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The Luthier Bench Overview

What is the mission of The Luthier Bench?
The Luthier Bench is the premier online marketplace and knowledge base for Luthier-built guitars. Approved luthiers are provided a storefront and the ability to list their guitar builds for sale. We handle 100% of the logistics and insurance for every build acquisition. The Luthier Bench is the online home for the independent guitar builder to connect with discriminating Buyers and Collectors.
What is our unique value to Buyers/Collectors?
The Luthier Bench is the single online marketplace for Luthier-built guitars. Our Buyers typically manage a personal collection of guitars and are now exploring unique guitar builds with impeccable specifications. Our Buyers visit our Luthier Storefronts looking for remarkable tonewood selection, precision in building, and aesthetics in finish. Our platform is the sole multi-vendor marketplace for these Buyers to meet an array of extraordinary Luthiers.
What are the requirements for listing a guitar?
Naturally we welcome a wide array of guitar Builders and builds on The Luthier Bench. We have categories that include Dreadnoughts, Archtops, Parlors, Bass and Electric, and more. Our primary requirements is quality of build and a minimum price point of $2,000. We anticipate that the average price point for Luthier Storefronts will range from $2,500 to $25,000.
What is the Luthier Knowledge Base?
The Luthier Bench intends to amass the single largest resource of Luthier wisdom in our Knowledge Base. We will be accumulating articles (and videos) on every aspect of guitar construction, including building, voicing, as well as advice on long-term maintenance of your instrument. Each Luthier Storefront will contain a link to the wisdom of that builder - thereby acting as a selling point to a potential Buyer.
Visit Buyer Info Page

Buyer/Collector Info

What is available to Buyers on The Bench?
The Luthier Bench has a primary focus on hand-built guitars by independent luthiers. Each luthier will maintain a unique storefront which will allow Buyer to learn about their building history and view their current build offerings. The Luthier Storefronts will include a wide array of instruments both acoustic and electric, across a price range from $5,000 and up. We anticipate the average luthier hand-built guitar will retail from $5,000 to $15,000, with masterpiece builds from top-tier Luthiers starting at $20,000.
What are the advantages of registering a Buyer account?
it is required to have an active, approved Buyer account to interact with our Luthier Storefronts and/or acquire a hand-built guitar on our e-commerce platform.  And, logged-in users will have access to our Advanced Wishlist feature.  However, all visitors to The Luthier Bench are more than welcome to explore our Luthier shops and wide array of Guitar Collections. And, of course our Luthier Knowledge Base is freely available to the public.
Can A Buyer "make an offer" on a Luthier guitar?
Every Luthier Storefront will establish pricing policies for each guitar listing. A luthier can choose to list a guitar at a set price only, or allow for offers to be made. If the luthier is accepting offers, a “Make An Offer” button will appear on that guitar’s page.  Simply click the button and fill out the form along with an offer price and an optional message to the Luthier. The Luthier will then have the option to accept your offer - or present a counter-offer. Once price is agreed, the guitar will appear in the Buyer’s Cart, an invoice will be generated, and the packaging & shipping logistics process will initiate.
Using the Knowledge Bank to acquire better guitars?
The Luthier Bench intends to amass the single largest resource of Luthier wisdom in our Knowledge Base. We will be accumulating articles (and videos) on every aspect of guitar construction, including building, voicing, as well as advice on long-term maintenance of your instrument. Each Luthier Storefront will contain a link to the wisdom of that builder - thereby acting as a selling point to a potential Buyer.  And, we recommend that Buyers explore the Luthier articles - a better educated Buyer buys better guitars.
Apply To Sell

