Knaggs
Since 2009
Founded in 2009 in Greensboro, Maryland by Joe Knaggs (the legendary former Director of R&D and head of the Private Stock department at Paul Reed Smith) alongside former PRS international sales executive Peter Wolf, Knaggs Guitars represents the highest pinnacle of American boutique lutherie. Built in micro-batch numbers by a dedicated team of master craftsmen on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Knaggs instruments are renowned for their proprietary mechanical engineering, including the patented Chesapeake Tremolo Drive bridge and Influence two-in-one bridge, which directly couple string vibration into the instrument's tonewood core. Grouped into distinct geographic series—the Chesapeake (Severn, Choptank) and Influence (Kenai, Chena, Keya)—and categorized into Tier 1 (5A mastergrade Private Stock quality), Tier 2, and Tier 3 woodwork, Knaggs guitars deliver breathtaking visual beauty, peerless acoustic sustain, and commanding value retention for elite guitarists and connoisseurs worldwide.
17
Years in Business
8K+
Guitars Sold
$4.5M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Knaggs Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Knaggs guitars.
Knaggs Price Overview
Knaggs covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$3,850
+4.1% vs last year
eBay Listings
85
Active listings
Sold This Month
18
+3.2% vs last month
Price Range
$1,900-$7,500
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Knaggs Timeline
Founding in Greensboro, MD
Joe Knaggs and Peter Wolf leave PRS to establish Knaggs Guitars in Greensboro, Maryland, focused on uncompromising boutique artisan builds.
Chesapeake & Influence Series
Debuts the Chesapeake Severn and Influence Kenai models, pioneering patented wood-to-bridge direct acoustic coupling plates.
Tier System Formalization
Standardizes the Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 grading framework to transparently categorize wood selection, purfling, and inlay complexity.
Steve Stevens Signature Launch
Partners with Billy Idol guitar icon Steve Stevens to release the SSC signature singlecut, featuring Raygun graphics and custom Seymour Duncans.
Severn X & Modern Radii
Introduces the Severn X line featuring a flatter 14-inch fingerboard radius, Jescar EVO fretwire, and modern ultra-fast neck carves.
Kenai J & Workhorse Line
Launches the Kenai J series, delivering hand-carved mahogany rock machines with P-90s at a player-accessible sub-$3,500 MSRP price point.
15th Anniversary Celebrations
Celebrates 15 years of Maryland craft with limited Masterbuilt Anniversary editions showcasing Brazilian rosewood and custom inlays.
Top-Tier Boutique Value
Knaggs instruments enjoy robust reputation as superior alternatives to big-brand custom shops, trading at significant discounts used off steep MSRPs.
Complete Knaggs Product Lineup
Knaggs Guitars: Maryland artisan lutherie, patented string-to-wood mechanical drive coupling, and Private Stock-tier mastergrade woods.
Chesapeake Series (S/T Platform)
25.5-inch scale instruments featuring the patented Chesapeake Tremolo Drive bridge
Double-cut S-style with carved maple top and direct-coupled tremolo (~$3,200–$4,800 used)
Single-cut Tele-inspired platform with Chesapeake hardtail bridge (~$2,900–$4,200 used)
Influence Series (Singlecut & Semi-Hollow)
24.75-inch scale carved instruments featuring the Influence two-in-one bridge system
Carved single-cut mahogany body with maple cap and dual humbuckers (~$3,400–$5,200 used)
Carved hollowbody singlecut with floating center block (~$3,600–$5,500 used)
Artist & Signature Series
Custom stage models built in collaboration with iconic rock and blues masters
Raygun motif, custom Bare Knuckle Rebel Yell pickups, Floyd or Stoptail (~$4,500–$5,600 used)
All-mahogany Junior series with dot inlays and simplified electronics (~$1,900–$2,500 used)
"Knaggs Guitars: Maryland artisan lutherie, patented string-to-wood mechanical drive coupling, and Private Stock-tier mastergrade woods."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Knaggs Tier 1 vs Tier 2 vs Tier 3 Valuation
Tier 1 Private Stock Grade
Tier 1 models feature 5A mastergrade flame or quilted maple tops, curly maple neck binding, and matching wooden purfling. They command $4,800–$6,500+ used and retain highest long-term collector value.
Tier 2 '10-Top' Grade
Tier 2 features striking flamed maple caps equivalent to PRS 10-Tops with standard binding, trading in the $3,400–$4,200 range on the secondary market.
Tier 3 Player Grade
Tier 3 utilizes plain maple or subtle flame with standard dot inlays, offering the exact same tonal and mechanical excellence for $2,800–$3,500 used.
Chesapeake Tremolo & Influence Bridge Verification
Direct Wood Coupling Drive Plate
Knaggs bridges feature an elongated steel or brass plate screwed directly into the body wood underneath the bridge assembly, maximizing vibrational transfer. Verify original mounting screws and zero bridge lift.
Chesapeake Hinge Mechanism
The Chesapeake tremolo relies on a proprietary rear hinge rather than knife-edge pivot posts. Check for smooth zero-friction return-to-pitch stability.
Pickup Authenticity
Factory Knaggs guitars ship with Seymour Duncan (Seth Lover, Saturday Night Special) or Bare Knuckle pickups. Retaining original factory pickups is essential for valuation.
Used Market Opportunity & Resale Advisory
30–45% Depreciation Off New MSRP
Because Knaggs guitars retail for $4,500 to $8,500+ new, purchasing a mint pre-owned Knaggs represents one of the greatest values in high-end American boutique lutherie.
Original Maryland Hardshell Case & COA
Ensure the custom TKL Knaggs hardshell case with plush blue interior and the hand-signed build certificate specifying tier and serial are included.
Neck Profiles (Knaggs C vs Severn X)
Standard Severns feature a comfortable vintage 8.5" radius, while Severn X and Kenai models feature a flatter 12" or 14" radius suited for modern virtuoso technique.