Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Testimonials From Our Customers

Guitar from Haywire-Etraverzo. I purchased a guitar from Haywire Custom Guitars in 2016 and man it’s got to be one of my best guitars going forward. I especially love the way it sustains with the treble bleed volume mod circuit. No loss of highs when the volume knob is brought down to any number 3-10. This is awesome option to have if you play blues or SRV music. Must have! The neck action is comfortable from the first fret through the 21st. I mean low action all the way through. Finally, the 7 sound toggle switch adds to all the other wonderful sound this guitar makes. I give it 5 stars ***** and, Rick from Haywire is a very friendly and professional guy. Very guitar smart as it relates to sound and set up. Sincerely very happy Customer!

Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Etraverzo

MCKINNEY, TEXAS

Haywire Tele-Takehiko Muto: Hello Rick, sorry for my late review.  I’ve just come back to the U.S. today and received my Haywire Tele without any damage or problems. Let me say, it’s the most “PERFECT TELE” I’ve ever played. I really love the shaved neck and overall the balance of play-ability is really amazing. 6100 fret, 24 fret neck thinner neck, American bridge, and Seymour Duncans! I can say these are all in perfect balance. Just played 2 hours and It’s so nice and comfortable. I can never part with my Tele.  I have a great playing guitar that plays EXACTLY how I need it to play comfortably as a guitarist.

Takehiko Muto

Englewood, NJ

I got the guitar yesterday and yes she’s a beauty. Also, I love it. The guitar is everything I hoped it would be, the set up is perfect. Thank you for the phone calls and friendly conversation. You need to be complimented on your customer service and for assuring that everything was as I desired. My satisfaction with doing business with you is complete. I look forward to purchasing one of your custom builds in the future. Finally, Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and yours-John Adams

Pete Novelli Tele-Custom Humbucker Tele

I play guitar professionally around New Orleans and tour. Rick Mariner built a custom tele for me in Dec 2011. On phone we were able to identify all of the details I wanted in the guitar. Rick did a great job of communicating and then delivering on what we discussed. And fast. It’s a beautiful natural alder tele with a Warmoth compound radius neck (never had one of those before, it is great) and a humbucker at neck and “hot-rail” humbucker at bridge.

The guitar was set up lower than I actually needed. I raised action. Intonation and other adjustments were perfect. I’ve gone thru a LOT of guitars and this one should be the last one for me, except maybe a spare just like it. I play mostly in a trio format so I like the thicker sound of a humbucker tele, but I still can get that tele “twang” if I want to. Sustain is enormous, the tones are articulate and I guess the guitar just has what I would call “Presence”. If guitarists feel good about their guitar then there will be less roadblocks to their success as musicians.” Thank you, Rick.

Pete Novelli

New Orleans, LA

Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Tommy Berntzen Guitar: I bought a midnight blue Telestrater from Haywire last year, and it is truly the most magnificent guitar I have ever looked at and played! it is a true beauty in the full sense of the word.I have never played a guitar with pickups with such a rapid response and such great clean tone. Both with and without distortion it sounds great. I am also extremely pleased with the neck, it makes it so much easier to move my fingers around and it has an incredibly good feel to it.

Most of all, I really couldn’t tell you enough how impressed I am in regards to your work at Haywire. I have looked through your website and at the other guitars.  Consequently, I can clearly tell the difference in terms of quality and play-ability compared to guitars. Much better than a regular music store, it is really great. so keep on going!  If guitarists feel good about their guitar then there will be success as musicians.

Thanks

Tommy Berntzen: Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Wendell Matthews: Pro, I felt fortunate to discover Rick Mariner after I moved from Nashville to South Carolina. I was so impressed with the craftsmanship and sound of Haywire guitars. I used them almost exclusively on my last recording project.  As a result, after playing a Haywire guitar in the studio, one of my session men ordered a customized one for himself. No big sales pitch was necessary. When you see and hear a Haywire, you’ll know why. They are musicians working for musicians, therefore they’ve been where we’re going as players.

