Featured: Collings I35 LC Vintage Blonde
"Collings has upped their game with their new I35 LC Vintage model guitar. That's not an easy task when the company already has some of the finest ES style semi-hollows on the market. Immersed in the culture of quality and inspiration that drove Bill Collings, they strive to draw from the very best in every Collings guitar. If there is magic to be found, they leave no stone unturned in their search. So it's no real surprise to me that after playing this new model, I can honestly say that I'm impressed. And I mean truly impressed. Besides being a joy to play (impeccable workmanship) and hold (ergonomic and light weight), the sound captures the tone of a fine vintage guitar. The builders found a way to capture that throaty, dry, woody, articulate vintage sonic palette right out of the box. No years of waiting. To top off the experience they tweaked their neck profile, warmly aged the finish and hardware to elevate the whole vintage vibe. Sporting this "one off" custom walnut finish, the I35LC Vintage is a guitar destined to be a classic..." - Craig
Featured: Yanuziello Curly Koa Deluxe Electric, 2022
"Joe Yanuziello is a luthier based in Canada who was interested in other styles beyond a few iconic designs. His particular love for vintage Danelectro and Harmony instruments has led him to create one of the most sought-after instruments in the boutique electric guitar market.
This preowned 2022 Curly Koa Deluxe beauty is exquisite with a musical heart that is woody and rich with character. Like all Yanuziello electrics, it has a singularly unique sound that you hear even when playing the simplest notes. It's alive and invites the player to find their voice rather than dictate any particular style. Playing a single chord on a Yanuziello fills a lot of space beautifully..." - Craig
Featured: John Zeidler T-Style, 1982
"John Zeidler was one of the finest luthiers I have known. His artistic skill and profound talents set him apart from many of his peers; his natural abilities and work ethic were extraordinary - John was a brilliant guitar maker!
"Besides his being a profoundly gifted talent, I was fortunate to call him a friend. A fellow Philadelphian, I spent much time at his shop and various guitar shows over the years. In the '90s, I commissioned John to build me one of his fine archtops, and it turned out to be an absolute work of art. Unfortunately, John passed away at a relatively young age leaving quite a hole in the "what could have been" category. His instruments (archtops, acoustics, mandolins) rarely hit the marketplace and are highly valued by those who play them (ask jazz great Peter Bernstein). That's why I am so delighted to be able to offer this 1982 T- style guitar commissioned by studio guitarist Alan Slutsky..." - Craig
Featured: Moffa Dark Lorraine, 2017
"Straight out of a collection I present a 2017 Nico Moffa Dark Lorraine. Other than a few binding dings and pick scratches this beauty is in excellent condition. It plays as nice as it it did when it first left the shop. Below is my original write up:
"Nico Moffa is a true master. He comes from an old-world master craftsman background, working in a country with perhaps the richest tradition of stringed instrument making in the world. In his dedication to getting the utmost from his creations, he makes his own pickups, and mixes his own finishes to both optimize the beauty of the instrument, while not smothering the tone of the guitar. Yet that dedication to craftsmanship and tradition doesn't mean he gives up anything to modern playability and innovation. I don't think you'd need any more proof than this splendid Dark Lorraine. It's an ideal semi hollow model, poised perfectly between acoustic and electric..." - Craig
Featured: John Buscarino Tree Of Life
"The first thing that will draw you to this fantastic archtop guitar is its inspired beauty and artistry. Luthier John Buscarino and inlay artist Larry Robinson tap into their remarkable skills to create this one-of-a-kind Tree of Life guitar. This instrument is a dedication to excellence. It's a true masterpiece, from the otherworldly wood selection to the wood carving to the immaculate and inspired inlay. The level of craftsmanship on this beauty is remarkable, but beyond that, it is simply a great guitar to play.
"John adds his magic formula to build a guitar that invites the player in; one that beckons to be played - acoustically or plugged in. The immaculately carved neck is perfectly profiled. The tone is sweet, rich and warm, and wonderfully resonant. The hand-carved oak leaf side port enhances the acoustic experience. John Buscarino is one of our finest luthiers, and this Tree of Life guitar is a culmination of his skills as a builder of fine guitars..." - Craig
