[The Bard Rocks]

If your desire is to have something truly custom where there will never be another just like it and you want to be involved in the choices of the build at each step, then a single builder is by far your best bet. They make one at a time and can accommodate those kind of wishes - and most prefer to do it that way.

If resale value or recognizeability of the "brand" is important, you may want to rethink the above advice.

But don't reject single builders because of cost. There are ones who will be FAR cheaper than the big brands will be. And of course a select few will be far more expensive. I know competent luthiers who will build your guitar for as cheaply as the lower $2000s. And if you stretch to $4000 and $5000, you will only find that many more who can do what you want, exactly like you want it. The cost is partly materials and partly reputation and experience.