Fender Custom Shop and Jackson Custom Shop Welcome New Master Builders

New Master Builders at the Fender Custom Shop and Jackson Custom Shop…

Fender Custom Shop and Jackson Custom Shop are privileged to welcome two new Master Builders to their innovative teams.

Austin Macnutt joins as a Fender Custom Shop Master Builder and Pat Campolattano joins the Jackson Custom Shop team.

Since 1987, the Fender Custom Shop and its esteemed builders have astounded players and collectors worldwide with marvels of creativity, ingenuity, and artistry. From its humble Southern California beginnings, the Fender Custom Shop has grown to become the world’s preeminent maker of highly collectible, custom instruments operating in Corona, Calif. Known as the “Dream Factory,” the Fender Custom Shop is also home to an honored group known as the Master Builders – some of the most-skilled luthiers in the world – who craft Fender’s legendary instruments and push the boundaries of possibility.

“To me, it doesn’t get any better than the Fender Custom Shop, and to be able to join the team as a Master Builder is truly a dream come true. It’s a privilege and an honor and I feel extremely proud to be a part of the Dream Factory,” says Austin Macnutt, Fender Custom Shop Master Builder.  “From the first time I played my Dad’s 1963 Fender Jaguar as a kid, I’ve been a huge Fender fan. It feels like I’ve come full circle from that moment in my youth, strumming my Dad’s Jag, to now be building Fender guitars in the Custom Shop.”

The Jackson Custom Shop has turned out world-class custom guitars ranging from the fine to the fantastic ever since the Jackson name was first affixed to a headstock in 1980. The reason for this impressive longevity is simple: Jackson was a custom shop since the very beginning. Every Jackson guitar was an original, high-performing custom instrument.

“Having any position in this elite team is a massive honor. The legendary Mike Shannon left an unfillable void, but I will do my part to the best of my ability. After meeting with Mike and everyone here, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” says Pat Campolattano, Jackson Custom Shop Master Builder. “The biggest rewards have been education, creative freedom, and the ability to build anything for customers around the world. That’s why I’m here, and I look forward to the future.’