Featured: Raymond Kraut Mod-D African Blackwood
"I think Ray captures beautifully the thought that he puts into his instruments. And he captures the instrument's qualities perfectly. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of playing one of Ray's instruments, let me give you some perspective:
"To me this guitar is a modern sounding flattop that is truly inspiring to play. Ray's Modified Dreadnought is wonderfully articulate and even in tone with a rich and powerful quality to its bass note. It keeps its character throughout the whole playing range. I love that about this instrument. It's a Kraut Modified Dreadnought from top to bottom..." - Craig
Featured: Stephen Marchione MK1 LTD Preowned 2018
"This guitar is taking a second turn through our shop, straight out of a collection, and is in the same condition as when it originally left the shop in 2018. Below is the original write-up for this guitar.
"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.'
"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
Featured: Bourgeois OM Banjo Killer Preowned 2017
"Our latest acoustic offering is a highly customized 2017 Dana Bourgeois OM with Dana's "Banjo Killer" bracing. Usually offered on the Slope D model, the BK bracing adds extra cutting power to the overall guitar tone. Designed to be heard when playing in a jam session the BK bracing allows the smaller body OM to "go to 11.
"The woods used on this beauty are just spectacular. Striking bear claw Adirondack spruce paired with highly figured mahogany - one of my very favorite wood combinations. Even the ebony fingerboard and bridge have an interesting depth to them. The condition is near mint. The craftsmanship is exceptional, tight and right with every angle of the guitar artfully done. This is truly an impressive guitar in every way with virtually no signs of playing wear. Loud and proud with the clear transparent voice of mahogany and spruce, this is one fine guitar..." - Craig
Featured: Nico Moffa Americana “New Model”
"Straight from the skilled hands of Nico Moffa, I'm pleased to offer his very latest model archtop - the Americana. According to the builder, its sound is inspired by the historic American guitars which were the backbone of classic electric jazz guitar.
"But, as with many talented artists, Nico wanted to put his spin on the model and revise it in "Moffa" style. Nico has a way of drawing the most guitar-ness out of his materials and design, resulting in a stunning and modern looking handmade jazz box that is eager to be played..." - Craig
Featured: Collings I30LC Deluxe Aged Black/Cherry
"I love a good story. One of the reasons I've owned so many vintage guitars over the years is the story they have to tell. A story that's imbued in the wood in every ding, dent or wear mark. It's also why I love bespoke guitars. They have a story, too. They're part of the luthier's soul, his or her past, present and future; an extension of their history and craft.
"I know from first hand knowledge how much research and care have gone into producing the I30LC. 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..." - Craig
News:
Behind The Scenes At CR
At CR Guitars there is quite a lot of activity that happens behind the scenes, activity (guitars) that you, our Internet viewers, never get to see. That's not say that what's on our site isn't our best stuff; it is, but it doesn't represent everything. You see, part of our 'hand selected' ethic means serving many customers directly, and that means many guitars get ordered directly through us and never make it to our website...
...Read More
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...
...Read More
Tao Guitars; Engineering Prowess, Cultural Finesse
We have been fortunate to obtain a few Tao Guitars over the last few months and honestly, we're completely blown away. From their automotive-inspired body carving/shaping to their unique finishes to their impeccable build quality these are instruments that truly stand out. When you examine the myriad of small details that make these instruments what they are you get it; these are guitars built by consummate designers with an engineer's edge. Every aspect has been considered and deeply designed. Designed for tone, designed for ergonomics, designed for visual impact. Tao guitars are created by true artisans. You simply HAVE TO check them out.
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 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:
Bourgeois OM Banjo Killer Preowned 2017
Our latest acoustic offering is a highly customized 2017 Dana Bourgeois OM with Dana's "Banjo Killer" bracing. Usually offered on the Slope D model, the BK bracing adds extra cutting power to the overall guitar tone...
Collings CJ35 Vintage Inspired, 2014
This guitar's sound is deeply resonant and highly articulate with a vintage-like clarity. The German spruce top is enhanced with a deep rich sunburst finish of nitrocellulose lacquer. Like all Collings the fit and finish are of the highest level...
