bio

“It’s all about the tone” is just the start of the story for Tim, Brooklyn-based guitar and bass builder who would never consider the feel and precision as secondary. He prefers using hand tools in his workflow, allowing for only the initial rough work to be completed with power tools. Resulting instruments are each unique in its feel, character, and specifications. Every instrument is optimized for balance, comfort and playability, and all are built form exotic tone woods. While many of Tim’s instruments feature fanned fret multi scale design, he has built a wide variety of configurations and shapes, creating completely customized instruments to perfectly suit the needs of his customers.

In 2018, after decades on Wall St, Bulgaria-native Tim started Geist Custom Instruments (GCI) in Brooklyn, New York. GCI guitar and bass building business is an outgrowth of an established setup and repair services shop, combining Tim’s love of working with wood and his passion for music. From playing in a thrash/death metal band in high school, to recording, mixing and mastering for budding electronic artists, and producing IDM, breakbeat and drum and bass-influenced music himself, Tim has been involved with music throughout his life, and these eclectic experiences have shaped his building philosophy. Tim enjoys experimenting with tonal characteristics of different shapes and materials, and is encouraged by the wider adoption of more ergonomic, precise, and innovative instruments.

gci

Geist Custom Instruments (GCI) builds bespoke guitars and basses. All instruments are carefully crafted, by hand, using only the finest high-quality components – Hipshot and Schaller hardware, KTS Tone titanium reinforcement rods, stainless steel fret wire, GraphTech nuts and retainers, LaBella strings, PureTone output jacks, Oak Grigsby switches, and CTS potentiometers. 

Many GCI instruments feature extended range multiscale design, which promotes ergonomic playing experience and produces a highly defined sound. Particular consideration is given to the wood used for each instrument, taking into account both its tonal and aesthetic characteristics. 

Working directly with customers ensures that GCI delivers uncompromisingly excellent instruments that are universally envied. GCI is based in Brooklyn, New York.