Benson Custom in Lockport, New York, has built a reputation for handcrafting exceptional custom guitars and basses along with handwound pickups that ship to players worldwide. Founded by John Benson, the shop emerged from a luthier’s commitment to complete tonal control‚Benson began winding his own pickups to ensure his custom-built instruments met exacting standards for quality and sound. That dedication to craftsmanship caught on quickly, with Benson Custom Handwounds earning praise across guitar forums like Harmony Central.

Today, the operation specializes in building custom instruments from the ground up while offering handwound pickups, loaded pickguards, and complete wiring harnesses compatible with popular guitar models including Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazzmaster, and various Gibson configurations. Every pickup is wound in-house at their USA facility, giving players access to boutique-quality components that enhance tone and performance. The shop’s expertise in both luthiery and electronics means customers work directly with someone who understands instrument construction at every level, from fretwork fundamentals to the nuances of pickup selection and wiring that define an instrument’s voice.