About Retrograde Guitars

Retrograde Guitars are handmade by Glenn Nichols in a large Artist Studio space located in an historic textile factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Current output ranges between 16-18 guitars a year. As a result of the artisan approach, each guitar is a unique, one of a kind instrument.

The goal of Retrograde Guitars is to explore the potential of the electric laminate top guitar. The design draws from the early jazz boxes of the 30s and 40s, to the catalog guitars of the 50s and 60s. By using vacuum press technology, hand wound pickups, hand rubbed colors and home brewed varnishes, modern building methods are combined with old world lutherie.

With attention to detail and an understanding of the variables within the lamination process, a very responsive instrument can be made. While Retrograde Guitars are primarily electric, great care is taken to construct and voice the guitar as an acoustic instrument.  By molding the tops in a vacuum press, one layer at a time, a very stiff, yet light and lively top can be made. The arched plate is then braced with German Spruce and voiced as an acoustic instrument.

Every instrument is finished with a hand rubbed varnish, rather than a sprayed lacquer.  The use of varnish results in a more broken in feel than a bright sounding factory lacquer, and adds warmth to the overall tone of the instrument.

More insights into the building process and history can be found in the Biography and Interviews section of this website.