Glenn Nichols’ fresh, fun, and finely crafted Roswell - a new take on the student model archetype.
Born from the process of reviving a vintage Harmony Rocket, the Roswell model is Glenn Nichols’ spin on the mid-century student model - but make no mistake: this is no tribute guitar.
While it nods to its roots, the Roswell is undeniably modern in its execution. The big twist? A 25 ½" scale length that unlocks the chime, clarity, and punch these guitars hint at but rarely deliver. It’s vintage inspiration filtered through the eye of a master builder.
Getting the feel right was the real challenge. Glenn had to walk the line between quirky charm and refined playability, and for our money, he absolutely nailed it. With a flamed maple top and back, walnut sides, a figured mahogany neck, Granadillo fingerboard, and a matched set of Novak Gold Foil pickups, the Roswell brings boutique materials and build quality to a format known more for character than craftsmanship.
Plug it in and you’ll hear it instantly: punchy, warm yet articulate, and expressive, especially through something like our Victoria Broadway 1x12. Whether clean or edge-of-breakup, the Roswell keeps up, and keeps it fun (one of the biggest qualities we look for in a guitar)
Specs aside, what really matters? It makes you want to keep playing. It has that elusive thing - the spark, the vibe, the mojo. And it delivers it in spades.
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Brand Story
Retrograde Guitars are handmade by Glenn Nichols in a large Artist Studio space located in an historic textile factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
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.