“Hi out there in guitar land. I have two guitars Jesse custom built and they are amazing! The quality and craftsmanship are top notch. I own many high-end guitars, Gibsons, Fenders, BC Rich, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, PRS and others and Jesse’s guitars, in my opinion, exceed the quality of these other companies. I totally love my Clay Ave Guitars. Jesse puts his heart and soul into every guitar he makes. He has also worked on many of my guitars doing modifications, setups etc. and has great skills. The tone and easy playability of Clay Ave Guitars are fantastic. I have played his guitars out and they get wonderful compliments on their looks and sound. I’d put Jesse’s guitars up against any other manufacturer out there for quality, playability, cool looks, awesome tones, and fair pricing. He makes every guitar with great pride and care to provide his customers with the best instrument you can buy. I highly recommend Clay Ave Guitars.”

Mitch D. - Grand Blanc, MI

“Jesse Hopkins does incredible work on anything he touches, and Clay Avenue Guitars are his flagship signature pieces. The attention to detail in the fit and finish is second to none. However, the most important thing to me as a player is the feel and the sound. I can feel Jesse’s experience with both vintage and modern guitars in every note I play. Love them all.”

Ken H. - Toledo, OH

“Clay Avenue Guitars are Detroit's best kept secret. Full Stop. I have been playing and collecting guitars for almost 30 years now (I know I'm getting very near old fart status). In my not so limited experience, Jesse makes some of the finest stringed instruments that the world has to offer. I've been dealing with him for over a decade, and I don't plan on stopping while we both draw breath. My first Clay Avenue was a custom hollowbody Boxer that I was super picky about. Jesse far over delivered. Not only is his craftsmanship impeccable, but his attention to detail is second to none. I was so impressed by the guitar that I have since purchased two more. They are the most comfortable guitars I have ever played, both in body shape and the feel of the neck. I actually witnessed a man tear up and give Jesse a hug one time because his fret work was so good. Every time I visit Clay Ave, I am greeted with an enthusiastic smile. Jesse is not only a great luthier, but one of my favorite human beings. He is equal parts guitar nerd, and mad genius, and I always have a pleasure sitting and rapping with him for a bit when I stop through the shop. His passion for his craft is evident in every new guitar I see him create. The single cut three pickup that he built is flat out the best "off the shelf" electric guitar I have ever played. I can honestly say that I don't see the point in buying another electric guitar that Jesse didn't build. I could not recommend this guitar brand enough for anyone who is interested in having a new favorite guitar. “

Noah W. - Romulus, MI

“Honestly, what can’t be said about Clay Avenue Guitars? Top 3 all time neck profile, satin back and gloss face which makes them great to look at and better to play. Quality wood, electronics, finish, and craftsmanship. Seriously a unique walk in a familiar park.”

Matthew T. - Saginaw, MI

“I am super happy with my Clay Avenue guitar!! I have been a guitar collector for many years, acquiring an assortment of brands, many vintage instruments, etc. I have been a gigging musician for many years. Up until I got my Clay, I had yet to purchase from an indie, boutique custom builder. I had the opportunity to check out a few of his builds and probe him with many technical questions. Eventually I just decided to go for it, and Jesse was very accommodating and professional. My Clay Avenue plays and sounds (and looks) amazing and can bridge the gap between several of the well-known big names. Quality is stellar, and it is great for live performances and recordings. I like it so much I am considering another one at some point. Highly recommended!!!”

Scott D.  - Detroit, MI

“Having worked in music retail for 8 years I’ve had every kind of guitar in my hands, and not even one could hold its own in the ring with a Clay Ave; that’s when I knew I had to have one. The attention to detail, passion, and experience that the Clay Ave crew brings to the table are evident in the work piece. With a clear, balanced tone that packs a punch and unmatched playability, the Boxer feels made for my hands! Thanks Clay Ave!!”

Bobby H. - Redford, MI

“I am absolutely thrilled with my custom guitar from Clay Avenue Guitars. I originally met Jesse, the owner and builder, at Guitar Center several years ago, and from that moment, I knew I was in good hands. Jesse and team were attentive to my preferences, ensuring every detail was perfect for my needs. The craftsmanship is exceptional and exceeds any top-end guitar out there for my money—every note resonates with rich tone and superb playability. When you pick up a Clay Avenue Guitar, it's clear he puts a lot of passion and skill into each instrument. More than just my favorite guitar in my herd, my Clay Avenue inspires me every time I play. I highly recommend Clay Avenue Guitars to anyone looking for a truly personalized and high-quality guitar that is a joy to play - every time! “

Paul - Detroit, MI

“My Clay Ave I simply call “Sweet 16”. She is serial number 16. According to the paperwork that came with her, this guitar was built for a Les Paul Custom guy who owned a shop and was going to be Jesse’s first foray into having his guitars sold in a shop (Phat Cat Guitars). However, the owner passed, and it never came to fruition. 

At the time of writing this, I own 20 guitars and Sweet 16 has become my go-to axe. That says a lot! You can literally play any style on this beast. She’s well-balanced and sits perfect in the hand. The African Mahogany neck and body make this guitar sustain exceptionally well. The body is thin, yet has the perfect thickness for sustain and comfortability. Everything on this guitar is what I dreamt about as a kid: block inlays, dual humbuckers, locking tuners and a fixed bridge. The tuning stability is second to none. I can tune her to perfect pitch, sit her in the case for a week or a month and still perfectly in tune when I go to rock out. To me, that is one of the marks of a quality guitar. When you buy a Clay Ave, you are not just getting a guitar, you are receiving the perfection of lutherie from a man who has dedicated his entire life to it. From all the high-end appointments to the choice of Railhammer pickups, you will not be able to put this guitar down!”

Mike M. - Wyandotte, MI

“To me, Jesse's guitars answer the question "How can we make this better?" Guitar players are already living in the best of times because of all the advancements to building techniques and technology. Jesse's axes embody what happens when you combine established practices with logical, next-step thinking. My Clay Ave. Straightener is eminently playable, sounds great and is just damn sexy. It reminds me why I love single-cut guitars with two humbuckers but also deals with issues around upper-fret access, thanks to its deep cutaway and thoughtful neck/body joint. 

The volume and tone knobs are placed perfectly for volume swells and other quick tonal adjustments.And that bass roll-off knob? I've already found a couple of different uses for it that easily put this axe in the "grab-and-go" category when it comes to figuring out what to take to the gig. 

Yup...the Straightener is a great example of the phrase "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts." Thanks! “

Chris T. - Oak Park, MI

“I’ve had my Clay Ave Boxer for almost 10 years now and it’s the guitar I always pick up when I want to play and feel like myself again.  This is the most resonant guitar I own. It feels alive. The fit and finish on the guitar feel like home and it keeps sounding better and better as the years go by. Jesse Hopkins operates with great integrity and makes beautiful guitars!”

-Brian S. - Fort Wayne, IN