A Guitar Chat with Passion and Precision
In episode 85 of Guitar Chat, we sit down with Avi Shabat, founder of Shabat Guitars, to explore his journey from a guitar repair tech in Israel to a recognized boutique brand based in Los Angeles. Known for their quality, design, and personalized builds, Shabat Guitars have found their way into the hands of artists like Justin Derrico, Dweezil Zappa, and many others.
“You just do what you do—and try to put good people, good wood, and good ideas together. That’s the formula.”
From Repair Shop to International Recognition
Avi began in Israel, studying at the country’s first lutherie school before moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dream.
“At first, I just wanted a little corner where I could build one guitar at a time.”
After apprenticing at several shops, he started his own. Over time, his passion turned into a full-fledged brand, even if he still views himself humbly as a builder first.
“I don’t know if I’ve realized it yet… but I guess we’ve become a brand.”
Handcrafted Guitars With Artistic Purpose
With a small team of five, Avi continues to produce guitars with a deep focus on detail and feel. Every builder on his team is also a musician, and that shared understanding of tone and purpose is what sets their work apart.
“You can’t just hire anyone. You need people 100% driven by guitars.”
At shows like NAMM, Shabat’s instruments consistently stand out—both visually and sonically.
The Power of Collaboration: From Custom Orders to Artist Trust
A key part of Shabat Guitars’ growth has been building long-term personal relationships with artists. Avi doesn’t just ship guitars—he collaborates with players, understanding their tone, technique, and preferences.
“With artists like Justin [Derrico] or Dweezil [Zappa], they know exactly what they want—but we always try new things, together.”
One example is Justin’s guitar, which originally had a snakehead headstock. Avi shared concerns about tuning stability—especially on the D and G strings—but they tried it anyway. Eventually, they shifted to a six-in-line headstock to improve performance, showing how function and aesthetics work hand in hand.
A Builder’s Philosophy: Growth Without Compromise
Shabat Guitars is currently producing about 300 guitars per year, with plans to expand—but carefully.
“You can grow fast and sacrifice quality, or grow slowly and keep control. We’re choosing the second.”
Avi emphasizes that scaling up means finding passionate, skilled luthiers—something increasingly rare. He’s committed to preserving craftsmanship, even as demand increases.
Customization and Design as a Signature
From relic finishes to unique color schemes and even Lego figurines hidden in control cavities, customization is part of the Shabat identity.
“We don’t even have a set color chart. Whatever you want, we’ll make it work.”
This playful yet precise approach attracts players who want their instrument to reflect their personality—and sound incredible.
The Role of Tonewoods and Construction
Avi estimates that 50–70% of a guitar’s tone comes from the wood and construction—not just the pickups.
“It’s not only the wood—it’s how the neck is built, the density of the body, the fretwork, the hardware. It all adds up.”
He also notes that heavy guitars can sound amazing, but that comfort plays a major role in how often a player picks up an instrument.
From Boutique to Big Stages
Shabat guitars have been played on major TV shows and stages—from Dodger Stadium to The Hollywood Bowl to Jimmy Fallon.
“Seeing one of our guitars on those stages… that’s the cherry on top.”
While some builders struggle with scaling or letting others share the process, Avi sees collaboration as necessary—and rewarding.
Final Thoughts: A Brand That Grew From Passion
Avi Shabat’s story is one of dedication, risk, and love for the craft. From his first snakehead Telecaster to becoming a trusted builder for top touring musicians, his journey proves that care, creativity, and consistency win out.
“It’s a legacy. And seeing what artists do with our guitars—that’s what makes it all worth it.”