Featured: Gibson Wes Montgomery L5 Archtop, 1998
"As I age alongside beautiful instruments, I find myself increasingly drawn to guitars that connect me to my heroes. And when it comes to jazz guitar, Wes Montgomery sits right at the top of that heap. Playing this L5, I can't help but feel a connection to that legacy of incredible musicianship. It just makes me smile. Something special happens when you pick up a guitar like this - it's that perfect mix of elegance and pure tonal power. I love how the 17-inch carved body feels against you, and how these premium woods work together is magical. Every note rings clear and true, just like a great archtop should...'" - Craig
Featured: James Olson SJ Preowned, 2001
"Even though he is one of the most famous bespoke acoustic guitar builders working today, Jim is humble. He works alone, crafting absolute gems for a select few outstanding players who could play any guitar they wanted to but who choose not just to own but to play Olsen's masterful instruments: James Taylor, David Crosby, Sting, Leo Kottke, Paul McCartney, Graham Nash - the list goes on and on.
"For good reason. Few luthiers build a guitar that is as user-friendly as an Olson. Fantastic fit and finish, legendary tonal quality, and Jim's super comfy neck make this Olson a guitar that James Taylor would love. Our current Olson SJ offering was built in 2001 and has been part of a curated collection of guitars. It has been well taken care of and is in near-mint condition...'" - Craig
Featured: Martin 1953 D-28 Adirondack
"The fact that this is one of only 675 D-28s produced in 1953, combined with its rare red spruce top — a wood choice that harkens back to Martin's pre-war golden era, makes it an especially desirable example. It delivers that legendary Martin D-28 sound – powerful, rich, and incredibly dynamic, the kind of mature tone that only 70 years of aging can produce.
"This was part of a limited run where Martin used this premium Adirondack red spruce instead of their standard Sitka, making this instrument particularly noteworthy for collectors and players alike..." - Craig
Featured: James Tyler Dann Huff Original Classic
"This Dann Huff Original Classic is more than just a remarkable piece of guitar history - it's a testament to why Jim Tyler's instruments have been the choice of so many legendary musicians. Rich Renken, Jim's longtime collaborator and now general manager of Tyler guitars, spearheaded the creation of this latest model alongside Dann Huff himself, bringing the same sensibilities that drove James Tyler to create such amazing instruments. This meticulous recreation of Dann's legendary modded '64 that helped shape the sound of countless hit records shows that commitment to excellence. The attention to detail in capturing every nuance of Dann's original guitar is simply extraordinary..." - Craig
Featured: Sadowsky LS-13 Broadway
"When I opened Sadowsky's LS-13s case, I knew I was in for something special. Roger Sadowsky's reputation in the guitar world is well-established, with an impressive client list to back it up. Face to face with his latest electric guitar build, I was impressed by his take on the S-style design. The flame maple chambered body with its transparent black finish, paired with a maple neck and morado fingerboard, clearly demonstrated high-level craftsmanship and attention to detail..." - Craig
Featured: Michi Matsuda 7 String Acoustic, 2012
"The 2012 Michi Matsuda 7 string acoustic is a remarkable instrument that showcases Michi Matsuda's exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design skills. This special-order guitar combines traditional elements with modern features, creating a unique and inspiring instrument.
"The M1 body shape’s cutaway offers excellent playability, while the 7-string configuration with a low B significantly expands its tonal range. The fanned fret design (25 1/4" to 26 1/4" scale) optimizes string tension and intonation across all strings..." - Craig
Featured: Kraut OMC Nouveau
"Something remarkable happened when Ray Kraut created this fabulous guitar - in the way it looks (which you can see in the photos) and its stunning sound. Ray has stepped up and created a next-level build for me, a modern OMC monster of a guitar. This beauty is a guitar that enhances whatever you play without limits. Strum like a madman, and it will erupt with every strike. Brush with your fingers, and she'll whisper in your ear. Sonically, it's a 3-D experience. The unique and elegant sound port surrounds the player with an honest and woody tonal mist..." - Craig
News:
Pinnacle Level Acoustics
Currently, we have an absolutely stunning array of acoustics that any acoustic guitar enthusiast would love to experience. At CR Guitars we are known for our careful selection process and this certainly applies to acoustic guitars. From meticulous hand crafted appointments to tone-that-stops-time we are constantly amazed at the incredible level of workmanship and innovation being produced, particularly in the acoustic realm. The phrase golden age of lutherie can perhaps sound hyperbolic, but when you step inside our shop or our website that term applies in full force.
