Featured: Benedetto Custom Manhattan S1847, 2009
"I've known Robert Benedetto for many years, and have owned and enjoyed several of his superb instruments. Benedetto is one of the true masters of archtop guitar lutherie. In fact, he literally wrote the book on how to build an archtop guitar. His influence in the guitar world is wide, deep, and legendary among artists and builders alike. Countless great guitarists have played and loved his instruments. To many archtop aficionados, he's "the man." Icing on the cake is that he, along with his wife Cindy, are wonderful and caring human beings, always tuned into the needs and desires of their artists.
"I am so pleased to have this very special Custom Manhattan in the shop. It's not only off the charts beautiful, but it just might have one of the best acoustic sounds of any Benedetto I've ever played. That makes sense. Bob was deeply involved in building it. Bob did the lion's share of important work (like tap tuning) on this guitar...." - Craig
Featured: Ulrich Teuffel Niwa Prodigy, Preowned 2019
"Straight out of a collection this stunning Teuffel Niwa Prodigy is back in our shop in search of a new home. Excellent condition. The original write-up is below.
"Ulrich Teuffel deeply believes that a guitar's design should add to a player's creativity by not imposing a mindset on what a guitar "should" sound like, or predispose the player or audience to expect any particular style of music. While there are some who prefer more traditional designs, and those who adore Teuffel's instruments, both sides agree: there's no argument over his incredible craftsmanship and dedication to pure excellence. It's important to note that Teuffel's designs are created to a purpose - to be incredibly ergonomic - and to remove any barrier between the player and the creation of music. While the Niwa is well known among aficionados of Teuffel's work, this is a very special instrument. This particular Niwa Prodigy was crafted for, and featured at, the 2019 NAMM show. Stepping back from his typical matte finish, Ulrich has put the wood front and center..." - Craig
Featured: DeTemple Modern Jazz, Brazilian Top, Preowned
"Michael DeTemple has been known as an über bespoke builder for many years, applying his perfectionism to a number of well-known classic designs. He's known for selecting the lightest woods for his instruments and specifying his own, custom-made pickups and titanium parts.
"That perfectionism is part of the reason why I am truly delighted to have one of Michael DeTemple's fine guitars in the shop, particularly this custom build. Like the guitars he's famous for, it's lightweight - just 6.7 pounds. It's designed and meticulously crafted to have all the goodness of DeTemple's famed '52 tele, but with elements that take the player one step deeper into archtop jazz sensibilities...'" - Craig
Featured: Fender Buddy Holly Stratocaster Tribute
"There are certain iconic guitar images that are engraved in my mind. Like pictures in an old photo album, they are always there, always on call. I can picture Chuck Berry and his cherry 335, James Burton and his Tele, Hendrix with his Strat, Paul with his Hofner bass, Wes with his L5. Even Ringo with his Ludwig drums is tucked away somewhere in my memory vault. So my huge smile was no surprise as I stared at our latest offering, the Buddy Holly LTD Fender Stratocaster.
"Here's what Fender says: "Limited to 50 pieces worldwide, masterbuilder Dennis Galuszka recreated Buddy's original '55 Strat right down to the cracked pickup cover. This is quite an exacting guitar. Fender is even using the correct '54 bakelite parts that his guitar featured which had previously been reserved for only the Masterbuilt '54 models in 2004. Buddy’s guitar was lost many years ago, so only photos exist of it today, but fortunately enough were available to really dig in to the project and nail it...'" - Craig
Featured: Yanuziello Custom Copper Yaz Preowned 2016
"The tone on this preowned Yanuziello beauty is in the vain of the old Harmony H44 but MUCH more refined. I guess I would best describe it as a Tele on steroids (if a Tele had neck-through construction). Richer in sound and not as strident as a T, the notes kind of spit out with a bit of a throaty bark to them. I’m thrilled with the choice of Duncan Custom Shop pickups. They are loaded with character and quite wide range. The playability is totally high end boutique. Great med/full C neck shape with a wonderful feel. It’s everything you’d expect from a Yaz as far as fit and finish are concerned. The ivoroid parts are all custom made, the Brazilian fretboard is exceptional, the copper nitro finish is just stellar; this guitar screams Yaz through and through.
"Condition: this guitar is in excellent condition with the exception of a small paint chip on the side and headstock and a few small finish divets...'" - Craig
Featured: Fender Custom Shop Bob Bain Tele, 2017
"Having a strong background as a session guitarist, I am really partial to the guitars that session players relied on as their tools of choice to get the job done. Bob Bain, though before my time, was a mainstay-go-to-first-call guy back when LA was the center of the universe for TV, film and record work. Bob's credits are impressive and many of his guitar sounds and music have become iconic. And the guitar he used as his main instrument, was, unsurprisingly, a Tele. Any not just any off the shelf Tele. It was a '50s Tele that was modded with a humbucker neck pickup and Bigsby tailpiece. Basically, it was a guitar that could handle any call and be pretty much be the one guitar that could do anything.
