Knaggs Guitars

Knaggs Guitars: Where Craftsmanship Ignites the Muse

Founded in 2009 by master luthier Joe Knaggs and marketing veteran Peter Wolf, Knaggs Guitars has quickly established itself as one of the most respected names in boutique guitar making. Based in Maryland, the company is the product of two visionaries who left influential careers at PRS Guitars to pursue a singular goal: to create world-class instruments that “ignite the senses and summon the muse.”

Every Knaggs guitar is a work of art—designed, built, and finished by a team of highly skilled craftsmen with over 150 years of combined experience. From the selection of tonewoods to the final polish, every step is executed with surgical precision and genuine passion for the craft. “We are going for clear bass, balanced midrange and sweet high end,” explains Peter Wolf. “Our proprietary bridge systems are creating extraordinary response and sustain only the player can really feel—but it is a major factor in what makes people pick a specific guitar up again and over another.”

Joe Knaggs, widely regarded for his expertise in both design and build quality, adds: “I want to make guitars with the highest amount of sustain and harmonic information. We call it the Knaggs ring—it’s a guitar with as much energy coming out of it as humanly possible. It all comes down to the little elements: the bridge, the assembly, the cut of the nut. It’s those tiny nuances that get all the extra vibration.”

Knaggs guitars don’t just sound incredible—they look the part, too. Known for their impeccable finishes, including signature two-tone stains and stunning flame and quilt maple tops, each instrument is visually striking without being ostentatious. All model names (except Artist Signature editions) are inspired by Native American river names, such as the Severn, Kenai, Choptank, and Potomac, which adds a sense of connection to the natural world and a nod to American roots.

Innovation is part of the DNA. One standout example is the Chesapeake tremolo system, a unique vibrato bridge that combines a Tele-style steel plate with a roller-bearing floating bridge for silky smooth pitch modulation and excellent tuning stability. It’s this kind of fresh thinking—blended with old-world craftsmanship—that continues to set Knaggs apart.

Whether you're a discerning collector, a gigging professional, or just someone looking for an instrument that feels as personal as it sounds, Knaggs guitars deliver. With unmatched build quality, luxurious tone, and artistic flair, each guitar is designed to be not just an instrument, but an extension of the player.