Frequently Asked Questions

Custom builds start at $4,000. The final price depends on your wood selection and feature choices. Options like cutaways, sound ports, and specialty tonewoods add to the base cost.

The base price includes personal concierge wood selection (in person or Zoom), your choice of model (sizes 1 through 5), any in-stock tonewood excluding private stock, Gotoh 510 tuners, French polish shellac body with Osmo poly-x neck finish, and a guitar case valued up to 10% of total build price.

The following optional features are available at additional cost: cutaway (Venetian or Florentine), side sound port, arm and rib rest bevel, Manzer wedge, progressive back radius, and multi-scale fretboard.

Yes, a 25% deposit reserves your build schedule slot.

It starts with a conversation about what you want the instrument to do. From there, you and Jeremy work through wood selection, model choice, and feature options together. Once the design is finalized and deposit placed, Jeremy builds the guitar and sends progress updates along the way. See the full Build Process page for details.

Build timelines vary depending on the current queue and complexity of the instrument. Contact Jeremy for current scheduling.

Concierge wood selection is included in every build. You can visit the Columbia Falls shop to see and handle the wood in person, or schedule a Zoom session. Jeremy walks you through species, tonal properties, and how each option affects the instrument's voice.

There are five model sizes, numbered 1 through 5 from smallest to largest. Model 1 is a compact parlor size with dual side sound ports. Model 5 is the largest, built for stage and studio, with a Manzer Wedge standard. Each model has documented specifications on the instrument pages.

The models progress from intimate parlor size (Model 1) through concert and mid-size bodies (Models 2 and 3) to full-size and jumbo (Models 4 and 5). Larger bodies generally produce more volume and bass response. Smaller bodies offer comfort and focused tone.

Yes. The custom build process is a collaboration. If you have a specific requirement that is not listed, bring it up in the consultation. Jeremy will tell you what is possible and what it will cost.

Yes, guitars ship in the included case with appropriate packaging.

You have five days from delivery to play the guitar and decide. If the instrument is not met with full approval, return it for a full refund minus shipping costs.

Every Pappenfüs guitar carries a two-year warranty from the completion date, covering material defects and workmanship.

Keep the guitar in its case when not playing. Acoustic guitars are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. A stable environment between 45% and 55% relative humidity is ideal.

The safe range is 45% to 55% relative humidity. When humidity falls below 40%, wood can crack. When it rises above 60%, glue joints can weaken and the top can swell. A room humidifier or in-case humidifier is recommended in dry climates, including Montana winters.

Wipe the guitar with a soft, dry cloth after playing. French polish is delicate compared to production lacquer finishes. Avoid chemical cleaners, silicone-based polishes, and prolonged contact with skin oils. The finish develops character over time, which is part of its appeal.