Thomas Ochs is a German luthier who specialises in making classical guitars based on the principles of Michael Kasha. Ochs also makes a variety of other instruments including electric basses and guitars. He learned guitar making from 1996 to 1999 as an apprentice at Hanika. A seminar with Boaz Elkayam inspired him as to the benefits of Kasha construction. He then studied from 2000-2004 at the University of Applied Sciences for Music Instrument Making in Markneukirchen, before opening his own workshop in Kemmern, near Bamberg. Ochs also publishes research into instrument design and construction as well as teaching music instrument making in Markneukirchen at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau.

Source: Thomas Ochs website (12 July 2023)

Guttlin Guitars is a Belgium-based custom guitar manufacturer established in 2007 by musician Karel Phlix. Seeking to create distinct models with a vintage essence, Phlix developed the Thin King, a guitar design that pays homage to classic styles while maintaining a unique identity. Over time, Guttlin expanded its repertoire to encompass a range of original designs for various guitar types and basses.

In addition to crafting guitars, Guttlin ventured into pickup production under the brand "BarBar Pickups," and manufactures bridges, tailpieces, and knobs in-house. The company uses traditional manufacturing techniques, eschewing CNC machining, 3D printing, or outsourcing, emphasizing the creation of "HANDCRAFTED ORIGINALS."

Retro Guitars are made by Chris O'Dee in Pataskala, Ohio. Chris founded Retro Guitars in 2012 building the business up from humble beginnings to a 600 square-foot workshop. Jeremy Hodges handles the finishing and together they have made custom guitars for Sheryl Crow, Mike McCready, Billy Gibbons, Joan Jett, Peter Stroud, Mark Chatfield, Kenny Greenberg, Brad Paisley and Bernie Marsden. As well as completed guitars they also sell bodies, necks and pickups.

Source: Retro Guitars website (28 June 2023)

Aviator guitars and basses are custom made in the Czech Republic. The company was founded in 2014.

Source: Aviator Guitars website (11 July 2023)

Izak Mrgole started Magic Attic Guitars in 2015. He previously studied art and wood design in college. Initially he also offered repairs and setups but now works full time building his unique custom electric guitar designs. He also sells templates and fretboards for guitar makers and offers guitar design consultancy.

Source: Magic Attic Guitars website (11 July 2023)

Michel Aboudib is a guitar maker who builds acoustic, electric and classical guitars near Toulouse, France. He was born in Syria and has also lived in France and in the US. While growing up he learned several crafts; and studied arts and science. Eventually he began making guitars professionally for a few years and built a healthy following. To improve his skills he apprenticed/studied with Ervin Somogyi where he also had the chance to work with Chris Morimoto.

Source: Michel Aboudib Guitars website (4 October 2023)

Masch guitars and basses are made in Metz, France by Mathieu Schmitt. Schmitt is a self-taught luthier who has been making instruments since 2011. He studied at Metz Art School where he learned photography, painting, design, engraving, graphics, sculpture, etc. techniques which he uses in his guitar making. Schmitt is also a multi-instrumentalist and composer, who is interested in sound engineering and acoustics, his vision when building instruments is to create total works, where music and the visual arts can complement each other.

Source: Masch Guitars website (2 October 2023)

Locke Custom Guitars make Rock Star electric guitar bodies and necks as well as Signature Series electric guitars. The company was founded in 2007 by Chris Locke.His began guitar making in 2005 first by modding his own guitars then by making partscasters, eventually transitioning into commissioned builds for others. Locke also began providing guitar bodies and necks for DIY enthusiasts. The company gained recognition for replicating famous guitar player's bodies and necks. In 2018, Locke partnered with professional musician Brad Tretola to develop and market the "Signature Series" guitars. In 2020, faced with increased demand during a global pandemic, Locke enlisted the help of colleague Don Ward to head up the custom shop for unique requests and assist in the production process, ensuring consistent quality. Today, the trio—Locke, Tretola, and Ward—contribute their specialized skills to maintain the brand's high standards and global presence.

Xolo Custom guitars is a Mexican electric guitar company founded by Gabriel "Gabo" Sebastian. Gabo modded guitars as a teenager before starting an apprenticeship in 2017 with a luthier in Mexico City. His mentor encouraged him to launch his own brand and by 2023 he was exhibiting his designs at NAMM. Xolo Custom Guitars have headless designs, an asymmetrical and ergonomic neck profiles and multiscale scale lengths, stainless steel frets, and unusual body designs. All Xolo Custom Guitars can be made in 6, 7, 8 and 9 string versions.

Source Xolo Custom Guitars website (8 November 2023)

Ruf Guitars was founded in Poland by Rafał Perz. Rafal started a guitar channel in 2013 and also began servicing his own guitars. He got the idea to make guitars out of composite materials but his time was taken up with starting a project development company, focusing mostly on engineering. Eventually he got around to making his own composite guitars and this became Ruf Guitars. He also works at the university where his expertise includes materials science and machine construction. Ruf electric guitars are made from Ruffaine a synthetic recyclable composite with good tonal properties. They also used Richlite for fingerboards another sustainable composite material.

Source: Ruf Guitars website (22 November 2023)