frequently asked questions
top questions
What is the difference between Ormsby Custom Shop, Semi-Custom and Ormsby GTR models?
Ormsby Custom Shop guitars are our premium, handmade guitars that are crafted from start to finish in our Australian workshop by Master Luthier, Perry Ormsby and his team. These guitars are completely customisable and feature hand-picked woods, highest quality hardware, and unique features and finishes that are only available in a true custom shop like ours.
Ormsby Custom Shop guitars start at $3990 AUD.
Availability: Limited by our production, to approximately 65-90 guitars annually.
Purchase from: Factory Direct/Ormsby HQ
The Ormsby GTR production models are guitars designed by Perry Ormsby and made by our team at World Music Instruments in Korea. These guitars feature incredible specifications for the price, such as custom made in USA hardware by Hipshot, pickups wound to the same specifications as Ormsby Custom Shop pickups, stainless steel frets, and much more! Best of all, models and specifications are chosen by our community of guitarists in our Ormsby GTR Disussion Group! Guitars are inspected at the factory in Korea by Perry Ormsby and upon completion are quality controlled by the team at Ormsby Guitars Australia before being shipped to new owners.
Ormsby GTR production models start at $1599 AUD.
Availability: Via presales, with stores and Ormsby HQ releasing in stock items after pre-sales have shipped.
Purchase from: Factory Direct/Ormsby HQ and Authorised Ormsby Dealers
What is a 'run' of guitars?
Each year we offer up runs of our custom shop and our new GTR production guitars. Participants are invited into a private Facebook group to discuss specifications and unique ideas. Customers in our custom shop runs get numerous updates throughout the process and have access to many of the finest woods in the world. Perry Ormsby and his team are there to answer your questions and assist you throughout the process.
Our GTR Production Guitars are also done in runs that have specifications decided on by our amazing Ormsby GTR Discussion Group community. Details like colours, pickups, and aesthetic features are decided on by the community of musicians from around the world. The run is then opened up for ordering and, once order numbers are met, our team at World Music Instruments begin construction. This allows us to have excellent quality instruments with outstanding features as very affordable prices in a timely manner. You can view our updates for each run at our GTR UPDATE BLOG
How can I order a custom shop Ormsby?
We are currently not taking on any more custom shop orders, however, we will open our order books again in the future so please join our mailing list for announcements. All announcements for new runs are sent direct to our mailing list.
How can I order a Ormsby GTR model?
We sell the GTR models in ‘runs’, which are batches of guitars available in different models and styles in limited numbers. Different models and finishes are offered for each run based on community input from our Facebook group. We sell these runs through our website. Join our Facebook discussion and take part in our upcoming runs. You can pre-order a GTR by visiting HERE.
Do you make left-handed models?
Yes, but not in all production runs.
How can I find out prices on different models?
Our custom shop guitars start at $3990 AUD and most people spend around $5000 AUD, with some adding options into $10,000+ We will create a custom quote for you once you have an order in place with our Australian Custom Shop.
Our Ormsby GTR Production Models currently retail from $1599 AUD to $1849 AUD. Check XE.com for current exchange rates.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes!
USA/CANADA/MEXICO $150 AUD
WESTERN EUROPE $150 AUD
AUSTRALIA $49
OTHER COUNTRIES – VARIABLE PRICING BUT SIMILAR TO ABOVE PRICES
Please note, the prices listed above are for postage costs for the GTR range of guitars. As our CustomShop and Semi-Custom lines are considerably more expensive, the overall postage cost is higher due to extra charges for insurance.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes!
Orders from our custom shop require a deposit and progress payments, which are discussed when your order is placed.
Orders from our GTR production range come with several different payment plans that we detail in our order page and GTR Discussion group on Facebook.
Ormsby Custom Shop guitars are our premium, handmade guitars that are crafted from start to finish in our Australian workshop by Master Luthier, Perry Ormsby and his team. These guitars are completely customisable and feature hand-picked woods, highest quality hardware, and unique features and finishes that are only available in a true custom shop like ours.
