Creation Series
The Knaggs Guitars Creation Series represents the most exclusive and artistic tier of the brand's Maryland workshop. It is not a conventional production line, but rather a series of unique, one-of-a-kind instruments, individually conceived based on a theme proposed by the client or Joe Knaggs' own artistic inspiration.
Each Creation combines expert lutherie, exceptional wood selection, intricate inlays, and artistic techniques to create an instrument that is simultaneously a high-end guitar and a unique work of art.
Creation Series Philosophy:
Unlike Knaggs' regular product ranges—organized into Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3—the Creation Series falls outside standard catalog constraints and is aimed at clients and collectors seeking instruments of exceptional character.
• Custom Commission: The client may propose a conceptual theme, such as ancient civilizations, nautical mythology, wildlife, nature, or abstract art.
• Joe Knaggs' Interpretation: The final artistic interpretation, wood selection, and inlay work are handled personally by Joe Knaggs.
• One-of-a-Kind Pieces: Each Creation guitar is unique. Per the program's philosophy, an artistic design created for one Creation is never replicated on another guitar.
• Custom Pricing: There is no fixed catalog price. The cost is determined individually through direct consultation with Joe Knaggs and the company's management.
• Available Platforms: Creations can be based on 25.5-inch scale Chesapeake models (such as the Severn or Choptank) or 24.75-inch scale Influence models (such as the Kenai or Chena).
Signature Creations:
Knaggs The Black Pearl
A Creation based on the Severn model, featuring a theme inspired by the nautical and pirate worlds.
• Platform: Severn.
• Scale: 25.5 inches.
• Theme: Nautical and pirate inspiration. • Inlays: hand-carved ship designs using abalone and mother-of-pearl along the fretboard.
• Body: select alder.
• Top: Tier 1 figured maple.
• Finish: deep, dark stain.
• Hardware: aged gold finish.
Knaggs The Mating Dance
One of the nature-themed interpretations within the Creation Series.
• Platform: Chesapeake / Severn.
• Theme: Zoological and naturalist.
• Artistic design: Depiction of exotic birds during courtship.
• Inlays: Delicate feather designs crafted from fine woods.
• Neck: Premium-grade curly maple.
• Finish: Hand-applied polychromatic organic dyes.
Knaggs Alexandra
A Creation model based on the Influence / Kenai architecture, characterized by elaborate Renaissance-inspired artistry.
• Platform: Influence / Kenai.
• Theme: Renaissance floral motifs.
• Decoration: Meticulous purfling and botanical marquetry.
• Inlay materials: Mother-of-pearl, coral, and abalone.
• Body: Ultra-lightweight Honduran mahogany.
• Top: Quilted maple, selected for its depth and three-dimensional effect.
Knaggs Mayflower
A Creation model based on the Severn, conceived as a tribute to a historic sea voyage.
• Platform: Severn.
• Theme: Tribute to a historic maritime voyage.
• Artistic design: Elaborate depictions of sailing ships and carved cartographic maps.
• Woods: Special reserve selection, aged for decades.
• Bridge: Patented Knaggs Chesapeake bridge, featuring hand-engraved detailing.
Luthier techniques and Creation finishes:
Depending on the specific model, each guitar in the Creation Series may require between 100 and 300 additional hours of craftsmanship.
• Marquetry and hand-engraving: Use of materials such as gold mother-of-pearl, mammoth fossil, turquoise, gold, and various exotic woods—including Madagascar ebony, cocobolo, and snakewood. • Artistic finishing: application of nitrocellulose lacquers using airbrushing techniques and multi-colored shading, aiming to integrate the finish with the maple grain itself.
• Acoustic calibration: Joe Knaggs adjusts the thickness and contour of the top to align the instrument's acoustic resonance with the artistic work applied to the guitar.