First, let’s answer a question though. What is a boutique guitar? A boutique guitar is a instrument made by a small workshop or individual luthier, rather than a large factory. Typically boutique brands produce in small numbers and offer a finer attention to detail compared to the large brand counterparts. They usually offer a handful of models and allow for more custom options like finish, relicing, and pickups to name a few. This means you have the option of buying a premade guitar from the maker, or work with a dealer to help design your own custom spec’d instrument. The boutique brands we carry here at High Voltage Guitars include Novo, Fano, Frank Brothers, Mario Martin, Rock n Roll Relics, and Castedosa. Let’s take a deeper look at the difference between a few of these brands and dissect what type of player they might appeal to.

Novo is a great brand to start off with. If you’ve spent any time looking into boutique guitars, chances are pretty good that you’ve stumbled across Novo. In our opinion, we believe that Novo Guitars are some of the best boutique electric guitars being produced today and will appeal to a large variety of players. They offer refreshing takes on classic body shapes from Offset and S-Types to single cuts and more. Novo guitars are well known for their remarkable finishes. The gamut of finish is huge, offering players classic bursts, to eye catching sparkle colorways, there is a finish for just about everyone. 

Now, if you were going to pinpoint one Novo model as their “flagship” model, it would have to be the Serus J. This is the offset style guitar, perfected. It has all the classic swagger of a jazzmaster, but seen through the eyes of Dennis Fano. It’s  straight-forward pickup & control knob layout is immediately useful and the Mastery Tremolo system gives this guitar a voice all it’s own. Novo offers a wide variety of models beyond the Serus, from the Semi-Hollow Miris model to the more stripped back Solus there is a Novo for just about anyone. If you haven’t read our other article about the different models that Novo offers then we suggest to dive in and learn about all the models and their subtle differences. 

The reason so many players are drawn to Novo Guitars is for their incredible feel and tone. Even unplugged Novo guitars are remarkably resonant and lively, which definitely translates when you plug the instrument in. The two neck shapes are comfortable and feel like the quintessential electric guitar necks, they have the perfect amount of shoulder and a smooth feel to finish so you never feel like the guitar neck is getting in the way.

Who we think Novo is for:

If you’re a guitarist who…

• Loves the look of an offset guitar
• Like offset style tremolo systems
• Wants lots of unique finish options

A Novo might be the guitar for you!

Frank Brothers Guitars located in Toronto, Canada have quickly become a shop favorite. Their attention to detail is second to none, and they are not afraid to showcase it. Between their three flagship models, The Sonar, Radar, and Arcade, they have a very unique selection of body styles. The Arcade comes in a variety of configurations specifically, from solid body to thinline, to fully semi hollow. The different models offer a large assortment of different bridge styles and tremolo systems, from tele style bridges to wraparound bridges, and maestro vibratos to bigsbys. They flaunt a vast offering of pickup options, including their own custom pickups by legendary Canadian pickup winder Tim McNelly. One feature that we love which is unique to Frank Brothers Guitars, specifically on their Arcade One and Thinline model is the use of a plexi glass for the electronics cover, giving you a direct look at the inner working of your guitar at all times. They provide a variety of classic finishes, which you can have light, medium, or heavily distressed. 

Like we said, the attention to detail on a Frank Bros. is some of the best in the industry. The finish work is impeccable and whatever magic they are doing during construction offers players an instrument that rings and with sustain. Notes seem to leap from the guitar and with a pushed amplifier the harmonic content has to be heard to be believed. Their neck shapes are very comfortable and unique, especially their V shapes which are uniquely “Frank”. The custom wound pickups are the icing on the cake for these guitars as they truly bring out the best from the guitar regardless of style of music you play.

Who we think Frank Brothers is for:

If you’re a guitarist who…

• Wants a guitar with a very original body shape
• Likes to have a variety of pickups, tremolo systems, and bridges to choose from
• Loves classic guitar finishes

A Frank Brothers might be the guitar for you!

You might not know the name Mario Martin yet, but you are almost certainly familiar with his work. Mario, the man, got his start at the Gibson Factory in Nashville before moving on to work for Fender building guitar bodies with master luthier Evan Ellis. This led to the creation of the Guitar Mill in Murfreesboro, TN. With Mario at the helm the Guitar Mill produces guitar necks and bodies that are used by builders around the world. Mario Martin guitars are made in the same production facility and all of the wood is hand chosen to create the best bolt-on style guitars possible. 

Mario Martin guitars are inspired by those classic shaped instruments coming from California in the 1950’s & 60s. These guitars are often very lightweight thanks to their thin nitro finish or the choosy nature of the materials they are made with. Oftentimes these guitars are made from Paulownia which is a great tonewood that weighs next to nothing! They offer a large number of pickup options so if you want to spec out your own guitar you can get any tone possible. If you can dream it, chances are Mario and his team can make it for you.

Who we think Mario Martin is for:

If you’re a guitarist who…

• Is looking for a traditional body style
• Wants an assortment of pickup varieties and makers to choose from
• Needs a lightweight guitar
• Loves a thin nitro finish 

A Mario Martin might be the guitar for you!

Last but very very certainly not least is Castedosa. Sitting perched atop the mountain of boutique guitar brands is this behemoth of the industry. Built by former Fender Master builder Carlos Lopez, Castedosa is the definition of a boutique brand.  Despite only producing six body shapes, you’ll find yourself with an abundance of variants, with some models offering the choice of semi hollow or carve top, and other models being offered as baritones or even a bass model if low end is your thing. His line of models run the gamut, with some clearly showing his homage to traditional design, while others which showcase his visionary eye for modern design. 

Each of his guitars has been meticulously dialed in as to provide the finest playing experience to its player. Most models (sans the ABI and Conchers Bass) come with Castedosa’s own unique pickups, all hand wound by Carlos’ wife Stephanie. A true family enterprise, Carlos and Stephanie have created a one of a kind brand to not only grow their families purpose, but to have that reflected in the beautiful guitars they offer.

Castedosa guitars feel remarkable to play, Carlos spares no expense dialing in every aspect of each piece he makes to make sure that each one is a “lifer”. The boutique experience doesn’t end with the guitar, each instrument comes with an excellent hard case, a lovely bound COA, a pennant, strap and more. It’s an entire package that feels like you’re being welcomed to the Castedosa family from the moment you open the case. 

Who we think Castedosa is for:

If you’re a guitarist who…

• Wants a one of a kind instrument made by a one of a kind luthier
• Likes a classic inspired design that still come across as bold and unique
• Spares no expense in having the best of the best.

A Castedosa might be the guitar for you!

We here at High Voltage Guitars love all the boutique brands we carry, they all have different characteristics that we think make them stand out from other guitar brands offered today, and ultimately that's why we carry the brands we do. At the end of the day, they are all fantastic guitars, but in the end which one is right for you comes down to YOU. What are you looking for in your next guitar? What factors are most important to you? There’s no wrong answer. From pickup options to finish color, classic body shapes to funky body shapes, the guitar you go with should be a reflection of you and your individual playing style. We are happy to help put that guitar in your hands, whether it is from our regularly updated inventory of guitars, or a custom order we place on your behalf, give us a call or send us a message and let's find the right boutique guitar for you.