MachMachines Cuyler Model Hollow-Body Electric Guitar

At FRET12, we're committed to local makers and independent luthiers, which is why we've decided to partner up with MachMachines to feature two more of their beautiful instruments in our shop! 

MachMachines is an independent maker of acoustic and electric guitars, basses, ukuleles, and instrument accessories. Founded by two Chicago-native musicians, like us here at FRET12, they believe that a favorite instrument is more than a prized possession — it’s a lifelong relationship. 

Each of their music machines is crafted in historic Oak Park, Illinois by David Mach Showalter, a Roberto-Venn certified luthier who trained in Chicago’s most legendary musical instrument companies.

MachMachines is where instruments are made, not manufactured, built for fit and feel, and played for keeps. They make sound that stays.

Cuyler Model Hollow-Body Electric Guitar

The Cuyler Guitar is MachMachines’ signature instrument, a lightweight jazz/rock hybrid with the tonal quality of a jazz guitar without the bulk of a jazz box.  Weighing in at less than 6 pounds, this handmade guitar represents the best of Chicago’s music scene and craftsmanship. It was made to display in the Vintage Amps Podcast Room at the 2025 Fretboard Summit at Old Town School of Folk Music and subsequently featured in the MachMachines exhibit at the 2026 Fretboard Summit with its companion Cuyler Bass, which is also available through FRET12. Hardshell Case Included!

Materials

• Top: Curly Maple
• Back & Sides: Curly Maple
• Neck: Curly Maple
• Fretboard: Birdseye Maple
• Head Plate Veneers: Birdseye Maple
• Body Binding: Black Plastic
• Fretboard Binding: Ebony

DIMENSIONS

• Overall Length: 38.5 inches
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Nut Width: 1.625 Inches
• Fret Count: 16 Frets to the Body
• Weight: 5lbs 7.1oz

PARTS

• Pickups: Fralin Big Single Humbuckers
• Tuners: Rubner Silver Nickel with Ebony Buttons
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Mojotone Short Trapeze Tailpiece
• Electronics: Blend Pot Pickup Selector with Volume and Tone
• Control Knobs: Ebony
• Side Dots: Mother of Pearl
• Build Date: July 2025

SHIPPING POLICY

This item is available for PICKUP ONLY at the FRET12 Shop at the Salt Shed in Chicago. Customer may call or email to coordinate pickup with the shop.

Customer is responsible for any further shipping which may be required, including shipping and insurance costs, damage liability, and lost or stolen packages. Call 630-528-8541 during regular business hours or email orders@fret12.com to inquire about shipping logistics.