How often do you find yourself captivated by a guitar’s style or look, only to feel "less impressed" when its tone or playability doesn’t live up to the hype?
With the sheer number of options out there, choosing the right electric guitar can be a bit overwhelming, especially when so many models promise the moon but end up feeling generic or uncomfortable. For those looking for something more than just a great look, Born Guitars is here to change the conversation about what an electric guitar should deliver.
Too often, players encounter guitars that don’t quite meet their needs. Take these common frustrations:
- Why are LPs so heavy and uncomfortable to play?
- Why do Strat necks move so much, developing twists and poor action over time?
- Why are fret ends sticking out of the fretboard?
- Why can’t the neck shape fit my hand better?
- Why are there hundreds of guitars in the store, but there’s only one that feels or sounds good to me?
These are the very issues that led Jonathan Miller, founder of Born Guitars, to rethink guitar design from the ground up. Driven by these frustrations, Jonathan created Born Guitars to bring players something better: instruments that aren’t just beautiful but are designed with thoughtful, ergonomic craftsmanship and a commitment to lasting quality.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for when choosing a guitar that fits you—from body types and wood selections to pickups and hardware. And we’ll show you how Born’s OG and MG models combine innovation with classic craftsmanship to address these pain points.
If you’re ready to find a guitar that finally meets your expectations, let’s dive in.
Body Designs: Innovation Meets Classic Craftsmanship
The guitar industry is full of iconic designs, but these classic models often leave players wanting more in terms of comfort, playability, and durability. Jonathan Miller saw firsthand the common shortcomings—guitars that were either too heavy, lacked ergonomic considerations, or were prone to neck warping and fret issues. These frustrations inspired him to create Born Guitars, where each model is a solution to these pain points
As a result, Born developed two signature body designs—the OG and the MG—to address these issues. Each is crafted with the modern musician in mind, combining ergonomic design with exceptional craftsmanship. Let’s look under the hood to see what these two models offer from a performance and features standpoint.
“ If you have a vision in mind for a custom guitar, sign up for a [FREE] design consultation today and we'll talk to you about what interests you and how we can integrate it into your own one-of-a-kind Born custom guitar.
The OG: A Classic, Reinvented
The OG (Original Guitar) is Born Guitars' flagship model developed in 2010. Inspired by single cutaway designs like the Les Paul and Telecaster, the OG blends classic aesthetics with modern advancements in ergonomics and tone. Jonathan set out to improve upon the beloved aspects of these guitars while addressing the issues that made them less practical for today's players. Heavy weight, limited tonal range, and uncomfortable design are all challenges the OG resolves.
- Ergonomics & Comfort: The OG is designed to fit comfortably in any playing situation. Its offset body and smooth curves offer balanced comfort whether it’s sitting in a player’s lap or hanging on a strap during long sessions.
- Playability: The OG includes the Born Flow Neck Joint, which provides a seamless transition into the guitar body, and allows for unhindered playability all the way up the neck to the very last fret. With a Born Guitar you will never deal with a bulky heel block (typically found on most other electric guitars) getting in the way of your playing, and the last fret is as easy to play as the 1st.
- Tone & Resonance: The OG integrates Born’s Vice-Lock Neck, which binds the neck to the body, and allows every note to ring clearly through the neck to the bridge, providing superior resonance and sustain. The OG provides the rich, full sound players expect from a top-tier guitar.
- Classic Looks, Modern Feel: While it draws from classic single cutaway designs, the OG adds sleek modern offset lines, ergonomic contours, incredible playability, modern design elements that improve the electric guitar design from tip to tail.
Versatility: From a high-gain, solid-body shred machine to a semi-hollow jazz guitar, the OG is adaptable to a wide range of looks and playing styles. Players can explore customizations like body type, wood selection, pickups, bridges and other details through the Interactive Guitar Builder.
The MG: A MODERN ICON
The MG model is Born Guitars' take on the classic double cutaway design, inspired by guitars like the Stratocaster. These instruments became the foundation of rock ‘n roll in the 1960s, with artists like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton bringing them to the world stage. However, the Strat’s original design left room for improvement, especially in terms of durability,neck stability and resonance. Jonathan sought to remedy these issues with the MG.
- Ultimate Playability: The MG’s double cutaway allows for easy access to higher frets, perfect for lead players who need a guitar that can handle complex solos with ease.
- Durable, Stable Build: The MG’s neck is designed for lasting stability, eliminating issues like twisting or warping that are common with mass-produced models.
- Precise Fit: Born Guitars ensures that each MG neck fits perfectly into the body, solving the common problem of loose neck pockets that can be found in other double cutaway designs.
NECK DESIGN: BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME
A guitar’s neck is critical to its performance, and Born Guitars takes extra care to ensure every neck is designed for maximum comfort, speed, and stability. Each neck is hand-crafted using premium woods, selected for stability and superior tonal qualities. We integrate carbon fiber tone bars and the best double-action truss rod on the market. Then we carefully construct and shape the neck and fretboard so that the neck has relief already built into it and naturally wants to stay in perfect intonation. Unlike mass-produced guitars that are prone to neck issues, Born Guitars’ necks are made to last a lifetime. The truss rod is secondary and only needed to accommodate changes in string gauge and extreme climate conditions.
Customers frequently report that their guitars stay in tune month after month, and their necks maintain perfect intonation for years, requiring minimal adjustments. Explore some of our finest builds over the years on our Guitar Page.
Customization: Make It Yours
Born offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to create a guitar that suits their unique style and sound preferences. From body styles and neck shapes to fret materials and hardware, each guitar is fully tailored to the player’s specifications.
| Customizations | Options |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Choose between OG or MG designs. |
| Body Style | Choose between a sleek flat top or a sexy molded carve top. |
| Neck Shape | Whether you prefer a fast, slim profile, an old-school ‘59 neck, or a unique asymmetrical Soft V shape, Born Guitars can tailor your neck to perfectly suit your tastes. |
| Fret Material | Stainless steel, Evo-Gold, or Nickel Alloy frets are all available. |
| Hardware | Every Born Guitar is equipped with aftermarket-grade hardware (Bridge & Tuners) for ultimate performance. |
| Wood Selection | Only the finest, sustainably harvested woods are used, carefully matched to enhance the guitar’s tone and aesthetics. |
| Finish | Select a finish that accentuates your wood selections and your style. We offer everything from hand-rubbed satin oil finishes to fancy bursts, metallics, and sparkle finishes. |
| Details | Finish your guitar with the perfect accouterments to make your Born Guitar stand out above the rest and fit your style. Add binding, custom inlays, engravings, and more. |
Ready to create your dream guitar? Begin your journey by booking a Design Consultation and collaborate with our luthiers to bring your vision to life. Or jump straight into exploring options on our Interactive Guitar Builder.
SO IF YOU're IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW ELECTRIC GUITAR, WHY CHOOSE BORN?
Born Guitars isn’t just about aesthetics or tradition—it’s about creating instruments that perform and last. By addressing the common issues with mass-produced guitars and focusing on craftsmanship, Born Guitars ensures that each guitar is as functional as it is beautiful. Whether a player is a seasoned professional or a dedicated hobbyist, Born Guitars offers a personalized experience unlike any other.
Custom builds can take time to produce, with wait times from six months to a year. For those of you ready to design your own professional instrument tailored to you, Join our Waitlist to secure your spot in the production queue and start the working with a Born luthier on your one-of-a-kind guitar.
