Question 1

Why glass?

Accepted Answer

Glass has unique acoustic properties that help create interesting yet subtle harmonics within chords. Additionally the sustain of a glass guitar is unbeatable. The uniqueness and beauty of a glass guitar make it a real showpiece. An instrument guaranteed to turn heads.

Question 2

What does it sound like?

Accepted Answer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMxJXIfPdok

Question 3

How durable is a glass guitar/neck?

Accepted Answer

More durable than many assume. In the video below I perform a few “stress tests” to demonstrate the durability of my instruments.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL1UuYPxG2k

Question 4

Is there a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Morningstar Glass Guitars warrants each instrument to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. the following items are warranted for a period of one (1) year from the date on which the guitar is delivered: pickups, switches, jacks, controls, all other electronic components, tuning machines, hardware, pickguards/control plates, nuts, and frets

This warranty does not cover the following: wear and tear from normal use and any damage that is the result of misuse, abuse, or unauthorized modifications, damages from unauthorized or self-made repairs, improper maintenance, accidents, exposure to adverse temperature, and other careless action, which by its nature results in damage to the instrument or to components not made by Morningstar Glass Guitars.

This warranty is valid only to the original purchaser of the instrument.

Question 5

What about neck relief/truss rod adjustments?

Accepted Answer

This is a tricky subject to cover due to various misconceptions and ideas that have become accepted as fact over time. Truss rods were invented to compensate for the increased tension of steel string guitars. Most classical guitars do not have truss rods as there is not enough tension to bend the neck. The same is true with aluminum necks. Wood warps with changes in temperature and humidity so a truss rod is needed to straighten a wood neck when there is more tension involved. Early truss rods were simply non-adjustable steel rods whose purpose was to keep the neck STRAIGHT. Since glass doesn't warp and is extremely rigid a truss rod is not required.

Regarding relief in the neck. This is a topic that I find a bit odd. At some point guitarists decided that some relief in the neck is required for optimal playability. I think this requires a more critical look into why that is not necessarily true, but I can't cover all that here. With that said however, I make my glass fretboards slightly thicker/higher at the nut and thinner/lower where they meet the body. The difference is roughly 0.007"- 0.01" This creates a very slight and continuous downward slope on the entirety of the fretboard allowing the strings to clear each fret. Eliminating any potential fretbuzz along the whole fretboard. Not just in the middle of the neck that relief from a truss rod would create.

Finally, truss rod adjustments are not how you adjust the action of the strings. That's what the saddles on the bridge are for and to a lesser degree the nut itself.

Question 6

Are frets removable?

Accepted Answer

I have been able to remove a few frets after bonding them in/on the fretboard. It's a very delicate procedure. But to answer the question the way I install frets does not allow them to be removed. I use stainless steel frets for this reason. Stainless steel frets are known for having an incredibly long lifespan even with heavy use. Removing the frets is unnecessary in a glass neck.

Question 7

What is the weight of a glass guitar

Accepted Answer

The weight of my guitars varies a bit. To keep the weight down the body is mostly hollow. The lightest guitar I've built was a Starlight II which came out 12.1lbs. Within the range of some vintage solid body guitars and some modern bass guitars. A wide padded strap helps distribute the weight to a comfortable level.

Question 8

How many guitars do you make a year?

Accepted Answer

I make about 12-16 guitars a year. My guitars take a significant amount of time to make. I do not have interest in mass production. I like to focus on building each guitar one at a time. All my attention is on making that guitar perfect. While I do cut necks and make fretboards in small batches for later use, I usually focus on a single guitar at any given time.

Question 9

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I live and work at my shop in Gainesville Florida. My shop is located at my home address which is why I don't broadcast my location on my website.

Question 10

How are your glass bolt on necks attached to a guitar body?

Accepted Answer

My glass necks can be attached with the same screws used to attach a stock wood neck. I drill four holes in the heel of the neck and fill them with clear epoxy. After the epoxy cures I drill a smaller pilot hole in the epoxy where the screws will go. The epoxy grips the threads of the screws keeping it securely attached to the body.

Question 11

Can I have something more customized?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. There are some things I am currently unwilling or unable to accommodate. They are as follows; Exact copies of other guitars (similar body shapes are OK), Headless necks, Floyd Rose and Strat style tremolo systems, Multi-scale fingerboards, alternative headstock designs, etc. This is not a complete list. If you have an idea for something different that I haven't incorporated or done before feel free to email me at morningstarglassguitars@gmail.com (morningstarglassguitars@gmail.com)or alex@morningstarglassguitars.com (alex@morningstarglassguitars.com)I would be happy to discuss a customized glass guitar with you.

Question 12

Do you make basses?

Accepted Answer

I currently have a Jazz model available for order.

Question 13

When will I receive my order?

Accepted Answer

It will take several months before I am able to complete any given order. The shipping times stated on the product pages are estimates. Your guitar or neck may be ready before or after the time frame stated.

Guitars are made to order and take a significant time to finish. Depending on how many orders I have outstanding it will take several months before your guitar is made and ready to ship. The current lead time is 6-9 months. Feel free to contact me at morningstarglassguitars@gmail.com (mailto:morningstarglassguitars@gmail.com)for more details on current production wait times.
 
Production times are subject to change. Supplies and materials are purchased immediately after your order is placed. All sales are final. Upgrades and changes may be requested for your guitar depending on the details and timing of the request.

Question 14

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are only available if the guitar is damaged during shipping. The price of shipping includes 3rd party shipping insurance. If the guitar is damaged during shipping keep all packing material (cushioning, box, case, etc) in the condition it arrived in. Contact me at morningstarglassguitars@gmail.com as soon as possible with photographs and other info. I will handle the majority of the claims process if damage does occur but may need some assistance from you. No need to worry, all guitars shipped thus far have arrived safely.

Question 15

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Payment plans are available through Affirm. Learn more about Affirm here.(https://www.affirm.com/) This option can be selected during checkout.

Question 16

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

International shipping is available for customers outside the USA. All customs fees/duties/taxes incurred are the responsibility of the customer to pay. Feel free to contact me regarding any questions about international orders.

Question 17

Why did you choose the name 'Morningstar Glass Guitars'?

Accepted Answer

It's my last name. It's cool. No, I did not make it up.

Question 18

How do you...?

Accepted Answer

I made a video demonstrating the build process. Most questions should be covered here.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQxxpBDkoRQ

FAQ & GUITAR CARE

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FAQ & GUITAR CARE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & GUITAR CARE

HAVE QUESTIONS?

CONTACT ME!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
& GUITAR CARE