Sure they debate about strings and superstars, but Tampa-based guitar makers Ben Chafin and Mick Donner also banter a lot about wood—What’s a protected species? What can’t you import? With forest-friendly thinking, they challenged themselves to design a line of instruments constructed entirely of timber from their home state.

Dubbed “Crackercasters” (an homage to Florida cowboys of the 19th and early 20th centuries), the guitars are composed of three native woods: cypress, hard ash and Florida rosewood. Staying local turned these aces of base into instrument innovators. “None of the materials we implement are part of the tried-and-true formulas guitar builders have always used,” Donner says. “They have a familiar look, but a unique voice.” Crackercasters may take up to six months to craft and range in price from $813 to $954.
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