Discover K-Line Guitars: Boutique Craftsmanship with Vintage Soul

At Midwood Guitar Studio, we’re always on the hunt for gear that inspires us; and more importantly, inspires you. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome K-Line Guitars to our collection of boutique builders. These instruments have a story to tell—and a tone to match.

Whether you’re into vintage Strat tones, Tele twang, or something more off the beaten path, K-Line delivers the feel, look, and sonic mojo that boutique guitar players crave. Let’s dive into what makes these guitars so special.

The Story Behind K-Line Guitars

K-Line Guitars was founded by luthier Chris Kroenlein in 1995 in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. What started as a personal quest to build the “perfect Strat” evolved into a full-fledged boutique operation that now turns out some of the finest vintage-inspired electric guitars on the market.

By the early 2010s, Chris took things to the next level; bringing production of necks, bodies, and pickups entirely in-house. Today, nearly 95% of each K-Line guitar is built under one roof, by Chris himself. That’s boutique in the truest sense of the word.

What Makes K-Line Guitars Unique?

When it comes to boutique electric guitars, the market is saturated—but K-Line stands out in all the right ways:

Hand-Selected Tonewoods

K-Line uses ultra-light, ultra-dry tonewoods that resonate freely and naturally. Every guitar starts with a body and neck crafted from tone-first raw materials.

Thin Nitrocellulose Finish

Each guitar is finished in a super-thin nitro lacquer that’s either lightly aged or left clean. This not only allows the wood to breathe but gives the guitar a worn-in feel right out of the case.

Hand-Wound Pickups

Chris hand-winds all K-Line pickups in-house, voicing them with intention. Expect warm lows, punchy mids, and top-end sparkle without ice-pick harshness.

Tasteful Relic Work (If You Want It)

If you love the look of a broken-in classic, K-Line relics are subtle, tasteful, and never overdone. Think "closet classic" meets "stage warrior."

Boutique Fit & Finish

From rolled fretboard edges to spot-on fretwork and perfect neck angles, K-Line guitars feel like a worn-in favorite from the first chord.

Model Overview

Here’s a quick look at some of K-Line’s most celebrated models:

Springfield (S-style)

K-Line’s flagship Strat-style guitar. The Springfield nails vintage feel and tone with modern refinements like a better tremolo break angle and lighter overall weight. It’s received high praise from Guitar Player and Guitar & Bass magazines alike.

Truxton (T-style)

A Tele-style powerhouse with a beefier neck carve (.010" thicker than vintage spec), premium electronics, and unmatched resonance. It’s punchy, responsive, and a favorite for blues and rock players.

Del Mar (Offset-style)

An original offset design that blends surf-rock style with rock-solid build quality and unique tonal options.

Other models include the Texola, San Bernardino (Jazzmaster-style), and even a line of boutique bass guitars. Each one is built to order and customized with the player in mind.

Why We Love K-Line at Midwood Guitar Studio

At Midwood Guitar Studio, we’re always on the lookout for builders who deliver real value in the boutique space. K-Line checks every box:

• Authentic vintage tone without the collector price tag
  
  
• Luthier-built quality with small-shop attention to detail
  
  
• Unique personality in every guitar
  
  
• Incredible feel straight from the case
  
  
• Customization options direct from the builder
  
  

These are guitars built by a player, for players—and you can feel that in every note.

Come Try One for Yourself!

We’re proud to have K-Line Guitars in the shop and invite you to come try one out. Whether you’re after a tone machine for the stage, the studio, or your couch, there’s a K-Line with your name on it.

Stop by Midwood Guitar Studio in Charlotte, NC or explore our selection online at midwoodguitarstudio.com.

Let’s find the boutique guitar that brings your playing to life.