{"data":{"type":"company_profile_ai","id":61996,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:61996","attributes":{"canonical_url":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars","retrieval_urls":{"canonical":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars","json":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars.json","markdown":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars.md","ai_json":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars.ai.json","ai_text":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars.ai.txt","changelog_json":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars.changelog.json","schema":"https://wefunder.com/.well-known/ai-profile-schema.json"},"updated_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","generated_at":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","profile_visibility":{"owner_published":true,"public_search_results":true,"site_search_listed":true,"privacy_mode":"promote","invite_only":false},"company":{"id":61996,"entity_id":"wefunder:company:61996","slug":"ciariguitars","name":"Ciari Guitars","tagline":"Professional guitars with patented folding technology for impossible portability","elevator_pitch":"We make and sell the revolutionary \"Ascender\" folding travel guitar. The Ascender has a patented folding system with a hinge in the neck so the guitar can be folded in half for convenient transportation and storage. During air travel, for example, the Ascender fits under seat - the first guitar ever with that distinction. To play again, simply unfold the neck, flip a lever to lock the hinge and the re-tighten the strings, \"top off tune\" the strings, and you're ready to rock!","location":"San Diego, CA","website":"https://CiariGuitars.com","total_amount_raised":1379137,"total_investors":357,"is_funded":true,"is_active":true},"key_claims":[{"claim_id":"claim-total-raised","text":"Total raised on Wefunder: 1379137","citation":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars#claim-total-raised","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","expires_at":"2026-06-12T05:00:18Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-total-investors","text":"Total investors: 357","citation":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars#claim-total-investors","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","expires_at":"2026-06-12T05:00:18Z"}],"verified_facts":[{"claim_id":"claim-total-raised","text":"Total raised on Wefunder: 1379137","citation":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars#claim-total-raised","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","expires_at":"2026-06-12T05:00:18Z"},{"claim_id":"claim-total-investors","text":"Total investors: 357","citation":"https://wefunder.com/ciariguitars#claim-total-investors","provenance":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"observed_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","expires_at":"2026-06-12T05:00:18Z"}],"company_claims":{"tagline":"Professional guitars with patented folding technology for impossible portability","elevator_pitch":"We make and sell the revolutionary \"Ascender\" folding travel guitar. The Ascender has a patented folding system with a hinge in the neck so the guitar can be folded in half for convenient transportation and storage. During air travel, for example, the Ascender fits under seat - the first guitar ever with that distinction. To play again, simply unfold the neck, flip a lever to lock the hinge and the re-tighten the strings, \"top off tune\" the strings, and you're ready to rock!","story":"Debuted on the Ascender™, our premium electric model, our guitar startup's impressive engineering allows professional grade guitars to fold into a compact size, finally making the world’s most popular instrument impossibly portable. Future plans include mid-tier electric guitars, carbon fiber\u0026nbsp;acoustic guitars, and even short-scale bass guitars—and we're turning to investors to raise $1M to scale our growth exponentially.\"It's in tune?!\"Before we go further, one of our favorite things is sharing guitarists unfolding the Ascender for the very first time. You might have the same reaction\u0026nbsp;as\u0026nbsp;Kelly Slater. We recommend you expand to\u0026nbsp;watch full screen.Incredible, right?\u0026nbsp;Now, let's go back to\u0026nbsp;where we started and where we're going:Our journey of music-tech disruption started in 2016, when we incorporated and began the development of our guitar innovation after our first US patent was issued. Since then, we've created the first-ever premium travel guitar — one that folds in half yet boasts pro-quality and unparalleled convenience for stress-free guitar mobility and storage.Why invest, and why now?Guitars have been around for 100 years and have always been the same size — large. We’re changing that with our patented folding technology, which enables our full-size, Nashville-crafted guitars to fold in half for impossibly portable backpack storage. All of the functionality, none of the inconvenience.We've proven demandWe started with accelerators—putting the Ascender to the test at the globally renowned music-tech accelerator, Project Music in Nashville, Tennessee, and the San Diego Airport Innovation Lab. Leveraging these successes, we hit our 2020 targets with 40+ guitars sold and ~150K in revenue. And... it doesn't hurt to be a patent attorneyA patent attorney with a passion for music? The perfect storm. At the heart of the Ascender is a feat of engineering, the patented folding mechanism. To protect this, we’ve covered the Ascender with multiple US and international patents and applications. You'll find us talking about this quite a bit, because according to Chris Graebe, our patent is one of the most attractive things about our potential.\u0026nbsp;Our\u0026nbsp;CEO is and IP Executive \u0026amp; Patent Attorney with deep experience including at USPTO, Leading IP Law Firm, and Chief IP Counsel for “Start-up to $1BB” Medical Device Co. The word has gotten out about Ciari GuitarsWe’ve been featured by Forbes, CNN, and USA Today; and we were honored to receive the coveted Editor’s Pick from Guitar Player Magazine. And all the buzz is paying off!Now, let's hear the Ascender in action!By the way, our Ciari Guitars Artist Showcase is 04/28 at 5pm with big names like Kelly Slater, the Revelries, and more. Click here to RSVP.Our growth strategyWe’re taking a hybrid sales approach designed to help us scale rapidly, and we’re primed for success in retail via our deep industry relationships with some of the world’s top music retailers. Our strategy includes:The market is ready, and guitar sales are surgingDuring the pandemic, guitar sales surged as people found comfort in learning or honing a skill and expressing themselves through music. Guitar Center's online sales more than doubled. Sweetwater's sales increased 40% (and surpassed $1B for the first time ever). Searches for acoustic guitars and acoustic guitar amps increased by 50%.