Ormsby Custom Shop guitars start at $3990 AUD.
Availability: Limited by our production, to approximately 65-90 guitars annually.
Purchase from: Factory Direct/Ormsby HQ
The Ormsby GTR production models are guitars designed by Perry Ormsby and made by our team at World Music Instruments in Korea. These guitars feature incredible specifications for the price, such as custom made in USA hardware by Hipshot, pickups wound to the same specifications as Ormsby Custom Shop pickups, stainless steel frets, and much more! Best of all, models and specifications are chosen by our community of guitarists in our Ormsby GTR Disussion Group! Guitars are inspected at the factory in Korea by Perry Ormsby and upon completion are quality controlled by the team at Ormsby Guitars Australia before being shipped to new owners.
Ormsby GTR production models start at $1599 AUD.
Availability: Via presales, with stores and Ormsby HQ releasing in stock items after pre-sales have shipped.
Purchase from: Factory Direct/Ormsby HQ and Authorised Ormsby Dealers
What is a 'run' of guitars?
Each year we offer up runs of our custom shop and our new GTR production guitars. Participants are invited into a private Facebook group to discuss specifications and unique ideas. Customers in our custom shop runs get numerous updates throughout the process and have access to many of the finest woods in the world. Perry Ormsby and his team are there to answer your questions and assist you throughout the process.
Our GTR Production Guitars are also done in runs that have specifications decided on by our amazing Ormsby GTR Discussion Group community. Details like colours, pickups, and aesthetic features are decided on by the community of musicians from around the world. The run is then opened up for ordering and, once order numbers are met, our team at World Music Instruments begin construction. This allows us to have excellent quality instruments with outstanding features as very affordable prices in a timely manner. You can view our updates for each run at our GTR UPDATE BLOG
How can I order a custom shop Ormsby?
We are currently not taking on any more custom shop orders, however, we will open our order books again in the future so please join our mailing list for announcements. All announcements for new runs are sent direct to our mailing list.
How can I order a Ormsby GTR model?
We sell the GTR models in ‘runs’, which are batches of guitars available in different models and styles in limited numbers. Different models and finishes are offered for each run based on community input from our Facebook group. We sell these runs through our website. Join our Facebook discussion and take part in our upcoming runs. You can pre-order a GTR by visiting HERE.
Do you make left-handed models?
Yes, but not in all production runs.
How can I find out prices on different models?
Our custom shop guitars start at $3990 AUD and most people spend around $5000 AUD, with some adding options into $10,000+ We will create a custom quote for you once you have an order in place with our Australian Custom Shop.
Our Ormsby GTR Production Models currently retail from $1599 AUD to $1849 AUD. Check XE.com for current exchange rates.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes!
USA/CANADA/MEXICO $150 AUD
WESTERN EUROPE $150 AUD
AUSTRALIA $49
OTHER COUNTRIES – VARIABLE PRICING BUT SIMILAR TO ABOVE PRICES
Please note, the prices listed above are for postage costs for the GTR range of guitars. As our CustomShop and Semi-Custom lines are considerably more expensive, the overall postage cost is higher due to extra charges for insurance.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes!
Orders from our custom shop require a deposit and progress payments, which are discussed when your order is placed.
Orders from our GTR production range come with several different payment plans that we detail in our order page and GTR Discussion group on Facebook.
ORMSBY Custom shop
Can I order a custom shop Ormsby made to my exact specifications?
You sure can! We love imaginative ideas for custom guitars, or when customers say 'Perry's choice' to specifications. That said, we are currently not taking on any more custom shop orders. However, we will open our order books again in the future, so please join our mailing list for announcements.
How much is a custom shop Ormsby?
Our custom shop guitars start at $3990 AUD and most people spend around $5000 AUD, with some adding options into $10,000+ We will create a custom quote for you once you have an order in place with our Australian Custom Shop.
