When you think of Rhode Island, custom guitars might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But in sleepy Lincoln, Rhode Island, luthier Nick Holcomb of Holcomb Guitar‘s is making magic in his studio.
“My introduction to Bass Lutherie was through Les Claypool and Carl Thompson“, Nick explained. “I bought a bass at 14 thinking it would be similar to a guitar but I realized I had adopted something I had no obvious connection to. I discovered Primus in high school and suddenly the bass was incredibly interesting and held more potential than I expected.”
- Location. I live in Providence, RI but I work in Lincoln where my shop is.
- Current Gig. I am a luthier by training, but I also work as the Repair Technician at Empire Guitars and as a Studio Technician at Rhode Island School of Design. I stay busy.
- What is one word that describes your playing. Downpicking
- Describe your current setup and what is favorite piece of gear at the moment? As a Luthier, my favorite piece of gear is my router. Me without a router is like a bird without feathers. As a player, my Sunn Concert Head and 2×15 cab. I love effects, specifically my Russian Big Muff and Digitech Whammy, but my Sunn is the one thing I can never go without.
- What is one thing you could not live without? Oxygen, most likely.
- What is your practice space like? Well, its more wood shop than practice space right now, but its pretty great. Its 1200/sq feet with a great view. Two of the walls are windows and I have it all to myself.
- What album are you currently listening to? I can’t stop listening to “The Physical World” by Death from Above 1979. Its the 11 year sophomore follow up to their first record. Its amazing how musically articulate just two guys can be with a drum kit and a bass.
- What book are you currently reading? “Guitarmaking” by Jonathan Natelson and William Cumpiano. I’m a proficient luthier as it pertains to electric guitars but I’m always trying to acquaint myself with techniques that span beyond my existing knowledge base.
- I’d love to see ____ answer these questions. Kyle Nagel. Kyle is the bass player for the Young Pandas who are currently out on a national tour that’s in cahoots with RideScout. Kyle is a great friend, a great bass player and all around musician. Kyle always has the coolest basses and gear constantly coming and going. Love that guy.
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The only way out is through.
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