"After spending time with this masterfully built instrument, I can honestly tell you that this is the real deal. It's not just a nod to a fine player or an exercise of craftsmanship by the Fender Custom Shop master builder. The playability, sounds and versatility are top notch and truly impressive. Straight out of a collection, with Certificate Of Authenticity and case candy - near mint condition..." - Craig
Featured: Stephen Marchione Maple OMC Preowned 2018
"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 really 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 that. He both deeply understands the traditions of guitar making, and has the skill and insight from his across-the-spectrum experience to add innovation if the instrument will be better for it..." - Craig
Featured: Daniel Slaman Jazz Pauletta
"Daniel Slaman's new solid body electric model, the Pauletta, is a wonderfully bold statement; no punches pulled here. Slaman set out to create an archtop sounding electric that was feedback resistant, rich and woody sounding, and inspiring to play. Crafted with lightweight resonant tone woods by one of our finest builders, the Pauletta offers the modern jazz player a truly honest alternative to a hollow body guitar.
"It is one of the finest jazz solid bodies I have ever played. The custom Charlie Christian design pickup along with the handmade 250 style tailpiece add a sonic quality that I haven't experienced in other solid body electrics. The sound is immediate and present with a warmth and brilliance that is addictive. I'm sure Les Paul himself would have loved this guitar. Make no mistake, the Pauletta is breath of fresh air for the contemporary guitarist..." - Craig
News:
A Hand Selected Inventory
A new update from CR Guitars owner Craig Snyder:
It's challenging for me to find instruments that are CR Guitars worthy. I'm so picky - ask anyone who knows me - that sometimes I find it very difficult to replenish the hand-selected inventory that my customers seek from CR Guitars. Eventually though, the search for guitars that fit our hand-selected standard pays off...
Fender Diamond Collection Now Available
An alert from CR Guitars owner Craig Snyder:
"A very special collection of Fender guitars has been just put up for sale at the Music Gallery (musicgalleryinc.com). The Music Gallery is owned by my good friend Frank Glionna. I've known Frank for many years, even before I opened CR Guitars, and he is the guy I've always turned to when I need a guitar with an "F" on the headstock. He is also a Fender Diamond Dealer and gets the very best of the best. I don't usually tout other shops in news entries, but this Diamond Collection is so special that I felt it worthy of a special mention and a heads up for any interested parties..."
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:
D’Ambrosio Allegro Archtop, 2012
This 16" Allegro was built in 2012 with old European maple and spruce, the type of woods used in fine violins and cellos. The body is bound with cocobolo, then finished with a sweet amber tint that accents the reddish hues in the binding...
Collings I-35 Aged LC Custom, 2017
Collings nailed this guitar, right down to the tiny details, the ones that really make a difference. And as icing on the cake the pickups are upgraded to Throbaks - just superb humbuckers with soul, character and individuality...
Stephen Marchione MK1 LTD, 2018
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...
Don Grosh NOS Retro, 2018
On consignment, this is a wonderful playing and sounding 2018 Grosh NOS Retro. Don's guitars are always right and tight, righteously dialed in without unnecessary whistles and bangs. He is truly committed to making a purposeful electric guitar...
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...
Carr Mercury 1x12 - Cream w/ Blue
This Carr Mercury is a remarkably satisfying amp to play; it's real juicy. It'll grind, and the proprietary attenuator setting still sounds like you're cranking the l'il beast without that anemic effect one might expect...
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...
Mario Martin CR Custom S, 2018
This guitar uses the same woods as a '56 Strat; a lightweight alder body (unbelievable at just 7 lbs!!) and one piece maple neck. The neck carve needed to be very player friendly with a soft chunky V profile and, like a '56, a very satiny feeling with just a hint of nitro gloss...
Fender Custom Shop Telecaster
Just arrived! One beautiful preowned "1953" Fender Custom Shop Tele in a lush Closet Classic aged cherry sunburst finish. Built with very light weight ash, this Tele is resonant and very comfortable to play. We particularly like its 7.25" radius U shaped neck...
Daniel Slaman Jazz Pauletta
Daniel Slaman's new solid body electric model, the Pauletta, is a wonderfully bold statement; no punches pulled here. Slaman set out to create an archtop sounding electric that was feedback resistant, rich and woody sounding, and inspiring to play...
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...
Bourgeois OM Banjo Killer, 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 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...
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...
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...
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.
