Grand Prix Winner

Route change due to strong winds

Author: Cooper-D

I was trying to give it a stylish makeover by painting it and letting it dry on the balcony when a strong gust of wind blew it off the third floor, splitting the body clean in two!!

Despite that mishap, they swiftly changed course and adopted a refreshingly straightforward approach: "Only rock can be played!" They didn't fully restore the broken part; instead, they secured it with metal fittings and mounted the pot on top. This innovative idea—something a typical music shop would never dream of—left me completely floored.

The exposed wiring and capacitors held in place by metal fittings gave it a slight steampunk feel, while simultaneously overturning the Telecaster's concept of mounting controls on the plate. Though it didn't match the owner's initial vision for the modification, our staff unanimously agreed, "This has its own stylish charm."

This work, born from a chance occurrence, evoked a variety of dramatic feelings.


Guitar Magazine December 2022 Issue


Guitar Magazine Award

E·C

Author: Igaaa·pop

This instrument combines Clapton's beloved "Blackie" with the elbow-cut Explorer he used during his laid-back era. Apparently, he "just whipped it up on a whim in a week," yet the routing is neatly filled, and the maple neck's headstock even bears that cigarette burn!
The bold idea of combining two legendary instruments must have surprised even the creator.


BARKS Award

IRON V

Author: Overzealous DIY

A flying machine made entirely of iron, believe it or notVNot only does it make a visual impact, but its weight is also significant.6 kgThe weight is incredible too. Forged under the scorching sun of a heatwave, it's packed with an extraordinary determination. What's interesting is the square neck—it feels odd at first, but it's surprisingly not bad. Furthermore,BARKSWe've also published an interview about the making of this work, so please enjoy that as well.From here→


AKIMA&NEOS Award

Red Special ZO-3

Author: Johnny AC/DC bad

A piece chosen for its impact—I knew the moment I saw it. The mahogany-covered body features binding, and the feel in your hands is spot-on. Behind this cute look, you can sense the passion poured into its creation. Naturally, it includes individual on/off switches for each pickup and a phase switch—a model overflowing with love for the artist.


Arai Trade Award

SB-605

Author: Kazukichi

At first glance4It looks like nothing but a string, but if you look closely5A work where the pleasant sense of dissonance gradually starts to look cool.PType selection2Reverse mount, series/Parallel or Active/The passive controls feature a stylish layout of versatile switches. The top is veneered with pine and finished in a paint motif inspired by early American design, creating a distinctive presence.


Effebo Prize

Italian Blue Italian Masterpiece No. 3

Author: Naoki Tanimura

DiezelofVH4andBOSSofTR-2A guitar with a luxurious built-in amplifier. Its appearance, featuring knobs that hint at each function, is intriguing. Equipped with a kill switch, it delivers everything from ferocious tones to bizarre sounds.


Kikutani Music Award

Ammonite Guitar

Author: Train Enthusiast NAO

An ammonite guitar embedded with ammonite fossils. A simple yet tasteful piece. Even without knowing it's real ammonite, you can tell at a glance how cool it looks.PUThe surrounding decoration is applied to the removable pickguard, creating a unified finish.


Kyōritsu & D'Addario Award

"Jaggler" ver.KC

Author: Takagashi Miru

The left-handed Celler that was in junk conditionSTTypeBassIt incorporates the vibe of a reverse-engineered cart model. Packed with features like the added floating tremolo and the original synchronized tremolo, it's loaded with everything you could want, yet it's built with a commitment to keeping costs down.


Studio Penta Award

BIG stag

Author: Eternal Beginner

A model featuring antlers that deliver overwhelming impact. This modification was apparently done to attach a soundboard to the body and alter the tone, but its visual presence also radiates intense power. The antlers mounted on the bridge can be moved to function as a vibrato arm.


SOLID BOND Award

Demon Roar Gray Maru

Author: R.K.

This full-acoustic guitar has an amp and speakers built right in. It even has a fuzz circuit for delivering a hard-hitting sound. The fact they pushed this junk Gretsch this far is commendable. What's interesting is that you can plug in another guitar and use it as an amp. You can even enjoy the surreal sight of one guitar plugged into another.


Next Tone Guitar Trading Award

Tatami-style electric guitar

Author: Kazuhiro Nishiwaki

This authentic design comes from a long line of professional tatami mat makers. Crafted using real tatami mats, it's shaped like the kanji character for "tatami." You'll be amazed by its sheer size and weight, but what's truly impressive is that it's actually used for playing. Actual picking marks are visible on the tatami, creating a kind of Japanese-style relic feel? The headstock features tatami used in judo dojos, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.


