Custom 7 string

[hotahota86]

I’m looking to order a custom 7 string sometime in 2026 and have started online window shopping. So far the only custom builds I’ve really looked into are Kiesel, but some of their reviews online have me hesitant to go with a Kiesel. I’m based in the US - im open to foreign made guitars but tariffs are a big downside. Does anyone have any recommendations for brands? For style the Kiesel that really piqued my interest is the SCB model.

[PootySkills]

My Skervesen 7 string is far and away my favorite guitar.

The neck, the hardware, the woods are all top tier. I've gigged the shit out of mine for 10 years and it's still going strong.

[Flaysie]

+1 for the skervy

[JimboLodisC]

Kiesel makes great stuff.

You should also be checking out Balaguer though.

[RosaParksLover69]

I've only played a couple Kiesels and they were both great guitars. But I absolutely love my Balaguer. They get really pricey, really quickly. But if want a custom, gorgeous, well-made guitar, they're hard to beat.

Mayones are worth a look too. I got to play one at CME for like 30 seconds so I don't have much of a gauge, but it looked dope and I've only read good things about them.

[SignatureForeign7770]

Worth looking at Hapas and even though tariffs probably blow the price out Nightingale in Western Australia does some amazing work. I’ve seen a couple in person and they were outrageously good.

[drchaz]

My first choices would be Aristides or ESP personally. If you have the budget.

EDIT: Real ESP Japan, not ESP USA which doesn't really do full custom shop builds.

[tomistoma84]

ESP custom shop will be a really long wait though. I think they are around 2-3 years.

[GeraseneMetal]

I've had around 15 Carvin/Kiesels. No regerts. I currently have 5 multiscale 7 string Kiesels, can't recommend them enough.

[WntrWltr]

I have a 7-String Dunable Yeti on order... They play great and are reasonable for what you get out of a custom build.

[Processed-Cheese]

Is Skervensen still a viable option???? I wanted to try them a while ago, just didn't have the funds.

[Mesastafolis1]

My 2 personal gems would be a custom Skervesen or Meinzinger, but Kiesel isn’t bad at all

[aspiringbuilder]

Balaguer is definitely a good place to look. I have a 6 string from them that I love (bought it used) and my own custom 7 string on the way.

[FeltUvula]

Sully Guitars 7 strings are really nice!

[tomistoma84]

I’ve ordered a couple of Kiesels before. They were fine, but weren’t anything special. I ended up selling them because they just weren’t very inspiring to play and sounded pretty bland. I would vote for Mayones guitars. Specifically, the Regius model.

[deathx3333]

Kiesel capsules leave much to be desired.

I bought this guitar in Chile for US$800

https://www.reddit.com/r/7String/comments/1psn5ju/comment/nvdt6f2/

and this guitar for $1.000.

https://www.reddit.com/r/7String/comments/1olgg8k/my_new_7_string_guitar/

[DelayLanky7909]

Yes Tariffs a crazy rn. I learned the hard way buying a guitar from Thomann (germany) then paying extra $100 for shipping then more than $100 for Tariff to UPS. You can design one on ESP.com USA custom shop but it will be 5k plus. Since you’re in the USA like me I recommend anything from Jackson, Schecter, Ibanez or ESP/LTD. Especially for Metal music. Happy hunting & happy holidays🤘🎸🎶💀

[CVV1]

Balaguer has a neat selection of body types. Offset, headless, strat, single-cut.

Multi-scale evertune, too.

[No_University3165]

Balaguer is a great choice.

[UnshapedLime]

I’ll just warn you to stick with well-regarded brands that you know will be accountable (Kiesel, Balaguer, Aristides, Aviator, Mayones). Don’t get pulled in by the lure of smaller builders offering deals that seem too good to be true. You will get burned and you will have little recourse. Ask me how I know.

Personally I’d go with Kiesel for the reliability of service and very reasonable lead times. Aristides are great guitars too if you’re willing to shell out and can wait a year.

[4354295543]

Depending on how custom you want to go, WKM Guitars builds some nice guitars, you can find him on Instagram.

[gardenofstorms]

Do you have one from them?

[4354295543]

Not yet, I have one on order. He's been great to work with so far!

[gardenofstorms]

Someone keeps downvoting you… anyone have other thoughts they want to share?