People ask me about custom painted guitars constantly. Usually it's someone who just got a guitar and wants something personal on it, or a superfan who wants a work of art to celebrate their favorite band, TV show, or movie. Sometimes it's a collector who knows exactly what they want. Sometimes it's someone who's been thinking about it for years and finally pulled the trigger.
I've painted more custom guitars than I can count at this point. So let me give you the honest guide to what goes into a custom painted guitar, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to make sure you actually get what you're picturing.
What Is a Custom Painted Guitar?
A custom painted guitar is exactly what it sounds like: a guitar with original hand-painted artwork on the body. Not a vinyl wrap. Not a sticker. Not a print-and-laminate job. Actual paint, applied by an actual artist, to an actual guitar.
The difference in person is immediate. A hand-painted guitar has texture, depth, brushstroke personality. It looks like art because it is art.
What Kind of Guitar Does Nan Paint?
I paint on Fender Acoustic Electric Guitars. The process involves sanding down and priming the guitar before I ever touch it with paint — it's a serious undertaking and the prep work alone takes real time. We work with this specific guitar because we know the process, we know the result, and we know you're getting something that's worth hanging on your wall.
We don't take on "bring your own guitar" commissions. That process is too unpredictable and the last thing either of us wants is for the guitar to be damaged beyond the point where it can even be painted properly.
What Themes Work Best?
The guitars that come out best are built around subjects with rich, recognizable visual worlds — things Nan can really dig into and pull imagery from. The two categories that work especially well:
- Bands — artists with a strong visual identity and iconography. If there's already a visual language around the music, Nan can run with it.
- Pop culture — TV shows and movies — properties with deep visual universes and iconic imagery. The more there is to pull from, the better the result.
Nan works best with lots of images or lyrics to pull from — the more reference you bring, the more she can work into the guitar as the concept develops.
How Much Does a Custom Painted Guitar Cost?
These take a real amount of time and they aren't cheap. Pricing depends on the complexity of the design. Reach out and we can go over the details together — use the commission page or email info@nanwashere.com.
How Long Does It Take?
Depends on Nan's schedule. Reach out and we'll go from there.
Are the Guitars Playable?
Yes — but keep in mind these are works of art meant to be hung and displayed. We apply a protective coat to help protect the paint, but excessive playing and wear will damage the artwork over time. Most owners hang them. Some play them gently. That's your call.
Where to See Custom Painted Guitars for Sale
I occasionally have completed custom painted guitars available for immediate purchase at nanwashere.com/collections/custom-painted-guitars. These are one-of-a-kind originals — the one you see is the one you get.
If you want something made for you specifically, email me or fill out the commission form. Tell me what you're thinking and we'll take it from there.
Ships from San Diego. Packed and shipped as fine art originals.