I have had my guitar for a couple of months now, and play a little every day. It is an exceedingly beautiful instrument. Aside from that it has excellent tone, projection, and balance. The best I have ever played or heard. The neck shape and set up are excellent, so comfortable to play. The quality of the wood and the workmanship are top notch. I feel proud and privileged that I have one of your works of art. You're a wonderful person and a master craftsman. Thank you very much, and I look forward to seeing you on my way to Florida next winter. 

Larry Barrett 

West Olive, Michigan

Rick with his "St. Michael and the Dragon" Model J.

Rick with his son and his grandson, the future owners of the "Dragon" guitar.

I do not have the words for my happiness over this guitar. Anything I try to say will fall short. It is everything I have ever wanted in sound, playability and exquisite detail. This guitar feels light and sounds very woody. It is crisp yet monstrously strong in volume and bass and sheer drive. It sounds like ten 1940 D-28's and J-45's playing at once. I love it. I am almost afraid to play it because it is so perfect. I'm afraid the newness and precise joyful moment of my first full strum will somehow never be recaptured. But I honestly do know that it will keep getting even sweeter with every change of strings in years to come. I hope I live long now just so I can have many years of hearing that sound and feeling the body vibrate against my chest. I might have it buried with me. No. That wouldn't be right would it. I have a son and a grandson who deserve to have this in their possession one day and so they will.

I am out of words. I can only say thank you my friend for caring so much about your craft. You're an artist. You are a special man and wonderful guitar maker.

Ron with his Model J

Thanks to CB owner Stan Travis for introducing me to Chris’s work.  If not for him I might still be wandering in the wilderness completely happy with mediocrity.

It is a beautiful instrument.  The specs are exactly what I asked for and every detail of workmanship is immaculate.   The sound is just awesome with tone, balance and volume you just can’t believe and the intonation is right on.  I’ve had the privilege of playing a lot of different of high-end guitars but I can say that none have given me the pleasure and satisfaction of my “CB Model J” and it just seems to get better.  Chris said it might “open up” some more.  If it does I just might have to put a muffler on it or keep it in the case! Thank you Chris Bozung for the friendship and for the best guitar I’ve ever owned.

Pete Huttlinger with his new Model J, "The Black Swan".

Pete Huttlinger with his CB-ROM.

Pete Huttlinger

After all the shopping, after buying "the logo" and being very dissatisfied, after all the playing and comparing and after all the whining about how much really top notch guitars cost, I took the plunge and ordered one of the first Vintage Bones ever built. I'm sure Chris would call me anything but patient, but the wait was worth the reward.

My Vintage Bone is much more than I expected.  The guitar is nearly two years old now and continues to amaze me.  It stands its ground very well in the company of guitars costing twice and three times as much, and head and shoulders above most.  It has the tone, warmth and volume of an old warhorse.  The fit an finish are absolutely impeccable inside and out.  The wood selection is amazing, as is the total workmanship of this instrument.  I have another CB guitar waiting in rotation, but this wait is a little easier to handle because one CB in the hand is better than a closet full of most anything else I've ever played and trust me...I've played a whole bunch of different builder's guitars.

Chris Bozung stands equal to the very best and head and shoulders above all the rest that modern luthierie have to offer.  I'm already thinking about what CB#3 will be. There are an awful lot of repeat customers in Chris' book... and I know why!  By the way, I still look, but I don't shop any more.

Thanks Chris,

It has unbelievable tone, volume, clarity, and visual beauty. Really top-notch workmanship, and I'm proud to own and play one. I can't wait to show it off at next year's festival.

Bill Ward

Founder and Program Director, Mayville Bluegrass Festival

www.mayvillebluegrassfestival.com

www.billwardband.com

This guitar sounds great anywhere, but it really shines in a group setting.  People turn their heads when I give it the first strum.  Everyone I play with has remarked about the excellent sound and volume of my CB.  It has a percussive rhythm punch great for backup and enough cut and clarity to be heard over many other instruments when playing lead.  The great thing for me is that I can get that great sound and volume without beating the guitar to death.  This guitar plays effortlessly, which means I can keep playing for hours without becoming fatigued.  But you can still really dig into this thing and get even more volume out of it.  Every time I pick up my CB I am surprised with a new depth of sound, sweetness of tone, or volume potential.  This guitar has no limits.

