Carparelli Guitars

At its heart, Carparelli Guitars is more than just a retail outlet—it’s an immersive experience where artistry meets personalized service. Nestled in the Ottawa area, our online store offers an ever‐evolving selection of handpicked electric guitars, parts & accessories tailored to players of every style and skill level. We pride ourselves on creating an inviting atmosphere—whether you’re dropping by to demo the latest signature model, have a custom instrument built to your exact specifications, or simply want to share a few licks with fellow musicians over a cup of espresso.

What sets Carparelli Guitars apart is our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and customization. While most guitar shops stock only off–the–shelf models, we maintain close relationships with boutique luthiers in Canada, the USA, and Europe, enabling us to offer limited‐edition runs and fully bespoke builds. Want a semi‐hollow body with vintage wiring, a roasted maple neck, and your initials in mother‐of‐pearl? We’ll bring your vision to life in as little as six weeks. Looking to capture the classic growl of a ’59 Les Paul or the chiming clarity of a ’70s Strat? Our on‐site techs hand-wind pickups, perform custom wiring jobs, and provide full professional setup services to ensure each instrument plays, looks, and sounds its absolute best. Every guitar that leaves our bench has been play-tested, intonated, and voiced to our exacting standards.

Behind the brand is founder and master luthier Mike Carparelli. Born into an Italian‐Canadian family of musicians, Mike first learned to play on his grandfather’s old Martin 000-18, then taught himself repair work by helping local bands fix broken headstocks and buzzing frets.

Today, Carparelli Guitars offers:

Custom Builds & Limited Editions: Work one-on-one with Mike or our senior techs to design a guitar that’s uniquely yours. Choose every detail—from body style and wood pairing to pickup winding and finish—to create a true collector’s piece.

Pro-Level Setup & Repair: Our back-shop is equipped to handle everything from routine setups and refrets to full restorations of vintage classics. All work is completed in-house by certified technicians using state‐of‐the‐art tools and lutherie benches imported from Europe.

Amplifiers & Effects: Test a range of tube and solid‐state amps (Fender, Dr. Z, Suhr, and more), as well as boutique pedals by EarthQuaker, Walrus Audio, and Strymon. We even offer custom pedalboard wiring and amp mod services.

Community & Education: We host weekly “Tone Nights,” open-mic jams, and quarterly masterclasses with touring artists. Our private lesson program—covering everything from beginner fundamentals to advanced recording techniques—is taught by an instructor roster that includes session musicians, recording engineers, and jazz educators.

A few interesting facts about Carparelli Guitars:

Mascot & Shop Dog: You’ll often find our half-husky, half-German Shepherd companion, Blue, greeting customers in the showroom. With striking cobalt eyes and a wagging tail, Blue embodies the friendly, family-atmosphere Marco envisioned from the start.

Sci-Fi Heritage: Marco’s early obsession with science fiction inspired our “Starforge” series—semi-hollow guitars featuring metallic metallic paint jobs, LED side-dot fret markers, and futuristic body contours. These models have developed a cult following among progressive rock and metal players.

Environmentally Minded: We partner with local suppliers to source sustainably harvested tonewoods, and our shop recycles or upcycles all scrap materials. On every custom build, we offer an option for “eco‐finishes” made from plant‐based resins.

Global Reach: While our flagship showroom is in Toronto, our online store ships worldwide. In the past year alone, we’ve sent instruments to over 35 countries—complete with virtual setup consultations and a two-year international warranty.

Founder’s Awards: In 2022, Marco was honored with the Canadian Luthiers’ Guild Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship, recognizing his innovative approach to hybrid neck-through body designs and precision fretwork.

At Carparelli Guitars, every visitor is treated like family. Whether you’re a touring pro chasing the perfect stage tone, a bedroom hobbyist seeking inspiration, or a collector hunting for that one-of-a-kind piece, we work tirelessly to exceed your expectations. Our goal is simple: to fuel your musical journey by delivering instruments and experiences that spark creativity, connection, and joy. Visit us in-store or explore our full catalog at carparelliguitars.com—where tone meets tradition, and every guitar tells a story.