That’s the number-one question we get asked. The answer begins with you. It all starts with you.

It begins with an idea you had; with a vintage guitar you once owned—you know, that one that got away; or with a guitar you saw that really grabbed you and wouldn’t let go. Maybe it’s the guitar you always wanted to have built; the one with your name inlaid on the fingerboard in mother-of-pearl. Who knows? You do.

Your first step is to find a Fender Custom Shop Showcase Dealer, which is accomplished easily enough by visiting www.fendercustomshop.com.  Knowledgeable dealer staff will talk with you and help get your ideas such as choosing your neck shape to us so that we can start building your unique instrument. The shape of a neck on a guitar can determine so many factors.  How you play, how you bend, how you chord, etc.  It influences how you “approach” the instrument and is the most unique and individual part of the entire instrument as well.  That being said, we offer unlimited options for neck shapes and too many to list here.  We have narrowed them all down to eight basic shapes.  Most of our Showcase Dealers should have examples of each of these and if you are this far along in your quest of a Fender&reg Custom Shop instrument, you have probably already narrowed it down to one of these basic shapes.

There are two measurements here for you to use as a guideline, 1st fret and 12th fret.
Obviously, we strongly suggest visiting a showcase dealer to feel and bend on any shape so that you have a better idea of what a certain shape will best suit your specific playing style, but (hopefully) this will give you a great starting place in your quest for the instrument of your dreams!  These dealers understand what we do, and how and why we do it. They might even have a Custom Shop instrument on the premises that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

Once we get the details, we’ll either have your instrument built by our team of luthiers or, if it’s very detailed (or requested), it might be assigned to a Master Builder. In the case of the latter, the Master Builder will contact you when he’s ready to start your project, and he’ll examine each aspect of your instrument with you to make sure that everything is exactly as requested.  If you have any changes to be made, he’ll cover that with you, too.

Finally, your instrument will be sent to you through the Showcase Dealer.  You’ll have it at last—not only a great instrument designed especially for you, but also a piece of Fender’s rich legacy and history. So thanks for asking.

If you have additional questions, please watch our How to Order videos and download our Quote Sheet to help with the choices discussed in the “Choosing Options/Features” video below.

Getting Started	Choosing Options/Features	Your Guide - The Master Builder