Featured: Theo Scharpach Vienna Joe

"This is why I love guitars. Every once in a while, I'm lucky enough to find magic in an instrument. A guitar where everything comes together and elevates it to another plane. 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.

"To me, the hallmark of a very fine instrument is when in the playing, the guitar seems to "dissolve" as a separate object and becomes just the conduit for creativity. Whatever magic dust Theo adds to his build process is evident and appreciated. Everything here is so well thought out. No small detail has been overlooked. A custom pickup and hardware sourced from Europe's finest craftsmen were selected for this particular Joe with the mission to realize this guitar's inner voice and mojo..." - Craig

Featured: Collings I30LC Aged Jet Black

"Because of the many preorders on the Collings I30LC model I haven't been able to keep one in the shop long enough to present it on our site. Finally, I do. I present to you Collings' newest electric model, the I30LC in an aged jet black finish.

"I know from first hand knowledge how much research and care have gone into producing this guitar. From its custom designed trapeze tailpiece tailored to provide just the right amount of string tension, to the perfect blend of lightweight laminate woods for the trestle braced body, everything and I mean everything is right and tight here.

"To me the tone is absolutely addictive. It can travel from jazzy warmth to a Grant Green style soulful funk, take a back road through country chicken pickin’ and cross the ocean into the world of '60s British invasion styles — as if there is some Rick in its DNA..." - Craig

Featured: Collings I30LC Aged Blonde

"I know from first hand knowledge how much research and care have gone into producing this guitar. From its custom designed trapeze tailpiece tailored to provide just the right amount of string tension, to the perfect blend of lightweight laminate woods for the trestle braced body, everything and I mean everything is right and tight here.

"To me the tone is absolutely addictive. It can travel from jazzy warmth to a Grant Green style soulful funk, take a back road through country chicken pickin’ and cross the ocean into the world of '60s British invasion styles — as if there is some Rick in its DNA.

"To be clear, the Collings I30LC isn’t a lighter take on Colllings' own remarkable I35LC. It is unquestionably its very own thing, its own recipe of guitar goodness that once again brings Collings to the forefront of electric guitar builders. For me it is their masterpiece..." - Craig

Featured: Joseph Yanuziello Cappuccino Cupcake

"Every once in a while, I get a guitar in that twists my head around, that I can't seem to put down; the damn thing just calls me from across the room and screams PLAY ME. I have one of those little devils right here in the shop; crafted from the otherworldly hands of none other than Joseph Yanuziello. (You should be familiar with Joe's work, but if you're not, check out some of my previous Yanuziello POVs).

"Originally conceived as a touring guitar for the brilliant and eclectic guitarist Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, Cassandra Wilson among others) the Cupcake was designed to be something that could be taken on a plane without a hassle then played in the studio or stage without missing a beat. Kevin's Cupcake turned out to be such a success that he found no need to carry another 6 string electric on a gig. In other words: call Kevin and he shows up with the Yaz Cupcake, plays awesome, sounds great, no travel hassle and everybody's happy. When Joe told me about his new creation I just had to order one for the shop in this yummy and wonderful cappucino finish..." - Craig

Featured: Stephen Marchione MK1 Modern

"Let me get right to the point. All boutique carved top S- style guitars, even those built by some of our finest luthiers, are not created equal. In my opinion, hands down, Stephen Marchione builds the most seductive, meticulous and wondrous carved top Strat style in his MK1 (Mark Knopfler 1) model. His wood choices, his craftsmanship, his experience, and his authority in regards to this model are second to none. He leaves nothing to chance: The way he does his amazing tight binding, his wiring and electronic components, his extremely fine fret work, his all hide glue construction. He dots every i and crosses every t. His brand new MK1 Modern edition elevates the MK1 to a new height.

"In the MK1 Modern, Stephen has planted his flag deep within the boutique S-style world. If you are looking for a guitar that bubbles with its own unique excellence yet has one foot in the familiar this offering is definitely worth checking out..." - Craig

Featured: Stephen Marchione MK1 LTD

"According to Stephen Marchione: 'What distinguishes this new MK-1 from other similar models is the meticulous research into all of Mark's guitars' unique specs that are significantly different from other carve-top electrics. Starting with the unique outline of the body, followed by the incredibly ergonomic geometry and lovely hand carved top, this model has a magical quality that pleases the eye, ear and heart. When playing the guitar, the absolute stability and resonance of the instrument are immediately apparent.'

"I would simply add this: the carving of the top is totally hand done (you can sense the builder's soul here). The binding work is so precise, remarkably tight and right, as good as I have ever seen on any guitar by any builder. The nitro finish is deep and rich and is the perfect enhancement to the remarkable woods. This MK1 plays like butter with tolerances so exact that one could drop the action extremely low with no buzzing. This is without a doubt Stephen's Ferrari of electric guitars, the very top of his line and a guitar that - because of the time and precision it takes to craft - is only available in very limited numbers. Resonant, rich in tone, exquisitely built and an extremely fine player, this MK1 is just a thrill to have in the shop. Well done Mr. Marchione!..." - Craig