Officially founded in 2009 by Robert ‘Rad Rob’ Gray, Radical Instrument Products (RIP) specializes in building premium level, handcrafted custom electric guitars but also offers full-service repair and maintenance for guitar, bass, and multi-scale extended range instruments (think guitars and basses with “fanned” frets”).
As a repair shop, Radical Instrument Products offers end-to-end services ranging from basic cleanings and restrings to extensive fret repairs, hardware replacements/upgrades, as well as complicated touchups and complete refinishes.
Fender Stratocaster (Strat) Refinished in Renaissance Red
More than just a talented player, Rob has a real passion for the instruments themselves. This enthusiasm led him to study fretted instrument construction and repair at Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery. After completing his studies, Rob returned to Northern Utah to offer the skills, practiced and honed, for many years to musicians in his community.
“It is something I have always wanted to do. After working at a guitar shop for five years and being underutilized, I decided it was time to take control of my passion and start my own business.”
Taking a look at the instruments Rob has crafted and hearing from his happy customers; it is evident that Radical Instrument Products offers exceptionally high-quality work and a level of experience that only comes from having a formal education in the construction of the instruments as well as their repair.
RIP Custom Built White Exploder (Explorer Style Body)
Rob’s technical accreditation for Luthiery and his 15 years of experience shine through in his custom builds and repairs.
RIP Custom Built RadicalStar Electric Guitar
With an internet presence and local promotions, Radical Instrument Products is growing and expanding. Musicians discover RIP in many ways. One of the most common ways guitarists and bassists hear about the company is through the exposure and word-of-mouth referrals that come from Rob’s actively performing with his band in the area.
“I play instruments just like my customers, so I inevitably am at shows or meeting other musicians regularly.”
As with all real talent and business, more and more customers are happily spreading the word to their musician friends about Rob’s skills and abilities. Now, he looks to the future with a full schedule of unique, quality custom guitar orders and consistent repair jobs pouring in.
“Eventually I would like to step away from promotion and repair work to focus on handcrafting instruments and managing the business. Have a shop with 2-3 fellow craftsman building instruments under me.”
Aside from repair and custom builds, Radical Instrument Products also offers an exciting and highly unique, hands-on electric guitar building class.
“[Together each student and I] handcraft an instrument, in an 8-week course, from start to finish, with no pre-manufactured kit parts.”
Under Rob’s direction and tutelage, students get to build their premium quality guitar, performing all the work themselves.
Coming in 2018, Radical Instrument Products plans to announce other exciting instrument building classes.
Tuxedo Telecaster Built By Student, Joe Downs
If you’re in Northern Utah and own a guitar or bass, you need to know Rob at Radical Instrument Products.
See more of Radical Instrument Products’ portfolio and connect with them on Facebook or follow Rob on Instagram.