Chris Bozung is really turning out some fine instruments, and I feel privileged to be playing one of his guitars.  If you are looking for a guitar that is in a class of its own in terms of tone, volume, and craftsmanship, then you will be satisfied with a new CB! 

Mark Whiting

Richmond, VA

Sincerely,

Jim Wood

I first heard of CB Guitars from a friend who saw a link in one of his outdoorsman's magazines. Naturally curious, yet skeptical, I visited his website. Let me say that it alone, by Webmaster (and I do mean master!) Boge Quinn is enough to set any picker's heart a'racing!

I decided to take the leap and comfort myself for my upcoming 60th birthday by having Chris build me a CB Super to fill the void left by a J-200 I had previously traded for having the late-60s "pencil neck" found in too many of their acoustics back then.

I spoke with Chris on the phone repeatedly, giving him details about the bells and whistles I wanted and the special custom "vanity" trim I hoped for. He was without exception gracious and helpful. In fact, when a family emergency interrupted his building, his webmaster and friend Boge Quinn contacted me personally to keep me updated--on all fronts.

"Rosebud" was a marvel when I unboxed her, but in the intervening months she has gotten even more robust yet mellow, like velvet bells, like a thunderstorm held in my lap.

Chris Bozung and his instruments are a tonic for those in these times who might get to feeling like integrity and business cannot coexist, because they surely do in a place called Fairview, Tennessee.

I believe Chris's hands are themselves instruments of a much greater power, and I hope to get down there one day, Rosebud and I, to let Chris and his friends pick circles around me while I sit there grinning like a possum!

But don't just take my word--find a CB instrument, play it, listen to it, check the price and then see if you can resist owning at least one.

Oh, yes, if you want to see some really tasty shots of Rosebud herself, click here!

Dan Pease

"The Guitar Geezer"

Iowa Falls, IA

November 27, 2004

Hi everybody! It’s funny how many repeat customers CB guitars has. Only a few of them are on this page. Well, here’s one more to add to the list (this is my third CB Guitar)!  I am thrilled to tell you all how proud I am to say that I have the guitar of my life. My beautiful, personally customized “CB Super Cutaway ”.

What a work of art this monster is! Chris is making the rest of the luthiers jealous of his great options at such a sweet price. It’s not easy to find hand builders who don’t go crazy on option prices. But Chris still does his rose inlays for no extra charge and throws in sunbursts for no extra charge. Check out others and you’ll be surprised how much they like to get you for say an Adirondack top or a Style 42 abalone trim. And the guitar itself is better in sound and durability than anything I’ve seen. He says “They’re built for the long haul”. And you can tell it when you pick one up. It just feels like you know it’s going to be in the family for not just years but generations. That’s what I plan for this one. My son’s son will be playing this CB.

The reason I’m writing this for everybody is basically because I love guys who still do it the old fashioned way – with love and respect to their craft. That’s what this country should be all about. We would be stronger and we wouldn’t go elsewhere to find it.

Thanks, Chris, for your old-time beliefs in excellence and your honesty and fairness. God bless your wonderful family. With all your friends I wish the best for you always!

Jacksonville, FL

I met Chris Bozung several years ago as a referral for some minor repair work I needed on one of my guitars.  He impressed me with his work, ethics and the overall impression of the man.  He showed me some of his guitars, I knew he was good, but I had no idea at that time what a high end guitar was supposed to be since I'd never owned one.  The guitar I had seemed to stand up to most guitars in my price range well enough, so over the next few years I visited Chris and picked his brain while learning more about better instruments and we became friends.  I joined a Flatpicker's internet list server and began learning even more.

The heartbreaking part is that I let my pickin' friends keep me thinking I needed the "right" headstock logo in order to have a good instrument, now I know better.  Much to my dismay I kept looking and being disappointed until I found the correct logo at a price I was agreeable to, but I was never satisfied.  The shopping continued.  I was pretty disenchanted with the guitar I'd purchased because I was constantly having to tune the danged thing...this went on for another year.  One night Boge Quinn showed up at our weekly jam with a whole arsenal of CB guitars in tow...I was in guitar heaven that night and my "logo" didn't get played at all.

A couple of weeks later, Boge shows up again with the first Vintage Bone...maybe three weeks later, I ordered mine.  From that time I watched the calendar pretty close and while I tried to call myself patient, I'm sure Chris would call me anything but.  The wait was agonizing but the rewards were unbelievable.