What is the wait time on an Ormsby custom?
A custom shop Ormsby typically takes around 6-12 months to complete from the time of setting specifications to completion. However, this is subject to consistency in progress payments and changes in specifications during the order/build process.
We also offer 'runs' of custom shop guitars each year, which are based on a set model, such as our HypeMachine. These are typically completed within 12-18 months.
Where is the CustomShop?
The CustomShop is located at the Ormsby HQ, which is in Perth, W. Australia. All CustomShop guitars are built inhouse.
How do I place an order?
Join our mailing list! We send all invitations to our mailing list, so you must be signed up to get a notification. Our CustomShop models sell out extremely quickly, so please be patient.
You sure can! We love imaginative ideas for custom guitars, or when customers say 'Perry's choice' to specifications. That said, we are currently not taking on any more custom shop orders. However, we will open our order books again in the future, so please join our mailing list for announcements.
How much is a custom shop Ormsby?
Our custom shop guitars start at $3990 AUD and most people spend around $5000 AUD, with some adding options into $10,000+ We will create a custom quote for you once you have an order in place with our Australian Custom Shop.
What is the wait time on an Ormsby custom?
A custom shop Ormsby typically takes around 6-12 months to complete from the time of setting specifications to completion. However, this is subject to consistency in progress payments and changes in specifications during the order/build process.
We also offer 'runs' of custom shop guitars each year, which are based on a set model, such as our HypeMachine. These are typically completed within 12-18 months.
Where is the CustomShop?
The CustomShop is located at the Ormsby HQ, which is in Perth, W. Australia. All CustomShop guitars are built inhouse.
How do I place an order?
Join our mailing list! We send all invitations to our mailing list, so you must be signed up to get a notification. Our CustomShop models sell out extremely quickly, so please be patient.
ORMSBY GTR PRODUCTION MODELS
How much is an Ormsby GTR model?
Pricing ranges from $1599-$1889 Australian Dollars (AUD) for GTR guitars currently. Please use XE.com to see current exchange rates.
Who makes the Ormsby GTR range?
The Ormsby GTR range are made by the highly experienced team at World Music Instruments, Korea. They are well known for making exceptional quality guitars and produce for many of the biggest guitar manufacturers in the world.
How can I order a Ormsby GTR right now?
If you have not ordered a GTR in one of our current runs and it is sold out, spare/extras will be made available once all pre-ordered instruments have shipped to customers from the respective run. Details on how to purchase these will be made available in our mailing list and the Ormsby GTR Discussion Group. Sorry, no bribes to cut in line.
Do you make 8 string models?
Yes! Most runs have 6, 7 and 8 string models available. Sorry, nothing for 9 strings and beyond planned.
Can you customise a GTR model for me?
No. These are production guitars. Specifications like inlays, pickups, colours etc. are fixed.
What are the pickup angles for the GTR range multiscale pickups?
21.5 degrees for the bridge and 16.5 degrees for the neck.
Can you make me a custom one-off GTR model?
No. However, we are open to suggestions and discussions for future run specifications in our group.
How do I get updates on the current and future runs?
Here is our blog: GTR UPDATE BLOG
However, we strongly encourage you to be part of our group on Facebook.
Pricing ranges from $1599-$1889 Australian Dollars (AUD) for GTR guitars currently. Please use XE.com to see current exchange rates.
Who makes the Ormsby GTR range?
The Ormsby GTR range are made by the highly experienced team at World Music Instruments, Korea. They are well known for making exceptional quality guitars and produce for many of the biggest guitar manufacturers in the world.
How can I order a Ormsby GTR right now?
If you have not ordered a GTR in one of our current runs and it is sold out, spare/extras will be made available once all pre-ordered instruments have shipped to customers from the respective run. Details on how to purchase these will be made available in our mailing list and the Ormsby GTR Discussion Group. Sorry, no bribes to cut in line.
Do you make 8 string models?
