jamie ghio sanches + mike braunewell carve custom guitars

jamie ghio sanches + mike braunewell carve custom guitars
all images courtesy of jamie ghio sanches + mike braunewell

modifying electric guitars and turning them into a piece of artwork, gibraltar-based jamie ghio sanches and mike braunewell of sworddesign have created a series of one of a kind instruments. the duo, who have backgrounds in music and customizing vehicles have collaborated in the modeling and painting. the process starts with evaluating the design idea, as the instrument above all has to be playable by the musician. during this the pair decides who does what, jamie is in charge of any carving and the electronic setup of the instrument, while mike overseas the final paint job execution, including airbrushing – both take part in the 3D sculpting if it is needed.

2D dragon design back detail

the materials used are mainly wood, with various types of resins and plastics and the occasional metal. there are two main things taken into consideration – firstly, if the guitars are too heavy or complicated for people to get their hands and arms around, it looses its main purpose and secondly, each modification will influence the sound, which can be compensated for by the set up and the choice of the electronics applied. 

fender replica with 3D skull design

3D spider web guitar

3D spider web guitar side detail

3D snake design guitar

3D snake design guitar side view detail

3D flame shape guitar

e bass with clockwork design

e bass with clockwork design back

jungle frog design on yamaha bass

jungle frog design head stock detail

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.