My Vintage Bone is much more than I expected.  In the six months since I picked it up, it has stood its ground very well in the company of guitars costing twice and three times as much.  It has the tone, warmth and volume of an old warhorse.  The fit an finish are absolutely impeccable inside and out.  The wood selection is amazing as is the total workmanship of this instrument.  Already, I have another CB guitar waiting in rotation, but this wait is a little easier to handle because one CB in the hand is better than a closet full of any other builder's instruments I've ever played and trust me...I've played a whole bunch of different builder's guitars.

Chris Bozung stands equal to the very best and head and shoulders above all the rest that modern luthierie have to offer.  I'm already thinking about what CB#3 will be.  There are an awful lot of repeat customers in Chris' book... and I know why!  By the way, I don't shop any more.

Thanks Chris...you too Boge.

Stan Travis
Clarksville, TN

Shane Adkins

2003 International Thumbpicking Champion.

Daniel Carwile

U.S. Grand Master Fiddle Champion

I was intrigued by what he offered and read the WHOLE website, which really is a useful and worthwhile education by itself----there are articles on tone woods, body sizes, instrument care, a restringing style I've since adopted and many other useful aspects of acoustic guitar information .  There is a really neat section with downloads available giving the sound many different wood/body combinations Chris offers and then comparing those to vintage Martin and Gibson guitars.  I was much impressed with this website and after careful scrutiny, decided to order a J model with Cocobolo body and Adirondack top. I decided on Fleur-Di-Lis fingerboard inlays, and substituted a bookmatched Cocobolo peghead overlay for the standard peghead inlay.  I chose a natural top finish, thinking his several styles of sunbursts were just too fancy for a plain dude like me. But that's just me.  They are as attractive as any I've ever seen for those desiring that style and Chris doesn't charge any more for that option.  In fact, many of his options are at no charge.

Chris was open to my ideas, suggested several items and emailed me that it would be ready in about 4 months.  I couldn't believe how easy the whole process was, and so I went ahead with the order without even trying one of his guitars or visiting his shop, although I had paid careful attention to his website information---especially the sound bites of different vintage guitars comparing them to Chris' models. Chris emailed me at various points during the building process to ask my preference for various aspects of the construction which progressed in a timely manner.

After receiving my guitar promptly when it was scheduled to be delivered, I put it through its paces and am most pleased to report that not only is it as visually stunning as I had hoped, the sound was just excellent right out of the box----in less than an hour it compared favorably to any of my other instruments which include a Collings D-1A, a Martin HD-28 and a 1963 Gibson J-50.  By now it has eclipsed those guys in volume and its quality of craftsmanship meets or exceeds those instruments in every way.  This particular guitar closely resembles a Collings CJ in level of workmanship, appointment and sound---except that it's cost is about half of the Collings CJ with similar appointments.

I am very happy with my new J model and highly recommend Chris as a luthier.  His instruments are as good or better than any I've ever played and his prices reflect about a fifty percent savings over those of more well known makers of acoustic guitars.  Of course, now I'm trying to decide on my next CB--maybe a Mahogany/Engelmann CB Special.  I am making my phone number and email address available through Chris for those wanting feedback on his work---I'll even make the guitar available to play for those living in my locale (the central Oregon coast)  I do give CB Guitars an enthusiastic thumbs up!!!

James D. Little

Oregon

Boge with his first CB guitar, the prototype of the CB Model J.

Boge with his CB Model J and his CB Super.

I first made Chris' acquaintance a few years back when I was given a 1947 Gibson flattop guitar by an old friend who thought the instrument beyond repair. The old guitar had belonged to my friend's uncle, who was very dear to me when I was growing up and had left it to his nephew when he passed away. Unfortunately, my friend later went through a particularly nasty divorce, and his ex-wife completely destroyed the guitar and left it to rot in a wet basement for several years. When my friend finally got the guitar back, he gave it to me since it would never do him any good. I had never before seen an instrument smashed into so many pieces, so warped and twisted by humidity until it was all but unrecognizable! I held on to the guitar a couple of years before deciding to try this guy named Chris Bozung I'd heard about. I figured the guitar was a hopeless case so I had nothing to lose, and Chris just laughed when he saw it. Chris was reluctant at first to even talk about repairing it, but when I told him of the sentimental value the guitar held for me, he told me he'd give it a try. I wish I had some "before" photos to share, because I was totally amazed by the restoration job that Chris did on that old Gibson. He breathed new life into it, made it sound and play better than it ever had, and I have since given that guitar back to the nephew. I was left with the knowledge that I'd made the acquaintance of a Master of his art.

