, including ours—Guitar Build Workshop. Without their support, we’d still be a business plan on paper. Their belief in our mission, their guidance, and their generosity gave us the traction to become who we are today. They don’t just build parts—they build people, communities, and futures.

A Legacy That Shines

Advanced Plating is more than chrome and nickel. It’s a legacy of perseverance, mentorship, and excellence. Steve and Sheri Tracy have created something rare: a business that’s both a technical marvel and a cultural cornerstone. Whether you’re holding a custom guitar or admiring a classic car, you’re likely holding a piece of their story.

Follow their journey and see the magic for yourself on Instagram¹.