Let's Order a BALAGUER Semi-Custom Guitar! | GEAR GODS

[@KristianHeartmusic]

Kiesel really needs a virtual builder

[@tarkenton3895]

The kiesel website has always sucked ass and I don't see that changing anytime soon

[@greekfreak1980]

Oh yeah.... Their website is so outdated,it´s a meme at this point.

[@abcrx32j]

As long as they match the baked maple color

[@matthewshallenberger8437]

Totally. When I ordered mine I basically scrolled through tons of photos on their website and social media pages to find the options that looked like what I wanted. Fortunately you can send them pictures. With my first build, I sent them a greenburst guitar and was like, "I like this level of blackburst, but with a red guitar." It worked out.

[@nkingofficial]

I swear the carvin site USED to have one, unless I'm thinking differently. Warmoth used to have a better one too.

[@marcoabyss]

tried my hand at designing an 8-string Tartarus with a single Fishman humbucker, and red led fretboard inlay. looks pretty sweet... and it's $2,884. it looks so good, i downloaded the image and it's my wallpaper now. now, it's time to save up and buy the guitar

[@Direwoof]

nd then wait 6 months to get it lmfao.

[@birdsaresinners3373]

did you ever get it or anything similar

[@SEugeniusz]

It's the Halo Guitars builder lol

[@dantesaliba8533]

What I was thinking Lmaoo

[@BalaguerGuitars]

Simon Bondarczuk it’s not though, it’s our builder. We just share the same software developer who made theirs as well as other companies’ configurators.

[@Aiden-zi3xf]

These are cheaper

[@CheesybiscuitStudios]

@@BalaguerGuitars yeah like how the GUI of a lot of Japanese games use the same fonts, basic shapes. Same template, but implemented differently. In the end it's just a menu, a mockup generator, it's not going to make the guitar any less awesome.

[@SEugeniusz]

@@BalaguerGuitars kinda is, as they had it first. it doesnt matter. i spent hours on the Halo guitars site because of it :)

[@toemasmeems]

Damn this man ordering guitars like I order cheeseburgers. #thedream

[@hahahadracula]

Man, I wish Schetcter had that kind of builder.

[@oshikiri999]

In a world of instant gratification... *I'm dying Trey, I'm dying.*

[@Oblivion175]

I feel your hatred for pickup rings on a spiritual level. Literally the best way to make a nice looking guitar or even expensive one immediately look cheap

[@andrewpappas9311]

I’ve always loved customizing guitars (never actually bought it), it’s so much fun to mess around with the options

[@jorah76]

"Ash is extremely light" *laughs in RGIXL7 and back pains*

[@wmxx2000]

Halo guitars had this builder for a while. I've built so many cool models in that thing.

[@hippyhobo6285]

They still have it. I use it a lot as well.

[@Metalbass10000]

Each of the people we paid to build our website, failed miserably at building a, "configurator," into the websites they were constructing for our instrument building company. Currently, technology allows me to, while working directly with the client, the potential customer, to show them the actual pieces of whatever woods they are interested in, this allows them to not just have a stock or generic image of quilted Maple or wenge, but that have the actual grain and the actual figuring of the piece or pieces that will be included on their instrument. For the purpose of deciding on colors, I can always take a smaller sample of that piece of wood, some of the off cut, and give that piece the exact same coloring process that will be used on the instrument in that area. When we finally do have a website completed to our satisfaction, we do plan on having a configurator available in the website, so that people can come in and take a look at some of the body shapes neck profiles heads., all of the things that the standard configurators will show the potential customer. But having worked in direct communication with every build client and customer and being able to discuss the actual pieces of wood that will be used throughout the instrument, I definitely prefer to do it this way, for multiple reasons. That's something that I will explain in much more depth and detail on the website, when it's completed hopefully soon. That's a pretty nice guitar you have designed yourself. Before the covid 19 economic collapse oh, and the cancellation of several custom guitars and basses, I was starting a build on a Flying V body shape similar to KK Downing or Michael Schenker, and was going to be installing a pickguard that was made of a figured wood to add to the overall look of the guitar. We were debating between something fairly standard like a quilted maple, or a figured cherry, or something quite exotic like some highly figured Bubinga or some of the most beautiful cocobolo that I have ever seen. Originally he was wanting it made from stainless steel, either brushed and sealed (prevent fingerprints), or highly highly polished to a mirror finish. That's something I haven't seen, nor built, in probably 20 years.

