Understanding Custom Guitar Build Level at Markland Guitarworks

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Standard, Custom Guitar Build vs Semi-Custom vs Full Custom

In the world of custom guitar builds, the word “custom” can mean very different things depending on who is building the instrument. At Markland Guitarworks, customization is clearly defined across three distinct tiers: Standard Custom, Semi-Custom, and Full Custom—each offering a deliberate balance between structure, flexibility, and craftsmanship.

This article breaks down the technical differences between these three levels, helping players make informed decisions based on construction methods, material choices, and the degree of design freedom involved.

Custom Specification Comparison

Markland Guitarworks – Standard Custom vs Semi-Custom vs Full Custom

Specification	Standard (Non-Custom)	Semi-Custom	Full Custom
Body Shape	Standard Markland lineup	Standard shape with minor customization	Fully custom body design
Material	Regular Timber (selectable)	Hand-selected Timber (selectable)	Hand-selected Timber & exotic options (selectable)
Top Wood	None / Veneer	Solid Top	Solid or specific material
Construction	Bolt-on	Bolt-on or Neck-through(Custom neck plate available upon request)	Bolt-on or Neck-through(Custom neck plate available upon request)
Scale Length	25.25” or 24.625”	25.25” or 24.625” + Multiscale option	Fully customizable scale length (incl. multiscale)
Number of Frets	22–24	22–24	21 - 24
Fingerboard Radius	Custom single radius only	Custom radius / compound available	Fully custom / compound radius
Neck Profile	Standard-C only	Multiple profiles options	Asymmetrical & Fully custom neck profile
Fretwire Material	Nickel	Nickel / Stainless Steel	Nickel / Stainless Steel
Fret Size	Selectable options	Selectable options	Selectable options
Fret Detailing	Standard fretwork detailing	Advanced fret detailing and treatments	Advanced fret detailing and treatments
Nut Material	Bone	Bone / TusQ / Graphite	Brass / Bone / TusQ / Graphite / Roller
Nut Width	Standard width	Standard / Narrow / Wide	Upon request
Pickup Configuration	OEM pickups only	Custom-wound / aftermarket options	Hand-wound / boutique pickups
Electronics	Standard passive wiring	Advanced wiring MOD (coil split, push-pull)	Advanced wiring MOD, (coil split, push-pull), Harness, Solderless system
Hardware	Standard OEM	Custom or Premium aftermarket	Premium aftermarket or custom hardware
Hardware Finish	Nickel or Chrome	Chrome / Black / Black Nickel / Gold	Chrome / Black / Black Nickel / Gold
Finish Type	Translucent or Solid	Translucent, Solid, Metallic, Chameleon and Pearl	Translucent, Solid, Metallic, Chameleon, Pearl and Custom Graphic
Top Coat	Poly or Nitro (Gloss or Satin)	Poly or Nitro (Hi Gloss, Gloss or Satin)	Poly or Nitro (Hi Gloss, Gloss or Satin)
Inlays	Standard dot inlays	Simple custom inlays	Advanced custom inlay and details
Logo	Printed logo (White, Black, Gold or Silver)	Raw engraved, Abalone, Metal, Wooden, Luminescent, Mirror (Custom rear headstock engraving available — e.g. signature)	Special logo materials (All Semi-Custom logo options included)
Final Setup & QC	Factory setup	Advanced setup & documentation	Advanced setup & documentation
Included Case	Gigbag	Standard hardcase or showcase	ABS material, Tweed, or customized hardcase

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Closing Thoughts

Understanding custom guitar levels isn’t about chasing an affordable or the most expensive option—it’s about choosing the level of customization that truly fits your intent as a player.

A clear customization structure helps both the builder and the player stay aligned. It preserves structural integrity, keeps timelines realistic, and ensures that every design choice serves a real purpose. In many cases, a well-thought-out Standard or Semi-Custom build will feel more balanced and playable than a guitar overloaded with unnecessary features.

At Markland Guitarworks, customization is approached as a design process, not a checklist. Each level is meant to balance craftsmanship, engineering, and real-world musical use. When these distinctions are understood early, the result is better communication, smoother collaboration, and instruments that feel cohesive rather than forced.

A custom guitar doesn’t need to be different for the sake of it—it needs to be intentional.

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