Like you probably have, I’ve been playing guitar a long time. I’ve had the privilege of owning some very fine guitars. Some vintage, some custom shop and many boutique. All have helped me gain a real understanding of what makes a great guitar, great. I’ve also worked in the industry as Director of Sales for a few boutique builders which allowed me to gain first-hand insight as to what goes into the build process. Great guitars don’t happen by accident. I started RetroSound as a passion project in 2022 and built about 20 guitars for which I got awesome feedback from the players who purchased them. Another really cool thing is none of them have shown up in the used market. The players who have them seem to really like them. Life got busy over the last couple years and RetroSound found itself on hold, but always on my mind and close to my heart. As of the end of 2024, the time is right to get back to it! I’m focused on building my personal favorite style guitars… junior and special single and double cuts. I just love the simplicity. I’ve sourced some of the best materials for these builds and I’ve approached these guitars from the standpoint of quality over cost savings. Because of my unique production process, I’m able to keep these guitars priced affordably, even with top shelf components.
So let me explain the whole process! I get all my bodies and necks from Precision Guitar Kits in Canada. These are super high quality kits using lightweight African Mahogany. They go to my good friend William who does all the finish and assembly for me. William has worked as a master builder for some very well respected boutique brands and his knowledge of guitar building is second to none. I’m truly fortunate to have him as a friend and be able to rely on his expertise to help me bring RetroSound to life. The kits, hardware and electronics are hand delivered to him by yours truly. I am using what I feel to be the best components I can source. From Faber USA inserts, studs and compensated wraparound tailpieces to Emerson wiring kits and ThroBak P90 pickups. I want these to be the best they possibly can. Ok, back to the process.. The necks are glued in, bodies and necks are grain filled and final sanded, paint color applied and then finished with a thin coat of Nitrocellulose lacquer. They are then expertly assembled and set up. I personally doublecheck all set up work and play each guitar to insure it’s going to inspire! Each guitar comes with a COA and hardshell case.
RetroSound will likely never get very big and that’s EXACTLY the way I want it. Stay small and build a handful of amazing guitars for players who can appreciate what we’re doing. Whether you’re a collector of boutique guitars, working professional guitar player or just need something great to take to the open blues jam at your local watering hole, your RetroSound guitar will deliver!