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Richard Collopy Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Collopy
Nino
July 31, 2022
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 got to do it. Then some time later I visited yelp to find his address and found out he had passed. I hardly knew him but, yet, he seemed like one of the nicest people you would ever meet, and it saddens me that I never brought him my guitar and got to know him better. I looked at that same guitar today and the memory came back, I never did get it restored. Rest in Peace Mr Collopy.
Eddy Ramirez
August 17, 2020
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 forgotten by those of us whose life you were part of.
Eddy
K
August 17, 2020
Rich, You are missed... by me.
❤
August 17, 2019
10 years now.....
still missed.
Thinking of you today Rich.
Kathy
August 17, 2019
Thinking of you today, Rich.
Bryan Sanga
May 13, 2010
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.
k9sound
March 11, 2010
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 precious, especially now.
Michael F
February 28, 2010
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.
James Kelso
December 14, 2009
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 parts on and let me take. It's always been a cherished reminder of him and the friendship he extended to me. In fact, I just gave it to my tech for a freshening two days ago.
Hey, Rich, wherever you are, thanks for everything, man. Sharing your knowledge and insight with a dumb kid like me meant the world to me. I still follow guidelines you taught me, and the years I spent my lunch hours in Playland and then your own shop are among my favorite memories.
My deepest condolences to his friends and family, I know he will be missed.
Robert Czeck
December 14, 2009
I am on the short time list of knowing Rich. I have only known Rich for about 18 months. He and I did as the others mentioned, i.e. shared many discussions about vintage Martins and Gibsons.
He did great work and was very reasonable in his pricing, a rare find these days.
He was working on a 47 0-21 and unfortunately didn't finish it. I am calling that guitar "RC" in honor of him. R.I.P.
Eddy Ramirez
November 14, 2009
I tried calling Rich last week, because there was a new guitar I wanted to buy. I would always call him to get his advice. I left a VM and sent an e-mail. When I didn't hear back, I was hoping that he was on vacation and tried not to think the worse. After several days of not hearing from Rich, my son did a search online and read about his passing. What a huge loss, he was such a great person and his ability and art with our instruments was something of centuries past, that master craftsman so rare today almost magical. Rich, I will miss you and will think of you when playing my guitars that were infused with your magic. I will miss going to your shop, talking and asking you so many questions that you would so patiently answer. After 20 + years of being his customer, he made me feel like a close friend. I know that you are with Marina and that brings me great joy.
My sincerest heartfelt condolences to Rich's family.
Mike
November 10, 2009
I just found out about Rich's passing, and I realized it had been six months or so since I had seen him. His shop was only five blocks from my store, and I used to pass by and honk at him until I started to drive by a different route that didn't send me down Balboa. He did some wonderful work on a number of my guitars and although I feel a tremendous sense of loss, at least I have these instruments that will always contain a beautiful part of his craftsmanship, spirit, and friendship. May all the notes be sweet wherever you are. You are truly missed.
Stephen Wohlford
November 5, 2009
Richard repositioned the bridge on my 1930s ukulele. Now it plays in tune up and down the fret board. It's no fun playing out of tune, makes people uncomfortable. Now, Every time I tune up I give a little thought of thanks to Richard Collopy. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Happy scales to you, Richard,
Stephen Wohlford
Kate
October 28, 2009
Hey Rich,
I miss you.
The entries that have been written here before me, are really incredible.
It's not easy to share one's feelings about someone, but it's somewhat easier when we all do it together.
I want to thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and feelings about Rich on here, it helps me.
Also, thank you to the anonymous person who looked ahead and knew this would be a good way to work on the sadness and pain we feel-Thank you!
Rich,I wonder if you really knew how much people looked forward to seeing you and how much we all are missing you.
I had a day today that you popped into my head and heart and I was overwhelmed with emotions.
I called Arlene and graciously she talked me through it.
But it's still so sad for me.
I'm lucky for having known you for so many years.
I have so much more to say, but in time.
Right now I have to figure out how to be less sad and angry. I'm sorry I'm angry, but I guess I am because your gone. It seems to make no sense.