Collings 290 Custom
The tone just bleeds out of this guitar, with clarity and a voice that is just alive. This is yet another example of Collings taking a beloved historical instrument, capturing the essence of what we love, and making it available to us with incredible playability, stability and a beautiful finish...
Tommy Rodriguez Jr. Esquire
Tommy Rodriguez is one very talented builder. Well known in the classical guitar building world, he has recently upped his visibility as a maker of electric guitars. Tommy has deep skills and it really shows in this current offering, the Jr. Esq...
Triggs Custom New Yorker Preowned, 2013
Jim Triggs is one of the few builders who really carries on the D'Angelico tradition; one look at the headstock and you'll see the continuity. This particular instrument is a 2013 custom 16" D’Angelico-style New Yorker, with a touch of classic Gibson L-5 CES added with its built-in, rather than floating pickup...
Daniel Slaman Pauletta, Amber
Daniel Slaman's new solid body electric model, the Pauletta, is a wonderfully bold statement; there are no punches pulled here. Slaman set out to create a richly resonant electric that was feedback resistant, woody sounding, and inspiring to play...
Slaman Old School Dome Custodian
The Old School Dome offers an archtop player a comfortable way to step into the nylon world without giving up playability. As a "Custodian" guitar it was crafted with rare woods that Daniel has been collecting from around the world; an added beauty to an already sublime instrument...
Sadowsky LS-15
Based on Sadowsky's well-known and loved SS-15 model, the LS15 offers a longer scale (25 1/2"), two PAF style pickups and 16 frets to the body. Like the SS-15 the 1 3/4" body depth makes this a very comfortable archtop to navigate...
Sadowsky LS-17
Roger has added another dimension to the LS-17. The 17" body, the 25 1/2" scale, and PAF pickup were all designed to satisfy players who are used to a more traditional archtop, but all the particulars were designed in such a way that the player could become one with their instrument.
Sadowsky Semi-Hollow
Roger designed the semi hollow for players who want a small bodied guitar that has the warmth and voice of a hollow body, but is resistant to feedback so you can rip it up with overdrive if you want to. It is a player's dream...
Sadowsky SS-15
This 2019 Sadowsky SS-15 is brand new and a real winner. The body size is perfect for travel and the sound is sweet, clear and immediate. Its neck shape is a medium C with the right amount of taper...
Lowden Wee Lowden Jazz (WL-35 GR/AS)
New for 2019, the Wee Lowden Jazz is an exciting and inspired addition to George Lowden's very popular WL model guitars. It's remarkably comfortable to play with an alive and warm tone. The neck carve is superb, something that should appeal to any flat top or electric player...
Benedetto Custom 7 String Archtop
This current offering was one of those special Stroudsburg era guitars and was created for a wonderful professional guitarist. What makes this particular 7 string so special is that it is a duplicate of the one that Bob made for none other than the great Bucky Pizzarelli...
Gretsch G6192 ‘53 Electromatic II Relic
This very special guitar is about as good a Gretsch as you could ever play. Built in 2014, this very rare model came into being as a tribute to the great, and severely overlooked jazz guitarist Billy Bean...
Sugita Kenji Carrera 00
At just 3.7 lbs this Carrera is a pure joy to hold. With all of this guitar's stellar attributes, what stands out is the tone. What amazing tone! The sweetness of a vintage 00 Martin but with the focus and clarity of a modern bespoke guitar...
TLL Marvin
The Marvin is an exquisitely made instrument with careful attention paid to all the things important in a well-made bespoke guitar. The fit and finish, the binding and inlay work are all top notch. The fret work is up there with all the fine builders represented at CR Guitars...
Rick Toone Spearfish Prototype
Rick Toone offers instruments that are head turning works of art, yet wonderfully playable. This Spearfish is the very first ever Spearfish and is absolutely unique. It serves as both prototype and as a new (pivotal) evolution of design thinking.
