During his thirteen-year stint at Matt Umanov Guitars on Bleecker Street, Tom Crandall was the go-to luthier for some of the more impressive string instruments in town, including Grammy winner Steve Earle’s Gibson and Steve Martin’s 1922 banjo. Now he’s going solo with TR Crandall Guitars (179 E. 3rd St., nr. Ave. A; 646-692-4235). Acoustic buffs can stop in for repairs or shop 40 or so pieces ranging in price from $1,500 to $25,000. Included in the mix are vintage instruments like a steel-stringed 1905 Washburn, as well as vintage-inspired models, which Crandall crafts from solid wood and ages with a custom myrrh-and-frankincense-laced varnish.