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I will tell you that even very high-dollar guitars, which are assembled by hand, very often have automation used in cutting components - some even tout that aspect of the guitar.

I know that both Taylor and Larrivée use CNC machines to cut their blanks for their necks. I saw it first hand at Larrivée's facility in Oxnard, CA and Jean Larrivée told me that he bought the equipment after Bob Taylor showed him the technology.

There's a boutique maker in Michigan called Charis Guitars, which uses CNC to cut out all flat stock (top, back, sides) and probably more than that. Bragged about it on their site many years ago. Read Page 63 of this .pdf (warning - looking at these beautiful guitars may cause serious Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, or GAS. You have been warned) http://www.charisacoustic.com/images/CA-PORTFOLIO_BROCH_FINAL.pdf

Simply stunning instruments, made possible with both CNC type of technology and traditional craftsmanship.

Hand Crafted is always going to be at play with guitars. None, that I know of, involve a completely automated manufacturing process. You could say the same about automobiles.

-Scott

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