[@hellfirebloodcrossproducti4394]

I only wish the Halo builder had as advanced features as this, in addition to the features it already has.

[@kyyowa129]

I just want m i n i h u m b u c k e r s

[@johnpacino4491]

Awesome type of vids dude! But I believe, you should make series of videos after the guitar is shipped to show exactly how the process goes for every random person who orders it. Now the guys from Balaguer will really put attention on this one which might not reflect the truth. Although I've heared good things about their quality.

[@Thick44]

I love my Balaguer and I opted for the Jean Luke Pick-guard on it

[@RobKingRC]

Can't wait to see it trey !!

[@triledink]

This is like the fender website that let you build your own custom fender guitar, but this has more choices.

[@h3lio5]

I'm skeptical of a company charging "made in America" prices for Korean guitar... But would happily judge the instrument on its own merit. Looking forward to the follow-up!

[@mystixboi]

i was skeptical before i ordered my first BG. Once I got it, all skepticism was gone. 10 BG's later, nothing's changed... absolutely amazing guitars regardless of where they are made. i'd easily put them on the level of Music Man

[@joshbarnes6759]

I feel the same way. I wound up ordering a USA ESP through their semi custom shop and I have no regrets.

[@zackperkins6107]

This is how Kiesels custom build should be

[@medinsmakemusic]

For about the first 10 seconds, I thought that nose ring was a booger.

[@rmp5s]

That looks sick, man!

[@lukenicholsonoriginalmusic5475]

Hey Trey, loved the video! If your ever in the UK, we have a great company called bear guitars who make guitars fully custom for under £1000. Some as low as £500. Love to see you cover them as they're such a small company. Even including shipping would cost a small amount compared to others.

[@bmhyakiri]

I jut went to their website... Those are like, literally the ugliest guitars I've ever seen 😂

[@DIZZLEJS]

Kiesel needs to update their website to show you the guitar like this front and back after choosing everything before buying

[@TrevorTowstego]

Kiesel's website looks like it hasn't been updated since 2005 lol

[@DIZZLEJS]

@@TrevorTowstego right lol They have awesome guitars but they really need to update the website

[@ArtemDenisov]

I recently got one made by Balaguer. Best guitar experience I've ever had.

[@ArtemDenisov]

@Clown World yep! Check out my instagram - artemdee

[@MatthewKirkum]

Bruh... The Gotoh 510 bridge is literally the apex trem... If you get the chance again, I highly suggest you give it another shot, particularly on the Ibanez AZ or newer Charvel DK24 models. It's the most versatile trem I've ever used so easily.

[@connorloughran6666]

I’m a lifelong ESP fanboy and thought the Floyd Rose was the best thing on the market. I got a charvel dk24 hsh in orange for dirt cheap back in November in perfect condition, and I’ve since sold all my Floyd roses. The gotoh gets 95% of the way there and I’ve never been one to go insane with the trem. I need to get more guitars with that trem, and while we’re at it the same specs as the charvel 😂

[@void870]

Purple heart is perfect for a multilaminate neck, not as a fretboard, but as the center piece between maple and ebony pieces. Something like a 7 piece laminate neck.

[@KalosPVP]

I'm looking forward to when 6 strings make a come back.

[@williamsmith2643]

They sort of are but extended range necks XD

[@jamessenuta293]

Transparent purple burst would be sick ass fuck on this guitar build dude....you and i picked everything identical except for the purple burst which I wanted other than that sick sick and sick sweet...lol

[@Bflatest]

thanks

[@DR31D]

Question for Trey: Do white guitars really sound the best??? I'm asking for a friend and just generally curious \m/

[@treyxaviermusic]

they sound the best for your eyes

[@GoudVis56667]

19:48: Was that a stab to that other custom build you did that never came through?

[@VOYAGEUR-YT]

Who was that with?

