Some guitars take the term “hot rod” to another level. These all-mahogany, 25 1/2”-scale, flame-embroiled GMP models “came pretty much hot-rodded,” according to owner Jimmy Steiger. “The only thing I had to change were the pickups, which were upgraded to better Seymour Duncan pickups more to my liking.” The necks are bound with ebony fretboards featuring real abalone inlays. All the bridges and stop tailpieces are TonePros and the tuners are Sperzel custom locking tuners.

Throughout the year we collect stories and photos of guitar-mod projects created by you, our beloved readers. Some of these guitars are so inspiring we’re compelled to share them with everyone in this annual Hot Rod issue. As always, you don’t disappoint. And by using fetching racecar flame designs, several readers even revealed their devotion to the original “hot rod” culture!

We couldn’t fit all of your mod submissions here, but look for more stories in our “Hot-Rod Gallery – Reader’s Edition” online next month.