Here you'll find guitars designed to be contemporary expressions of the highest aspirations of the luthier's art, precisely executed from the best materials in the world. Using a mixture of modern and traditional methods, my designs are inspired by the natural beauty of wood, and simple, organic lines which allow the instrument to completely express itself, both visually and tonally, with every element in ideal balance.
Services
Michael Bashkin builds three standard guitar models: The OM, The OO, and The SJ. With a wide choice of sizes and body styles, these original Bashkin designs can be customized extensively to match your playing style and provide an instrument that will feel comfortable even after many hours in a single session.
Each OM instrument is individually voiced to provide a dynamic range broad enough to respond immediately to the player's most subtle touch - or when called upon, to speak with power and presence - with very little urging. This is an exceptionally comfortable instrument with excellent note separation and balance that makes it an ideal choice for composing and recording.
The "standard features" available on Bashkin Guitars provide a multitude of choices that will influence the visual impact of your instrument as well as its tone and comfort in your hands. Some players prefer to leave most of the decisions to Michael. After some exploratory conversation about your playing style, he will recommend a combination of body style, materials and design features that will be right for you. On the other hand, during your first discussion with Michael you may become fascinated by the nuances of guitar design.
Premium features give you even more design latitude to create a guitar completely customized for you. Some premium features, like a multi-scale design or a cutaway, will give you specialized functionality as well as visual impact. Others, like the Ryan-style arm bevel, will enhance your playing comfort, especially in long sessions.
In your first conversation with Michael, you'll realize this is not an ordinary "buying" experience. This is nothing like visiting a retail store and "buying a guitar" - even a very fine instrument. Michael invites you into the design process. You'll discuss guitar tops and tonewoods - the tonal character that comes with Italian spruce versus cedar, a mahogany back versus rosewood.
Reviews (10)
Bernard Dime
Mar 08, 2020
David Menke
Feb 16, 2020
Chris Cecil
Jun 19, 2019
Paul Dykema
May 02, 2019
I called Mr. Bashkin to see if he might be able to help me with a 30 year old Frankenstein-Stratocaster rebuild I was working on. He was very honest and forthcoming on the phone and gave me some hard truth about the project I knew I needed, but didn't want to hear. I certainly made sure to thank him for his time on the phone, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank him again publicly. If and when I need any of my acoustic guitars repaired I will certainly reach out to him again.
Ryan Rohlfing
Feb 22, 2019
Tanner Huber
Feb 19, 2019
Chad Brundage
Dec 24, 2018
Eddie Lee
Nov 25, 2018
Eric Zhang
Dec 25, 2017
My vintage-style Stratocaster truss rod was seized up, and I made the long drive from South Denver metro area just to see Michael because of his stellar reputation. He is a skilled and knowledgeable luthier and solved my problem almost immediately. He didn't even charge me for the quick fix! When he heard that I had driven so far to see him, he also recommended me two luthiers in Denver that did good work to save me the long drive next time. My experience with Michael has been incredibly positive.
Jeff B.
Apr 19, 2017
I have an inexpensive Seagull guitar which needed a setup since they are known for their high action. Michael did a quick review of the guitar and then told me the status of the current setup. He suggested a "standard Martin setup" which addressed the major playing needs. I held off on other more detailed work since the guitar is an entry level one.
He took two days and charged me $60 for truss and bridge adjustments. He also cleaned up the nut which had a burr or two. The guitar now play so much easier and cleaner that it almost feels like a different instrument. Wonderful work! I will definitely bring all my guitar work to Michael. And yes I can now play F chords with ease. Thanks Michael
He took two days and charged me $60 for truss and bridge adjustments. He also cleaned up the nut which had a burr or two. The guitar now play so much easier and cleaner that it almost feels like a different instrument. Wonderful work! I will definitely bring all my guitar work to Michael. And yes I can now play F chords with ease. Thanks Michael
