Shishkov Guitars – Handmade instruments for discerning players

The Philosophy at Shishkov Guitars is Simple...

To meticulously build each guitar using only the best materials and processes to build an instrument that delivers superior playability, tone and artistic appeal. I work directly with you during the entire build process to ensure that your guitar is a perfect fit for your own unique style. All Shishkov guitars can be customized with a wide range of options, including scale length (24.75” or 25.5”), choice of tone woods, neck profile, pickup and wiring configurations, hardware, finish choices, and personalized inlays. I love talking with you about your ideas and getting you involved while building your ideal guitar.

Custom Features

Premium Figured Tops

We use only premium grade (5A or better) tops and each one is hand picked by Mike to ensure that your guitar looks as amazing as it sounds.

Hand Blended Neck Heels

Mike hand blends each neck heel to provide the ultimate in playability and comfort for screaming lead lines with unrestricted access high up on the neck.

Custom Gravelin Pickups

Each model features custom designed and hand wound pickups that have been specifically voiced to match our instruments by master designer Josh Gravelin.

Shishkov Originals

Taking the traditional and then kicking it up a notch, our models were designed with the player in mind, to bring you unmatched craftmanship and playability. All of our designs are as versatile as they are beautiful, while being fully customizable to match your unique style!

The SC Custom

It’s all that and more! We start with a finely tuned chambered mahogany body that is capped with a breathtaking premium grade figured maple top. The hand carved heel takes playability well beyond the traditional single-cut design and fits you like your favorite concert tee. The direct mount ABR-1 style bridge combined with vintage wound Gravelin pickups provide the ringing sustain and vintage tones that you crave, or dial in the Maverick’s woody, airy snarl that’s like nothing else out there.

The Super C

We take the super strat concept to a whole new level. Our premium model starts with a solid one piece flame maple body, hand-carved for unparalleled upper fret access, balance, and a smoothly sculpted neck joint that you’ll have to experience to believe. Featuring a Schaller Lockmeister trem, specially-voiced custom wound pickups, and a 27 fret ebony board with our signature inlays, this guitar gets you everywhere you need to go in style. The perfect vehicle for shred, blues, rock and even a little jazz – this baby is fast, smooth and screams!

The DC Custom

This is our flagship double cutaway guitar. We join a solid genuine mahogany body with a premium grade highly figured 1” maple cap that is hand carved and bound with Italian ivoroid. The neck, which uses a time-tested 3 piece stressed construction topped off with an ebony board, is expertly blended at the heel for unobstructed playing access and comfort. Top it all off with the highest grade hardware, a matched set of “Charlotte” pickups hand wound by Josh Gravelin specifically for this instrument, and a stunning finish and you have one serious tone machine.

Check out the DC Custom Demo .....

What the players have to say

The Shishkov 'Darkhangel' is quite simply the best guitar I've ever played. It's certainly the only instrument I've ever experienced which instantly felt like 'mine' the second I first picked it up. It's a rare but hugely admirable combination of flawless, impeccable build standards, using exceptional quality of materials - and above all - true artistry in the way it's all been so skillfully put together by this master luthier. It roars, it screams, and it thunders - but it also whispers, sighs and caresses when you need it to. An absolute work of art"

Kev Bower

Hell

Mike's work has been a presence in my music for many years. Most of my Hamer guitars were largely built by him (still use them), and the precision (and passion) that he brings to his craft have continued straight through to his current work under his own name. My Shishkov Ultimate (#31) is a dream to play - the tone and resonance are off the charts, it has a super-slick feel (even with the BIG neck I requested), and it gets "oohs" and “ahhs” every time I bring it onstage with THE HOOTERS (it’s a stunner to look at). Oh, and even though I’m a stickler for these things and check them at every gig (ask my tech, who loves the guitar as well), I haven’t had to tweak the intonation - not even once. Thanks Mike - for all of the great years and more to come!

Tommy Williams The Hooters, Debbie Gibson, Wonderous Stories

All of Mikes creations are stunning and his workmanship is mind boggling. It's nothing short of amazing. His guitars resonate and feel like an old friend from day one and it doesn't hurt that they are drop dead gorgeous on top of it all. They are simply the best handmade guitars in the world. Period.I'm honored to be a Shishkov player and Artist! Thank You!

Danny Click DC and The Hell Yeahs!

GALLERY

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What's happening in the shop?

The Shishkov Story

I had the good fortune to learn from some of the best master craftsmen in the business as well as the pleasure to work on some of the most iconic electric guitars ever built during my long tenure at HAMER Guitars. When the time came to move on to the next chapter, I dreamed of being able to continue the legacy of combining artistry with old world craftsmanship to hand build some of the finest instruments available. When I launched Shishkov Guitars in 2014, I was humbled beyond words at the overwhelming support from an amazing group of guitar enthusiasts who helped propel my dream to reality. As a small custom builder, I have embraced the opportunity to approach each build as a collaborative process between myself and the player who will use the instruments that I create. As I look to the future, I am constantly working to push the envelope on my creations and am excited to work with you to make the guitar of your dreams a reality!

To get things started, please email me at ShishkovGuitars@gmail.com and include your contact information, the guitar you are interested in and any general questions or ideas you have. I will then contact you to discuss the details and answer any questions you may have. I am happy to create custom designs not based on the models above, but please understand that these builds likely require custom jigs and tooling which will be reflected in the final price.

Once the initial project is laid out you will be given a quote and a 25% non-refundable deposit would be needed to confirm your order and put your build on the production schedule. An additional 25% deposit is required when your build is started and the balance is due when your guitar is complete and ready to ship.

Let’s Rock!

Mike