[@BenRobsonMusic]

@@VOYAGEUR-YT Pretty sure he was doing a custom build with Skervesen like a year ago

[@krisrudecki9477]

Ben Robson was wondering what’s happening with that one

[@treyxaviermusic]

It’s not the Skervesen, that one is here and it rules, video is shot and will be going up pretty soon

[@BenRobsonMusic]

@@treyxaviermusic Glad to hear it! I was looking forward to seeing how that turned out.

[@InfamouslyCantankerous]

The inly thing I would of done is got some different pickups. A set of fishmans would of been awesome.

[@Heavy_Metal_EMS]

I made one too, you bet your ass i put on the LED inlays in blue!

[@TheHitmann069]

I didn't see an option for fretwire? Do they have it? I really enjoyed this video and can't wait to see and hear it when it arrives. Stay safe in these testing times sir. 👌🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@ytheeasinine]

Comes stock with stainless steel. No other options for fretwire, nut (graphtech), tuners (Balaguer locking), and radius (16) which are solid and never felt like i needed to change them.

[@iambedlam]

You made some great choices! I’ve got an all black satin 7 Thicket with an Evertune thats on its way :) cheers dude!

[@Jakob_W3Ch4rg3_]

I know this aired a few days ago but how old is this video? The Balaguer site was extensively updated months ago. In fact, there are more passive pickup options other than Balaguer's in-house ones, more Fluence options, and they have added three new shapes: the Tartarus, and as of a few days ago, the Anomaly and the Vega, the latter two being headless. They also added more core and top wood options, as well as Fade finishes and two new headstock shapes.

[@treyxaviermusic]

😉

[@chrismonaut]

Saw the thumbnail and was super disappointed you didn't pick a Thicket. What a pleasant surprise this video became... One thing I really wanna point out: only +$250 for an evertune is an absoulte steal! It's so much additional work and it's really fucking expensive to do that later. There are enough production model guitars where the price difference between evertune and no evertune is +$400-500!

[@RizzleK]

"Gold..... if you're nasty...." subbed. wtf.

[@MetalGuitarGuy]

Awesome video man. I myself would love a tartarus 7 stringer 🤘🏻

[@bestboy897]

Trey your eyes look mesmerizing

[@firmamentofficial]

Sick!!

[@ConvergenceBand]

You should do a similar video for Halo Custom Guitars

[@FrankSkywalker]

Very similar to the Halo guitars builder, so it'll be easy to build a guitar, is pretty much the same but with balaguer guitars specs and options

[@paulkielt9301]

A Pickguard is what hate the most on a guitar. For a guitar that's made in Korea it looks too expensive to me!

[@malcolmadams2105]

So this video is 4 days old. Did you get it yet???

[@TheJackal917]

My friend once wanted to order from them, but not before he checks with other people and their experience. Many people complained about quality control and overall standarts at Balaguers, so they opted for somethong else. So my buddy did too. Choose something else.

[@supernintendoman2010]

I own a Balaguer Archetype, I've had no problems with it other than regular maintenance. What issues did these people have?

[@Andy86L]

I’ve ordered Balaguer 2 semi-customs and had zero issue on either.

[@TheJackal917]

It happened around year ago or so, my buddy got in touch with a few people who owned Balaguers and he told me about their complaints. Unfortunately, I remember two of those he told me: pickup mount and some problem with neck, albeit can't remember what exactly, but I do remember his awe when he learned that guitar he dreamt about may be problematic. I don't know what he chose in the end, we kinda got lost lately.

[@BalaguerGuitars]

TheJackal917 curious who your friend is and what builds he had? You say “many people” but where is that coming from? We always go above and beyond to help our customers if there is something they’re not happy with. I would suggest folks to look at our reviews on our Facebook page but also join our Facebook discussion group that has around 1,400 members. Currently, previous, and prospective owners are in there. We’ve only had 6 returns in the last 5 years, and take pride in our strict quality control. Each build goes through a 46-point checklist at our USA shop before heading to the customer. Always open to feedback and criticism, but we would love to hear specifics from your friend.

[@allendzedzy8565]

I've owned 3 Balaguers and never had an issue... I think your "friend" is just spewing rumors for no reason...

