Featured: Collings 290 Custom 1959 Faded Crimson
"This one-off custom 290 was built at my request, incorporating specs inspired by the celebrated Collings I35 LC Vintage model. The beauty of this guitar begins with the straightforward design platform of the Collings 290—perhaps the finest remake of the 'original' set-neck guitar of this type—but elevates it to another level entirely.
While maintaining the elegant simplicity that makes the 290 special (body, neck, two pickups, no extras, no carved areas, no flamed figured wood), this custom creation introduces a suite of thoughtful vintage-inspired details that transform it into something exceptional..." - Craig
Featured: Circa 12 Fret 0028
"I commissioned this breathtaking 0028 directly from John Slobod, widely regarded as one of the country's premier builders of Martin-style guitars. As a dealer for Circa guitars, I'm particularly proud to offer this spellbinding instrument that represents John's mastery at its finest. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a pristine, master-grade instrument without the typical wait time associated with Slobod's sought-after builds.
This Circa 0028 represents the pinnacle of modern acoustic guitar craftsmanship while paying homage to what we most appreciate in fine vintage guitars..." - Craig
Featured: Nik Forster Semi Acoustic Archtop Charlie, 2012
"This preowned 2012 Nik Forster archtop guitar. "Charlie" (as the model is known) is a uniquely designed, hand-carved hollow body archtop. Nik is a great builder, and this Charlie is beautifully made. Every part of this guitar is imbued with Nik's thinking and execution. I think it's perfect for the archtop player who wants to take a deeper dive into the electric world, as its full-body neck adds electric guitar benefits with classic archtop construction.
"The long flamed maple and ebony neck lays over the carved German spruce top and is seated directly on the Sri Lankan ebony bridge. Nik feels that this design provides the player with the response one would normally find on an electric guitar. The acoustic tone of the smaller body is distinctive yet familiar, and its size and weight provide a really comfortable playing experience..." - Craig
Featured: Dantzig Tulsa Korina G-90, 2022
"This Dantzig Tulsa Korina G-90 brilliantly captures what makes the Tulsa model so special—the perfect blend of long-scale shimmer and short-scale grunt. The 2-piece korina body, combined with the 25.5” scale, delivers a remarkable tonal palette that feels familiar yet fresh.
"The P90 pickups are an ideal match for this design, providing clarity with just the right amount of muscle. For Tele and Strat players looking to add some Les Paul power without sacrificing their rhythm sound, this G-90 hits the sweet spot perfectly. Gibson players will find this guitar opens up new tonal territories while still feeling like an old friend..." - Craig
Featured: Sadowsky S-Style Mango
"What really excites me about this Sadowsky S-Style is the unique pickup configuration - three Firebird pickups in an S-style format. It's a brilliant choice that delivers all the chime and clarity you'd expect, but with an added dose of power and midrange complexity, it's addictive. Combine that with Roger's proprietary preamp system and that push-pull tone knob for neck/bridge combinations, and you've got an absolutely stunning array of tonal possibilities at your fingertips.
"The roasted maple neck with its Amazon rosewood fingerboard is another masterful touch. The 12" radius and 1 11/16" nut width provide a perfect platform for any playing style, while the roasting process ensures exceptional stability and a wonderfully organic feel...'" - Craig
Featured: Sadowsky NYC Custom Buckeye Burl S-Style
"Viewing this S-Style beauty for the first time, I was immediately struck by its stunning combination of the mastergrade buckeye burl top against the classic alder body. This is a guitar that manages to blend traditional S-Style DNA with unique modern refinements in an absolutely captivating way.
"Its three P90 pickups serve up a remarkable tonal palette, from classic Strat sounds to snarling P90 powerhouse punch. Sadowsky's preamp and midboost electronics further enhance the sonic possibilities, and the lightweight 6.6 lb body ensures excellent resonance and playing comfort...'" - Craig
Featured: Bill Tippin DST 12 Brazilian Rosewood, 2003
"The Bill Tippin DST 12-string is truly extraordinary. The rare and unique red birdseye Brazilian rosewood back and sides are not just visually stunning, but contribute to an absolutely magical voice that sets this 12-string apart. Paired with a master grade Adirondack red spruce top, the tone is remarkably rich and full-bodied, with a luscious quality that makes every chord shimmer and sustain beautifully.
"Having been recently refreshed by Bill Tippin with new frets and finish, this 2003 instrument plays and looks like it just left Bill's bench for the first time. The elegant mother of pearl and blue abalone neck inlay, along with the matching Martin torch headstock inlay, showcase the refined artistic touches that make Tippin's work so special...'" - Craig
Featured: Michi Matsuda 7 String Acoustic, 2012
"The 2012 Michi Matsuda 7 string acoustic is a remarkable instrument that showcases Michi Matsuda's exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design skills. This special-order guitar combines traditional elements with modern features, creating a unique and inspiring instrument.
"The M1 body shape’s cutaway offers excellent playability, while the 7-string configuration with a low B significantly expands its tonal range. The fanned fret design (25 1/4" to 26 1/4" scale) optimizes string tension and intonation across all strings..." - Craig
Featured: Kraut OMC Nouveau
"Something remarkable happened when Ray Kraut created this fabulous guitar - in the way it looks (which you can see in the photos) and its stunning sound. Ray has stepped up and created a next-level build for me, a modern OMC monster of a guitar. This beauty is a guitar that enhances whatever you play without limits. Strum like a madman, and it will erupt with every strike. Brush with your fingers, and she'll whisper in your ear. Sonically, it's a 3-D experience. The unique and elegant sound port surrounds the player with an honest and woody tonal mist..." - Craig
News:
CRG is Now the Exclusive Dealer for Sadowsky Electric Guitars
Exciting news from Roger Sadowsky: "I am proud to announce that Craig Snyder of CR Guitars in Rhinebeck NY is now the exclusive dealer for Sadowsky Electric Guitars. I have known Craig for 50 years and he was instrumental in getting me to start my shop in NYC back in 1979. As one of the top session guitarists in NYC at that time, he was invaluable in helping me develop the sound and feel of what would become Sadowsky Guitars. His knowledge of guitars, from a players perspective, makes him an exceptional advisor to players looking to acquire an exceptional instrument." - Roger Sadowsky, January, 2025
Authorized Dealer Corner: Tyler Guitars, a note from Craig
I'm proud to say that I've been an authorized Tyler Guitars dealer since the day I opened CR Guitars. But my history with James Tyler goes back much further - I've been an avid fan for 30 years, and James made many guitars for me even before I dreamed of opening CR Guitars. As a studio musician, I owned some of his early guitars, and when I opened CR Guitars in 2011, Tyler was one of the first luthiers I partnered with...
...Read MoreAuthorized Dealer Corner: Collings Guitars, a note from Craig
As an authorized Collings dealer since opening CR Guitars in 2011, I've had the privilege of working with one of the finest guitar manufacturers in the world. But my connection to Collings goes back even further – as a touring and studio guitarist, I was already a devoted fan of Bill Collings' extraordinary instruments before opening my shop. My relationship with Collings Guitars runs deep, and over the years, I've developed a close personal connection with the entire crew...
...Read MorePinnacle 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 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 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:
Collings 290 Custom 1959 Faded Crimson

