Featured: Blue Arch Oldie Acoustic Archtop
"When my good friend and owner of CR Guitars, Craig Snyder, tells me to "Stop by the shop; I've got some cool guitars you need to check out," I hightail it over there. This particular sunny winter was archtop day—I had the great honor of playing several incredible and historic archtops from some legendary builders, including one guitar, the "Oldie" from a builder I hadn't known before, Krzysztof Trześniowski of Blue Arch Guitars. As I lifted Krzysztof's guitar from its case, I immediately noticed how alive it was. Simply grabbing the neck and placing the guitar on my lap produced vibrations that I could feel and hear. It was like handling a hand drum, like an Irish bodhrán. This guitar is exceptionally light and perfectly balanced. Then I played a few notes. I was not prepared for the experience that began to unfold. Its sound enveloped me as if I were in a small concert hall. It has what I like to call a "personal soundstage." It was fantastic. I looked at Craig, and he knew exactly how delighted I was....'" - Mark Dzubia
Featured: James Tyler Classic, Brazilian Fingerboard
"This Tyler features an amazingly beautiful Brazilian rosewood fingerboard that came from a noted luthier's private stash. It's just one of the things that make this an exceptional new Tyler, and it elevates the playing experience to "11" (as Nigel would say). The rest of the instrument is pure Tyler. And that's saying something.
"You're probably already familiar with alder bodies, so here's a little background on mamywo. It's not a common word in the Western world and is an acronym for "Malaysian mystery wood." While that may not sound enticing in print, it is in a guitar because it's light in weight (good!) and acoustically loud with great sustain (even better!). It's a perfect wood for electric solid bodies. Had we had a globally connected world back in the '50s, it might have been Leo Fender's first choice for Strats and Teles...'" - Craig
Featured: Moffa Coraline Semi-Hollow, 2018
"I'll admit that sometimes my visual preconceptions get in the way of fully appreciating a remarkable instrument. When I first saw the Coraline model, the guitar that came to mind was a two-pickup Gibson Howard Roberts. But it's not that. Nor a 175. It's its own thing. Nicco's instruments are like that. They turn your expectations upside down. Their finishes are reminiscent of old-school violins - as are the way the tops and bottoms are joined together. Yet while he has the chops and extensive knowledge to build traditional archtop designs, he doesn't limit himself. His guitars are meant to be played today, and as such must meet the demands of today's players...'" - Craig
Featured: Collings CJ45 T
"It's a beast! This Collings CJ 45 T has just blown my mind. Everything is dedicated to the joy of making music. It's a guitar you can't hide behind; it's an honest representation of you, the player--with no frilly, "reverby" overtones to cover you up. Put another way: it’s music in, music out. And it’s glorious music to boot.
"With its solid fundamentals, thick trebles, and balanced bass, this CJ45 T is the perfect acoustic to accompany a singer, for recording or just plain inspiration. This sunburst beauty is Collings' tip of the hat to pre-war Gibsons, and man, did they nail it...'" - Craig
Featured: 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. This LP is a non-aged, no-nonsense, lightweight, and acoustically resonant (8.3lbs) guitar that celebrates an iconic year in Gibson's long history. The original dealer hand-selected the maple top, which is stunning and really captures that old-school vibe. The V2 neck carve is righteous, not too thick and not too thin; very comfortable indeed. Its unpotted Custombucker pickups sound like…well, exactly the way you’d hope a Les Paul should sound...'" - Craig
Featured: Collings 03 Maple G 12-String
"I am a big fan of 12 string acoustic guitars. As a session player, I’ve relied on them when a track needed to be enhanced; they provide that extra sonic spice that can transform just-good-enough to great. For me, they’re an invaluable musical tool, whether they’re the glue that holds the rhythm section together or as a solo instrument (a la Leo Kotke). The tricky part is finding a worthy 12-string. It just isn't easy. The truth is that many elements must come together to make an excellent guitar. The perfect scale length, a comfortable neck carve, inspiring tonewoods, and body design all have to unite to create a great Instrument.
"It's no surprise that Collings has brought all those elements together; this maple body O3 12string is an absolute joy to experience and a treat to play. The sound is rich, warm, and focused without the boomy bottom end that accompanies many 12 strings; it's pretty impressive. The fit, finish, and playability shows Collings at their best. The woods (flamed maple/German spruce), the tortoise bindings, and the slotted headstock add an elegance to this killer guitar...'" - Craig
Featured: Scott Heatley Parisienne Mercedes Yellow
"This current offering is Heatley's Parisienne model, and it is a beauty! Scott nails it here with the rich and elegant quality of his work. Everywhere I look, this guitar has something that catches my eye - the handmade knobs, the elegant inlays, and a cool retro-style headstock that winks to the past. The finish is exquisite; a warm, buttery-looking Mercedes Yellow. I love it!
"I'm a big fan of Wolfstone P90s (they are Johan Gustavsson's go-to), and they kill in this Parisienne. And the sound is as exceptional as its beauty. Sonically it is smooth and balanced, woody and rich with an organic personality that can get nasty with a flip of the switch; it would pair well with just about any genre of music. This guitar's playability is righteous, with a beautiful '59 style neck profile and fine fretwork. Every aspect of this guitar has been thought out and executed in an inspired and masterful way...'" - Craig
News:
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...
...Read MoreBuscarino'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 MoreRecent Arrivals:
Maxmonte Thames OM, 2019

The Thames model is Max's modernized take on an OM-style instrument. Sonically it's full, rich, and balanced sounding, something to expect from a fine rosewood-body guitar. Still, it also has the open woody quality associated with mahogany acoustics...
Stephen Marchione Mahogany Vintage Tremolo

Stephen's store of highly selective materials inspired him to build this Vintage Tremolo guitar. It is crafted with tonewoods not typically seen on S-style guitars, designed to have its own inspiring sonic signature...
Santa Cruz 1929 OOO, 2013

If you are in the mood for an all-hog acoustic, don't let this outstanding Santa Cruz 1929 OOO pass you by; it's a beauty, an excellent sounding example of that elusive perfect marriage between modern playability and vintage mojo...
Otto D’Ambrosio Allegro Girasole, The Sunflower

Otto D'Ambrosio used this guitar as a presentation piece at guitar shows. It is his personal instrument, and it shows off the full range of his lutherie chops from sonics to inlay and metal work...
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...
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...
Ken Parker La Gioconda Archtop, 2015

Built in 2015, the Parker "La Gioconda" is a stellar example of Ken's superb work. Yes, it has the pianistic range of tone and playability of Parker's best work, but it is not an incremental improvement on existing archtop designs. It's totally its own thing...
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...