Luthier/Seller Application

Are you eligible for a Luthier or Reseller Storefront?
Are you a luthier who hand-crafts their builds? Are you an independent guitar builder that markets their instruments? Or, are you a collector of luthier-built guitars. If so, welcome you to join our community and list your builds on your unique storefront on The Luthier Bench.
How do you apply for a Seller Storefront?
Are you ready? Click on the "Apply To Sell" link and fill out the Seller Application Form (takes seconds) and our team will promptly review and approve your Seller status.  You will receive login information and detailed instructions to open your merchant storefront and list your guitar builds.
What is the review process for Seller approval?
Our requirements are that a Seller is either a Luthier selling their own builds, or a Collector who is reselling a luthier-built guitar.  We anticipate the average prices will range from $5,000 to $25,000.  Also, note that every Seller Application will also receive a phone call from our Founder as part of the approval process. 
What is the time frame for Seller approval?
The Luthier Bench, like all good builders, focuses on quality over quantity.  We want to assure that every one of our Storefronts is populated with hand-built guitars of pristine quality.  We do recognize that there will be an array of both Builder experience and Build specifications,  reflected in the build price.  Once we receive your application, we will seek to approve your new Storefront within 24 hours.
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Luthier/Reseller Storefront Guide

What are the first steps after Seller approval?
Congratulations on your approval to operate a Luthier or Reseller Storefront on our platform. Our business was literally hand-crafted to elevate the independent luthier and to honor their lifetime of achievements as guitar builders. We will provide 24/7 Live Support to your Storefront to assist you in customization and listing and successfully marketing your outstanding builds. Our goal is to provide a platform for the Luthier to receive greater visibility among the Buyer community and therefore allow the Builder more time to do what they do best - build masterpiece guitars.
How do we customize our Seller Storefront?
Let's begin! Working in your Seller Dashboard, you can easily customize your storefront with your logo, information and builder history. Each luthier will also receive a Luthier Knowledge blog section to post articles on guitar building and to promote their workshop.  The Luthier Bench also believes that rich media (audio & video) on your guitar listing significantly increase the impact of your post on potential Buyers. We have provided an embedded “Builder Audio Sample” player directly below images of the listed guitar. This way a Buyer while reading the specs and viewing images, can listen to the sound of the new build.
How do we list guitar builds and Seller policies? 
Now you can list your guitar builds in your unique Collection Profile, and they will also list throughout our web portal. You can designate your shipping policies, and also potential Buyers can message you with pre-sale inquiries.  We have structured our portal with 25 required build specifications that will post your guitar on searches for tonewood species, body size, scale length, and many more. Also, on your Storefront you will have sections to display your Seller Policies, including shipping, insurance, and after-sale support. Your Seller dashboard provides you with deep flexibility to customize the information on your Storefront, including the ability to enable our advanced “Make An Offer” feature for Sellers and Buyers to discreetly negotiate price.
How do we access 24/7 Live Storefront Support?
Our Support is available 24/7 over three distinct channels: Online Chat, Messaging or Direct Phone. You can access live chat by clicking the "Support" bubble on the bottom-left of our website.  Or, CLICK HERE  to launch our Seller infopage.  Our Support Form is at the bottom of this page. And, our direct support line is 828.808.7000. Call anytime!
Register Buyer Account

Buyer Account Registration

Why Register An Account With The Luthier Bench?
Welcome! Even if you are not ready to purchase a Luthier-built guitar, there are advantages to joining! When you login into your new account, you will be able to access our Advanced Wishlist and save guitar build listings for future viewing or purchase. You will also have access to the "Make An Offer" feature allowing a Buyer to directly bid on a hand-built guitar. And, as a member, you will receive updates regarding our most recent guitar listings.
Do I Need To Register An Account To Purchase A Guitar?
Yes, it is required to have an active, approved Buyer account to interact with our Luthier Storefronts and/or acquire a hand-built guitar on our e-commerce platform. However, all visitors to The Luthier Bench are more than welcome to explore our Luthier shops and wide array of Guitar Collections. And, of course our Luthier Knowledge Base is freely available to the public.
Having Any Issues With Registering A New Account?
Let us help if you are experiencing any hurdles to the Registration Process, which should take just seconds. We provide 24/7 Live Support over three channels: Live Chat (click "Support" bubble on bottom-left of our site), Messaging (click "Support" on top menu) or simply call us anytime (828-808-7000).
Launch Advanced Tracking

