Trusted Tools & Killer Components: Our Favorite Supplier Resources for the Shop

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 outfitting a shop or just need a tool that won’t let you down mid-project, StewMac is the place to start. Their tools are purpose-built for luthiers and techs, and most come with a lifetime warranty—which says a lot about how they stand behind their gear. From fretwork to finishing, they’ve got the essentials covered. Bonus points for their Colortone Liquid Stains, which we love for dialing in rich, nuanced color on custom builds.

⚙️ Advanced Plating: The Industry’s Secret Weapon

Advanced Plating is one of those behind-the-scenes powerhouses that most players never hear about—but nearly every guitar they touch has a piece of hardware that passed through their shop. They do more than just plating: they manufacture parts, supply components, and can even custom-produce your own hardware designs. If you’ve got a vision for a bridge, tailpiece, or tuner set that doesn’t exist yet, these are the folks who can make it real.

🎸 Seymour Duncan: Pickups + Wiring Diagrams That Just Work

We all know Seymour Duncan for their legendary pickups, but their wiring diagrams are the unsung heroes of the DIY and custom world. Clear, reliable, and easy to follow—whether you're doing a classic Strat setup or something more experimental. Their support materials make complex wiring jobs feel like plug-and-play.

🎨 Nitorlack: Our Go-To for Lacquer Finishes

When we go the lacquer route, Nitorlack has become one of our new favorites. Their formulas lay down beautifully and give us the control we want over tone, texture, and sheen. It’s a newer addition to our lineup, but it’s quickly earned a permanent spot on the shelf.

💧 ML Campbell: Water-Based Finishes That Don’t Compromise

Most of our finishes these days are water-based, and ML Campbell is our trusted source. Their products are consistent, durable, and environmentally friendly—without sacrificing the depth or feel we want in a final coat. If you’re looking to move away from solvent-based systems, this is a great place to start.

Whether you're building your first guitar or your hundredth, having the right suppliers makes all the difference. These are the folks we trust to help us bring each instrument to life—and we’re always happy to share what’s working in our shop.

Trusted Tools & Killer Components: Our Favorite Supplier Resources for the Shop