Richard Schneider

Richard Lawrence Schneider
Master Luthier

We were all shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of
our good friend and colleague, Richard Lawrence Schneider.
He died, unexpectedly, in the early hours of Friday, January, 31, 1997.
And even though we feel that his work was not done on this earth,
he certainly lived a full life during his 60 years.
Born on March 5th, 1936 in Michigan, therein he also attended primary and
secondary schools, going on to University in Minnesota. After serving two
years in the army he apprenticed to Maestro Juan Pimental in Mexico.
This was to be the most dramatic turning point in his life. He dedicated
all his time to making the best classical guitars from that time on.
He soon owned his own guitar studio and workshop, enabling him to
not only repair guitars, but to begin building them. He also provided
instruction and apprenticeship programs to further the art of building
fine acoustic instruments.

Collaboration initiated in 1967 with Michael Kasha, Ph.D., of Florida
State University. Over the next thirty years they worked together to
develop innovative acoustical designs for the classical guitar. Although
these changes to the guitar were not without controversy, during the last
few years Richard finally began receiving the respect he rightly
deserved. He definitely was on top of the world!

He is survived by his brother, Donald Schneider,
his sisters, Theodora Schneider-Polla, Janice Allen and
Rev. Karen Thompson, and his daughter Anne Dwyer.

A celebration of Richard's life was held at the John Wayne Marina
in Sequim, Washington, on Friday, February 7th, 1997. There was a
large crowd in attendance that shared music, stories, anecdotes,
laughter and tears. Following the huge salmon feast, just as he was
known to put on at his festivals on Lost Mountain, was a tribute concert
by Christina Kelly, Andre Feriante, David Franzen, and Kurt Rodarmer.

Although we have lost a great man,
we will continue the work he was so dedicated to... the future of the guitar.

Sincerely,
Jay T. Hargreaves

CLASSICAL GUITAR
This nylon string guitar was started by Richard Schneider.
The sides were bent, the neck was rough/cut, the top and back had been braced, but the braces needed to be carved and of course the instrument needed to be assembled. I brought the collection of unfinished pieces back to my shop and completed the guitar.

It has an Engelmann Spruce top,
Redwood back,
Rosewood sides,
Mahogany neck,
Ebony fingerboard, Schaller tuners.
Body size 20" x 14.5" x 4"
String length 26"

(now owned by Andre Feriante)

CLASSICAL GUITAR
This nylon string guitar was started by Richard Schneider and was about 3/4 built, that's where I took over.

It has a Redwood top and back,
Rosewood sides, Mahogany neck,
Ebony fingerboard, Schaller tuners.
Body size 20" x 14.5" x 4"
String length 26.5"

(now owned by Gregory Schneider,
no relation)

RS/SS MODEL GUITAR
This steel string guitar is one-of-a-kind, co-built by me, Richard Schneider and George Majkowski.

It has an Englemann
Spruce top, Redwood back,
Indian Rosewood sides,
Mahogany neck,
Ebony fingerboard, Schaller tuners.
Body size 20" x 15" x 4"
String length 25.5"

Andre Feriante

Gregory Schneider
(no relation to Richard)

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