OneTen Machining: The Unsung Heroes in the music industry

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 with a big impact. Founded by Greg Leonard, a master machinist with decades of experience in aerospace and high-tolerance manufacturing, OneTen has become a go-to partner for projects that demand both artistry and engineering. Greg’s son, Luke, is a masterful guitar player in his own right—and has been apprenticing at Guitar Build Workshop since he was 16. Together, they form a father-son duo that bridges (pun intended) the worlds of metal and music in a way few others can.

What They Do

At its core, OneTen Machining specializes in high-precision CNC work, custom aluminum fabrication, and prototyping. But what sets them apart is their ability to translate a musician’s vision into metal with soul. Whether it’s a one-off bridge design, a custom neck plate, or an entire guitar body milled from a solid block of aluminum, OneTen delivers with surgical precision and a deep respect for the instrument.

Our Collaboration: The All-Aluminum Guitar

When GBW/Tennessee Electric Company wanted to make an all aluminum guitar, we went to OneTen.

You can check out their work at Kapking and follow them on Instagram @one_ten_machining.

When we set out to build an all-aluminum guitar—a piece that would challenge tradition and celebrate innovation—we knew we needed a partner who could handle the technical demands and share the creative vision. OneTen was the obvious choice.

Greg took our CAD models and turned them into reality, machining the body and neck from aerospace-grade aluminum with tolerances tighter than most guitar builders would dare. Luke, with his deep understanding of tone and playability, helped refine the ergonomics and balance. The result? A guitar that looks like it was forged in a spaceship but plays like a dream—resonant, responsive, and surprisingly warm.

Why It Matters

In an industry that often celebrates the front-facing brands, it’s easy to overlook the people behind the scenes—the ones who make the impossible possible. OneTen Machining is one of those rare shops that doesn’t just support innovation—they enable it. They’re not just vendors; they’re collaborators, craftsmen, and co-conspirators in the pursuit of something extraordinary.

So here’s to Greg, Luke, and the team at OneTen. You might not see their name on a headstock, but their fingerprints are all over the future of guitar design.