Handcrafted in Lexington, Kentucky, Chad Underwood guitars have earned a quiet cult following among tone chasers, boutique collectors, and pro players alike. Chad’s builds are a masterclass in vintage-inspired refinement—meticulously modeled after the golden-era bolt-on guitars of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, but elevated with modern playability and unmatched resonance.

Each guitar reflects Chad’s deep understanding of what makes a truly great instrument: from soft rolled fretboard edges and perfect weight balance to nuanced nitrocellulose finishes that feel broken-in from day one. His guitars are known for their lively acoustic response, incredible sustain, and piano-like clarity—even before you plug in.

Players like David Grissom, Anson Funderburgh, Lee Roy Parnell, Rob McNelley, Doyle Bramhall II, Bob Britt (Bob Dylan Band), Doug Lancio (Bob Dylan Band), and even Paul Reed Smith have praised Chad’s work, with some keeping multiple Underwood guitars in rotation. John Fogerty famously described his Underwood Tele-style guitar as “the best I’ve ever played”—high praise from a tone legend.

What sets Chad apart is not mass production, but the rare quality and consistency of every build. His guitars are lightweight, toneful, and soulful—the kind of instruments that make you play longer, dig deeper, and hear more.

If you're looking for a boutique guitar that lives up to the hype and then some, a Chad Underwood belongs in your hands.

Model: '56 S-Style
Serial Number: #126
Body Wood: Alder
Body Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Color: 2-Color Sunburst
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Shape: Soft V
Fingerboard Material: Maple
Fingerboard Radius: Vintage Radius
Frets: Vintage
Scale Length: 25.5"
Nut Width: 1-5/8"
Inlays: Black Dot
Bridge: Vintage Style 6-Screw Tremolo
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL
Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2
Switching: 5-Way Blade Switch
Tuners: Vintage Style
Hardware Finish: Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard: 3-Ply White
Neck Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Construction: Bolt-On
Strings: .010–.046