John Cruz (luthier)

John Cruz is a renowned luthier, primarily known for his work with the Fender Custom Shop. He is particularly recognized for crafting highly detailed and sought-after replicas of vintage Fender guitars, especially Stratocasters.

Cruz's career at the Fender Custom Shop spanned several decades, during which he earned a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail, his deep understanding of vintage guitar construction techniques, and his ability to capture the specific nuances of individual instruments. He is known for his relicing skills, creating guitars that convincingly mimic the wear and tear of well-loved and heavily played vintage instruments.

Throughout his tenure, Cruz built guitars for numerous notable musicians and collectors, further cementing his status as a master luthier. His instruments are highly prized for their playability, tone, and historical accuracy.

After leaving the Fender Custom Shop, Cruz continued his career as a luthier, producing instruments under his own name and continuing to serve the needs of guitar players and collectors. His work remains highly respected within the guitar community.