Photos from the years Gelvin Guitars was building: one-off custom instruments, the steampunk builds, the one-piece OPS and OGS designs, and shots from the shop and the road. Click any photo to see it larger.
Rayko of Lolita Dark performing live with a Gelvin steampunk guitar.A one-off steampunk build with dual VIP pickups, a plumbing-valve pickup selector, reactor lighting, gauges and valves, aged to look antique. Shown in the shop before delivery.The steampunk build up close: brass, studs, pressure gauges, a red valve wheel, and reactor lighting, all aged to look antique.The same steampunk build from another angle, showing the carved wood, brass detailing, and glowing elements.A floral guitar built for Rayko of Lolita Dark, finished with real silk kimono fabric sealed under clear coat.The OGS, Opposing Grain Standard: a glow-in-the-dark guitar built for Cory Whitehead, a music professor at Fresno State. Bookmatched with opposing grain for stability.The OPS, One-Piece Standard: a solid korina body and neck carved from a single piece, ebony fretboard, neon automotive paint. Built for a family friend.The SSM, a model designed by William Gelvin inspired by Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons, pictured here with Gelvin.A guitar body in progress on the bench, a sunburst finish being built up by hand.An early Gelvin Guitars ad shoot, with a neon one-piece guitar under studio lights.A Gelvin Guitars ad shoot with a black custom electric guitar.A Gelvin Guitars studio ad shoot.