Logistics & Tracking Info

How Does The Luthier Bench provide support?
Our Support is available 24/7 over three distinct channels: Online Chat, Messaging or Direct Phone. You can access live chat by clicking the "Support" bubble on the bottom-left of our website. Our Support Form is at the bottom of this page. And, our direct support line is 828.808.7000. Call anytime!
Have You Explored Our F.A.Q. Portal?
Have you reviewed our main F.A.Q. portal? Our Q&A is organized in the following sections: Seller Application, Luthier Storefront Setup, Listing Guitars, Logistics & Insurance, Purchasing Guitars, & more. You will find information there that will cover most inquiries. If you have questions, our F.A.Q. has answers!
How Is Shipping & Logistics Handled At The Luthier Bench?
The Luthier Bench is a multi-vendor, e-commerce platform that provides unique Storefronts for each Luthier seller. Our shipping policy is straightforward - every domestic shipment from a USA-based Luthier to a USA-located Buyer will be charged a $150 flat fee ($350 to EU Buyer), including $5,000 of comprehensive shipping and purchase insurance. For international shipments from an EU workshop to a U.S. Buyer, our platform charges a flat fee of $450 ($250 from EU workshop to EU Buyer), also including $5,000 of shipping and purchase insurance. After purchasing a guitar build on our platform, our logistics team will directly reach out to the Buyer to: (1) confirm the transaction; (2) offer Buyer shipping alternatives; and (3) determine desired insurance level. Our team will also perform fulfillment and generate a paid shipping label based on the Buyer's preferences and email the Shipping Label to the Luthier/Seller for shipment.   Note we are here 24/7 to provide any supplemental logistics support.
Does The Luthier Bench Offer Shipping Insurance?
YES! 100% of shipments of guitars from Luthiers to Buyer-Collectors include $5,000 of comprehensive Shipping Insurance & Package Guarantee included in our discounted flat rate shipping, both domestic and international. This full coverage includes reimbursement for either loss,  damage, or even theft (including porch piracy).  Please contact us directly if your insurance needs exceed $10,000 and we will make arrangements.
Does The Luthier Bench Have On-Site Shipment Tracking?
We understand that you are looking forward to receiving your new hand-crafted guitar as soon as possible. That is why we have installed Advanced Package Tracking so you will be able to access the latest tracking updates and location information in real time, by either Order number or Tracking number. Our tracking application even allows you to follow your guitar shipment on an interactive map! CLICK HERE to track your shipment.

Payments & Seller Fees

What does it cost to join The Luthier Bench?
Nothing ever! And that is true for both Buyer/Collectors and Luthier Sellers. Registering for an account to acquire hand-built guitars is simple and easy. And, guitar builders can apply for a Luthier Storefront also at no cost. A Buyer will only pay for the purchase of guitar, with shipping & insurance. And, the Luthier Seller will have no cost to run the storefront, ever!
What does shipping & insurance cost?
The Luthier Bench is a multi-vendor, e-commerce platform that provides unique Storefronts for each Luthier seller. Our shipping policy is straightforward - every domestic shipment from a USA-based Luthier to a USA-located Buyer will be charged a $150 flat fee, including $5,000 of comprehensive shipping and purchase insurance. For international shipments, our platform charges a flat fee of $275 for shipments originating in the USA to any overseas address, also including $5,000 of shipping and purchase insurance.
What is the Seller commission fee on guitar sales?
The Luthier Bench assesses a 7.0% commission fee on each sale of a Luthier guitar. Note that this is almost 25% lower than the average fee charged by Reverb. The Luthier Bench will manage all transaction administration and will forward the 93% of the total amount (after shipping, insurance and taxes) to the Luthier upon automated receipt of shipping confirmation and clearing of Buyer funds.  Note that our commission fee includes all payment processing charges, which amount to about 3% of the total sale price.
What payment methods are accepted ?
The Luthier Bench accepts all major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and more.  We also accept Shop Pay and Paypal, and manual methods like cash and bank transfers upon request.  You can even apply for financing in our Checkout cart to spread your purchase payments over a period of months.
Launch Media Page

