The Legend of the Crossville TL: A Guitar Built with Passion

In the world of guitars, few names carry the same weight as John Cruz. A legendary luthier, Cruz has spent a lifetime handcrafting musical instruments for a wide range of musicians—from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees to open-mic-night heroes, and everyone in between. His guitars, known for their unparalleled craftsmanship, have shaped the sound of countless iconic performances.

For decades, John Cruz worked at the Fender custom shop, where his artistry and meticulous attention to detail were revered by musicians around the globe. However, as time passed, the desire to create something truly his own grew stronger. Cruz yearned for the freedom to build guitars without compromise, with no corners cut, no permissions needed, and no apologies made.

That dream led him to rural Tennessee, where he finally set up his own workshop. Here, surrounded by the tranquility of the countryside, Cruz began crafting guitars in the way he always envisioned—100 percent his way. It was here that the Crossville TL was born.

The Crossville TL is not just another guitar; it’s a masterpiece, the culmination of decades of experience and passion. Limited to just 25 instruments worldwide, this guitar is as rare as it is exceptional. Each one is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer, giving it a timeless, vintage appeal. The medium-weight alder body provides the perfect balance of tone and comfort, while the hand-rubbed oil-finished quartersawn maple neck offers a smooth, fast playing experience. Topped with a maple cap fretboard, this guitar is built for players who demand the best.

But the beauty of the Crossville TL goes beyond its stunning appearance. It’s in the details—the custom pickups designed by John Cruz himself, the Gotoh bridge and tuners that ensure rock-solid tuning stability, and the subtle nuances that only a master luthier could infuse into an instrument. Every component is chosen with care, every detail meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards.

The Crossville TL comes in five distinct colors, each painted with corresponding custom racing stripes and finished with a “Whole Lotta Love” aged effect that gives the guitar the look and feel of a well-loved vintage instrument. Among the limited colors is this stunning Rivera White with a Monza Red stripe—an ode to simplicity and beauty.

“Simplicity and beauty mean a lot to me when it comes to building electric guitars,” Cruz says. “Vintage guitars are great, but they often require subtle—and sometimes, not so subtle—upgrades and modifications to further inspire players to create the music they were born to make. These guitars mean so much to me because they’ve been decades in the making. I’m certain you’ll see, hear, and feel the love I put into these guitars when you play one.”

For those lucky enough to own a Crossville TL, it’s more than just an instrument—it’s a piece of history, a testament to the passion and dedication of one of the greatest luthiers of our time. And for John Cruz, it’s the realization of a lifelong dream, a guitar built without compromise, designed to inspire the next generation of musicians.