Featured: Sadowsky LS13 Koa/Spruce Broadway, 2019
"When I opened the Sadowsky Broadway's cool case, the guitar nerd in me knew I was about to dig into something extraordinary. First, it came from Roger Sadowsky, who doesn't need any introduction. I mean, come on now, this man's client list of "who's who" is the envy of any luthier on the planet.
"And so here I am, face to face with his latest and maybe most realized electric guitar build. Despite our years of friendship and his continued and unceasing dedication to his craftsmanship, I wasn't prepared for how stunning a riff on an S-style could be. The exquisite woods, finish, and design oozed the highest level of craft and inspiration...'" - Craig
Featured: James Tyler Tylerbastar Aged White
"James Tyler is legendary for the unique finishes that have made him famous, but they wouldn't mean anything if they weren't great guitars at their heart. That's why they've been the instrument of choice for so many legendary musicians. While he may be best known for his S-style guitars, he also crafts superb T-style guitars. Case in point: this lovely brand-new Tylerbastar. It's steeped in the early '60s Tele mojo - lightweight alder body and slab rosewood fingerboard, but with all the added Tyler magic, this beauty is exquisitely playable.
"The matched Tyler pickups are dynamic and give you all the traditional T sounds. Plus, there's the bonus of a mid boost and push/pull bypass tone pot that, when engaged, adds girth and power to an already spectacular Tele tone...'" - Craig
Featured: Stephen Marchione OMC African Ebony, 2017
"Stephen Marchione is a luthier in the truest sense of the word. What I mean by that is that he makes exceptional stringed instruments across the spectrum - archtops, solid-body electrics, semi-hollow electrics, flamenco and classical guitars, steel strings, and violins.
"That's why I am thrilled to have one of his stunning acoustics in the shop, the Marchione OMC. Stephen says that it's the synthesis of more than 25 years of professional guitar making, and it is. But I think there's more to it than simply years of experience. He profoundly understands the traditions of guitar making and, at the same time, has the skill and insight from his across-the-spectrum experience to add innovation if the instrument can be made better for it...'" - 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: James Tyler Studio Elite-P, Birdseye Maple
"I don't know how Jim Tyler does it. It's hard for me to understand how he makes one exceptional guitar after another, yet each has its own unique personality and heart. The opposite of CNC sameness, yours for the playing.
"This Studio Elite HD-P is finished in a warm and righteous tobacco sunburst that adds a touch of vintage vibe to this beauty. It's one of my favorite Tyler classic vintage finishes. The birdseye maple neck is stunning and has that renowned Tyler feel that Tyler lovers are addicted to...'" - Craig
Featured: 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. And I mean perfect in every way. It is rare to find a single piece of wood perfect enough to be carved into a complete guitar.
"It's a stunning piece of work. Poplar is an excellent tonewood, particularly when torrefied, giving it additional stability and a sweet vintage tone. There is no compromise to its resonance because of any glue joints. Why? Because it doesn't have any. Other than the ebony fingerboard, this exceptional guitar is crafted from one beautiful, superbly carved, and finished singular piece of wood...'" - Craig
Featured: Jason Kostal MDW Cocobolo, 2020
"Jason Kostal is one of the finest builders of acoustic guitars in this golden age of lutherie. What sets Jason's guitars apart is the fact he has been a player and collector for years. Those two experiences molded his opinions of what a guitar is and what it could become. Every "brush stroke" on his guitars is there for a well-thought-out reason.
"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. From the richly figured old-growth cocobolo back and sides to the exquisite German spruce top, all the woods were chosen from Jason's best-of-the-best tone wood stash. Everything has meaning here in this 12-fret wonder...'" - Craig
News:
Next 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.
...Read MoreRadack, 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
...Read MoreFriends 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...
...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 MoreRecent Arrivals:
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...
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...
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...
Asher Electro Sonic A+ Koa Top, 2022
Inspired by Bill Asher's own lap steel model, his Electro Sonic guitar is designed for both bottle-neck players and any guitarist looking for fat tone and great sustain...
Briggs Reserve Stock Apollo
In addition to it being absolutely stunning, this Briggs goes well beyond eye candy here. The Apollo is a fantastic player's guitar. The '59 neck profile is medium/full with just the right amount of shoulder...
Sam Guidry OO Brazilian/European Spruce
While it is a OO body, the sound of this guitar is bigger than you'd expect from a smaller instrument. This beauty covers all sonic territory, rich and full with robust deep bass, articulate mids, and exceptional highs...
Ibanez JSM20TH John Scofield Signature, 2021
Based on Scofield's original JSM model, this semi-hollow JSM20TH celebrates the pair's partnership in style with a series of sleek finishes and appointments...
McKay ‘64 Cherry Block Mark 335
The McKay '64 Cherry Block Mark 335 is a recreation of the classic semi-hollow guitar built with deep attention and skill to maintain all the magic and mojo of that golden era of guitar building...
Rick Toone Goshawk, 2022
This Goshawk is a superb Rick Toone creation. Like all of his guitars, it reflects a very particular point of view, one that was developed via close conversations with players. It's a great guitar...
Suhr Aura Tea Burst #88 of 100, 2021
it is no surprise that Suhr's 20th anniversary Aura is such a well-executed and refined ‘burst-style guitar. Everything about this build is top-notch...
Galloup Borealis, 2005
Our current offering, a beautiful 2005 Galloup Borealis model, is an elegant and sophisticated guitar, expressively built with only the finest woods and artistry. From the rare "tree-flamed mahogany" to the Laskin-inspired arm bevel, this is a player's dream...
Rob Radack Hemi Semi-Hollow
Drawing inspiration from his fascination with short-scale and smaller body guitars, Rob made a short-scale instrument that was fully realized, a complete instrument, a guitar that a player would pick up and fall in love with before they even realized it was a short scale...