When a mass-produced guitar isn't enough

Erlewine Guitars produces exceptionally fine custom electrics for performing artists the world over. We have built guitars for Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Johnny Winter, Don Felder and Joe Walsh of The Eagles, and Paul McCartney, among others.

The Erlewine Automatic features our own micro-adjustable bridge for precision tuning. From tuners to control knobs, all hardware is the finest available. Select woods are chosen for beauty and optimum sustain. We spare no effort in giving you the finest workmanship and attention to every detail in producing your guitar.

The Automatic is truly an artist's guitar. With updated classic lines and an intensely flamed or quilted carved top, it's a good choice for your custom instrument. Combine the Automatic's look and balance with your personal preference of hardware and pickups.

For tone, you can set up the Automatic with any electronics you like, and we'll be happy to give you suggestions. We like the way Mark Knopfler used the Erlewine Automatic for that famous starting riff on Dire Straits' "Industrial Disease."

Update: Mark is now taking custom orders for the Legacy Lazer, available in Korina, Black Walnut and Quilted Mahogany. Please see our Lazer page for more information.


Some of the features you can specify for your guitar:

  • Deeply carved top of solid, highly figured flame maple
  • Perfectly balanced body and fast-action neck constructed of imported mahogany
  • Custom pickup selection
  • Neck with two-way truss rod reinforcement — dovetailed for increased sustain
  • Custom selection of every item of hardware
  • Handcrafted mother of pearl inlays
  • Classic cream bindings
  • Deep, beautiful finish of Nitrocellulose lacquer


"Yellow Rose of Texas" Custom Erlewine Automatic
"Yellow Rose of Texas" Custom Erlewine Automatic
"Yellow Rose of Texas" Custom Erlewine Automatic
"Yellow Rose of Texas" Custom Erlewine Automatic
"Yellow Rose of Texas" Custom Erlewine Automatic
Custom Erlewine Acoustic, dust devil inlay
Custom Erlewine Acoustic, dust devil inlay
Custom Erlewine Acoustic, dust devil inlay