Media and Press Center

What is the media tagline of The Luthier Bench?
"The Luthier Bench is the online Marketplace
and Knowledge Base for luthier-built guitars"
What is the Mission of The Luthier Bench?
Our vision is to create a meeting place for the independent Luthier to offer for sale hand-crafted guitars to Collector-Buyers. Our mission is to elevate the awareness & availability of Luthier-built guitars. And, to create the single-largest global resource of Luthier Knowledge.
How Can We Learn More About "The Bench"?
We are humbled by your interest. There are an array of links & pages that will allow you to understand our business model. We would recommend visiting these pages "Our Story", "F.A.Q Portal" and "Founder Info". CLICK HERE to read our Launch Press Release.
Who Is The Founder of The Luthier Bench?
Chayton Alo is the entrepreneur & founder behind The Luthier Bench. Mr. Alo is a life-long guitar teacher and performer who is currently training to become a Luthier himself. His career includes everything from being an investment banker to being an embedded war reporter in the Middle East.
How Can Media Contact Us or Book Interview?
We welcome all media inquiries and can be reached 24/7 either by online chat (click Support bubble on site bottom) or Media Inquiry message form below. Or, simply dial us directly at 828.808.7000 anytime.
Hungry For Music Giving

The Luthier Bench Giving Program

What Is The History Of Hungry For Music?
Hungry for Music was the brainchild of founder Jeff Campbell in the early 1990s. He had a vision that no child's dream to play music should go unfulfilled for lack of an instrument. Hungry For Music has actualized much of that goal!
What Has Hungry For Music Accomplished Since 1992?
Over the last 30 years, over 20,000 instruments have been gifted to under-privileged children. Hungry For Music's instrument giving program has reached all 50 states in America and over 32 countries around the globe. The organization is currently gifting over 1,000 instruments to children each year!
How Does Every Guitar Purchase Support HFM?
The founder of The Luthier Bench has made a commitment to assist in the support of Hungry For Music. As a result, a donation will be made to Hungry For Music for every Luthier guitar that is acquired on our e-commerce platform on a percentage of net commission basis.
What Is Our Relationship with Hungry For Music?
Jeff Campbell, founder of Hungry For Music, is an acquaintance of Chayton Alo, the founder of The Luthier Bench. Over a decade ago, the two met in Woodstock, New York and worked together on a couple of projects. The Luthier Bench receives no financial or other benefit from its relationship with Hungry For Music.
How Do I Find Out More Or Donate Directly?
We would recommend visiting the homepage of Hungry For Music (www.hungryformusic.org) and following HFM on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HungryForMusic). Donations can be made from their site.

Why Choose The Luthier Bench?

Our Features

The Luthier Bench Offers Benefits Both Guitar Builders & Collectors

  • Luthiers Only!

    Our site is 100% hand-crafted builds by luthiers.  No factory guitars allowed!

  • Lower Fees

    We have reduced seller fees by 25% as compared with Reverb

  • Logistics

    We offer up to $10,000 of shipping insurance & advanced tracking

  • Knowledge

    Our knowledge base is packed with luthier wisdom
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OUR STORY
APPLY TO SELL

The Luthier Bench

Online Marketplace & Knowledge Base Crafted for Independent Luthier

7% Fee

100% Luthier Guitars

zero factory guitars

25% Reduced Fees

retain more of build price

Built For Luthiers

crafted for guitar builder

Owned by Luthier

and dedicated to luthiers

Premium Guitars

ranging from $5,000 and up

24/7 Online Support

online chat, phone or ticket

Luthier Knowledge

learn from master builders

Insurance & Logistics

$10,000 shipping insurance

Reverb

general e-commerce mall for musical equipment of all types & prices

8.2% Base Fee

Everything & Anything

luthier guitars lost on mall

HIgh Seller Fees

seller fees up over 10%

Amazon of Music

zero focus on luthiers

Corporate Ownership

acquired by Etsy in 2019

Anything At Any Price

no focus on guitar builder

No Live 24/7 Support

only tickets available

Music-Related Blogs

limited coverage of luthiers

No Insurance Offered

seller/buyer responsible

FEATURED BUILDS

Untitled_design_-_2024-04-13T115534
La Due Guitars Model L-MJ
La Due Guitars Model L-MJ
L-MJ model built in 2019 by La Due Guitars of Triangle, New York.  Kevin has been woodworking for over 50...

