Frequently Asked Questions

CustomShop.build is a platform that connects custom shop instrument builders with the artists who play their work. Builders showcase their models and options, players discover and configure custom instruments, and every instrument keeps a verifiable record of who owned and played it over time.

Two main groups: builders — luthiers, boutique amp makers, pedal builders, and other custom shops — and artists, the players who own and play their instruments. Anyone can browse the catalog, read reviews, and discover builders.

No. You can explore builders, models, items, and reviews without an account. You'll need one to place orders, leave reviews, own instruments, or message builders.

Create a builder account, add your models, and define the customization options you offer. Once your account is verified, your work goes live in the catalog.

Builder verification is done manually so that players know they're dealing with a genuine maker. Once you're verified, your builder profile becomes visible in the catalog.

A model is one of your designs — for example, a particular guitar you build. An item is a specific instance of that model with a defined set of customization options. Items can be created directly by you, or generated automatically from an order.

Yes. You can invite users to be listed as the Artist on your builder, model, and item pages. Their ownership then appears publicly and becomes part of each instrument's history.

Artist is how ownership is shown on the platform. When you own an instrument, you appear as its Artist on the relevant builder, model, and item pages.

Confirmed ownership is issued by the builder and gives an instrument a verified origin. It can then be transferred along the chain of owners as the instrument is bought and sold, so provenance stays intact.

Past ownerships stay visible. Every instrument keeps its full history, so you can see who built it and who owned it before you.

Yes. Confirmed ownership can be transferred from one owner to the next, building a clear chain of custody for the instrument.

Open the item you want, use the configurator to choose your customization options, and place your order. You then arrange the remaining details directly with the builder.

The configurator lets you spec a build using the exact options a builder offers for a given model, so the order reflects precisely what you want.

You can leave reviews on both models and items.

Reviews can include embedded media — YouTube and SoundCloud — so others can actually see and hear the instrument, not just read a rating. These reviews shape each builder's and model's rating.

Yes. The platform includes built-in messaging with attachment support, so you can discuss a build, share files, and keep the whole conversation in one place.