Richard Reynoso is an American classical guitar maker who builds by hand in Los Angeles, California. His guitars follow the Spanish tradition of Antonio de Torres in construction, with an art deco look and a voice that are entirely his own.
At a Glance
- Workshop: Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California (originally from Santa Monica)
- Training: a violin maker in Santa Barbara, then two years with Los Angeles luthier Greg Brandt; guidance from Eugene Clark
- Inspiration: Antonio de Torres and the great Spanish and European makers
- Known for: art deco inlays and rosettes, carved headstocks, hand-tool construction, a limited number of guitars per year
- Featured in: Orfeo Magazine No. 10 – West Coast Luthiers
From Player to Guitar Maker
Richard Reynoso has been involved with the arts since his youth, having a passion for drawing, music and in particular, playing the classical guitar. His first guitar was actually one that had been loaned to him for several years, and when the day came for it to be returned, Richard began the search for a new guitar. During that time he learned there were makers around the world crafting these instruments by hand, and was thus attracted to the idea of pursuing the art of lutherie. Aside from the complexity and beauty of the sound, what attracted Richard most was the combined practice of science, chemistry, art, physics, architecture, design and music.
Training in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
His formal studies began when he found a violin maker in Santa Barbara who taught him to build violins. This was a way to get his “feet wet”, but the goal was ultimately guitar making. He studied in the violin shop for a couple of years and later found Los Angeles-based luthier Greg Brandt, with whom he studied another two years. When finished, he continued to study the guitar with guidance from other well-known makers and developed friendships along the way. Eugene Clark made a strong impression on him, spending countless hours discussing the geometry and approach to making the guitar, based on the traditional techniques and methods of construction of the Spanish makers of the past.
Inspired by Torres and the Spanish Tradition
Richard draws his inspiration from Antonio de Torres and a number of other great European makers of past and present. Strongly rooted in the Spanish sound and design, his goal is not to duplicate the “greats” but instead to develop a look and sound which is uniquely his own. Working predominantly with hand tools, Richard finds what the guitar is doing scientifically an alluring venture, but it’s his intuition, understanding of the wood, eyes and hands which carry the weight in his practice. In Richard’s own words: “Qualities I aspire to achieve in each of my instruments are a rich beautiful voice with a wide tonal palette of colors throughout the entire fingerboard, clear separation from string to string, a voice that projects from an intimate setting to a large concert hall and a wide dynamic range.” It’s important for him to create an instrument where the soundboard and strings have a liveliness and sensitivity when lightly plucked. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s really important to be able to push and dig into the strings where the quality of the sound has a body which holds up rather than a percussive quality which falls apart.
Art Deco Design from a Los Angeles Workshop
Richard’s work artistically is inspired by geometric shapes, simple lines and natural colors drawing from the art deco era, which is implemented in the purfling, rosette, decorative inlays and machine heads. Through his attention to detail and perfectionist nature, he treats each instrument as if it’s his last. He builds a limited number of instruments per year, which allows him to focus on quality rather than quantity.
Although originally from Santa Monica, Richard currently lives and works in a charming old 1920s building in the artistic Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, where the short documentary below was filmed.
Richard Reynoso in Orfeo Magazine
Orfeo Magazine No. 10 - West Coast Luthiers
Richard represents Los Angeles in Orfeo’s road trip along the West Coast.
Richard Reynoso Guitars at GSI
Several Richard Reynoso guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Richard Reynoso build his guitars?
In Los Angeles, California, in a 1920s building in the Los Feliz neighborhood.
Who trained Richard Reynoso?
He started with a violin maker in Santa Barbara, studied guitar making for two years with Los Angeles luthier Greg Brandt, and later had the guidance of Eugene Clark, among other makers.
What style of guitar does Richard Reynoso make?
Traditional Spanish-style classical guitars inspired by Antonio de Torres, with his own art deco inlays, rosettes and carved headstocks.
How many guitars does he make?
A limited number each year – he focuses on quality rather than quantity.
