Richard Matthew Collopy

I met Rich once back in 2007 or 2008 in San Francisco when my friend took over a guitar to get fixed. I knew right then he was the real deal. His shop reminded me of something from a fairy tale; woodwork, instruments and an assortment of tools scattered over the place. I recall a calm, cool personality but what struck me was his knowledge, going over the instrument and explaining the ins and outs. I recall telling myself that I needed to bring my guitar for him to restore but never actually...

Rich, I always think about you and miss you. Music is the biggest part of my life shadowed only by the love I have for my family and the latest addition my 19 month old grandson. My son and I play our guitars every day and always think and talk about Rich, we truly miss your friendship and expertise. I still hear your warm laugh as I asked you so many questions. I was just thinking the other day how long it had been that you had left us. A beautiful person as yourself is gone but never...

Rich, You are missed... by me.
❤

I just learned about his death today.I was going to ask him about intonation today,and I called him up and the phone was disconnected.Ive known Richard since 2007 and helped me out through so much stuff about guitars and he would finish the work on my guitars a day early if Im hurrying up on to do a gig.Man,the world will miss Mr.Collopy,he will always be the greatest Luthier and a kind man.

I didn't realize Richard had left us until I went by his shop today....and I only live three blocks away! It just seemed like yesterday I saw him working on some axes late at night.

Over the years, he worked on at least a half dozen of my guitars and basses. I don't remember how many he has graced, and some I don't even have anymore. But I know he worked on the two Fender basses I still have, including a major job on a 1979 P Bass. His embellishments make the instruments even more...

I just leanred of, and am saddened by, Richard's passing.

I didn't know Rich at all well--I was an occasional but loyal customer. But I admired his knowledge, his ingenuity, and his confidence untainted by ego. The world would be a markedly better place if we all had a little more of those qualities.

I was just looking for his website to recommend Rich to a friend when I came upon the news of his passing. I used to work near Playland Music in the mid 90's when Rich had his shop above, and spent many an hour there. Rich taught me a lot about both guitars and amps - indeed, I took a Bassman and a Bandmaster with me that he sold me when I moved to Nashville in 96. I also took a guitar he had built long ago and never really finished, a set neck Junior shaped "experiment" he graciously put...