Collection: Castedosa Guitars
The Chicago Music Exchange is proud to be one of only a handful of musical instrument retailers worldwide to be brought into the highly exclusive Castedosa Guitars family of dealers! Founded by Carlos Lopez, a former Master Builder and 16-year veteran of Fender’s Custom Shop, Castedosa is more than just a guitar company—it’s a family affair.
Read our Castedosa blog post to learn about the brand!
Castedosa Guitars: Boutique Craftsmanship by Carlos Lopez
When Carlos Lopez—former Fender Master Builder—left the legendary Fender Custom Shop to launch Castedosa Guitars, the guitar world paid attention. These extraordinary instruments combine vintage soul with modern finesse, handcrafted by a family-run operation dedicated to tone, playability, and elegance. At Chicago Music Exchange, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of Castedosa guitars for sale, including the standout Margarita and Serpentina models.
Whether you’re a tone-chaser, collector, or stage performer, Castedosa electric guitars deliver unmatched boutique quality, limited availability, and a reputation backed by decades of elite craftsmanship.
The Legacy of Carlos Lopez & The Rise of Castedosa
After years crafting dream guitars for top artists as a Master Builder at the Fender Custom Shop, Carlos Lopez wanted more control and deeper personal connection to his work. In 2022, he launched Castedosa Guitars, working alongside his wife and daughter to handcraft each instrument in California.
Carlos brings the same precision and artistry he was known for at Fender, now applied to his own vision. His goal? To create guitars that feel alive, combining the best elements of Fender’s vintage golden era with modern enhancements.
Every Castedosa guitar reflects the same obsessive attention to detail that once produced custom instruments for legends. Now, Carlos builds his name—not just guitars.
Most Popular Castedosa Models
At CME, we stock the most in-demand Castedosa guitar models, built in limited numbers and sought by pros and collectors alike:
Castedosa Margarita
- Inspired by vintage T-style guitars
- Roasted maple necks, hand-wound pickups, nitrocellulose finishes
- Smooth mids and articulate highs—ideal for blues, soul, and funk players
Castedosa Serpentina
- A sleeker, offset design with a modern-vintage twist
- Carved tops, versatile switching, and resonant bodies
- Popular among indie rock, alt-country, and session guitarists
These models often feature ultra-light aging, relic finishes, compound radius necks, and unique woods—all built to inspire.
Famous Artists Who Play Castedosa Guitars
Though a young brand, Castedosa guitars are already embraced by respected musicians including:
- Ariel Posen – known for his expressive slide tone and dynamic fingerstyle
- Mateus Asato – modern guitar virtuoso with a taste for vintage feel
- Isaiah Sharkey – Chicago’s own funk-jazz master, integrating Castedosa’s clarity into his live and session work
These artists trust Castedosa guitars for their consistency, responsiveness, and ability to cut through a mix without sacrificing feel or soul.
Why Guitarists Love Castedosa Guitars
What sets Castedosa apart in a crowded boutique market?
- Master-level craftsmanship from a former Fender Custom Shop luthier
- Small-batch production means quality over quantity
- Custom voicing and hand-wired electronics
- Stunning aged finishes and vintage-correct aesthetics
- Playability that blends vintage character with modern comfort
From studio players to stage shredders, Castedosa guitars are performance-ready and collection-worthy.
Custom Specs & Price Points
Most Castedosa guitars are built to Carlos’s signature specs, but select Castedosa Custom Builds allow for unique pickups, neck shapes, and finishes.
Typical price range for new Castedosa guitars:
$4,500 – $6,500 USD
Used or demo models occasionally become available at a lower price—keep an eye on our Used Castedosa guitars page.
Why Buy Castedosa Guitars from Chicago Music Exchange?
Chicago Music Exchange is one of the few trusted dealers worldwide to carry Castedosa guitars. We offer:
- Exclusive models and custom finishes
- High-res photos & weights of each guitar
- Expert guidance from boutique guitar specialists
- Trade-in, consignment & financing available
We’re proud to support boutique luthiers like Carlos Lopez and connect players with world-class gear that inspires.
Castedosa Guitars FAQ
What are Castedosa guitars?
Castedosa guitars are hand-built boutique electric guitars created by Carlos Lopez, former Master Builder at the Fender Custom Shop. Each instrument features premium tonewoods, aged nitro finishes, and meticulous construction.
Are Castedosa guitars worth the price?
Absolutely. With prices starting around $4,500, Castedosa guitars offer masterbuilt quality, limited availability, and boutique design that competes with high-end Custom Shop guitars.
Who makes Castedosa guitars?
Castedosa Guitars is a family-run business led by Carlos Lopez in California. He works alongside his wife and daughter to ensure every guitar meets exacting boutique standards.
Which Castedosa guitar is best?
The Margarita model is ideal for T-style enthusiasts, while the Serpentina caters to players seeking offset-style tone and modern flair.
Where can I buy Castedosa guitars?
You can buy Castedosa guitars online at Chicago Music Exchange. We carry in-stock models and offer exclusive finishes and specs.
Inside Castedosa Guitars
Castedosa Guitars represent the next chapter in boutique guitar building, and Chicago Music Exchange is proud to be one of the few dealers worldwide trusted to carry them. Founded by Carlos Lopez, a 16-year Fender Custom Shop Master Builder veteran, and his wife Stephanie Lopez, Castedosa is a true family-driven brand dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy. Every Castedosa guitar is handbuilt in Riverside, California, with meticulous attention to detail and custom options that make each instrument one-of-a-kind.
The debut model, the Castedosa Conchers Baritone, pays tribute to Lopez’s grandfather while pushing the boundaries of design with a 27" scale, contoured alder body, roasted maple neck, and hand-wound pickups crafted by Stephanie herself. Its sibling, the Castedosa Conchers Standard, offers a 25.5" scale designed for lower tunings, inspired by artists like Ariel Posen and Madison Cunningham. Recently, Castedosa expanded with the Marianna, showcasing Carlos and Stephanie’s forward-thinking approach to modern guitars.
Available in solid, transparent, and relic finishes, with pickup options from PAF-style humbuckers to P90s and gold foils, Castedosa guitars are built for serious players seeking tone, playability, and artistry. Shop Castedosa Guitars at Chicago Music Exchange today and discover why these instruments are already redefining the boutique guitar world.