Testimonials
From artists and brands you may recognize
Mik Bondy, The Garcia Project
"I never thought a guitar could be so nice as #007 Tiger. The neck is so incredibly consistent and accurate. Its the "top" of all the custom guitars out there. The attention to detail is incredible. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have this guitar and perform full, classic Jerry Garcia band set lists with with The Garcia Project. The tone is right there, too. Leo was easy to work with and took all the time I wanted and needed to make sure this guitar was exactly what I wanted. GREAT WORK LEO! FIVE STARS!" — Mik Bondy on Facebook
"Heard Mik Bondy play his Scarlet Fire Tiger tonight! Crystal clear, crisp, and punchy in all the right places. Best low E I've heard since 95'!"
— Brian Oman on Facebook
Read the full breakdown on The Garcia Project.
Alan Gilman, Uncle John's Band
"There has been no guitar in my hands ever before that feels, plays, and sounds as good as the 'Rosebud' that Leo Elliott built for me. Not only was I amazed at the craftsmanship (from the intricate carved body shape and contour, to the inlays, and the diligence to get all the details just right ) but this guitar quickly became an extension of my musical expression with the action, feel of the neck, and its sustaining rich tone. I've received numerous compliments since it's 'hit the stage'. The wood grain was especially a great selection (looks very similar to the real-deal)! Leo was very communicative and thorough in making sure that this would become my 'dream' guitar. As this guitar has the 'MIDI' system built-in, the electronics setup was a feat in itself and Leo took on the challenge well prepared and tested everything before it left the 'den'. I thought that sharing this wonderful experience would help others have an opportunity to realize their 'dream'."
Calton Cases
"Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but enhancing the craft is the most genuine declaration of love you can proclaim. Leo Elliott celebrates the style of Doug Irwin, but applies a touch so distinctive and exceptional, that his work is revered for both its attention to detail and its capacity to evolve and grow for the better of guitarists and musicians for generations to come. Leo Elliott’s work is truly unrivaled and he is a luthier we are thrilled to celebrate today for all of his achievements past, present, and assuredly future."
and from our other customers!
Wolf made for Jason Wiley (2016)
"I recently took delivery of the full wolf cadillac from Leo. I honestly think it's the best guitar I've ever had. - I'm serious, and I've owned a wide selection ranging from other boutique makes to several Fender and Gibson custom shop guitars and almost everything in between.
The pictures do not do this guitar justice. In person, the AAAAA quilted popcorn maple top has an almost 3-d esthetic to it that is stunningly mesmerizing. And what really stands out is the extreme attention to detail that Leo provides on the guitar. It's truly a work of art. The mammoth ivory inlays are flawless, the wolf inlay is pristine. You can tell the difference between someone producing guitars for money and someone creating guitars with love and passion. Every single inch of the guitar is crafted in the highest quality. Every knob and electronic component moves perfectly and interacts intuitively with the guitarist touch. There are no corners cut on this thing.
What was the best surprise though was also how well the guitar plays, the plethora of tones available and how brilliantly transparent it rings out. I opted for the '78 set up with the single coil neck and dual humbuckers because I not only wanted the Jerry Tone, but I was hoping for a guitar that inspired me to go deeper into my own tonal visions. To be sure, this thing nails Jerry's tone, and I mean dead on (Spend 30 seconds in the middle pickup position and you've got it). But what really got me was the amount of other tones available. It's not just the pickup and coil tap / obel electronic wizardry, it's really the neck and how the tone-woods come together that make this guitar such a player. To be sure, the neck on mine is the best feeling neck and setup that I've ever had. No buzzing, no dead spots, no weird intonations in different chord shapes, just pure, ringing, sustaining transparent tone that is going to push my playing to new heights.
Leo was also incredible to work with. Obviously if you're thinking of buying a wolf or a tiger, you're a GD fan, we were able to connect and discuss our shared love of that music and jambands in general. What really was great though was the communication throughout the entire build process and the fact that Leo could pull off the subtle customizations that I wanted in the guitar. We picked out the quilted maple top and back together, we talked through neck configurations and radius dimensions, electronic set up and color palette of the final stain. The entire process was a perfect example of boutique guitar building and great customer service.
You will not be disappointed with this guitar. It might actually make the rest of yours pale in comparison."
Wolf made for wfrobinette (2014)
"Awesome job Leo!
It plays wonderfully and was worth the wait. Everything about this guitar is top notch. The finish and detail work is nicely done. I had a special request on the neck and he hit a home run with that as well.
Right now it is loaded with a blaster, 2 super distortions(only coil cut is in the center) and an sds-1. Also have 3 DAllen 69's inside another ring that can be swapped in with little effort thanks to Leo installing din plugs. Haven't tried the Dallens yet but I am sure they are going to sound fantastic."
Wolf made for "Chickenwing" (2014)
"I've got one of the first Scarlett Fiure Wolf's with the 1973 single coil/stratoblaster option and it's killer! Leo's work is excellent only going to get better! One of my favorite guitars to play!"
View on mylespaul
Wolf made for Ross66 (2013)
"I recently purchased a 73 wolf model from Leo and received it about two weeks ago. I just want to acknowledge Leo and his craft in building these guitars. Leo's attention to detail is spot on,this guitar is so beautiful I can't put it down. I played at a friends party over the weekend and the compliments were very gratifying I was very proud of my axe! From the ivory inlays to the water jet cut pickup ring and stunning 5 A Curly maple this wolf is a real masterpiece. I just want to put the word out about Leo's craftsmanship word of mouth is big in this community and I feel Leo deserves his props. Communication was excellent and many photos were provided throughout the build. If your looking for a Garcia axe I can highly recommend Scarlet Fire Guitars. I know Moriarty is the gold standard but Leo has caught him in my opinion and the price is right!(at least for now). Don't wait get yours you won't regret it!"