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Fender Diamond Collection Now Available
An alert from CR Guitars owner Craig Snyder:
"A very special collection of Fender guitars is up for sale at the Music Gallery (musicgalleryinc.com). The Music Gallery is owned by my good friend Frank Glionna. I've known Frank for many years, even before I opened CR Guitars, and he is the guy I've always turned to when I need a guitar with an "F" on the headstock. He is also a Fender Diamond Dealer and gets the very best of the best. I don't usually tout other shops in news entries, but this Diamond Collection is so special that I felt it worthy of a special mention and a heads up for any interested parties..."
Radack, Master of Design
"Every once in a while, I come across a guitar that is a complete thought, meaning it's on the money right out of the gate. It's not a replica of an existing design, not a guitar built as a builder's conceit or a craftsman's whim. Instead, it's an instrument drawn from a store of knowledge from the builder's skill and player feedback. Add into that mix an inspired design, a sense that there is a niche to fill, and the desire to serve it, and you have the ingredients for something special And then, you hope it all works. Straight to the point, Radack guitars work. Beautifully... - Craig
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Friends of CR Guitars: Adam Levy
Adam Levy is widely respected as a "musician’s musician" — with many featured turns to his credit. His memorable solos on Norah Jones' album Come Away with Me are shining examples of his handiwork. His bluesy lines on Tracy Chapman's hit "Give Me One Reason" tell a juicy story, with not a single note wasted. He's a nuanced accompanist as well, as can be heard on Allen Toussaint's recording of "American Tune." He's also featured on recordings by Vulfpeck, Anaïs Mitchell (composer of Hadestown), Meshell Ndegeocello, Ani DiFranco, and Amos Lee...
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An Introduction To Scott Heatley
Heatley Guitars was founded in 1997 with a very humble loan and a tiny shop. From the beginning the idea was to build high quality guitars in small numbers and it remains that way to this day. The output is kept limited to ensure the quality stays high...
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The Yanuziello Milano Series - Interview w/ Joe
Like every artist Joe Yanuziello is always looking for new territory to conquer, the next mountain to climb. Enter the first in a 10 piece Limited Edition Series called the Milano, what Joe considers his next level instrument. It's that great. So great we decided to interview Joe for a feature on his new Milano Series. Joe's insatiable curiosity has taken him off the beaten path to a line of unique guitars that harken back to the European electrics of the early '60s, particularly Italian makers, that over the years have become quite collectible in the vintage market. Read on to find out about the truly remarkable Milano Series...
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Friends of CR Guitars: Jostein Gulbrandsen
Jostein Gulbrandsen, who has done many product videos for CR Guitars and is a longtime friend of CR Guitars owner Craig Snyder is originally from Norway. Since 2001 he has been based in New York where he received his master's degree in jazz guitar from the Manhattan School of Music in 2003. Gulbrandsen has played at Kongsberg Jazz Festival, Blue Note, Birdland, BB. Kings, Cornelia Street Cafe, Smalls, Smoke, Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center and many other places. He has toured in Norway and Scotland and also held master classes at Agder College of Music and Hobart and William Smith Colleges...
...Read MoreRecent Arrivals:
Canton Tim Miller Model, circa 2017
This Tim Miller signature model from Canton Custom Instruments is one of the most thoughtfully designed guitars of its type. The chambered roasted alder body with roasted curly maple top delivers both exceptional tonal response and remarkable player comfort...
