Custom guitar and ukulele maker

Hobbyists, gigging musicians, music teachers and collectors who want something made for them.

A deposit up front and a balance on delivery for each custom build. Some makers add repair, setup and refinishing work to even out income between builds.

• Woodworking and fine hand tool use
• Patience and attention to detail
• Playing or understanding how instruments sound
• Talking through ideas with customers

• Check with your local council whether you need approval to run a workshop from home, including noise and dust rules
• Wood dust and finishing products are a health risk, so check ventilation, masks and safe storage
• Check rules on importing or using certain timbers, as some species are restricted under CITES and Australian law
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and written terms covering deposits and delivery times
• Builds take many hours, so make sure your prices cover your time

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the tools, workshop setup, timber and dust extraction you need. These are estimates, so cost your own workshop plan before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many instruments you complete, your chosen designs and the hours you put in. Builds take many hours, so price to cover your time.

Things to check: whether your council needs approval for a home workshop, including noise and dust rules; ventilation and safe storage for finishes; restrictions on certain timbers; and public and product liability insurance.