FAQ
ORDERS AND PURCHASES SECTION
How can I place an order?
The quickest and easiest way to buy a ready-made product is to browse the SHOP page. There you will find many items IN STOCK and ready to be shipped.
On the TO ORDER page, you will find products that are not in stock that can be ordered without modifications or customizations, but with an affordable price and faster turnaround times.
If you want something to create and customize to your taste, head over to the “BUILD CUSTOM” page where you’ll find a configurator to create one-of-a-kind pieces, built to your exact specifications. If you encounter any issues or don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, please contact us at sales@allpartswood.com or by calling +39 392 325 6223 during normal business hours.
How long will it take to process my order?
We do our best to dispatch orders as soon as possible and in any case within the timeframe set out below. We will contact you if, for any reason, your order is significantly delayed.
APW guitars and bass
- In stock:
- To order / Build custom:
Guitar and bass necks
- In stock:
- To order / Build custom:
Guitar and bass bodies
- In stock:
- To order / Build custom:
Pickup
- In stock:
- To order / Build custom:
Pickguard
- In stock:
- To order / Build custom:
Stomp Box
- In stock:
- To order / Build custom:
Is it possible to receive updates with photos while building my instrument?
Yes, the individual option “Photos/Update Building Process” is available in our configurator. This service has an additional cost of €50.
Can I cancel or change an order?
If you cancel all or part of your order, please contact us by replying to your order confirmation email with your cancellation request. You can also email sales@allpartswood.com and include your order number with your cancellation request.
If you need a change, please contact us as soon as possible by replying to your order confirmation email and detailing the requested change. You can also email sales@allpartswood.com and include your order number and a detailed description of your change request.
In the case of an order for a product in stock, the cancellation or modification can only be accepted if it has not yet been packaged for shipment.
In the case of a product made to order or in custom construction, the cancellation or modification can only be accepted if the production phase has not yet begun. In any case, a penalty of 10% will be applied on the purchase price of the item (excluding expenses).
Can I request custom options?
Most of our options are available on the “Build Custom” page. However, if you would like something different, you can contact us at sales@allpartswood.com or by calling +39 392 325 6223 during normal business hours.
Can I come to the lab to pick up or place an order or to talk, see and try the products in person?
You can come and visit us freely, but in order to be able to guarantee the right attention and not make you wait unnecessarily, you should book the visit according to our availability. Go to the calendar.
Will the products I order look like the ones shown in the website photo?
The photos of the products that you find in the shop section (excluding the “TO ORDER” page), are of real items that are in our warehouse. When you order one, you will receive exactly the item represented in the photo.
The products you find on the “TO ORDER” page may be slightly different from those in the photos, this is because the woods are never all identical. However, the technical characteristics are those exactly indicated in the description.
How does the customs and duties regime work in shipments?
All EU Member States belong to the same single market. Therefore, no customs duties or tariff barriers apply. Here is the updated 2024 list of the 27 member countries of the European Union (EU):
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Hungary
What additional costs do I need to consider for non-EU countries?
- Customs duty: fixed % on value + freight + insurance (depends on the country).
- Import VAT: Same % VAT as the country of arrival.
- Customs handling fees: fixed or variable % (€15–50, sometimes more).
- Any inspection or certification costs (e.g. for wood products): if required by local authorities.
Who has to pay these additional costs?
- The customer must pay customs duties, local VAT and courier administration fees before receiving the package.
- Payment is made on delivery or shortly before.
- The courier contacts the recipient via email or SMS, asking them to pay online or at the time of delivery (as cash on delivery).
NECK SECTION
What are the characteristics of an asymmetrical profile?
- Increased thickness on the side of the low strings for natural support in the hand.
- Thinness on the side of the high strings for faster access to bends and legatos.
- Perfect for guitarists who use their thumb above the fretboard or are looking for more ergonomics.
What are the features of a scalloped fingerboard?
- It makes bending easier: The lack of contact between your fingers and the fingerboard makes string bends easier to perform.
- It makes vibrato easier: Vibrato is also made easier by this shape.
- It teaches you to use lighter pressure: Since your fingers don’t feel contact with the fingerboard, you tend to press harder at first, but the scalloped fingerboard teaches you to use lighter pressure on the strings, which can be a good habit.
On scalloped fingerboards, it is recommended to use large frets (6100, 6105, and 6150) to take full advantage of them, as the goal is to lift your fingers off the fingerboard.
It is possible to order a partial scalloped fingerboard, for example only from the 12th fret onwards. This solution allows for a more familiar feel in the chord area, while maintaining the benefits for soloing.
