Novax Guitars is a custom guitar and bass builder founded in 1989 by luthier Ralph Novak, based in Eugene, Oregon. The company is best known as the originator of the Fanned-Fret multi-scale fretboard, a design Novak patented (U.S. Patent #4,852,450) that uses different scale lengths across the strings of a single instrument to balance string tension and tonal response — combining the warm trebles of shorter scales with the piano-like low end of longer scales.

Novax instruments are largely built to order. The company's catalog has centered on the Annie, a 6-string fanned-fret guitar introduced for the brand's 25th anniversary, and the Charlie Hunter 8-String, a hybrid bass/guitar developed in collaboration with jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter. Earlier work also included the AX semi-hollow line and a range of fanned-fret 4- and 5-string basses. Many custom Novax builds combine the multi-scale neck with hand-wound or boutique pickups and ergonomic body shapes.

The brand is closely associated with Charlie Hunter, who has played the 8-string model extensively, and has been used by players including blues guitarist Joe Louis Walker, jazz guitarist Don Latarski, and 17-string Guitarp player Phil deGruy. The fanned-fret concept itself, originated by Novak, has since been licensed and adopted by numerous other guitar makers across the extended-range and metal scenes.

Novax has 4 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars and Extended Range Guitars. Their gear is featured by 4 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Jazz, and Funk / Soul. Notable users include John Mayer, Mike Mushok, and Charlie Hunter.