Hi, My name is Ed. I am the Lead Penguin at Penguin Guitars.

My passion for guitars started back in 1984. What started as a teenage hobby, has grown into a life long obsession. I will probably be buried with a guitar in my hands.

I started working on guitars about 30 years ago as a way to maintain my own collection. This evolved into me helping friends and other local musicians in the area with maintaining and upgrading their instruments. As my passion grew, I continued to develop my skills as a luthier and have now grown into a small batch guitar production company, located 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago. Thanks for stopping by!

The Penguin Story

Your instrument is an expression of you. I understand that the way it feels in your hands, is what matters most. The instrument must allow you to express yourself in your unique way. Our attention to the individuality of each player we serve is what makes us unique.

When you commission a build from Penguin Guitar Co. you get more than a guitar. You get an experience. You participate in every step along the way, with regular commentary, touchpoints, and pictures.

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

I haven’t played my guitar in almost 50 years. Ed did a fantastic job cleaning, polishing, and restringing my Yamaha Acoustic. I’m excited to start the relearning process!

Pam Krasinski

I'm very picky with the work that is done to my guitars. Eds attention to detail is amazing. As a touring artist, I have a lot of guitars that go in and out of this shop and I 100% recommend using PGC as your go to. Quick turn around and lowest prices in Chicagoland.

Kenny Potilechio - Run Forrest Run, PBJ, Touring Artist

★★★★★

The setup work on my guitar was exceptional, bringing it back to life. I was about to sell this guitar because I hated the way it played, and now it is one of my favorites. Shortly thereafter I commissioned a custom semi-hollow Tele that Ed built (Lime Green Tele). Highly recommended!

★★★★★

Bill "Billion" Nicholson

a man standing in front of a microphone on a stage

As a touring musician, custom work is not something I take lightly. I am player, not a collector. I need my tools to be stage/studio ready at a moments notice.

After a few trusted recommendations, Penguin Guitars transformed my PRS Silver Sky into a lean-mean shred machine that could handle the abuse of the road (about 400 shows worth) and deliver on everything from Jazz to Hard Rock. Finally this guitar I've had feels like my own.

Larry Anthony - DISNEY, Thomas Nicholas Band, & Mark Rose

★★★★★

Ed made me a bass guitar about a year and a half ago now. It was such a fun and rewarding experience to collaborate with him to make my dream bass come to life! It’s a beautiful, incredibly well-crafted instrument. I get compliments on it all the time!

Cate Winsor - Bass, Violin

★★★★★

Ed is the most helpful and understanding Luthier I have ever met. The work he performed on my guitars was amazing. Ed gave my Taylor 214-CE the highest quality of intonation that I have ever experienced and his work on my Gibson 335-ESDP restored it to a joy to play. All my guitars stay in tune like never before. He has all my future business.

★★★★★

Mark Lil

Contact Us Today

Reach out to us today to discuss custom instruments, upgrades, or repairs. We're here to help make your dream guitar a reality!

We are available to discuss your project via phone, video, or e-mail. Whatever you prefer, works just fine for us.

Inquiries

Support

info@penguinguitarco.com

ed@penguinguitarco.com

In Person Drop off

Visit us for expert guitar repairs and custom builds tailored to your dreams.

Location

553 Carriage Way, South Elgin, IL

Hours

By Appointment Only
Drop-off and Pickup - Saturday and Sunday 10am -12pm