[@arkavagoswami3068]

Does they make custom explorar guitars?❤

[@mystixboi]

BG has a model called the Hyperion that gets close

[@infinidominion]

Doesn't look like it

[@jorah76]

@@mystixboi the Hyperion is based on the Gibson RD

[@thewolfden4680]

U killed it with the maple board my man.lol.ebony would have been nice .but hey I would have picked a Lzp body anyhow I love tele style aswell an I like where u where going an almost agreed 100% an the color seethru white is exactly what i would have picked but that maple board..jus killed ot the color makes it 3 tone an that's what u said u didnt want lololol ..but awesome man i like this website thanks buddy

[@treyxaviermusic]

That's why it's nice to be able to customize, you can get ebony and no one can stop you!

[@JimsMusicJourney]

I would have gone with ebony

[@krisrudecki9477]

I was entertaining an idea of getting a multiscale 8 with a chambered body. Not many companies do that at all. Looked at Mayones, Skervesen, only Strandberg does it and at a relatively modest price at that. Balaguer allows for specing that at a similar price to a Strandberg, but you can't select the tuners (guess those are not locking hipshots which would be my choice), you can't select the frets (need those SS frets) and you can't spec 3rd party electronics with that ... still it came to around $2700 in my case. You can get a Strandberg with better components for less and you're slowly approaching Aristides price range. If I also budgeted for changing frets, getting better hardware and changing electronics I could as well get an 080sr ... I think not having those few options is a real missed opportunity for Balaguer :( Also you have to consider resale value if it ever comes to that ...

[@gregschneider6397]

Kris Rudecki Balaguer’s frets are default Stainless Steal and their locking tuners are made in the same factory as Hipshot.

[@mystixboi]

Kris Rudecki BG’s tuners are made in the same factory as Hipshot. Soo.... All semi-customs come with SS frets and the company has more pickup options now other than BG.

[@gregschneider6397]

They are 18:1 ratio locking tuners.

[@krisrudecki9477]

Thanks guys, good to know. They should put it in the final spec sheet when you finish your build in their configurator to avoid any doubt. Now if they would allow you to use Lundgrens or BKPs that would be awesome 👏

[@BenRobsonMusic]

That guitar looks incredible, but the shape doesn't seem conducive to having 24 frets IMO. Even with the neck thru it looks like it'd be difficult to reach the last few frets.

[@JonVokal]

Ben Robson the builder doesnt quite represent the actual depth of frets into the body, upper fret access is solid overall. You can check out their instagram to get a better gauge of where the frets are!

[@barrygomez5968]

Yo Trey, does kiesel have a similar process?

[@joebrooks3638]

Kiesel online builder is half ass, it won't show the finished spec'd out guitar but it gives you basic build options. Call for more details

[@thewolfden4680]

Agreed pickguards are 97% jus for show

[@morbidangel989]

I liked this video just for the pickup ring hate lol. I seriously don't understand them either, just ugly as sin. I'm also very much in agreement with you on the whole tune-o-matic bridge situation as well. They are just very uncomfortable to palm mute on, and have the noise issue you mention as well.

[@joebrooks3638]

$2500? Buy a Kiesel Solo S7. Add beveled edges. Burl top is $500. Quarter sawn neck, maple fretboard w/black hardware, inlays and logo. Thorium pups. Evertune is $300. Kiesel might be cheaper? Faster and better imo

[@mystixboi]

Joe Brooks have you played a Balaguer semi-custom? If not, how can yo be sure the kiesel is better?

[@greekfreak1980]

2,500$ for a Made in S.Korea guitar?! Are they serious?!

[@mystixboi]

@@greekfreak1980 so you haven't played a BG? so you really can't say Kiesel is better. Nice

[@greekfreak1980]

@@mystixboi I repeat 2,500$ for a Made in S.Korea guitar,GTFO. You can get a base Aristides for 200 $ more and that's a frickin space age technology guitar.

[@mystixboi]

greekfreak1980 it really depends on what options someone orders. You can get a semi-custom BG for half that. If you want a more basic build go for it. Look at Dingwall and SK made Strandberg. Pricing seems consistent.

[@LikeCarvingACake]

Did dude ever get it?

[@toemasmeems]

Also should have ordered 75

[@mchughmusic]

what happened with the skervesen?

[@andyb4570]

It's done. He picked it up at NAMM

[@balabeylo1995]

Where is your Skervesen custom guitar?????