Will the neck have a skunk stripe if I choose a double action truss rod with heel adjustment and rosewood fingerboard?
- No, if you choose a double-action truss rod with heel adjustment and a rosewood fingerboard, the neck will not have a skunk stripe.
Will there be anything on the headstock or shape of the neck?
- No, there will be no truss rod access hole on the headstock, and the shape of the handle will remain unchanged.
I ordered a “vintage style” neck. Are the tuning holes compatible with modern tuners?
- No, vintage-style handles come with holes for vintage tuners. If you want to install modern 10mm mechanics, you will have to enlarge the holes manually.
Can I avoid changing the holes?
- Yes, you can opt for compatible tuners with 9mm holes, which will fit without the need for modifications. Be sure to choose a model that fits the original diameter of the handle.
Can I edit the holes myself?
- Yes, but we recommend doing this only if you are confident in your abilities. Modification requires precision to avoid damage to the handle.
What if I don’t want to do the editing myself?
- In this case, it is best to entrust the work to a professional luthier to ensure an optimal result.
What keypad radius options are available via the configurator?
In the configurator, in the “Freatboard radius” section, you can select a radius from 7.25″ to 16″ or compound.
Is it possible to request a custom handle shape other than the default options?
Yes, you can select the “Other” option for the neck shape. In this case, you need to specify the desired size at the 1st and 12th keys in the “Note Fields” field to define the custom shape.
How can I request a handle with similar specifications to an existing model, but with some custom modifications?
While you don’t know the exact names and sizes to select them in the configurator, you can describe the specifications you want (like those of a Fender Tele made in Mexico) and indicate the specific modifications required, such as a 16-inch fingerboard radius and a neck shape similar to a Charvel San Dimas. It is advisable to provide as much detail as possible in your email request.
What should I do if I want a nut with a radius that matches that of the custom keyboard?
When requesting a custom neck, you can specify that you want a bone nut with a radius that matches that of the fingerboard (for example, a 16-inch radius).
How can I get help if I’m not sure how to select the correct options in the configurator for my custom handle?
If you need assistance selecting options in the configurator or if you have specific requests that are not directly available, you can contact the sales team by email at sales@allpartswood.com, providing a detailed description of the request and attaching any references or images.
Which wood to choose for the neck?
Maple
- Sound: Bright and defined, with quick attack and controlled sustain.
- Timbre: Perfect for improving note clarity and attack response.
- Stability: Excellent, especially if roasted.
- Best for: Guitars with bright, defined sound, great for dynamic styles like rock, funk, and metal.
Roasted Maple
- Sound: Similar to traditional maple, but with a warmer, less angular response.
- Timbre: Bright but with a slight natural compression, it improves definition without being too harsh.
- Stability: Excellent, the roasting eliminates internal humidity and makes the wood less subject to climatic variations.
- Best for: Guitarists looking for the brilliance of maple with added stability and a darker, more vintage look.
Mahogany
- Sound: Warm and round, with exceptional sustain.
- Tone: Soft in the high frequencies, perfect for warmer, full-bodied sounds.
- Stability: Good, often reinforced with carbon fiber volutes or rods.
- Best for: Guitars with a rich, deep sound, perfect for blues, jazz, and hard rock.
Wenge
- Sound: Rich in bass and mids, with a slightly darker response than maple.
- Timbre: Natural and slightly compressed, with a solid attack.
- Stability: Excellent, requires no finishing and resists moisture well.
- Best for: Those looking for a natural feel and full-bodied sound with great stability.
Ovangkol
- Sound: Similar to wenge but slightly softer and more balanced.
- Timbre: Warm but with good definition on the highs.
- Stability: Excellent, resistant well to humidity.
- Best for: Guitars with a natural feel and detailed sound.
Amaranth (Perpleheart)
- Sound: Bright and defined, with great sustain.
- Timbre: Similar to ebony but with a more open response.
- Stability: Excellent, very strong and durable.
- Best for: Rigid necks and fingerboards with precise and clear response.
Which wood to choose for the fretboard?
The fretboard has a significant impact on the feel and sound response of the guitar. Here are the main characteristics of the most used woods:
Maple
- Sound: Bright and percussive, with immediate attack.
- Timbre: Defined and articulate, perfect for improving the clarity of notes.
- Feel: Smooth, especially with a glossy finish.
- Stability: Good, but can be more sensitive to changes in moisture than other woods.
- Best for: Funk, rock, shred, metal, where you need a clear and fast attack.
