Nathaniel Hollis Rich, Luthier
Specializing in Custom Guitars and the Repair and Restoration of Bass
Growing up in a family of artisans I learned woodworking from an early age. While studying classical guitar performance at Weaver Academy of Performing and Visual Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina, I recognized the need for a better instrument and built my first guitar at the age of 15. My passion for music led to an education at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying guitar with David Tanenbaum. There I realized, though I loved playing, lutherie was my true calling and I chose to leave the path of performance to focus on building full time.
In addition to building instruments under my own name, I have also worked for other luthiers including Gael Mckeon (upright bass specialist) and Ervin Somogyi (master guitar builder). Seeing different perspectives introduced me to new ideas which further refined my craft. I focused my repair/restoration work on bass violins and after years developing my skills I became the preferred luthier of many San Francisco Symphony musicians. My 20 years of lutherie experience have provided me with the extensive knowledge to build and restore remarkable, widely respected instruments for musicians all over the world.
The Workshop
See more pictures of the shop on the Galleries page or on Instagram
Testimonials
Justin Purtill
“So happy to have picked up this beauty from Nathaniel Rich the other day! It’s a real masterpiece. As soon as I played it, I knew this puppy was going to seriously affect my (already greatly diminished) social life…. because now all I want to do is practice ????. Thanks Nathaniel, I’ve been searching for an axe like this for some time.”
Gael Mckeon
Patrick Day
Michael Braun
“I love the balance, projection, and sweet tone I get out of my Hollis-Rich guitar. There is a robust sound, yet it maintains the ability to get a wide range of colors, making it suitable for many performing situations.”
Scott Pingel
Nathaniel Rich is very fine luthier. He has immense knowledge, highly developed skills, keen intuition, and extraordinary patience. His set-up work is among the very best I have ever seen, and he always seems to get my basses sounding and playing their best. We are most fortunate to have him in the Bay Area, and I enthusiastically recommend him!
Jeff Denson
Nathaniel Rich is a master luthier with the highest attention to detail. I have complete trust in him with my basses, from setups to major reconstructive work. All of the work he has done on my instruments over the years has been impeccable. jeffdenson.com
Charles Chandler
“The bass is totally awesome!!
It has simply never played better!!
You really nailed it with the sound post. The instrument is completely changed. Much freer and so very very resonant. What a difference in my life this has made. It is just simply so much more fun to come to the instrument.
I also love the neck carving adjustment. The upper neck is so much more comfortable, and it makes me feel way more confident in that area. I’m totally in love with the change!
I just can’t thank you enough for what you did!! Thanks so much Nathaniel!!”
