Discover Custom Shop Guitars at Southpaw Guitars in Houston, Texas
If you’re a left-handed guitarist searching for a one-of-a-kind instrument, Southpaw Guitars in Houston, Texas, is the ultimate destination. Renowned as the world’s largest and oldest left-handed guitar store, Southpaw Guitars has been catering to the unique needs of lefty musicians since 1980. Among their extensive inventory of over 900 left-handed guitars, their collection of Custom Shop guitars stands out as a treasure trove for players seeking premium craftsmanship, bespoke designs, and unparalleled playability. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes the Custom Shop guitars at Southpaw Guitars so special and why this Houston gem is a must-visit for guitar enthusiasts.
A Legacy of Left-Handed Excellence
Southpaw Guitars, located at 5813 Bellaire Blvd in Houston’s vibrant Gulfton neighborhood, was founded by Jim Duncan, a left-handed guitarist who recognized the struggle of finding quality lefty instruments. What began as a small resale shop called Gold n Guitar Exchange has grown into a global haven for left-handed musicians. With a focus on left-handed guitars, basses, accordions, and other stringed instruments, Southpaw has earned a reputation for its unmatched selection and knowledgeable staff. Their Custom Shop guitars, particularly from brands like Gibson and Fender, are a testament to their commitment to quality and individuality.
What Are Custom Shop Guitars?
Custom Shop guitars are instruments crafted with meticulous attention to detail, often tailored to the specific preferences of musicians. These guitars are built by master luthiers using premium materials, advanced techniques, and sometimes unique design specifications. Unlike standard production models, Custom Shop guitars offer enhanced aesthetics, playability, and tone, making them highly sought after by professionals and collectors alike. At Southpaw Guitars, the Custom Shop offerings are exclusively left-handed, ensuring that southpaw players have access to the same level of craftsmanship as their right-handed counterparts.
The Custom Shop Experience at Southpaw Guitars
Southpaw Guitars carries an impressive selection of Custom Shop guitars from industry giants like Gibson and Fender, alongside other boutique and high-end brands such as Martin, Taylor, and Byron Custom Shop. Here’s what sets their Custom Shop collection apart:
1. Unrivaled Selection of Left-Handed Custom Shop Guitars
Southpaw boasts one of the largest inventories of left-handed guitars in the world, with a significant portion dedicated to Custom Shop models. From the iconic Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Studio to the vibrant Fender Custom Shop Left-Handed Stratocasters, their selection caters to a variety of musical styles and preferences. For example, you might find a Gibson Custom Shop Hummingbird Limited in Viper Blue or a Fender Player 2 Strat in a stunning Aqua finish, both designed specifically for left-handed players. With prices ranging from $200 to $7,000, there’s a Custom Shop guitar for every budget and skill level.
2. Expert Craftsmanship and Unique Designs
Custom Shop guitars at Southpaw are more than just instruments—they’re works of art. Take the Byron Custom Shop OM-42 parlor guitar, featuring intricate tree-of-life abalone inlays, as an example of the level of detail available. These guitars are built to deliver exceptional tone and playability, often incorporating premium woods, hand-selected finishes, and custom hardware. Whether you’re after a sleek electric guitar for shredding or a rich-sounding acoustic for fingerpicking, Southpaw’s Custom Shop guitars are designed to inspire.
3. A Legacy of Serving Iconic Musicians
Southpaw Guitars has a storied history of supplying Custom Shop guitars to some of the world’s most famous left-handed musicians. Notably, Paul McCartney sourced a left-handed Gibson J185 12-string guitar from Southpaw for his 2013 world tour, cementing the store’s reputation as a go-to for elite performers. Other notable clients include Justin Bieber, showcasing Southpaw’s ability to cater to both legendary and contemporary artists. This legacy underscores the trust and quality associated with their Custom Shop offerings.
4. Personalized Service and Expertise
The team at Southpaw Guitars, led by Jim Duncan and his knowledgeable staff, including Omar Ibarra, provides a personalized shopping experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, they offer guidance to help you find the perfect Custom Shop guitar. Their expertise extends to setup and maintenance, ensuring your instrument is gig-ready from the moment you walk out the door. Customers rave about the friendly, family-like atmosphere, with reviews highlighting the staff’s patience and deep knowledge of left-handed instruments.
Why Choose Southpaw Guitars for Custom Shop Guitars?
Southpaw Guitars isn’t just a store—it’s a community hub for left-handed musicians. Here are a few reasons why it’s the best place to find your Custom Shop guitar:
- Specialization in Left-Handed Instruments: Unlike major retailers like Guitar Center, which may only stock a handful of lefty models, Southpaw focuses exclusively on left-handed guitars, ensuring a vast and diverse selection.
- Global Reach, Local Charm: While Southpaw serves an international clientele, it remains deeply rooted in Houston’s Gulfton community. The store’s 4,000-square-foot space is a visual feast, with rows of vibrant left-handed guitars lining the walls.
- Competitive Pricing: Despite the premium nature of Custom Shop guitars, Southpaw offers competitive prices comparable to major online retailers like Musicians Friend. They’ve worked hard to eliminate the historical 10% markup on left-handed models, making high-end instruments more accessible.
- A History of Innovation: Jim Duncan’s decades-long advocacy for left-handed musicians has helped level the playing field, convincing manufacturers to produce more lefty models at fair prices. This commitment ensures that Southpaw remains at the forefront of the industry.
Visiting Southpaw Guitars
Located in the heart of Houston, Southpaw Guitars is easily accessible and worth the trip for any guitarist. The store also offers repair services, lessons, and a range of accessories like strings, picks, and maintenance gear, making it a one-stop shop for all your musical needs. Whether you’re browsing their website or visiting in person, you’ll find a welcoming environment where left-handed players are celebrated.
If you’re in Houston, stop by Southpaw Guitars.
