Riversong Tradition Acoustic Guitars

Redesigning the Acoustic Guitar for Resonance and Versatility

Riversong guitars stand out from the crowd with their unique design features. The neck-thru design enhances the guitar's strength and resonance, while also allowing for adjustable neck angle and length. This means that players can optimize string height and intonation with ease. Additionally, a soundhole "diffuser" disc balances the tone and improves studio recording quality.

One of the key advantages of Riversong guitars is the solid neck construction, which eliminates the 14th fret hump commonly found in traditional designs. The high contact neck pocket also increases surface conduction, resulting in improved sound transfer compared to traditional guitars.

Handmade in Kamloops, BC, Canada, Riversong guitars are not only innovative but also environmentally friendly. Miltimore's goal was to create a renewable wood guitar using locally sourced materials. The guitars are designed to be easy to service, with many off-the-shelf parts and unique components that can be obtained from hardware stores.

The build process of Riversong guitars involves the use of CNC lasers and custom jigs, ensuring a high level of consistency and quality. While speed is not the main concern, the focus is on delivering guitars that meet the highest standards.

The Riversong Tradition Acoustic Guitars feature a nut width of 42mm and a scale length of 25.5". The overall dimensions are similar to a dreadnought shape, allowing the guitar to fit in standard cases. The neck profile is thinner and stiffer, thanks to the materials and build process employed.

With a simple twist of an allen key, players can adjust the neck angle to precisely control string height. This eliminates the need for time-consuming and potentially damaging adjustments that traditional guitars require. The Riversong system allows for infinite precision in setting the string height.

The journey to create the Riversong Tradition Acoustic Guitars started in 2007, with Miltimore experimenting with alternative guitar designs. Over the next seven years, the guitars were developed and refined, with prototypes created in Miltimore's home shop and later in the basement of his family's music store. Today, the guitars are produced in an 8000sq ft guitar factory in Kamloops.

Miltimore's research involved drawings, models, and prototypes, as well as studying traditional guitars and running numerous experiments. The goal was to simplify the complexity of acoustic guitars and create a design that delivers exceptional performance.

The Riversong guitar project presented several challenges, including a six-year design process and the need to build a new factory to meet the growing demand. Managing cash flow and finding reliable manufacturing service companies were also hurdles to overcome. However, Miltimore and his team persevered, creating a solid team that works together to deliver innovative and high-quality guitars.

The Riversong Tradition Acoustic Guitars have garnered recognition for their ingenuity and creativity. In 2015, they were awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Musical Instruments Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that contribute to quality of life improvements and exhibit strong technical and creative skills.

With their resonant sound, adjustable features, and Canadian craftsmanship, Riversong Tradition Acoustic Guitars are a testament to innovation and quality in the world of guitar design.