How custom guitar deposits work: amounts, timing and refunds
Builders structure deposits very differently, and the refund rules matter as much as the amount. Everything below is copied from each builder's own page on the date shown.
What builders in the tracker post
| Builder | Deposit (as posted) | Type | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aristides Instruments | 50% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| DGN Custom Guitars | About 1/3 deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Dark Art Guitars | 30% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Datlen Luthiery | $500 deposit, then 50% | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| David Pelter Guitars | £500 deposit | Flat amount | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Escher Guitars | $1,000 non-refundable deposit; 50% of remaining balance at production start | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Franklin Guitar Company | 5% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Halo Custom Guitars | Pay in full, or 50% or 25% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| M. E. Brune | $1,500 deposit | Flat amount | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Michael J King | 10% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Millimetric Instruments | 50% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Muth Guitars | $500 to hold a waitlist spot and lock the price; $1,000 more when work starts | Flat amount | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Ormsby Guitars (Custom Shop) | Deposit plus progress payments (amounts not posted) | Other | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Padalka Guitars | 50% deposit | Percentage | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Rubato Guitars | US $2,000 deposit after design approval | Flat amount | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Skervesen Guitars | Advance payment (amount not posted); half may be returned if cancelled within 3 months of ordering | Not posted | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Thierry André Instruments | $5,000 USD order deposit | Flat amount | Oct 30, 2026 |
| Winslow Guitars | $100 deposit | Flat amount | Oct 30, 2026 |
The common structures
- A flat amount to hold your place. Muth takes $500 to hold a waitlist spot and lock the price, then $1,000 more when work starts. Thierry André lists a $5,000 USD order deposit. David Pelter lists £500.
- A percentage of the price. From 5% (Franklin) and 10% (Michael J King) up to 50% (Aristides, Padalka, Millimetric).
- A deposit, then a payment at production start. Escher: $1,000 non-refundable, then 50% of the remaining balance when production starts. Datlen: $500, then 50%.
- A deposit after the design is agreed. Rubato takes US $2,000 after design approval.
- Progress payments. Ormsby lists a deposit plus progress payments (amounts not posted).
- Your choice. Halo offers pay in full, 50% or 25% deposit options in its configurator.
- Waitlist sign-up only. Born takes a waitlist signup.
Refunds and cancellation: read this part twice
- Muth: cancelling before the guitar is finished forfeits all deposits.
- Escher: the $1,000 deposit is non-refundable.
- Skervesen: withdrawal is allowed up to 14 days after the advance payment, and half may be returned if you cancel within 3 months of ordering. The final payment is due before final assembly.
- Halo: Custom Shop orders can be cancelled and refunded only if the guitar hasn't been put into production, with a 5% cancellation fee for US customers and 6.5% for non-US customers.
Before you pay
- Is the deposit refundable, and until when?
- Is the price locked at deposit, at spec freeze, or at build start?
- What currency are you paying in? Overseas builders' prices move with the exchange rate, and some post prices ex VAT or before shipping, taxes and duties.
- When are the remaining payments due?
More in 10 questions to ask before joining a waitlist.