Dood Craft Guitars

05/25/2026

As many of you may know by now, I got a new skiff. This one is quite a bit larger than the last one. It sits higher than most bass/bay boats, but isn't quite like an offshore center console. It fits the hybrid class. Great for local kelp and reefs, bay, and even lake (if you can find one with a usable ramp). And, it has already proven itself a fish catching machine.
To those who thought I was retiring from guiding charters (including myself), it looks more like I am doubling down instead. See attached calendar link. There are still some days left available this summer. If you want a ride on the Guitarfish, let me know.
And yes, I am still making Guitars, Baritones, and Basses.
https://www.fishingguidesandiego.com/san-diego-fishing-guide-calendar/

04/19/2026

Unfortunately, I have too much work keeping me at bay, and off the bay, for this Sunday. Such is life as a one-man shop owner running two businesses.

04/08/2026

This is for those of you wondering if I still made guitars and guitar parts. My day job as a fishing guide has kept me busy. during Spring Break 2026. I am back to doing a bit of both, and I am getting caught up.
Thank you for your continued support.

03/28/2026

I am part of a new band, and we are in need of a Bassist / Keyboardist. If you play either (or both), or know someone who does, please contact me. Genre does not matter to me, but for those whom it does matter, it will help if you have skills in either or all; Rock, Ska, Country, Jazz, Progressive, Funk, Celtic, Hip Hop, Motown, or Metal.

02/20/2026

This short video will show you how to get a perfectly clean wood butt joint without having expensive machinery. Wood joinery is easy. This method is simple enough to show you in 1 minute or less. Anybody can do this. A longer version will be part of complete guitar build video series.

02/18/2026

I need help from all my Dood FB Page followers. There are way more of you here, than on YT. I am grateful for this. However, if I can get more of you lot to subscribe to the YT channel, then (hopefully) it will support itself to allow me to make more cool content. Thanks

I am Capt. James Nelson. The Captain moniker comes from being a full time fishing guide in southern California since 2007. That has nothing to do with the fact that I love building guitars, but (hopefully) a good enough reason for you to like what I am doing here, and the fact that these build out v...

02/06/2026

Kevin asked me to rebuild his Grabber G3 neck while keeping the old headstock. This meant more work, but worth it.

01/29/2026

It's a strange feeling, like a puppy dog head-cock moment, when someone asks me how much time it takes for me to make a guitar. I tell them it takes 40-60 hours for an already designed guitar with a natural wood finish. Add 20 hours for a painted finish. Add 20 hours for a new design. So, about 100 hours total. Then, they give me a list of hardware and electronics they want that adds up to 700-900 retail dollars. I include a case and shipping +/- $200.00. Then I give them the quote of $2,200 for the total finished guitar delivered and they say, "I didn't think it would be that expensive." Or they elude to how cheaply they can get a factory built import, rather than a custom, one-of-a-kind heirloom quality musical instrument. One that I am making for less than my state's minimum wage. The import comes with trash hardware and electronics that they will pay to replace, and still look like every other thousand just like it. But I am charging too much?
I truly appreciate all of the customers in the past who get it. The ones that understand where my heart is. And to the pro-staffers who have appreciated what a true discount you have gotten. You know who you are. Much Love
Let's all be honest... how much would you charge for 100 hours of your time?

(picture for the eyes, not related to above text)

01/27/2026

I have been asked by my customers to share this quick cosmetic tip. It really does work. Check it out, and let me know what you think.
#200

01/14/2026

At long last, Number 200 is done. I know, I know, there are factories that build 200+ guitars before lunch. I am not a factory. Bonus pics and specs in the comment section. Part 3 of the build series is on the Dood YT Channel. Thank you for supporting Dood Craft Guitars.