Roasted Maple
- Sound: Bright but slightly more balanced than untreated maple.
- Timbre: Slightly softer and less aggressive, but retains definition and attack.
- Feel: Silkier than traditional maple, with a very smooth natural finish.
- Stability: Superior to regular maple, it better resists changes in temperature and humidity.
- Best for: Those looking for the brilliance of maple with more stability and a more natural feel under their fingers.
Pau Ferro
- Sound: Balanced, slightly softer than ebony but with good definition.
- Timbre: Similar to rosewood but with a slightly brighter attack.
- Feel: Smooth and natural, with no need for finishing.
- Stability: Very good, resistant to changes in humidity.
- Best for: Versatile sounding guitars, perfect for jazz, blues and rock.
Ebony
- Sound: Bright, with a firm attack and excellent sustain.
- Timbre: Defined and articulate, with an immediate response.
- Feel: Very smooth, allowing for fast and smooth playability.
- Stability: High, very resistant to wear and moisture.
- Best for: Guitars with precise response, perfect for shred, fusion and metal.
Rosewood
- Sound: Warm and rich, with pronounced mids and a smooth attack.
- Tone: Natural and organic, with a slight compression in the high frequencies.
- Feel: Porous, slightly rougher than other woods.
- Stability: Good, but can be more sensitive to moisture than ebony and pau ferro.
- Best for: Those looking for a classic, warm tone that’s perfect for blues, rock, and jazz.
Amaranth (Perpleheart)
- Sound: Bright and defined, with great sustain.
- Timbre: Similar to ebony but with a more open response.
- Feel: Smooth and solid, great for fast techniques.
- Stability: Excellent, very strong and durable.
- Best for: Guitars with a stiff feel and precise sound.
Wenge
- Sound: Balanced, with pronounced mids and a firm attack.
- Timbre: Similar to rosewood but with a little more sparkle on the highs.
- Feel: Rough, natural and porous.
- Stability: Very high, moisture resistant and requires no finishing.
- Best for: Guitars with a natural feel and articulate sound.
Ovangkol
- Sound: Similar to wenge but slightly softer and more balanced.
- Timbre: Warm but with good definition on the highs.
- Feel: Natural, less rough than wenge.
- Stability: Excellent, resistant well to humidity.
- Best for: Guitars with a natural feel and detailed sound.
Mahogany
- Sound: Warm and round, with exceptional sustain.
- Tone: Soft in the high frequencies, perfect for warmer, full-bodied sounds.
- Stability: Good, often reinforced with carbon fiber volutes or rods.
- Best for: Guitars with a rich, deep sound, perfect for blues, jazz, and hard rock.
What are the lightest woods used for the neck?
| Wood Type | Approx. Weight (kg/m³) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mahogany | ~450–600 | |
| Maple (Hard Rock) | ~600–750 | |
| Limba (Korina) | ~500–600 | |
| Walnut | ~650–700 | |
| Wenge | ~800–900 | |
| Bubinga | ~850–950 |
What are the lightest woods used for the fretboard?
| Wood Type | Approx. Weight (kg/m³) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rosewood (Indian) | ~800–880 | |
| Ebony | ~950–1200 | |
| Pau Ferro | ~850–950 | |
| Maple | ~600–750 | |
| Wenge | ~800–900 | |
| Richlite (composite) | ~1100+ |
What is the best wood for a stable handle in a climate with strong temperature and humidity variations?
If you live in an area with harsh winters and sudden changes in humidity, we recommend:
Roasted Hard Rock Maple
- Excellent stability thanks to the roasting process that reduces moisture absorption.
- Perfect for extreme climates, thanks to its rigidity and resistance to deformation.
- Recommended with double truss rod for additional reinforcement.
Roasted Flamed Maple
- Aesthetically beautiful, but slightly less stable than hard maple.
- It can be used without any problems, but it is recommended to reinforce it with carbon fiber bars.
Wenge
- Naturally stable exotic wood, no roasting required.
- It does not require painting, excellent resistance to humidity.
- It has a rough feel and a darker sound response than maple.
Bubinga
- Highly dense and rigid, it offers stability even in extreme conditions.
- It has a rich, full-bodied sound that is similar to rosewood.
- Recommended for those looking for a very solid neck with a warmer resonance.
BODY SECTION
Which wood to choose for the body?
Alder
- Sound: Balanced, with defined bass, present mids and brilliant highs.
- Tone: Classic, used on many vintage and modern guitars.
- Weight: Medium, comfortable for long playing sessions.
- Best for: Versatile sounding guitars, perfect for rock, blues and pop.
