Combine Newsletter - June 2026
May's Guitar of the Month Winner!
We’re pleased to announce that Craig G. is the latest winner of our Guitar of the Month contest!
Curious about his process? Here is his story:
"The Headless, multi-scale 8-string kit from Combine Guitars was my first real guitar build. I'd done basic guitar maintenance and set-up, but nothing as significant as this. Since my teenage years, I've always wanted to build my own guitar, and this kit was an excellent segue into the novice luthier world. Each step challenged me to learn something new, and gave me the confidence and foundational understanding to pursue this as a hobby.
I didn't make any modifications to the body or neck, aside from some pre-drilling, prior to applying the finish. The body itself was treated with black-dyed grain filler (purely aesthetic, the alder body is tight-grained and doesn't need filler), then sanded back, allowing the black dye to accentuate the flame maple top and natural grain of the body rear. After that, I applied a burst using blue, purple, and black water-based dyes on the front and back of the body. The clear coat is nitrocellulose, wet-sanded and buffed. The neck was simply sanded, then treated with a few coats of Tru-Oil, and the fretboard got a couple coats of lemon oil.
Being new to soldering, I didn't make any upgrades to the electronics (maybe next time!), but the few necessary connections went smoothly. I lined the electronics cavity with copper tape and I've had no issues with feedback or unwanted noise. The stock passive pickups sound great and the bridge needed very little modification for intonation.
The finished guitar is solid, but light and agile for an 8-string, and it may have converted me to a permanent headless player. No neck dive, and extremely comfortable while playing in classical position.
It's impossible to walk by this guitar without picking it up and fooling around, and my other guitars are becoming envious. Thank you to the Combine Guitars team for making these available!" - Craig G..
Craig's win has earned him up to 50% off the base price of his next DIY Guitar Kit, and his build has been shared on our website and social media!
His guitar is built using Combine's Multiscale Headless 8-String Guitar Kit.
Latest 5-Star Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check out the latest review of our Multiscale Headless 8-String Guitar Kit!
"First time builder, and I have to say that I loved the experience. A lot of lessons were learned and a few mistakes made but I can’t be any happier with the way it plays, looks and sounds! Pickups are great and the tuning stability is insane. I will 100% be getting another kit in the future." - Josh R.
June's Guitar of the Month Contest
We know you're all busy working away on your builds, and we expect some of you will complete them in time to enter June's Guitar of the Month contest! The winner will receive up to 50% off the base price of their next DIY Guitar Kit, and their build will be shared on our website and social media.