Anderson T Model, 2008
This Anderson stands out even among its peers. At just 5.8 lbs, it's remarkably light, and the alder-on-alder body produces a wonderful woody resonance...
PRS McCarty 594 Artist Package, 2016
Whether you are looking for rich, authentic, vintage humbucking tones or nuanced, sweet single coil sounds, the McCarty 594 can seamlessly master both sonic territories thanks to the 58/15 LT pickups and push/pull coil taps on the tone controls...
Xotic XTC-2 Butterscotch Blonde
This XTC-2 hits all the right notes. The lightweight ash body and roasted master grade maple neck and fingerboard create that perfect blend of snap and sustain, while the Butterscotch Blonde finish and double bound body give it an elegance that turns heads...
Gagnon Composer Archtop, circa 2005
Currently in excellent plus condition with minimal playing wear, this exceptional archtop delivers both acoustically and amplified through its well-placed Kent Armstrong pickup. The warm, woody voice maintains pristine clarity across the entire range...
Waterloo WL-14X
The Waterloo shines through with exceptional note separation and a balanced, full-range voice. The bass response is rich and defined, the midrange has wonderful complexity, and the highs ring out with beautiful clarity and detail...
Martin 1953 D-28 Adirondack
What a thrill to have this exceptional 1953 Martin D-28 in the shop! The fact that this is one of only 675 D-28s produced in 1953, combined with its rare red spruce top — a wood choice that harkens back to Martin's pre-war golden era, makes it an especially desirable example...
Gibson Frank Zappa Roxy SG, 2013
Being one of only 400 produced, this guitar represents a piece of rock history that's been played and enjoyed. The genuine holly veneer (Gibson USA's first use since 1969) and grade-A mahogany body still deliver that distinctive tonal character that made Frank's original so special....
Michi Matsuda 7 String Acoustic, 2012
The 2012 Michi Matsuda 7 string acoustic is a remarkable instrument that showcases Michi Matsuda's exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design skills. This special-order guitar combines traditional elements with modern features...
D’Arcy Blake Custom 16 Archtop
Our current offering, the D'Arcy's Custom 16' model, is a testament to D'Arcy's extraordinary vision and craftsmanship. It proudly carries the lineage of D’Aquisto — Monteleone heritage, with its uniquely carved top, precise geometry, and pleasing aesthetics...
Stephen Marchione OMC African Ebony, 2017
Putting it together, this exceptional OMC is a beautiful sounding guitar, rich and spacious, with a woody midrange presence characteristic of Stephen's fine acoustics. Sonically, African ebony reminds of Brazilian rosewood with its rich and balanced presence...
James Olson SJ Preowned, 2001
Our current Olson SJ offering was built in 2001 and has been part of a curated collection of guitars. It has been well taken care of and is in near-mint condition. The SJ is the model that brought builder fame to Jim Olson...
Stephen Marchione Uni-Body Carve Top, 2018
Stephen's Uni-body guitar model is an extraordinary piece of guitar craftsmanship. It is not something that can be custom-ordered. The reason is that Marchione only builds this rare model when he finds a perfect piece of wood...
Gibson 60th Anniversary 1960 Standard, 2020
I am highly impressed with this 60th Anniversary Les Paul. I firmly believe that GIbsons are hard to beat when Gibson really puts its heart into it. (You know what I mean.) This minty example is that legendary company at the top of its game...
Jason Kostal MDW Cocobolo, 2020
This particular MDW is a stunning example of Jason's commitment to excellence and is an instrument that certainly would satisfy the yearning of both a player and a collector...
Steve Klein Custom Electric
We are fortunate to offer a unique electric built by the legendary luthier Steve Klein. This ergonomic headless wonder — serial number 029 — was custom-made for virtuosic guitarist Matte Henderson in 1990...