Swamp Ash
- Sound: Defined and dynamic, with deep bass, open mids, and crystal-clear highs.
- Timbre: Slightly brighter and more percussive than alder, with greater attack.
- Weight: Generally light, but may vary.
- Best for: Guitars with a ringing sound and great dynamic response.
Ash
- Sound: Bright and percussive, with great sustain.
- Tone: More aggressive than swamp ash, with less pronounced bass.
- Weight: Generally heavier than swamp ash.
- Best for: Guitars with a strong attack and clear, defined sounds.
Mahogany
- Sound: Warm and full-bodied, with excellent boost on the bass and full mids.
- Timbre: Rich in sustain, slightly dark and with great sonic depth.
- Weight: Generally heavier than other woods.
- Best for: Guitars with long sustain and thick sound, perfect for rock, hard rock and blues.
Basswood
- Sound: Balanced, with slightly more pronounced mids and controlled bass.
- Timbre: Softer and less shiny than alder and ash.
- Weight: Lightweight, perfect for ergonomic instruments.
- Best for: Guitars with high output pickups, great for rock and metal.
Korina (White/Black Limba)
- Sound: Similar to mahogany but with more treble presence and greater clarity.
- Tone: Warm, rich and slightly more open than mahogany.
- Weight: Medium, slightly lighter than mahogany.
- Ideal for: Guitars with long sustain and superior definition, perfect for rock and fusion.
Walnut
- Sound: Balanced, with deep bass and brilliant highs.
- Timbre: Similar to mahogany but with more attack and definition.
- Weight: Medium-heavy.
- Best for: Guitars with a warm yet defined tone, great for versatile genres.
Zebrawood
- Sound: Bright and articulate, with pronounced mids.
- Timbre: Similar to ash but with more attack and presence.
- Weight: Medium-heavy.
- Best for: Guitars with unique aesthetics and a powerful, detailed sound.
Padouk
- Sound: Rich and harmonious, with excellent sustain.
- Tone: More open than mahogany, with deep bass and bright treble.
- Weight: Medium-light.
- Best for: Guitars with a warm yet detailed sound, perfect for modern styles.
What are the lightest woods used for the body?
| Wood Type | Approx. Weight (kg/m³) | |
|---|---|---|
| Paulownia | ~270–310 | |
| Pine | ~350–500 | |
| Basswood | ~320–400 | |
| Mahogany | ~450–600 | |
| Alder | ~450–700 | |
| Korina | ~500–600 | |
| Swamp Ash | ~450–650 | |
| Maple | ~600–750 | |
| Walnut | ~650–700 | |
| Oak | ~700–800 | |
| Wenge | ~800–900 |
PAINT SECTION
What is the difference between nitrocellulosic paint and polyurethane paint?
Nitro:
- Thinner and more breathable, it allows the wood to “move” and age better.
- It tends to wear out more easily, developing cracks and a natural “relic” appearance over time.
- Some guitarists believe that it improves the resonance of the instrument.
- It is more delicate and prone to damage from moisture or chemicals.
Polyester:
- Thicker and more resistant, it better protects the guitar from bumps and scratches.
- It has a glossier and more durable finish, less prone to aesthetic aging.
- It can slightly dampen the vibration of wood compared to nitro.
- It requires less maintenance and is more stable over time.
PICKUP SECTION
What technologies are used in the construction of APW pickups?
- Radius Adaptive Technology (RAT) has been designed to ensure optimal sound balance across all strings, eliminating the common volume losses that can occur on some strings. Thanks to this technology, each string maintains a uniform presence in the mix, preventing some strings from being weaker or less audible than others. Another key benefit of this innovation is the increased consistency and sonic power, especially in the overpowered pickup patterns. In traditional pickups, a more extreme winding can lead to a loss of brilliance in the high frequencies. However, thanks to a special treatment applied to the pickup after winding, the RAT preserves treble clarity, keeping the sound open and defined without sacrificing the power and depth of the low and midrange frequencies. This technology is especially useful for those looking for a modern and powerful pickup, but without compromising tonal balance and definition in the high frequencies.
- WPH (Wire Protection Holes) technology is an innovative system designed to increase the strength and durability of pickups. Thanks to a double-hole anchor, the copper wire used in the pickup winding is more securely attached, reducing the risk of breakage or damage during installation or prolonged use of the instrument. This is especially useful in handmade pickups, where the delicacy of the winding is essential to maintain the integrity of the sound over time. The WPH therefore ensures stable and reliable performance, protecting the pickup from any structural problems that could compromise its operation.