The Rosedale
An archtop that sits between acoustic and electric — hand-carved bracing and classical-style sound ports paired with a floating mini-humbucker, hand-built by Glenn Nichols.
About this guitar
The Rosedale pushes Retrograde’s laminated-body archtop construction toward genuine acoustic resonance: hand-carved German spruce bracing, a traditional dovetail neck joint, and two classical-guitar-style sound ports are paired with a Lollar Johnny Smith-style floating mini-humbucker for light amplification. Visually rooted in 1930s-40s archtops used in early country blues and jazz, it’s built to order as a Private Build commission.
Specs
| Top | Maple/mahogany laminated top with spruce outer veneer |
|---|---|
| Back | Flame maple laminate back with mahogany inner veneer |
| Sides | Flame maple with mahogany inner veneer |
| Bracing | Hand-carved German spruce top and back braces |
| Lower Bout | 14" |
| Body Depth | 3" |
| Binding | Ivoroid |
| Sound Ports | Two classical-guitar-style sound ports |
| Neck | Mahogany, Classic "C" shape, .840-.920" |
| Neck Joint | Dovetail, with raised fingerboard extension |
| Headstock | "Boat Paddle" headstock, pearl Retrograde logo |
| Scale Length | 24.9" |
| Nut Width | 1 11/16" |
| Fretboard | Granadillo, recessed fret ends, pearl dot inlay |
| Bridge | Rosewood, adjustable |
| Tuners | Gotoh Vintage Kluson-style |
| Pickup | Lollar Johnny Smith-style mini humbucker (floating) |
| Hardware | Aged nickel hardware |
| Case | Hardshell case included |
| Pricing | $8000 stated Private Build base price; final cost varies guitar to guitar — contact maker for a full quote |
| Order Status | 2026 Private Build waitlist is currently closed per the maker's How to Order page (checked 2026-09-17); recently finished examples may also surface through dealer The Music Emporium, Lexington MA |
| Design Note | Maker's own copy describes it as standing 'at the crossroads of acoustic and electric guitar' — classified acoustic here per taxonomy's archtop-acoustic guidance since bracing/sound-ports/floating pickup point to acoustic voicing as primary; flagged as a judgment call |
Quick answers
- How much does the The Rosedale cost?
- Retrograde Guitars lists it at $8,000 (USD). Dealer and used prices vary.
- Is the The Rosedale still available?
- It's available for preorder from Retrograde Guitars.
- Who makes the The Rosedale?
- Retrograde Guitars. Where it's built: Built by Glenn Nichols in his one-person workshop, an artist studio in an old factory building in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It's listed here as an acoustic guitar.
- How long is the wait for Retrograde Guitars gear?
- About 10 guitars a year. Finished guitars are sold through The Music Emporium in the Boston area. A limited number of private build slots open each year by email waitlist, and the 2026 private build waitlist is closed.