Pre-War Guitar Co.

Wes Lambe and Ben Maschal, pictured here with Norman Blake, founded Pre-War Guitar Co. with the idea of building a different kind of vintage-inspired guitar. One that has the sound, the feel, and the look to match. “To us, it is simple. We love perfectly setup, adjustable, old sounding, and old/beat up looking guitars, and that’s what we make.”
Location: Hillsborough, NC | Founded: 2016

Currently In Stock

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Brand Story
Pre-War Guitars came about because of their mutual deep passion for the magical tone of 1930s-era acoustic guitars. Although they had trod varying paths in building and repair, they soon discovered they shared a penchant for meticulous examination and documentation of these classic instruments. The next logical step was to bring this accumulated knowledge to bear on the luthier's bench. The result are one-of-a-kind handmade guitars with a sound, look, and playability like no other.

Pre-War | Distress Levels

Level 1 | "New Old Stock"

Equivalent to a collectors grade or Mint condition. Inspired by a vintage guitar that spent most of it’s life in a case under the bed. Ultra thin, aged and checked nitrocellulose with only minimal "handling" marks,  vintage hardware and appointments.

Level 2 | "Well loved, well played"

Inspired by vintage guitars that were lovingly cared for and played for much of their life. Same thin, aged, and checked lacquer as the level one, with the addition of authentically created play wear around the soundhole, some incidental handling marks, light wear at the elbow area, and light back wear.

Level 3 | "The Road Warrior"

An homage to the true “Road Warrior” guitars we all know and love, with an artful amount of heavy play wear. Akin to a guitar that has spent 60 years on tour, the phenomenal response and tactile feedback of certain vintage guitars we have studied inspired this level of distressing.

Level 4 | "AWESOME"

Pictures don't do it justice.

Previously Sold

SOLD
Pre War OM-28 Granadillo Suburst (USED, 2022)
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Pre War Slope J (USED, 2018)
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Pre-War Guitar Co. 1934-Style Dreadnought Sunburst
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Pre-War Guitar Co. 1934-Style Herringbone Sunburst
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Pre-War Guitar Co. Dreadnought Sunburst
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Pre-War Guitar Co. Dreadnought Sunburst (USED, 2023)
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Pre-War Guitar Co. Model D (USED, 2021)
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Pre-War Guitar Co. Model D Sunburst (USED)
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Pre-War Guitars Co. 000-18 Sunburst
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Pre-War Guitars Co. OM-21 (USED, 2016)
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Pre-War Guitars Herringbone Brazilian / Adirondack
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Pre-War Guitars Herringbone Brazilian / Adirondack (PREOWNED)
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Pre-War Guitars Herringbone Sunburst
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Pre-War Guitars OM-18 (USED, 2019)