Specimen custom instruments are handmade by luthier Ian Schneller in his Chicago workshop, Specimen Guitar Shop. Most are custom electric guitars and basses created from traditional materials, but some also feature unusual materials such as as phenolic, aluminum, bell brass, masonite, and exotic woods.

 

Many Specimens are one-of-a-kind instruments, but some have developed into standard models. Custom guitars like the Pippin and Maxwell became a series of electric guitars built around common design features. The Singletons are unique one-of-a-kind instruments including an electric upright bass, electric ukulele, electric violin, and guitars inspired by the 1960's Silvertone.

 

photo/Trey Harrison

Aluminum Pippin Maxwell Royale Singletons