For now, know how much I cared about you and I loved you Rich.
Kathy (Kate)
Lucien Canton
September 18, 2009
I stopped by the shop this afternoon to have some minor work done on a guitar lute. As always, I allowed extra time because I knew that I would spend at least a half hour visiting with Rich and talking about guitars and life in general. I always looked forward to our time together and usually came away with a new idea or with a bit of useful information. To my sorrow, I found the note saying that he has left us.
I will miss this gentle man who was so passionate about what he did. I will miss the superb work he did but most of all I'll miss the friendship he extended so generously to all who came through his door.
Giacomo Corrado
September 1, 2009
What a wonderful man we have lost. A gentleman with the most amiable disposition, impeccable working ethics and miraculous hands with the instruments.
Goodbye dear Richard.
Giacomo J. Corrado
NY/SF Flamenco Guitar
Leigh Gregory
September 1, 2009
Rich Collopy was my friend and guitar repair guy for the last fifteen years. In a biz filled with people who overcharge and, quite frankly, sometimes don’t do the best work in the world, Rich was straight forward, knowledgeable and dedicated to the craft of guitar repair. All of my guitars greatly benefited from taking them to Rich as they would always play just a little better from Rich’s expertise and setups. Money was really never part of the equation when dealing with Rich as he was always up front about how much the cost of a repair was (and it was always a fair price for the excellent repair work Rich did), and he was always passionate about getting his customers the best sound and playability out of the stringed instruments they brought in to have serviced. I am at a total loss hearing of Rich’s passing since he’s been my guy for the past fifteen years -- I even bought two guitars from Rich from when he was doing retail along with repairs at his shop in the mid/late 90s. Rich’s friendship, wit and knowledge will be greatly missed. Really, there was no one quite like him.
Steve Pulizzano
August 31, 2009
I was alive in the forest,
I was cut by the cruel ax,
In life I was silent,
In death I sweetly sing.
The goal of the luthier is to find that song in the dead wood that is waiting to be released, by paying attention to what the wood wants him to do with it.
This is what i will miss of Rich ... the ability to take dead guitars and make them sing oh so sweetly. I'm glad; as are my guitars that we were lucky enough to cross paths.
Play On Rich ...
Rich, Dave, Charlie, Joady, Steve 1975
Charles Cowles
August 30, 2009
Rich worked for me at Tree Frog Music in the 1970's and I have one of his first acoustic guitars. People often thought we were brothers. Rich was a kind and sensitive man who gave much to the world. He will be missed.
Eric Melander
August 28, 2009
Glad to have known Rich, who repaired a number of my guitars and basses. A fine craftsman, he will be sorely missed by the musicians who knew him. Say Hi to Les Paul for us, as well.
Mario Grillo
August 24, 2009
Rich,man,fellow native,you were the best.Sad that thing that happens happened.You had a lot of more good work ahead of you, and happy musicians and the people they perform for.You were the "go to" man.You did make a difference,I hope you knew that.
KC Cormack
August 24, 2009
I'm saddened beyond words at the news of Rich's passing. It seems like just a couple of weeks ago I was in his shop talking about guitars and all sorts of other things. He was a great person and he took great care of my guitars. I will miss him.
Marlina Teich
August 23, 2009
Rich,
My friend. You were the best craftsman. Honest, incredible work. Rest in Peace. You were a pleasure to know and I always looked forward to bringing my guitars to you.
Pete Coe
August 23, 2009
Rich was a consummate professional and a bright light in our neighborhood. He was always a pleasure to talk to and I patronized his shop as much as possible. As a musician, I saw him as a teacher and an indispensable resource. When my wife began taking bass lessons a year or so ago, I quickly referred her to him to get her bass guitar set up. After our son was born, Rich was one of the first to take notice of my wife pushing a stroller around and congratulate us. I deeply regret not getting the chance to introduce my son to him. Yesterday we walked by his shop and saw the notice of his passing. While we are deeply saddened, we are extremely grateful and feel very fortunate to have known him. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rich's memory will live on through the many instruments he worked on and restored.
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