Featured: Moffa Acoustic Mithra, 2018
"The condition on this Mithra is excellent, with a few minor inconsequential dings on the body, mostly visible under direct light. None of them breaks through the wonderfully rich violin burst, hand-rubbed finish. The neck is as clean as when I first opened the case. The playability and tone are terrific; this is a serious professional instrument with no extraneous or unnecessary frills. Everything here counts and was meticulously thought out, from the seductive medium C neck profile to the hand-wound pickup that Moffa sets on the top. Nothing fights you; every angle is purposeful and comes together in one brilliant 14 3/4" archtop guitar. Well done, Nico Moffa!..." - Craig
Featured: Pat Martino’s Pat Martino Gibson Signature
"Pat Martino is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of the twentieth century. His musical gifts were undeniable. Fortunately for me, Domenic Mancini, the bass player in my father's band, grew up next door to Pat. There was my connection, and before I knew it, I was sitting in Pat's living room taking my first of many lessons. Being in his musical presence was inspiring, powerful, and humbling.
"Gibson Pat Martino guitars are rare in and of themselves. The fact that Pat originally owned this one makes it an incredible opportunity for some fortunate player or collector. This 1998 Pat Martino Signature model was most likely made for Pat before the official production run began in 1999. It's the early standard model with a beautiful black nitro finish. The neck profile is a custom medium C with a compound radius – very comfy! The body is semi-hollow carved out of a single piece of mahogany..." - Craig
Featured: Moffa Anthea, 2015
"This Moffa Anthea was initially built in 2015 and has found its way back home on a trade-in from the original owner. The guitar has been well-cared-for and is in excellent condition; no issues here. And I have to say it is both a deep pleasure to see it again and a fortunate occurrence for anyone looking for one of these rare beauties.
The Anthea represents a new chapter in Moffa's singular journey to build highly individual instruments rooted in the iconic guitar designs of the past, but with updated modern appointments, incredible ergonomics, and refined aesthetics..." - Craig
Featured: Yanuziello Washi Paper Deluxe (#1 of 7)
"This new Yanuziello Washi has so many levels of greatness, it's difficult to know where to start. You're probably as thrilled as I am by the way it looks, so let me begin with how it excels as an instrument.
"I'm struck by its lively articulate sound and its impressive sustain. The pickups are terrific. They're Curtis Novak's take on the old Japanese Guyatone single coil pickups from the '60s. Combined with its 25 1/2" scale, I'm tempted to say the Washi sounds like a Tele on steroids, but that wouldn't give you a complete idea of their tonality and versatility. The pickups, combined with the 6.8 lb. solid yellow poplar body, give this beauty a sound that's all its own...'" - Craig
News:
Buscarino's Tree Of Life
The first thing that will draw you to this fantastic archtop guitar is its inspired beauty and artistry. Luthier John Buscarino and inlay artist Larry Robinson tap into their remarkable skills to create this one-of-a-kind Tree of Life guitar...
...Read MoreThe Creek Time Machine
The Time Machine we're referring to here is the Creek Time Machine Series, three "new vintage" acoustic guitars that are simply stunning. They are inspired by legenday acoustic guitars, but these are not just vintage replicas. They venture beyond that...
...Read MoreAn 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...
...Read MoreThe 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...
...Read MoreFriends 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 MoreFeatured Videos:
- CR Guitars Features: Collings I-35 LC Custom Faded Cherry
- CR Guitars Features: PRS Private Stock Archtop II with Piezo
- CR Guitars Features: Johan Gustavsson 59 Bluesmaster Limited
- CR Guitars: Unboxing Stephen Marchione Semi Hollow
- CR Guitars Features: Daniel Slaman Sisterhood #6
- James Tyler Psychedelic Vomit
- CR Guitars Features: Yanuziello “ala Frisell” Spruce Top (4K)
- CR Guitars Features: Raymond Kraut Modified Dreadnought
- CR Guitars Features: Lowden S35 WA/RC 2015
- Fryette Aether Amp Part 2 - In the Shop with David Torn
Recent Arrivals:
Creek CJFG 1957, Time Machine Series