[@treyxaviermusic]

It’s here and it’s awesome, video coming soon

[@thewolfden4680]

Black pick guard!@ do it

[@astronaut5151]

Man I’d kill to be able to afford this :/

[@taylorlowinger1206]

Why is the layout of the Balaguer creator tool exactly like Halo Guitar's??

[@mystixboi]

same software developer... of course, different manufacturer completely

[@Liminal.Headspace]

Why do you have so few options for top woods? I see Rosewood, Bocote, Paldao, Poplar Burl amongst others

[@mystixboi]

isn't that a lot? there's quite a few. what else would you like to see?

[@thewolfden4680]

Hey...lol pick up rings look dope on some guitars..like my 3 pick up black beauty les.couldnt imagine it without .I mean gibson did that high performance models an they where gross.

[@supervisoresservicioaclien9423]

Are these guitars from Spain?

[@mystixboi]

Supervisores Servicio A Cliente nope

[@hchoe741]

how do you pick your nose with that ring in the way?

[@necrojoe]

I just cant believe that their 24 fret version just sticks 2 more frets further into the body, and not moving the bridge, making the additional frets virtually unplayable.

[@5urg3x]

That headstock is ugly but the tele shape with an offset body is amazing! Wish they had a carved top option for that one. Not sure why they don't :( This is what I don't like about "semi-custom" builders...they charge the price of a full custom shop, just about anyway, but they don't do a lot of things that would make the guitars way more personalized.

[@King-sd5vg]

Not first

[@Saxoprane]

Maple fretboard ? Looks bad on this one !

[@IAmattadams]

Ahhh...you had me until you mentioned it's made in Korea. I lived in Korea for a year. I'm not disputing their build quality, I just won't buy a Korean guitar. Especially when you can get a Kiesel for the same price.

[@sguerilla6142]

semi-custom built in the USA, then say '' guitar is build in Korea and come in USA and joe and his team inspected the guitar'. how that guitar can be the USA?! guitar is built in Korea and inspected in the USA, that is the real name. Kiesel is USA guitars, they have a factory in the USA...

[@mystixboi]

Balaguer never actually makes that claim that the semi custom line is made in the United States. Where does it say that? I might have missed it but I’d be shocked if that is what it says. The heritage line is made in USA though.

[@Metaldad87]

speed knobs, too fast, I see what you did there 😂

[@joshbarnes6759]

You're a metal guitarist. You got the wrong pickups. Should have gotten the Truenobuckers or the Ferals. Evergreens are very low output.

[@treyxaviermusic]

I actually changed it before I ordered but it didn’t make the video, if you check the list at the end you can see that’s what wound up in there

[@noahstephens1608]

Balaguer or kiesel?

[@greekfreak1980]

Kiesel,second hand it´s the best option in terms of "value for money".I have 2 of their CT models (their PRS Custom clone) with Duncans,they put my USA PRS Cu24 to shame. The problem is,their website is garbage,like completely outdated beyond human recognition. If you custom build a new Kiesel,ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS call them up and ask for Chris Hong or Mike Jones. They will inform you on all options,how much the whole thing will cost you etc. and they will give you some advice in terms of woods,necks etc. They do a lot of "extra options",things like special paintjobs,bridge humbucker only (on some models) etc. which aren´t mentioned on their shitty website. if you interested in something like that,ask. Always keep your build simple,don´t go crazy with exotic woods and outlandisch paintjobs,because it´s : a). expensive and b). reduces re-sale value. Belaguer isn´t bad,but their semi-customs are made in S.Korea and they want prices you will pay for a Made in USA Kiesel,which is much more customisable.Nah....

[@mystixboi]

@@greekfreak1980 based on your other response, you haven't played a BG... so how can you say that Kiesel is better? i've owned plenty of both... they are both great. At that price point, it's about preference

[@cashway0420]

when he chose that maple neck I had to unsub

[@AndyDuckala]

#fuckpickuprings

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

Not my jam...

[@tcontra840]

A $2500 Korean guitar.. no.

[@jasonchilders48]

Right up your nose with that camera angle bro?🤦🏼‍♂️

[@suicideasteroid]

No choice of fret size?