Wendell Matthews – Singer/Songwriter

 Myrtle Beach, SC

Haywires Guitars-I wanted to take a few moments to tell you that I really appreciate your skill and craftsmanship as a Haywire Guitar builder . Your guitars are quite simply the best I have ever played. Every time I take one to a jam or gig I get compliments all night long on the great tone as well as the stunning looks of the instruments you built for me. They are a joy to play and are exactly the way I want them to be. I will be a customer for life. A guitars shape, size, sound, feel and looks on the requirements of the player buying it. So the guitars that leave the Haywire Custom Shop go to specific players. There are as many guitars to build as there are players. It’s endless.

Carl E. Sperry, Jr.

Little River, SC

I recently received my new creation by Rick Mariner at Haywire Guitars. “The Violator” is an incredibly built Stratocaster. In this particular guitar I asked Rick to install a super distortion pickup made by DiMarzio in the bridge position. It also has a YJM single coil in the middle and an Eric Johnson Humbucker in the neck position.

This guitar is excellent for hard rock / metal. Being a Stratocaster is also just as great for blues and any other types of music that you might be into playing. Instead of just a volume post I had Rick install two tone controls as a traditional Strat would have.

The hardware is finished in gold and comes with a Floyd Rose Tremolo system. I also had a locking nut installed to keep the guitar in tune while Dive-bombing the trem. The body is finished in Charcoal Frost & the neck is vintage shaped, Flame Maple custom piece w/ an Ebony fret-board with block inlays. This guitar is my 2nd Custom Built from Haywire within 6 Mos. Haywire builds an excellent guitar!!!

Tom Perlongo

Milwaukee, WI

Haywire Thin Telecaster– I bought mine used..if you can call it that, it is absolutely beautiful…I was blown away..it looks NEW. Thin body (about strat thickness) Black with black pearloid pick-guard, Birdseye maple neck and fret-board. Equally important, it by far is the best playing guitar I have played, and own another Tele, a Strat, and a Les Paul to compare it to. Equally important, Rick is a very talented guy, and is the “Definition” of customer service. In fact, I will be a repeat customer. Mine is a true CUSTOM guitar. Finally, my hat is off to ya Rick you did a great job.

George Waltman

Coffeeville, AL

Rolf Laurin-Haywire guitar. Playing guitar for over 40 years. In fact, I’ve had the good fortune to play many instruments. My new Haywire guitar is special. Also, components are upgraded, the finish is flawless, the guitar sounds great and plays better than anything I’ve owned or tried in the past. This set-up is exceptional, as a matter of fact its so easy to play that you have to get used to it.

Its that good. Contact with Haywire is always within 24 hours and and as a result, it was productive. The instrument is a sunburst American Standard Strat. The neck and center pick-ups are vintage with a SD humbucker in the bridge position. First, yes he did a custom install to get me the sound I was looking for. That`s Haywire for you.  Second, the price was so reasonable I never expected to get the quality instrument and the quality set-up I actually received. There nothing else out there that can touch a Haywire. I know there are more Haywire guitar purchases in my future. Do yourself a favor and play one. Consequently, you`ll write a review just like mine.

Thanks Rick,

Rolf Laurin

Greenacres, WA

THE HAYWIRE EXPERIENCE

I wasn’t sure if I should buy a guitar with the name Haywire on the head-stock…if it wasn’t a “real” name-brand guitar…BUT, after comparing MANY name-brand & custom-made guitars AND very careful consideration, I decided to give Haywire a chance…

firstly, the guitars look amazing & the prices are low…in fact,being very skeptical…I’ve been playing for decades & never bought a guitar without playing it, but these guitars jumped out at me…

Secondly, I saw a Haywire SG (beautiful) & then a knock-out vanilla Strat & then an shiny silver Strat & back again…I couldn’t decide which one…this is where Rick Mariner of Haywire came in…he’s caring, knowledgeable & EXTREMELY patient…I bought the vanilla Strat, changed my mind & wanted the silver one. I eventually bought a natural SRV Strat that I wasn’t even thinking of buying. I LOVE IT!  the workmanship is fantastic & it plays like a dream. It came set up perfectly …a truly beautiful guitar.