Yes! Most runs have 6, 7 and 8 string models available. Sorry, nothing for 9 strings and beyond planned.
Can you customise a GTR model for me?
No. These are production guitars. Specifications like inlays, pickups, colours etc. are fixed.
What are the pickup angles for the GTR range multiscale pickups?
21.5 degrees for the bridge and 16.5 degrees for the neck.
Can you make me a custom one-off GTR model?
No. However, we are open to suggestions and discussions for future run specifications in our group.
How do I get updates on the current and future runs?
Here is our blog: GTR UPDATE BLOG
However, we strongly encourage you to be part of our group on Facebook.
GTR PRoduction run information
EMPLOYMENT AND DEALERSHIPS
How can I work for Ormsby Guitars?
We are honoured to be held in such high regard that you would want to work for us. We are currently looking for a highly reputable and experienced guitar technician to work on our GTR line's quality control. Please read more here.
What dealers/retailers are there currently for Ormsby Guitars?
We have a network of dealers that can be viewed here.
I want to become a dealer for Ormsby Guitars. How can I order?
Please email us via our contact page for a dealer terms.
How can I become an Ormsby Guitar Endorsee?
Please fill out our endorsement form here. We do require that you have recorded albums, current or booked tours, and a social media following over 10,000.
We are honoured to be held in such high regard that you would want to work for us. We are currently looking for a highly reputable and experienced guitar technician to work on our GTR line's quality control. Please read more here.
What dealers/retailers are there currently for Ormsby Guitars?
We have a network of dealers that can be viewed here.
I want to become a dealer for Ormsby Guitars. How can I order?
Please email us via our contact page for a dealer terms.
How can I become an Ormsby Guitar Endorsee?
Please fill out our endorsement form here. We do require that you have recorded albums, current or booked tours, and a social media following over 10,000.
OTHER QUESTIONS
How "big" is Ormsby Guitars?
We have six staff in total:
Perry is our Master Luthier, and founder. He works on all CustomShop guitars, and completes all development of new models, answers most of your emails, etc.
Jett is our longest serving employee, being with us since mid 2014. Jett handles all pickup production in between assisting on the CustomShop and GTR lines.
Matt joined the team in early 2016 on an official capacity, after volunteering for a couple years. Matt now looks after our social media (Facebook and Instagram), whilst also being our "A+R" guy for new and existing endorsees. Matt also helps us develop our CustomShop client books and assists clients with their selections and takes our really nice photos!
Shivvy is our newest member, and Perry's wife :) Shivvy looks after the shipping of all guitars, order confirmations and final invoices.
Magnus is our youngest member. He is a trainee luthier, and shipping co-ordinator.
Alex is our newest member. He assists in the day to day manufacture of our CustomShop guitars, and QC on our GTR Series.
How many guitars a year does Ormsby Guitars produce?
In 2015 we made just over 50 CustomShop instruments. This number will drop to around 30 during 2016, due to the fact we will be moving our facility, and introducing the new SemiCustom line. SemiCustoms are expected to see numbers around 50-60 guitars in the first year (release is for mid 2016) and 80-90 per annum there after.
Do you use a CNC or is it all handmade?
CustomShop: CNC is often used for back plates and truss rod covers, and some inlay (not all). CNC is used for SOME Multiscale fretboard slots, but not all. Occasionally we will "play around" with the CNC and make a body, but that is rare, and almost never a customers instrument. So, essentially, we are classed as "handmade".
Semi-Custom: These will be made with more use of a CNC, but still a very high proportion of each guitar being handmade.
GTR Range: These are considered CNC made. Bodies are cut and routed, and necks are cut with a CNC. The fretboards are slotted via CNC. All fitting of parts, frets, sanding, paint, assembly, etc, is done by hand.
Do you do repairwork?
As of 2013 we started slowing down the repair side of the business. In January 2016 we stopped doing any repairwork whatsoever. The only exception to this rule, is that we will work on our own brand of instruments.