\u0026nbsp;With this surge, and the eventual return to mobility due to vaccines, Ciari Guitars is positioned to be the solution of choice for guitarists on the move in a global market of $2.79B.While travel guitars are not new, none have combined the quality and convenience of the Ascender. As such, Ciari Guitars stands alone in the guitar industry with market-making innovation, ready to be THE leader in guitar mobility. Here’s how we compare:\u0026nbsp;We're not stopping at the Ascender!Innovating is how we got here, so we’re not stopping with our first iteration. Here’s a look at our upcoming pipeline:\u0026nbsp;The Music Industry has a long history of acquisition, including majors like Fender, Yamaha, Gibson and newcomer music-tech powerhouse Bandlab. Between our strong IP and robust sales strategy, we project being well-positioned to exit within 3-5 years.Exit Strategy: Expand product line, ramp sales, and explore acquisition in 3-5 yearsStrong IP and adoption will help achieve attractive multiple on exit!This is the right time to invest.Music has never been more important and the guitar industry is hotter than it’s been in years. The number of guitarists surged during the pandemic, as did mobility in RVs, motorcycles, private jets, yachts/boats. Commercial air travel is returning, and will accelerate with the availability of Covid vaccines. People are ready to move again, and Ciari Guitars will be THE solution for guitar mobility - the right product at the right time - to capitalize on this unique opportunity. Join us in bringing the beauty of the guitar everywhere.","quick_facts":["Guitar Player Magazine “Editor’s Pick\" \u0026amp; named “most convenient guitar in the world\" by Forbes","Recommended by Nasdaq as top equity crowdfunding campaign to invest in","Patented technology elminates guitar travel \u0026amp; mobility problem in a $2.79B market","Full product pipeline, including premium electric, mid-tier electric, carbon fiber acoustic, \u0026amp; bass","Pitched \u0026amp; was granted setup of free airport guitar lounge—a priceless in-airport marketing channel","One of 13 companies out of 300+ chosen for NEC's Project Music, a leading music startup accelerator","CEO is IP Exec \u0026amp; Patent Attorney. 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Our target in this round is the full amount available under Regulation CF (Crowd Fund) $1,070,000. And yes, this is a Seed Round. If you have any other questions, please let me know. I'll be happy to address. Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars"},{"question":"I believe in your concept but how do I get a return on my investment?","answer":"Hello Phillip: Thanks for this question, too. An investment in Ciari Guitars during this Wefunder campaign will convert to shares upon 2 main events: 1) a \"qualified financing\"; and 2) an acquisition. In either instance, the company will have a definite valuation, which will translate into a percentage of shares based on the amount invested. Our exit strategy involves building the business (scaling, expanding the product line, proving product-market fit, etc...) to make Ciari Guitars an attra..."},{"question":"I understand the patent protection you have in the US, but what protection do you have from inevitable Chinese knock-offs undercutting you?","answer":"Hello Phillip: Excellent question! Thanks for asking. As a 25 year patent attorney, the world of intellectual property and preventing counterfeits is near and dear to my heart. I was Chief Patent Counsel for a global medical company and, in that role, had the very same concerns. The strategies developed over my career have been implemented at Ciari Guitars, rest assured. We have patents pending in all major markets in the globe, including Europe, China, Japan and South Korea - and of course M..."},{"question":"What is the projected wholesale / Retail price of the guitar? Where will the manufacturing be done? Will you be selling direct or thru music stores? When do you expect to have the product to market?","answer":"Hello Jack: Thanks for the note! We're currently selling our first product, called The Ascender, direct to consumer at www.ciariguitars.com. Prices start at $2,999 and go up depending upon various options (finish, fingerboard, wood choices, etc...). We make our guitars in Nashville, TN with some of the best in the business, including famed luthier Joe Glaser (of Glaser Instruments), and use Plek technology for our necks to ensure premium action and playability. We have additional, lower-price..."},{"question":"How do the strings hold up.... Im going to be honest if the fold up neck is ruining them I can see this as a draw back. Im a guitar player. I wouldnt buy it if when i got to where I was going, Id have to replace strings that I just did a day ago.","answer":"Hello Benjamin: Thanks for the question. I'm glad you asked! Our strings hold up great - same as a standard guitar - and we've never once had a string break at the hinge. That's because our patented folding system, with a quick throw of a lever, drops the strings from 118 lbs of playing tension to approximately 3 lbs of spring-loaded folding tension. This allows the strings to \"follow the fold\" during the folding and unfolding process. The strings fall neatly into \"V-Grooves\" formed in the fi..."}],"recent_posts":[],"provenance":{"source":"wefunder_public_company_profile","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","claims":{"total_amount_raised":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#amount_raised","last_verified_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"total_investors":{"source":"FrontCompanySummary#number_of_investors","last_verified_at":"2026-06-11T05:00:18Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"active_raise_states":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil)","last_verified_at":"2025-02-06T01:17:55Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"high"},"latest_fundraise_state":{"source":"Fundraise.visible(nil, nil).order(funding_started_at)","last_verified_at":"2025-02-06T01:17:55Z","as_of":"2026-06-11T16:02:57Z","confidence":"medium"}}}}}}