Birdland Award

A pig that doesn't fly is just a pig—try flapping your wings! You'll fly!

Author: Yokkun [Guitar]

Pignose's guitarBassIt features headless conversion, fan-fret specifications, and every conceivable modification, even incorporating a multi-effects processor and stereo amplifier. Mounted upward on the body side2The two mini speakers deliver stereo sound, making it a pleasure to play. The finish and the wood grain of the top complement each other beautifully, creating a luxurious feel.


Freedom Custom Guitar Research Award

Homemade Tremolo-Equipped Iridescent Les Paul

Author: Salty guitars

A brass tremolo unit, precision-machined to mount without drilling any holes into the guitar body, is installed. This groundbreaking masterpiece also allows easy return to the original tailpiece. Strings lock securely at the tailpiece, while the bridge features an octave-adjustable roller saddle, showcasing meticulous attention to tuning stability. Its original "iridescent" finish perfectly complements the gold hardware, making this an instantly playable instrument.


Moridaira Musical Instrument Award

Jazzmaster made from a Jazz Bass

Author: Imaginos

JazzSince you say that, wouldn't a swing-tail piece be better? This piece was created from that very idea. AffordableJMSince the Type body was quite difficult to obtain,JBIt was created by cutting and processing the body. This process has instead given it a unique presence.JBThe aluminum guard, designed to be added to the pickguard, is also effective and contributes to the overall excellent design.


Although they narrowly missed winning an award, these outstanding works passed the first round of judging.

Takuya Miyagawa

KAIZO Guitar Channel

Ryota Iwamoto

palpunte646

Charley

Chun-sama

Cage

Keigo Dewa

Kanta

Yoppy


Your work featured in Guitar Magazine!

2022TCGAKKI Presents

Custom Guitar Contest

Here we go again!
Popular Event: "Guitar Contest"

Under the concept of "Making guitar more fun with free ideas," the Custom Guitar Contest, supported by the unique creations of all entrants and the sponsorship of participating companies, reaches its fourth edition. We look forward to receiving more exciting entries this year.

The winning entries will be published in the issue released on November 13.Guitar MagazineAnnounced in the December issue!
BARKSand our storeHomepagewill also be published.

Modified Guitar Contest 2022

How to Apply

How to Apply: Please submit photos of your modified guitar creations using the form below.
Application deadline: August 31, 2022

Sponsor
Guitar Magazine
BARKS
AKIMA&NEOS
Arai Trading
Effebo
Kikutani Music
Kyōritsu Corporation
Studio Penta
SOLID BOND
Next Tone Guitar Trading
Birdland
Freedom Custom Guitar Research
Moridaira Musical Instruments

For the Grand Prix
30,000 yen
shopping voucher


Additionally, the winners are
Guitar Magazine
Posted!

Regarding Selection/Screening


First Screening: Photo Selection
Secondary Screening: Physical Inspection

The first round of judging will be based on submitted photos. We look forward to receiving entries that showcase your unique personality—whether through innovative ideas or visually appealing designs.

Works that pass the first round of judging will proceed to the second round. Please submit your work by September 20, 2022.TCGAKKIYou may bring it in or send it to us, and we will hold it until the results are announced.
(If you win a prize, you will have one month thereafter)TCGAKKI(We will be exhibiting at)

Application Requirements


Anyone may submit works that align with the purpose of this event.
If it's something you've modified based on your own ideas, it doesn't necessarily have to be something you modified entirely by yourself.
Submitted entries will be featured on our official YouTube channel, so only publicly shareable content is eligible.
Works that may infringe on others' copyrights (such as unauthorized use of copyrighted illustrations or brand logos) may be excluded from consideration. We appreciate your understanding.

Please note
Pursuing sound quality is very important, but... I'll have to pass on that again this time.

Tips for Winning


Every guitarist wants to perfect their sound. Modifications are crucial for achieving that, and you can probably name the most important factors to consider. However, the purpose of this contest is to modify your guitar and have fun together! To show it off to everyone! Therefore, customizations that don't result in visible changes to the guitar's appearance are unfortunately ineligible.

While it is an important element, and customizing without altering the appearance is also a chance to showcase skill, I believe it would be discourteous to evaluate sound modifications and rank them. Please understand.

Rather than competing over modification techniques, the concept is "Enjoy your guitar with free ideas!" Even if you just stick on a sticker, if your sense is outstanding, you could win the grand prize!

Thanks for visiting!!

2018
Instrument Fair
Award-Winning Works Exhibition

Past Grand Prix Winners