Pre-Owned Retrograde Cambridge Handmade Hollowbody Electric Guitar
Retrograde
Regular price $4,999.00
Unit price per
Pre-Owned Retrograde Cambridge Hollowbody Electric Guitar
Retrograde Guitars is a boutique builder founded by luthier Glenn Nichols, known for crafting lightweight, vintage-inspired hollow and semi-hollow electric guitars with old-world construction methods and hand-applied finishes. The Cambridge is their flagship model and the one most collectors associate with the brand.
Tobias Music - Chicago Area’s Finest Guitars
Nice find. Local collector thinning the herd. Very nice shape. Has a lot of vintage mojo. P-90’s sound great. We didn’t get much detail on this one, but found some good info online (below). Really cool guitar.
About the Builder: Glenn Nichols
Retrograde Guitars founder Glenn Nichols brings a unique blend of fine art training, traditional craftsmanship, and decades of hands-on guitar-building experience to every instrument he creates.
Nichols' journey began at Montserrat College of Art in Massachusetts, where he studied Fine Arts and developed a deep understanding of color theory, composition, design, and finishing techniques. His passion for craftsmanship eventually led him to the renowned Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in Phoenix, Arizona, where he completed formal training as a certified luthier.
Following luthiery school, Nichols joined the esteemed Santa Cruz Guitar Company, one of America's most respected boutique acoustic guitar builders. Over the course of nine years, he advanced from the finish department to department foreman, refining his expertise in nitrocellulose lacquer finishing, production techniques, and meticulous attention to detail while working alongside some of the most talented builders in the industry.
Seeking to further expand his knowledge of traditional finishing methods, Nichols later joined Kenny Hill Guitar Company, where he specialized in French polishing and restoration work. His intensive study of shellac finishes, natural resins, oils, and historical varnish techniques helped shape the distinctive aesthetic and finishing philosophy found in Retrograde instruments today.
Nichols also spent several years working closely with master luthier Bill Tippin of Tippin Guitars. As the sole employee in Tippin's boutique workshop, he gained invaluable experience in every aspect of guitar construction, repair, inlay work, shop management, and custom instrument building.
In 2016, Nichols launched Retrograde Guitars, bringing together the artistic vision, traditional craftsmanship, and vintage-inspired design principles developed throughout his career. Today, working from his studio in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, he continues to build highly sought-after instruments that blend old-world techniques with modern playability and performance.
Every Retrograde guitar reflects a lifetime dedicated to craftsmanship, creativity, and the pursuit of exceptional tone.