I couldn’t be happier & Rick was great!

Jerald Wolf

Huntington Station, NY

Since the late sixties I have owned and traded a many precious guitars. As for play-ability I could never have one guitar that satisfied me with all the needs I had. My Tele has great action but I miss the full sound of humbuckers, the Les Paul custom plays great but I sometimes miss that twangy sound of a fender. When I saw this guitar on Haywire web site, it was exactly what I was looking for.

The few I found and was ready to purchase where in the $2600 –$3000 range. When Rick sent me the details on this baby I did not need to think twice. I have had it for 3 days now and logged over 20 hours on it already;-) Love the neck action, I love the rich variation of sounds i am getting from this guitar. I’m Still discovering more possibilities with it. This is only guitar one needs to take to a gig. Does it all. It can’t beat. It’s light weight  and comfortable even after several hours. I am lucky to have discovered Haywire guitars and this certainly will not be my last purchase from them.

Shaw Entekhabi

Lincoln, NH

Howard Kennedy Guitar. I have been around musicians throughout my life and have always been an admirer of fine instruments. A personalized guitar has been something I have thought about and wanted. Every guitar player is different and so are his/her hands. A guitar needs to be comfortable and light-weight enough to play for hours at a time in any situation without fatigue. The sound has to be clear and tone-great. I contacted Rick and he made that possible. Rick asked what I wanted and sent pictures and detailed statistics and made a beautiful guitar for me on my terms. I know that the guitar he made custom for me will only grow in value. After buying this guitar I will not ever need another stratocaster!

Howard Kennedy: Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Douglas, GA

David Cline Guitar.  Firstly,”I just worked with Rick AGAIN on a custom Haywire Tele-Blaster and I am 110% satisfied with the results. The guitar looks like an early 50’s pawnshop prize maple neck Telecaster with a Duncan Little ’59 at the top loading bridge with a Gibson P-100 soap bar at the neck. Equally important, imagine grafting the sound of the meanest Les Paul with a smooth old jazz box in a Tele body. That’s my new baby. This is the second custom project that I’ve done with Rick and he’s outdone himself this time. The action, the fit, the intonation are all superior. In fact, as a result, I’m proud to play these guitars in public. I will spread the word of Haywire to anyone who will listen. Thanks a million Rick.

David Cline: Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Saginaw, MI

Richard Williamson Guitar-Hi Rick,

I received the guitar today and I have only one word to say…… INCREDIBLE!

This thing plays as good if not better than my Les Paul and sounds better too which is no surprise as it always had better tone than any of my guitars. Thanks for the attention to detail on the neck and the finish. I would honor being any kind of reference for you and I will certainly pass your name around for those who are in need of your services.

I will be in touch with you on future setups and a tele build.

Thank You,

Rich Williamson

Mason, OH

Mark Doeglas Guitar: Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

A guitar needs to be comfortable and light-weight enough to play for hours at a time. As well as, in any situation without fatigue. The sound has to be clear and tone-great. The action and feel need to be consistent all the way down the neck so you won’t be forced to alter your playing technique as you travel around on the fret board. A guitar players instrument needs to be in tune on every fret. I’ve had this beauty for a week now, it plays very well sounds great and looks so good it almost hurts 🙂

Mark Doeglas

9724AW GRONINGEN Netherlands

Joseph Lo Grande Guitar. Mr. Rick Mariner built a guitar for me. Firstly, he calls it The Haywire335 Strat.  Secondly, and equally important, it turns out to be the very best guitar I have ever owned. The Gibson ES350 and the ES-175 I owned are very good guitars and this Haywire 335 Strat feels and plays better. I am amazed. Have played guitar for 62 years(10 of those years professionally) in fact, this guitar is the most outstanding of them all. The action and feel is consistent all the way down the neck. As a result, you won’t be forced to alter your playing technique as you travel around on the fret board. A guitar players instrument needs to be in tune on every fret.

