I live in El Granada, California building and repairing guitars and similar stringed instruments. I have always worked with my hands and have always enjoyed the beauty and satisfaction of wood working. After starting evening jazz guitar lessons at the Berkeley Jazz School (not Berklee), having previous experience building instruments, I decided to build the ideal acoustic jazz guitar. The resulting instrument was a great success - the jazz lessons, not so much. However, those years of intense playing, instilled in me an appreciation for an instruments feel, playability, responsiveness, and the importance of a balanced and present voice. These charactoristics are the foundation for my creations. And recognizing that “one size does not fit all”, it is important to work with each individual to personalize the build to their playing style, interest and realize it in the physical instrument. Doing more with less. Chupacabra Guitars are unique creations, shaped by saws, planes, chisels, and crafted with care, intention and integrity.

-Fred Crowder