I have since acquired four CB guitars: a Cocobolo/Engelmann Spruce Model J; a Cocobolo/Engelmann Spruce CB Super; a Curly Maple/Sitka Spruce CB Special (which I commissioned as a gift); and an Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce Vintage 'Bone. As a collector, I own or have owned many fine vintage pieces from makers such as Martin and Gibson, as well as newer instruments from nearly any well-known maker you can name. I can truthfully state that Chris' instruments are the finest that I have ever owned or played, equaling the finest and most expensive vintage instruments ever made, and are far superior in every respect to new custom instruments from other makers that cost several times their price.

When I think of Chris Bozung, the first word that comes to mind is integrity. If Chris tells you something, you can bet that it's as true as if it were carved in stone by an unseen hand and brought down from the summit of Mt. Sinai. I've often heard it said that we should live as though we always knew God was watching, and that's how Chris lives his life. Creating fine instruments is his living, but his family, his God, his friends, and his instruments & clients are his life. He is, as I said before, a Master of his art, and he concentrates that mastery into every instrument he creates. His love for the instruments he creates is almost a tangible thing, and it shows in his face when he sees someone play their new CB instrument for the first time. It is Chris' craftsmanship, artistry, integrity, and love that allow him to create the finest instruments available today at any price.

Contact Chris and try a CB instrument as soon as you can. I guarantee that you will be amazed by the instruments and the man who creates them. Chris' instruments will become the frame of reference for every instrument you play in the future, and you might even find an incomparable friend in Chris Bozung, as I did.

Feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way. I would be glad to let you try my CB instruments. You can email me at webmaster@cbguitars.com.

Boge Quinn

Clarksville, TN

I arranged to go to Chris' shop, and took along a fellow picker who had seen many more guitars than I ever would. Once you meet Chris, you instantly like him. He is honest, friendly, down to earth and interested in what you have to say. He was happy we came by.

I told Chris that I wanted one of his guitars, and he started asking questions about what I wanted from the guitar. Simply stated, I told him that I wanted a great sounding, easy to play guitar with the volume to compete with a monster banjo picker I associated with. He quietly said okay and began to explain what he thought I needed. Everything sounded exciting, and I told him to go for it, but he wanted me to take my time and think about it overnight. The next day I e-mailed my order, adding a second guitar to the first. One would be an AuditoriOM and the other a Herringbone, both with Cocobolo back and sides and Adirondack Spruce top. Chris e-mailed back that he would use matching woods for the guitars so they would be a matched pair, and that I should drop by anytime to see the guitars in varying states of construction.

Obviously, I would not be writing this if I did not get what I ordered, but the main reason I'm writing is to let you know about the person you will be dealing with when you decide to get a CB instrument. Over the course of visiting Chris several times while my guitars were being made, I found Chris to be a great person, and one I have come to consider a good friend. He will go out of his way for you and does more than he promises. He cares.

My matching set of guitars are excellent. I cannot fully express the artistry involved in them. They look, sound and FEEL better than any guitar I have ever played, but don't take my word for it. I have told Chris that with a little notice, my guitars are available for anyone who wants to come by Chris' shop to sample them for themselves.

Since buying my matched pair of CBs I have purchased a Model J, and I have just received a squareneck CB-ROM. These guitars only reinforce my earlier opinion: Chris Bozung creates the best guitars available anywhere. I am in the process of making Chris known to every picker I meet.

In closing, I want to point out that no matter how good CB guitars are, they are an even better value. Chris' prices are very reasonable compared to the marketplace. I own custom guitars that costs two to three times as much and don't come close to comparing to my CBs. Order yours today before the demand pushes the prices up and the delivery time gets longer. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Tom Harrison

Jimmy with his Model J

The CB-ROM will eat a banjo's lunch and I've had several studio guys/producers borrow this axe for their projects. It's great for Blues, Fingerstyle, "Travis"-style and other styles.

The "Model J"... What can I say? It's a total monster! Balance, tone, power, barefoot, miked, recorded or whatever, it's a killer. I have a CB Herringbone in Brazilian & Adirondack on order. Chris doesn't pay me one thin dime to talk about his work and I'm not easily impressed, but this guy amazes me.