TONEWOOD SPECS

Soundboard: Sitka Spruce
Body Wood: Black Cherry
Neck Wood: Black Cherry/Walnut
Fretboard: Honduran Rosewood
Bridge: Chechen
$5,000 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Add to Build Wishlist
Untitled_design_-_2024-04-13T080815
Lichty G140 Brazilian Rosewood OM
Lichty G140 Brazilian Rosewood OM
NOTE: Due to CITES regulations regarding Brazilian Rosewood this guitar is only available to purchasers...

TONEWOOD SPECS

Soundboard: Sitka Spruce
Body Wood: Rosewood, Brazilian
Neck Wood: C shaped mahogany
Fretboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
$14,000 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Add to Build Wishlist
Untitled_design_-_2024-04-13T115217
Eric Schaefer ESG3.000
Eric Schaefer ESG3.000
Eric Schaefer Guitar #85 - This instrument is a 000 with a Redwood soundboard and a Ziricote back and sides. It...

TONEWOOD SPECS

Soundboard: Redwood
Body Wood: Zircote
Neck Wood: Port Orford Cedar
Fretboard: Macassar Ebony
Bridge: Macassar Ebony
$9,100 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Add to Build Wishlist

WHat THE LUTHIER BENCH OFFERS

  • 100% of guitar builds on The Luthier Bench will be from workshops that have a seasoned history of guitar construction and have been interviewed by our Founder.
  • The Luthier Bench is solely focused on hand-crafted builds by independent guitar Luthiers.  There will be no factory guitars here, including vintage instruments.
  • One of the missions of The Luthier Bench is to create a focused online resource of Luthier wisdom in our Knowledge Base, including our high-definition video channel.
  • Our logistics platform is designed for insured shipping of high-end guitars.  We have installed map-based, precision tracking to assure on-time delivery in pristine condition.
  • The Luthier Bench provides XCOVER Shipping & Purchase Insurance Coverage on every build shipment utilizing our platform.  A premium of 1.5% of the cart total is added at checkout up to $10,000 in top-tier shipping & purchase insurance.
  • We provide three Support Channels that operate 24/7 to assist both Luthiers in Storefront Management and Buyers in both purchase & logistics.  Contact Us either by live chat, message, or call 828.808.7000 anytime.

Contact The Bench

Do you have any questions that we can assist you with? Fill out the message form below with your inquiry and we will respond promptly.
ASK US A QUESTION
Your Message Sent To The Bench!

Eric Schaefer ESG3.000

$9,100 USD

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What is the mission of The Luthier Bench?

The Luthier Bench is the premier online marketplace and knowledge base for Luthier-built guitars. Approved luthiers are provided a storefront and the ability to list their guitar builds for sale. We handle 100% of the logistics and insurance for every build acquisition. The Luthier Bench is the online home for the independent guitar builder to connect with discriminating Buyers and Collectors.

WHAT IS OUR UNIQUE VALUE TO COLLECTORS?

The Luthier Bench is the single online marketplace for Luthier-built guitars.  Our Buyers typically manage a personal collection of guitars and are now exploring unique guitar builds with impeccable specifications.  Our Buyers visit our Luthier Storefronts looking for remarkable tonewood selection, precision in building, and aesthetics in finish.  Our platform is the sole multi-vendor marketplace for these Buyers to meet an array of extraordinary Luthiers.

What are the requirements for a guitar listing?

Naturally we welcome a wide array of guitar Builders and builds on The Luthier Bench. We have categories that include Dreadnoughts, Archtops, Parlors, Bass and Electric, and more.  Our primary requirements is quality of build and Luthier reputation.  We anticipate that the average price point for Luthier Storefronts will range from $5,000 to $25,000.

What is the Luthier knowledge Base?

The Luthier Bench intends to amass the single largest resource of Luthier wisdom in our Knowledge Base.  We will be accumulating articles (and videos) on every aspect of guitar construction, including building, voicing, as well as advice on long-term maintenance of your instrument.  Each Luthier Storefront will contain a link to the wisdom of that builder - thereby acting as a selling point to a potential Buyer.  

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