The quest for vintage-accurate guitar parts is a common pursuit for many guitar enthusiasts, especially those looking to build or restore instruments to classic specifications. In online guitar communities, brands like Warmoth and Guitar Mill frequently come up in discussions about body and neck manufacturers. While Warmoth is known for its quality, they explicitly state their bodies are not made to vintage specs, particularly concerning pickguard compatibility. This has led some players to consider Guitar Mill as an alternative, especially given Guitar Mill’s claims of vintage accuracy and guaranteed fit with vintage components.
One forum user, “mcjt,” raised this very question, highlighting Warmoth’s disclaimer and Guitar Mill’s bold guarantee to accommodate vintage parts. This guarantee is a significant point of differentiation. The user expressed a common concern about potential issues with fit and the hassle of resolving problems with manufacturers, especially for custom orders. However, they also noted Guitar Mill’s claim of basing their designs on examinations of actual vintage bodies, sparking interest in trying their products.
Adding to the discussion, another user, “drteeth,” shared a positive first-hand experience with Guitar Mill. They ordered a swamp ash Mustang body and were pleased with both the product and the customer service. Crucially, “drteeth” confirmed Guitar Mill’s assurance that their bodies are based on 1960s Mustang designs and that vintage or American-made hardware, necks, and pickguards are guaranteed to fit. While “drteeth” had only test-fitted vintage components, the initial results were promising, with everything appearing to fit correctly. They also praised the body’s aesthetics, noting the well-matched two-piece swamp ash and nearly invisible center seam. A minor doweled hole on the back was mentioned, but overall, the review was positive. The user also received a coupon for a future purchase, adding to the positive experience. It’s worth noting that the order took five weeks to arrive due to production delays, which is a typical timeframe for custom or made-to-order guitar parts.
This anecdotal evidence suggests that Guitar Mill could be a viable option for those prioritizing vintage specifications in their guitar builds. While individual experiences can vary, the positive review highlights Guitar Mill’s commitment to vintage accuracy and customer satisfaction, particularly in contrast to manufacturers who explicitly deviate from vintage specs. For guitar builders seeking bodies that closely replicate the dimensions and compatibility of vintage instruments, Guitar Mill Guitars and bodies seem worthy of consideration.
