Custom guitar builder (home workshop)

Working musicians, serious hobbyists and collectors who want a custom or boutique instrument.

Sell finished instruments at a set price or on commission, often with a deposit up front. Some builders also sell a few ready-made models through online listings.

• Woodworking and hand or power tool skills
• Patience and attention to detail
• Playing or understanding instruments
• Basic photography and social media for showing your work

• Check zoning, home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules before running a workshop at home
• Dust, finishing fumes and power tools are health and fire risks, so check ventilation, safety gear and your home insurance
• Some tonewoods are protected, so check rules on buying and shipping woods such as rosewood
• Check whether you need general liability or product liability insurance and a state sales tax permit
• Orders can take months, so keep deposits and delivery dates clear in writing

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the tools you already own, your workshop setup and the tonewoods and materials you stock. Orders can take months, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many instruments you finish, your pricing and how much you work. Keep deposits and delivery dates clear in writing, since each build takes time.

Check zoning, home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules for a home workshop. Also check rules on buying and shipping protected tonewoods, home insurance, ventilation, liability coverage and whether you need a state sales tax permit.