Meet Rick Wilson | Humble Instrument Builder, Bass Player, Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

When I came to the conclusion that this is what I wanted to do as a career, I came up with a “ten year plan”,

In the beginning, it was “let’s take ten years and see if this is even feasible”. I went from being an old school apprentice to spending several years with one of the largest guitar manufacturers in the world. After that was “phase II ”; I went to work with a smaller, but well known production bass builder. It was a three man shop and it was there where I was taught how to carve an instrument. Afterwards, I went out on the road with a national Southern Rock act, as a guitar/drum/backline tech; I had toure before as a player and a roadie, This allowed me to further my resume as well as allowing me to network .

I left the road in 2002, going to work in charge of running a high end, boutique, bluegrass acoustic guitar company. On paper, it was a great gig, but in reality, it was a lesson on how not to run a guitar company. The owner of the company was handed two million dollars from an investor, and immediately, the head of the company started spending money on everything except the company’s best interest.

As bad as it was, we assembled a crack team of builders, we built something out of nothing and we actually started building some amazing high end instruments. Then it all caught it up with the owner and it was over.

I went back to Gibson for a short time before I landed a job performing museum quality restorations at Gruhn Guitars, one of the most well known vintage guitar stores in the world. It was another step in my career.

I lost my wife to cancer in 2007. I left Gruhn;s in late 2008. I had started Moonshine Custom Guitars in 2002, but leaving Gruhn’s forced me “Out of the nest”. I finally went out on my own.

It took ten years, but in 2018, customer’s started taking notice of my builds. Business started growing and it hasn’t stopped.

In Jan. 2023, I was approached by a start up guitar company located in New Orleans, La., in the beginning, I was hired as a consultant, but in Oct 2023. I became a partner in the company, and in Dec. 2023, it was decided to build the entire production facility in the town where I live near Nashville, Tn., where I will be overseeing the operation.

This is a dream come true and though I realize that 40 years of learning my craft has allowed this to happen, at the same time, I acknowledge that what has taken place is beyond my skill set. I am blessed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Graphic design is what I’ve dedicated my life to. As an instrument builder, I have strived to build instruments that “flow”, both visually and ergonomically. I want to provide the best quality instruments available, while building instruments that are visually beautiful.

I started as an artist, so “visual” is an important aspect. As a bass player, I realize that in addition to “looks” , an instrument must perform mechanically/functionally to the highest degree.

My business plan is: While I consider myself to be one of the top builders of this generation, the truth is there are so many builders out there that are on my level. In Nashville (and beyond) There are a number of builders. Instead of competing, we embrace each other. We all are extremely talented, but we all have different talents. I have no problem sharing a fellow builder’s recent build on my social media page. It is all about celebrating each other’s talents.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

In Nashville, you have to start at the non-stop party that encompasses Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville; it’s basically Mardis Gras everyday, it all starts at 10am. For two city blocks, three to four story buildings line both sides of the street, with a band playing on every floor. Did I mention that each bar has open windows facing out to the street?

After that, One needs to catch a show at the following venues; the Ryman Auditorium, the mother church, The best sounding venue in the world. The Station Inn, the last known venue of it’s kind. Located amongst the Hipster Elite in the Gulch, please check it out while it is still there. This is the last 4real Nashville country/bluegrass venues. The Bluebird Cafe, This is the ultimate Nashville songwriter’s haven. This is where the magic happens in Nashville.

Afterwards, let’s do Nashville’s favorite eats.

There is no denying Nashville’s love for meat and threes…

Nashville’s favorite, Arnold’s on 8th avenue has re-opened, better catch it while you can. Another favorite is Wendell Smith’s on Charlotte ave. in West Nashville, they make a mean breakfast too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? My shoutout is to the people who helped steer me in the right direction…

From my math teacher in high school, Mr. Padgent, with whom I shared a love for Ford Model T’s, to Timothy Weaver, who introduced me to the world of vintage guitars (and is still a close friend to this day), to Ron (Honest Ron) Lira, the Luthier who forever changed my life, to Phil Jones and Keith Medley, both a part of the original Gibson Custom Shop, who took the time to answer a million questions asked by a newbie., to the late Greg Curbow and Douglas Somerville. who took a chance on an unknown up and coming builder.

There are many more who I’ve forgotten to mention. I have done my best to learn from everyone that I’ve worked for/with. I am thankful for them all.

Website: moonshineguitars.com

Instagram: moonshinegtrs

Linkedin: [email protected]

Facebook: Moonshine Custom Guitars

Youtube: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photos by Moonshine Custom Guitars.