Underground Guitars

Underground GuitarsUnderground GuitarsUnderground Guitars

Creating quality guitars never meant for the masses

Meet the Builder

Richard Schlenk

Guitar making goes beyond wood and strings—it’s about creating instruments that inspire, comfort, and even heal. Every piece is built with care for the musician who will hold it, play it, and ultimately shape its voice. At its core, the work is about connection: between maker and player, and between player and instrument.


The process itself is a partnership. Musicians help guide the design while I leave space for creative intuition. I keep communication open with regular updates and invite hands-on input, whether it’s refining the neck profile or dialing in the feel. The goal is a transparent, personal journey from concept to completion.


My focus is on original designs crafted from premium, highly figured woods and top-tier components. While each build represents a meaningful investment, pricing reflects a fair balance of materials, time, and craftsmanship.


These are not factory-made guitars. They’re built for players who want something bold, distinctive, and truly their own—an instrument that feels alive in their hands.


Through word of mouth, I’ve created more than 60 charity instruments, and I’m now opening a limited number of commissions through Underground Guitars.

Explore some creations

players

9-12 month Turnaround

2026 orders are full 

Underground Guitars

From the shadows

Underground Guitars doesn’t promote, advertise, or chase attention on social media. You are only at this website by chance or someone’s direction. There’s no catalog, no sales pitch—what you see here is a glimpse of what’s possible. These guitars move by word of mouth, spoken of by those who’ve played them, built for those who seek something rare, personal, bold, and uncompromisingly different. Each instrument is crafted to break from the expected, to bend boundaries rather than follow them. 

This isn't for everyone

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Underground Guitars

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