If you have any reservations, call me and come by Fairview, TN and play one or more of my CB's. I told Chris he could give out my phone number on request.

James E. "Jimmy" Wood

Hitoshi with his KK-10 (with CB 5-string conversion neck)

My name is Hitoshi Imamura. I am a Japanese banjo player. I've been playing the 5-string banjo for 15 years, since I was 15 years old.

I recently bought a wonderful Kel Kroydon (Gibson) KK-10 banjo with a five-string conversion neck made by you. This banjo sounds very fine and strong, and I'm satisfied with not only the sound, but also the playability and the great feel of the neck. I've really taken to this beautiful neck very much! Thank you for a great job. My best wishes for your activities for the future.

Sincerely Yours,

Hitoshi Imamura

Japan

Well, here I am again.  Chris built me a guitar last year and I guess I got the fever...I had to have a new banjo, so I placed an order with Chris for a gold plated Walnut CB Rosine. This is the first banjo I’ve ever bought. I’ve been picking the same Gibson Mastertone that my Dad gave me when I was a kid 42 years ago!!! 

When I was in Nashville last summer I went to the Gibson Showcase and to Gruhn Guitars and played several of their top end banjos. The only banjos I played there that could even approach my old Mastertone were the gold plated Mastertones with a $6,100 price tag on them. So, I started thinking about a custom banjo by Chris (good thing I have an understanding wife!).

I ended up having Chris build me a banjo out of some really nice figured walnut he had. I went with his trademark rose inlay pattern (to match the Cocobolo CB Herringbone guitar he built me). We went with the Huber Gold Plated Tone Ring, the Cox Premium Hard Maple 3 Ply Rim, the Price Straightline Tailpiece, and a Snuffy Smith bridge.  Chris said the rim is from some 30 year old maple and it was so hard he can barely drill a hole through it.  I’ve had the banjo about a week now and can’t put it down.  The only adjustments I made after getting the banjo were to tighten the brackets about ¼ turn and I lowered the tailpiece a little.  Other than that it came set up and ready to go!

Sound is very difficult to describe, but I’ll try.  My old Gibson is loud. VERY LOUD! I’ve had several people tell me it’s the loudest banjo they’ve ever heard. The Rosine has every bit as much power as my old Gibson. To my ear, I’d say the primary difference in tone is that the Rosine has a crisper sound…..more clarity between the individual notes. When I pick a fast tune the individual notes ring out much more distinctly than with my old Mastertone, and the bass response is noticeably better. Keep in mind that I’m comparing a brand new banjo here to a 50 year old Gibson!

In a nutshell, this banjo is everything I was expecting and more. I’m just tickled to death with it. The total cost for everything? Try $2,810. Pictures do not do this banjo justice. A person has to see and play it to really appreciate it. Thanks again, Chris.

Tim Whitney

Rick with his CB Model J

I was on a two year quest for the perfect acoustic guitar when I accidentally logged onto Chris’ website. I think I typed in “Tonewoods” or “Luthier parts” and CB Guitars came up.

I had traveled within a 300 mile radius of my home in Florida to try out every top-of–the-line “name” guitar I could find. These included Martin, Huss & Dalton, Larivee, Santa Cruz, Guild, Gibson, Gallagher, Taylor...you name it, I probably tried it! I finally ordered a real nice Bourgeois. It cost me $3000. I was ultimately unsatisfied with it and took it back (losing a $300 “restocking fee” in the process!)

One day I decided to call CB Guitars from the photos and reasonable prices on the excellent website. After talking to Chris for a while I was won over by his easy-going personality. Then I asked for a few phone numbers of some other CB guitar owners and he gave me about five. These guys are the ones that really sealed it for me. All were ecstatic about Chris and his excellently crafted guitars! They couldn’t say enough about him!

I jumped all over having two guitars made! A “Model J” and an “AuditoriOM” (which evolved into the “Slothead” Style 42 CB “AuditoriOM”). He worked very closely with me on all details. He even reshaped the neck of my AuditoriOM at no charge!

So, for a little more than my original $3000 guitar I got two of Chris’ masterpieces. Everybody that sees them loves them! Thank you so much, Chris, for all the “little extras” you did for me and thank God there are a few left that care about their craft the way you do!

Jim Wood