(Behind the scenes at Munson Guitars)
Every Munson guitar has a story and it starts long before the strings are strung or the first note is played. It begins in a quiet English woodland, or maybe a sawmill tucked into the countryside. It begins with wood, honest, local and full of character.
This is the journey of a custom electric guitar, handcrafted with care and built from the ground up using locally sourced materials, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Here’s what it really means when we say our guitars are made from forest to fretboard.
The Hunt for the Perfect Piece of Wood
Our process starts with sourcing wood, and we don’t order it off a bulk supplier’s list. We visit UK sawmills, rummage through timber yards, and work directly with local woodsmen to find materials with soul. Sometimes it’s a perfectly cut slab of English ash. Other times it’s a rough, twisted piece of yew pulled from the skip that no one else saw potential in.
We look for wood that speaks to us, not just visually, but structurally and tonally. Grain patterns, density, character marks… these all tell us something about how a piece might shape up into a body, a neck, or a top that will one day make a stunning instrument.
Choosing native English species like ash, yew, sycamore, walnut, and even reclaimed pine means every guitar is rooted in its place. And no two are alike.
Drying, Seasoning & Respecting the Wood
Before any cutting happens, the wood is properly dried and seasoned. We allow air-dried timber the time it needs to stabilise naturally, and carefully manage moisture content for workability and tone.
This part takes patience. Rushing it leads to warping, cracking, or tone loss down the line. Here at Munson, we let the wood take the time it needs, because it deserves it.
Shaping the Body and Neck
Once the timber is ready, we begin the transformation. We start by rough-cutting the body and neck to your chosen shape and style using a CNC. But the real work happens at the bench, not with a machine, but with our hands, planes, rasps, and sanding blocks.
Every contour is carved with purpose. Every neck is shaped to feel just right. We work to the player’s preferences, not a standard template. This is where the guitar’s personality starts to emerge.
Sanding, Finishing & Bringing the Grain to Life
One of the most rewarding parts of the build is when the wood, sanded smooth and lovingly finished, starts to glow. We use oils and lacquers that enhance, not hide, the natural beauty of the timber.
There’s nothing like seeing the grain of a piece of yew light up under the first coat of oil. These aren’t plastic finishes. They’re tactile, breathable, and designed to let the wood resonate and breathe – just like it did in the forest.
Every scratch, knot, and wave in the grain becomes part of the guitar’s voice.
Assembly, Setup & Dialling in the Sound
Once the body and neck are complete, we move to hardware, wiring, and final setup. We carefully install pickups, machine heads, bridges, and electronics – often using UK-made components to match our ethos of local sourcing and quality.
Setup is done by hand, ear and modern tools. Action, intonation, fret dressing and string height are all tailored to your playing style. Whether you’re a blues player with a soft touch or a rock guitarist who digs in hard, we make sure your guitar responds exactly how it should.
Then comes the first strum. That’s the moment the journey comes full circle.
Why This Process Matters
In a world full of mass-produced instruments, we believe in making guitars differently. We don’t just want to build tools, we want to build instruments that carry a story, that feel alive, and that last for decades.
Using local woods, ethical craftsmanship, and sustainable methods, we aim to make every Munson guitar a work of art and a partner for life.
Ready to Start Your Own Forest-to-Fretboard Journey?
Whether you’re a professional musician or a dedicated collector, owning a Munson guitar means more than tone and build quality, it means owning something personal, that is crafted with intention and heart.
Start your custom journey today and let’s create something extraordinary from forest to fretboard together.