I heard you used to build tube amplifiers?
Yes. Back around 2007/8 we made a small number of amplifiers running EL-34's at 36w. You can hear a sound clip here. We would love to reintroduce these at some point, but there are no definite plans.
We have six staff in total:
Perry is our Master Luthier, and founder. He works on all CustomShop guitars, and completes all development of new models, answers most of your emails, etc.
Jett is our longest serving employee, being with us since mid 2014. Jett handles all pickup production in between assisting on the CustomShop and GTR lines.
Matt joined the team in early 2016 on an official capacity, after volunteering for a couple years. Matt now looks after our social media (Facebook and Instagram), whilst also being our "A+R" guy for new and existing endorsees. Matt also helps us develop our CustomShop client books and assists clients with their selections and takes our really nice photos!
Shivvy is our newest member, and Perry's wife :) Shivvy looks after the shipping of all guitars, order confirmations and final invoices.
Magnus is our youngest member. He is a trainee luthier, and shipping co-ordinator.
Alex is our newest member. He assists in the day to day manufacture of our CustomShop guitars, and QC on our GTR Series.
How many guitars a year does Ormsby Guitars produce?
In 2015 we made just over 50 CustomShop instruments. This number will drop to around 30 during 2016, due to the fact we will be moving our facility, and introducing the new SemiCustom line. SemiCustoms are expected to see numbers around 50-60 guitars in the first year (release is for mid 2016) and 80-90 per annum there after.
Do you use a CNC or is it all handmade?
CustomShop: CNC is often used for back plates and truss rod covers, and some inlay (not all). CNC is used for SOME Multiscale fretboard slots, but not all. Occasionally we will "play around" with the CNC and make a body, but that is rare, and almost never a customers instrument. So, essentially, we are classed as "handmade".
Semi-Custom: These will be made with more use of a CNC, but still a very high proportion of each guitar being handmade.
GTR Range: These are considered CNC made. Bodies are cut and routed, and necks are cut with a CNC. The fretboards are slotted via CNC. All fitting of parts, frets, sanding, paint, assembly, etc, is done by hand.
Do you do repairwork?
As of 2013 we started slowing down the repair side of the business. In January 2016 we stopped doing any repairwork whatsoever. The only exception to this rule, is that we will work on our own brand of instruments.
I heard you used to build tube amplifiers?
Yes. Back around 2007/8 we made a small number of amplifiers running EL-34's at 36w. You can hear a sound clip here. We would love to reintroduce these at some point, but there are no definite plans.
Do you sell supplies and woods for making our own guitars?
We used to sell supplies back in the beginning, and were actually the largest supplier of guitar making parts, tools, and supplies in those days. However, we decided it would be best to concentrate on one thing; building guitars. However, as we move into our next phase we are considering offering imported timbers and high quality parts, precut fretboards, Multiscale kits, etc. An announcement will be made in time.
I have some designs I'd like to sell to you, do you buy designs?
No. We develop all models in house. Sorry!
We run a small luthier workshop and would like to access to Asian manufacturers to develop our own line. Can you assist?
Yes, we can assist in getting your designs to market. It is not a cheap exercise and you will need the ability to sell the instruments at your end. But we do offer partnerships which allow you to enter this market at a much easier level.
We used to sell supplies back in the beginning, and were actually the largest supplier of guitar making parts, tools, and supplies in those days. However, we decided it would be best to concentrate on one thing; building guitars. However, as we move into our next phase we are considering offering imported timbers and high quality parts, precut fretboards, Multiscale kits, etc. An announcement will be made in time.
I have some designs I'd like to sell to you, do you buy designs?
No. We develop all models in house. Sorry!
We run a small luthier workshop and would like to access to Asian manufacturers to develop our own line. Can you assist?
Yes, we can assist in getting your designs to market. It is not a cheap exercise and you will need the ability to sell the instruments at your end. But we do offer partnerships which allow you to enter this market at a much easier level.