Inspired by the legendary classic fretted instruments of the '40s and '50s, Creek has created some of the finest vintage style guitars available – without the stratospheric prices. They are light in weight, beautifully finished, and artfully aged by Japan's finest luthiers...
Creek CSJ 1959, Time Machine Series

Inspired by the legendary classic fretted instruments of the '40s and '50s, Creek has created some of the finest vintage style guitars available – without the stratospheric prices. They are light in weight, beautifully finished, and artfully aged by Japan's finest luthiers...
Creek CJEG ‘40s, Time Machine Series

Inspired by the legendary classic fretted instruments of the '40s and '50s, Creek has created some of the finest vintage style guitars available– without the stratospheric prices. They are light in weight, beautifully finished, and artfully aged by Japan's finest luthiers...
PRS Private Stock McCarty 594, 2017

This exceptional guitar is not ostentatious in any way, but rather has a refined aesthetic, and also succeeds in being visually exciting, the kind of guitar that gets your heart racing just looking at it. The now classic bird inlays are sophisticated yet simple, and you'll love the curly maple binding...
Joe Parker DMO Electric

Joe Parker's excellent DMO model guitar satisfies all sonic and esthetic expectations and more. He took a classic design platform and turned it into something more by adding an artfully crafted German carve to a beautifully grained swamp ash body...
Grit Laskin Classical Cutaway, 2017

Grit is a gifted luthier, best known for his beautiful and incredibly detailed inlay work. For proof of his lutherie skills, look no further than this guitar. It's superb by any measure. The rare (and nearly un-obtainable) African blackwood sides and back are deep, dark, and rich...
Monteleone Hot Club 1988

Monteleone chose a beautiful set of old-growth Brazilain for this exquisite build, as well as a stunning cross-silked alpine tyrolean red spruce top. The soundhole and cutaway are a nod to John's close relationship with Mario Macaferri...
Sadowsky Jim Hall, 2004

Sadowsky's Jim Hall model is a guitar that speaks perfection in every way, from the fit and finish, to its selection of woods, to its wonderful liquid jazz tones. It is a guitar designed for the working musician, yet it is entirely worthy of being in any elite guitar collection...
Marchione 20th Anniversary Classical, 2010

Crafted in 2010, this very special Marchione has matured like a fine wine, which has deepened its soulfulness. The artistry is superb, of course; it's a Marchione - and the playability is equally sublime...
Collings OM3 G SS Cut, 2018

The mission behind this guitar was to have a "CR Guitars" model Collings that would satisfy anyone's all around acoustic needs. That meant first and foremost it had so be a superb sounding instrument...
Mirko Borghino Miraggio 7

We currently have Mirko's Miraggio 7 model in the shop and are deeply impressed by this 7 string archtop. The craftsmanship is absolutely impeccable with a beautiful modern esthetic that even appeals to the traditionalist...
Theo Scharpach Vienna Joe, 2018

This is simply an exquisite guitar. It's built and finished with old-world craftsmanship of the highest order. Starting with Theo's exquisite and rare tonewoods. Whatever magic dust Theo adds to his build process is evident and appreciated. Everything here is so well thought out...
Park Little Rock 18

The Park Little Rock 18 has become a favorite. The LR18 combines a modified version of the preamp of a plexi 50 and the lower-powered, user changeable power amp of the Park Little Head...
Yanuziello Deco Lap Steel, 2014

Joe Yanuziello's Deco Lap Steel is one of the hippest looking instruments currently in the shop. It's overflowing with awesomeness. That's no surprise, it was built by the extraordinary luthier Joe Yanuziello. This instrument is stunning, fun, and sounds like a million bucks...
Lowden W35 Wee Lowden, 2016

The Wee Lowden is the first small bodied guitar in the Lowden catalog. The development of this guitar began nearly two years ago when Gary Lightbody contacted Lowden about building a guitar as a gift for Ed Sheeran, but George had been thinking about a small bodied guitar for years.
Victor Baker Model 18 Archtop, 2013

Not many builders have the courage to tackle the design and attitude of a classic 18". But here in the shop, right now, is a wonderful statement of wood, strings and magic by the fine builder Victor Baker. Though it is "big" it is actually lighter and more ergonomic that a Super 4...