ABOUT
Story
Welcome. My name is London Holley; I’m the owner and head luthier at Copperhead Custom Guitars.
Music has always been central to my life, the stage a home since age ten. Prior to developing my craft as a maker, I played bass semi-professionally with a group that traveled and recorded across the American Southwest. Dreaming up my own “ideal” instruments sparked a love of luthiery; as such, I’ve always approached my design-to-build process with the eyes of a player as well as an artist. Tradition has its place, certainly, but innovation is my focus.
I first became aware of the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, only miles from home, when I was already pursuing a degree in Conservation Biology at Arizona State University. Up until that point, my lifelong goal had been to go into the field of veterinary medicine, but I was discovering that conventional college life wasn’t for me. I knew as an animal person (read: total softie) that I deeply wanted to continue to give back to that world, even after making the switch. As such, all of my instruments are created without the use of a single otherwise-universal animal product, such as bone (nuts, saddles), tortoiseshell (pickguards), and hide glue (construction). Advanced alternatives have all been found or developed, setting Copperhead uniquely apart through being the first openly cruelty-free instrument boutique on the market.
Upon graduating from Roberto-Venn’s rigorous program (alongside a talented class of peers), I built up a shop in the desert of Carefree, Arizona, the landscape of which is inspirational in itself. A flurry of work has since taken place in preparation for our official debut at 2025’s NAMM, which, without giving too much away too soon, will have a deep emphasis on philanthropic efforts.
The custom-build waitlist will open immediately following the show on February 1st, 2025. Please keep an eye out, as I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
From London with love.
Staff
Father-Daughter Duo
My name is Richard Holley; I'm London's dad. I'm taking up luthiery following a 30 year career of craftsmanship (as a practicing dentist and longtime woodworker). As a lifelong music and guitar fan, it soon became apparent that a very similar skillset could be brought to bear in working at Copperhead. Our mission is to create the attractive and unique instruments that our clients can't find anywhere else. Bring us your passions – we'll create the means for you to set it to music.
