Papin custom in blue burl under a deep gloss

Newburgh, Indiana · Building since 1985

CustomBuilt.

Papin guitars are for the musician who wants a one-of-a-kind instrument made for them and only them. Built by Joe Papin in Newburgh, Indiana, since 1985.

Start Your Build
Currently a 12-month waiting list · builds from $4,000
The Shop
Newburgh, Indiana · By appointment
Call
(812) 618-5706
Email Joe
joepapin@rocketmail.com

Since 1985

Made for you.
And only you.

Papin guitars are for the musician who wants a one-of-a-kind instrument made for them and only them. Every guitar is built hand in hand with the client.

Builds Repairs Restoration Refinishing
Papin necks on the bench in progress
Newburgh, Indiana
Before and after: a classical guitar with a broken top, and the same guitar repaired

At the bench · Before and after

The bench is open

Repairs
& setups.

Joe has been building guitars since 1985, and he works on most stringed instruments. Bring it in by appointment.

  • Setups on electric, acoustic & bass
  • Fretwork & full refrets
  • Nut & saddle work
  • Electronics & pickup swaps
  • Cracks, breaks & vintage restoration
  • Refinishing
See All Repairs Call (812) 618-5706

Custom builds

One of a kind.
Built hand in hand.

Builds start at $4,000, and most land between $4,000 and $6,000. Each step of the way, the client comes along with pictures and updates.

Start Your Build See Every Build
  • Made for you and only youBuilt hand in hand with the client.
  • Pictures and updatesEach step of the way, the build comes to you.
  • About a 12-month waiting listBuilds by commission.
  • $1,000 to $1,200 depositCovers parts and materials.
  • Free US shippingInternational is available, buyer covers the shipping.
Papin S-style with a green burl top
S-style · Green burl
Papin archtop with f-holes
Archtop
Papin five-string bass in black
Five-string bass

The waiting list

Worth the wait.

Right now a new Papin build runs about a 12-month wait. When yours is finished, you know it is the only one on earth like it.

Join the List

Meet Joe Papin

Building
since 1985.

Joe Papin has been building guitars in Newburgh, Indiana since 1985.

“All guitars are one of a kind and built hand in hand with the client. Each step of the way the client comes along with pictures and updates. When they get their guitar, they know it is the only one on earth like it.”Joe Papin

Professional players and studio musicians use these instruments for their durability and constant performance.

Read the Shop's Story
Seven Papin guitars lined up: S-style, T-style, archtop, burl tops, a five-string bass and an acoustic
From the bench

Real builds.
Real wood.

Guitars from Joe's bench in Newburgh, finished and in progress. Filter by what you play.

S-StylePapin S-style with a green burl top
Green burl S-style
One of one
Semi-HollowPapin semi-hollow in black, hanging in the shop
Black semi-hollow
One of one
ArchtopPapin archtop with f-holes
Archtop
One of one
Burl TopBlue burl carved body
Blue burl top
One of one
BassPapin five-string bass in black
Five-string bass
One of one
T-StylePapin T-style with a stenciled top, hanging in the shop
Stenciled T-style
One of one
S-StylePapin S-style in coral
Coral S-style
One of one
T-StylePapin T-style in metallic blue
Blue T-style
One of one

Yours gets built hand in hand with you.

See Every Build & Commission Yours →
Support

Questions,
answered.

What does a custom Papin cost?+
Builds start at $4,000, and most land between $4,000 and $6,000. A deposit of $1,000 to $1,200 covers parts and materials.
Why does it take so long?+
Every guitar is built hand in hand with the client, and there is a waiting list, currently around 12 months.
Do you ship?+
Shipping is free anywhere in the US. International shipping is available, with the buyer covering the shipping cost.
Do you work on amps?+
No. Joe does not work on amps, but he does work on most stringed instruments, electric, acoustic, bass and beyond.
Where are you located?+
Newburgh, Indiana, just outside Evansville. The shop runs by appointment, so call before you drive out.

Wear the shop

Papin merch.

Tees, hoodies, long sleeves, hats, beanies and stickers, printed and shipped when you order them.

Shop the Merch

Start a build,
or book the bench.

Builds by commission, with about a 12-month waiting list. Repairs by appointment.

Start Your Build Call (812) 618-5706

Newburgh, Indiana · (812) 618-5706 · joepapin@rocketmail.com

Build Call Merch