They're here...Beater Guitars

They've got character, style, and one-of-a-kind uniqueness. What are they? They're Beater Guitars and they're only here at Guitar Therapy.

Seriously, though...for the uninitiated, you must be wondering what in the world is a beater guitar? The classical definition is based on an axiom: that every player needs a guitar he or she can take into a wilderness (mark that as hazardous) type environment without fear of the elemental or accidental things which will, in all likelihood, scratch and dent your axe. In short, it's the guitar you can take anywhere you wouldn't take your, uh, high priced name brand. Most of the time, the beater is the junker guitar you don't really care anything about: Substandard everything, but gets the job done.

However, Guitar Therapy has turned that assumption on it's head. Because we believe in a different axiom: That every beater is a great guitar waiting to happen. Granted, some beaters really are fit for the fireplace. But our experience has been that most beaters can be transformed into a guitar which sounds and plays as well or even better than some of the high priced competition. In this context, Beater Guitars are used solid body electric guitars which have been upgraded and made available to you at prices which won't break the bank. I’m talking a face-lift, new electronics, and a complete set-up. The end result is an awesome axe at an affordable price.

What makes a Beater from Guitar Therapy standout from everything else?

Price: Every beater is below $500. Most run between $350 and $400.

Unique, one-of-a-kind good looks: Nearly every Beater has been reliced to add that comfortable, road-worn feel. In some cases, where the body of the guitar is cut from a good looking tonewood or similarly capped, we actually strip the original polyester finish from the entire guitar or cap. Next, the guitar is stained and finished in nitro. The laquered finish is then treated to add the kind of character you see from guitars which have done their time on the road. (By request, tonewoods can be refinished and buffed to a high gloss mirror-like sheen. Finishes of this type are priced case by case. Ask me for a quote.)

More efficient neck profile: Most solid body guitars have necks which are either painted and/or finished in polyester or urethane. That means they are high friction. The low-end models (and even some high-end ones) tend to feel like the large end of a baseball bat in your hands. When these two characteristics are combined, you get a neck that is slow and cumbersome. That's why a Beater from Guitar Therapy is reprofiled and finished with either an oil or nitro finish. Nitro finishes are speed treated for low friction. The end result is a neck built for speed, comfort, and playability. This process can be done as a stand-alone mod on any guitar, even neck-thru body.

Tone: Vast improvement in tone is a significant characteristic of a Beater Guitar from Guitar Therapy. This is done through a synergy of mods performed on the guitar. First, the guitar is completely gutted of old, substandard wiring and components. Second, the neck socket is cleaned to remove dirt, glue, paint and finishing polymers. The neck is, then, reconnected for a tight secure fit, ensuring optimal sonic transfer throughout the guitar. Third, the control cavity is completely shielded to help increase your signal to noise ratio. Fourth, bad control pots and switches are replaced with high quality name-brand components. Finally, a set of high output, quality pickups, matched specifically to the guitar, are installed.

Feel and Playability: Of course, every Beater from Guitar Therapy is professionally set-up and rigorously tested. There's no having to take it somewhere else after you buy it to be set-up. Your Beater has already been set-up and is ready for action from day one. You walk out of my shop with a guitar that plays beautifully.

Don't forget the Guarantee!!! You heard right: GUARANTEED!!! Unlike pretty much everyone else out there, I personally stand behind every Beater which comes out of my shop. I stake my name on it. You won't have to purchase a crap warranty in order for me to do what I should be doing anyway....standing behind my products and services. Every Beater which comes out of my shop is guaranteed from material defects in workmanship for a period of 2 years. I challenge you to find a better guarantee anywhere for a guitar in this price range and with this level of quality. Trust me I've looked...you won't find anything which comes even close.

I buy guitars and guitar parts:

Gotta an old guitar, guitar body(s), component(s), etc, you want to be rid of? Why not bring it to me and turn it into cold, hard cash? If I think it's something I can use, I'll make you an offer. I also sell guitars on consignment and they return 90% of the selling price to your pocket.

If you're interested in upgrading your guitar, bring it to me and I'll get it ready for prime-time...Even if you're not sure where to begin, I can help you. Let me find an electronics, hardware and/or aesthetics solution for your instrument. Simply contact me to place your order.

For pricing on other guitar services click here.