Beyond its striking appearance, what truly distinguishes this 290 is its remarkable tonal character. The ThroBak KZ90 pickups deliver substantial girth and roar while preserving a sweet, articulate clarity that allows each note to sing with presence...
Gibson Murphy Lab 1964 ES-335, 2023

The balance of vintage character with modern reliability is what makes this guitar special. Its lightweight mahogany center block and maple laminate body deliver that classic semi-hollow resonance...
Circa 12 Fret 0028

This Circa 0028 represents the pinnacle of modern acoustic guitar craftsmanship while paying homage to what we most appreciate in fine vintage guitars. The master-grade red spruce top is exceptionally responsive and articulate...
Nik Forster Semi Acoustic Archtop Charlie, 2012

This preowned 2012 Nik Forster archtop guitar. "Charlie" (as the model is known) is a uniquely designed, hand-carved hollow body archtop. Nik is a great builder, and this Charlie is beautifully made. Every part of this guitar is imbued with Nik's thinking and execution...
Dantzig Tulsa Korina G-90, 2022

This Dantzig Tulsa Korina G-90 brilliantly captures what makes the Tulsa model so special—the perfect blend of long-scale shimmer and short-scale grunt. The 2-piece korina body, combined with the 25.5” scale, delivers a remarkable tonal palette that feels familiar yet fresh...
Sadowsky S-Style Mango

This is precisely the kind of instrument that showcases why Sadowsky guitars are sought after by the world's most discriminating players. It takes everything we love about an S-style guitar and elevates it to new heights...
Sadowsky NYC Custom Buckeye Burl S-Style

This is a guitar that manages to blend traditional S-Style DNA with unique modern refinements in an absolutely captivating way. Its three P90 pickups serve up a remarkable tonal palette, from classic Strat sounds to snarling P90 powerhouse punch...
Roger Sadowsky NYC Custom S-Style

The Tiger Eye Burst finish over the mastergrade quilted maple top is stunning. Roger's choice of an Amazon rosewood fingerboard perfectly complements the maple neck, delivering that coveted Brazilian rosewood-like character and response...
Bill Tippin DST 12 Brazilian Rosewood, 2003

The Bill Tippin DST 12-string is truly extraordinary. The rare and unique red birdseye Brazilian rosewood back and sides are not just visually stunning, but contribute to an absolutely magical voice that sets this 12-string apart...
Anderson T Model, 2008

This Anderson stands out even among its peers. At just 5.8 lbs, it's remarkably light, and the alder-on-alder body produces a wonderful woody resonance...
Michi Matsuda 7 String Acoustic, 2012

The 2012 Michi Matsuda 7 string acoustic is a remarkable instrument that showcases Michi Matsuda's exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design skills. This special-order guitar combines traditional elements with modern features...
D’Arcy Blake Custom 16 Archtop

Our current offering, the D'Arcy's Custom 16' model, is a testament to D'Arcy's extraordinary vision and craftsmanship. It proudly carries the lineage of D’Aquisto — Monteleone heritage, with its uniquely carved top, precise geometry, and pleasing aesthetics...
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...
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...
Jason Kostal MDW Cocobolo, 2020

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...