Thank you Rick Mariner

Joseph Lo Grande

Abingdon, Maryland

Eli Weed Guitar. After playing some of Rick’s guitars, I was impressed with the appointments, the action, the polished paint jobs and his attention to detail. I entrusted my prized 70’s Fender Precision to him which was in dire need of restoration from my 20 years of regular use. Rick went above and beyond expectations. I was going to keep it as a secondary instrument, but found myself using it as a primary once again. I couldn’t help it; it plays, looks and sounds so much better. And I get so many compliments, it’s ridiculous. Thanks Rick, you are the best. I couldn’t recommend anyone more.

Eli Weed

http://www.theseaweedz.com/

Tim Richey Guitar. I couldn’t be happier with my killer new Haywire “Telestrater” guitar. It clearly surpasses all 4 of my other electrics including my ES-175D, Fender Strat and Les Paul. I never thought I could make that statement until now. The fit, finish, intonation, EMG Select pickups and sweet Warmoth neck is as good as it gets. Rick Mariner is a true craftsman, luthier and an exceptionally great guitarist to boot. Strings added are a comfortable gauge without too much resistance thus making it easier to push down to the crown of the frets. It’s a no brainer where I’ll get my next guitar,…Rock On Rick,…and Haywire Custom Guitars!

Tim Richey

Crestview, FL

Carl Wolf Guitar. If you need any type of guitar repair, no matter how big or difficult the job is, you would do best to contact Haywire Guitars in Conway, SC. Rick Mariner is the founder of this great guitar repair shop and is friendly, courteous, and always attentive to the the customer’s needs and wants. Rick will always go the extra mile to make your guitar repair first rate and sound and play better than ever. He is also extraordinarily fast in turning around all repairs and is very quick to ship back to you. I can’t recommend this merchant enough for all guitar players/collectors.

Carl Wolf

Alexandria, VA

Rod Sollenberger Guitar. I am so glad I found Haywire Custom Guitars in my search for a quality instrument. Haywire’s attention to detail and construction are second to none in my view. As for Rick Mariner, what a great guy. His genuine concern and enthusiasm in the process of getting everything the way I wanted in my guitar says it all. That man put the stamp on customer service. I practice and play guitar more than I ever have thanks to my Haywire Custom Stratocaster.  I am very satisfied with my purchase and have plans for another in the future.

Rod Sollenberger

Carlisle, PA

Doug Campbell-Two Haywire Guitars

I am the proud owner of two Haywire Custom Guitars. They are fine instruments! The excellent craftsmanship, superb play-ability, and overall beauty make them tops on my list. The action and feel is consistent all the way down the neck. I can play a diverse variety of music with the great sounds from this instrument. These guitars have every sound, tone and style covered.  Keep up the good work at Haywire Custom Guitars!!

Doug Campbell

Chesterfield, SC

Haywire Custom Guitars Reviews

Dear Rick,

It arrived looking factory fresh and it is stunning.

It has a sunburst gloss finish medium light alder body and a vintage maple ’59 roundback neck. Rick Mariner is very precise in describing his guitars, but that does not prepare you for how beautifull his instruments sound, look and feel.

He is obviously passionate about his work, and wants his customers to be completely satisfied with their purchase.

Such great attention to detail, with your guitars, your customers needs and communication is second to none.

That’s why I bought another Haywire Custom Guitar just a few weeks after buying the first.

I strongly recommend Haywire Custom Guitars to anyone thinking of buying a guitar.

All the best Rick,

I hope your business goes great,you really deserve it.

Dave Garcia

Western Australia