In Antwerp, 2013 I upholstered a guitar for the first time, a white Fender Stratocaster. ( > See 'Fender Strat' under 'Guitars') I did it impulsively and as a surprise to my truelove, who was on a trip with his father at the time. Fortunately, he loved it and didn't kill me. As this guitar appeared with him on various jam sessions and stages, the interest in what I had done with it increased. Assignments started coming in, and 8 years and a lot of experience later, in November 2021,

I got to realise my dream and opened my first real shop. "Harlequin", in Arendonk (BE). 

Does the process change the sound of the guitar?

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No. Well, not audible to the human ear. Bodies of electric (bass) guitars are, as you know, made of one solid piece of wood, exept for the semi-hollows, surely. The type of wood with which the guitar was made does indeed give a specific sound to your pickups. Yet the purpose of the wood, in this case, is that it resonates nicely inwards, around the pickups. That's why an electric guitar can be any shape and form, and with the right amount of care, you can stick just about anything on it without noticeably affecting your sound. I must note I had one artist saying that it gave his guitar a slightly warmer sound, but he liked it better anyway.
With acoustic models, the focus is on outward resonance. An acoustic guitar would merely have a decorative value after this process, for the fabric would mostly muffle the sound. 

 

Way of work

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I always look for fabrics that stand the test of time, in terms of style ànd quality, to ensure that I can deliver strong work according to its value. The fabrics that I use are durable for decades and always exceptional. This does not mean that you can throw beer over it to your heart's content, scrub it clean again with a scouring pad, and expect it to remain beautiful. Some care and carefulness are advised. I make each item to the wishes of the customer, yet every item will have my own'Harlequin'-touch.
Your guitar, bass, amp, case, strap, or even your drum stool can become as exuberant or subtly stunning as you can envision. 
I offer added options such as a finish with a studded binder, painted headstock, a pickguard make-over, local (or why not, full) gilding,

and merely every other creative wish you could possibly have in mind.

Extra's

 

• Wallmount-frames to show off your instrument on the wall in an artistic way.

• Re-upholstery of your worn-down instrument cases, or a brand new Harlequin case.

• Gig stools.

• Straps, custom and handmade according to your wish. Options include leather transmitter-holder, pickholder, wide shoulder patch,...

• Amplifier-makeover.

​The customization of your guitar / bass / amp / ... could take about a week, depending on your wishes and any other current assignments.

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For details regarding pricing for custom request, send me a message in the contact form, or at harlequin.custom@outlook.com

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