Guitar manufacturing in Vancouver continues to grow thanks to Coloma Guitars

The beginnings of Coloma Guitars are what some would call a “happy accident.”  

Coloma Guitars got its start during the pandemic, when Head Luthier and founder Meredith Coloma was forced to shut down Pacific Wood Lab, where she was teaching guitar building and repair classes for the better part of a decade. Unable to teach, Coloma elected to explore building an instrument of her own: the now-iconic Freya model that would soon lead to the evolution of Coloma Guitars.  

As a B.C.-based music company headquartered in Vancouver, yet serving the music industry with an instrument that has piqued the interest of guitar players worldwide, Coloma Guitars has received support via Amplify BC’s Music Company program. The grant has allowed Meredith to expand operations by hiring staff, and investing in training, marketing, and new tools to grow her business sustainably. This expansion has proven crucial for increasing capacity, staff skills, and overall efficiency, which has in turn allowed for higher revenues. The sustainability plan emphasizes the importance of staff safety, avoiding overwork, and creating a more sustainable career path for apprenticing Luthiers. 

Coloma built her followings on TikTok and Instagram, highlighting behind-the-scenes content of her building and repairing guitars. The Freya was always evident in the background as an ornamental piece until she featured more actively on her socials: when she did so, her followers immediately started asking if they could purchase one. Meredith sold one Freya model immediately; nine followed shortly after; and, over the year, she received over 120 subsequent orders for this instrument. There was an overwhelming level of support and love for the Freya. However, managing to build 120 guitars by hand as a sole operator also proved overwhelming – especially as demand for the instrument continued to rise.  

Coloma Guitars’ journey from an unexpected pandemic-induced pivot to the thriving instrument manufacturer it has become demonstrates the resilience and resourcefulness of both the company and its founder, and as practiced by many members of B.C.’s music industry in recent years. Vancouver, with its rich history of guitar manufacturing, has found a new torchbearer in Coloma Guitars, filling the void left by Larrivee Guitars in 2013, when they decided to close their Vancouver manufacturing plant. The decision to bring back guitar manufacturing to the city not only rekindles the local music scene, but also serves as a testament to Meredith’s commitment to invest in her community. By creating jobs and sharing her knowledge through guitar building and repair education, Coloma, as a company, exemplifies the spirit of a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to both craftsmanship and community enrichment.

As Coloma Guitars contemplates the future, it stands as an example of the potential for growth and sustainability in the music industry, embodying a harmonious blend of craftsmanship and community connectedness. The company serves as a beacon for guitar enthusiasts worldwide – offering not just exceptional instruments, but also an inspiring narrative of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to fostering a deep connection between musicians, their instruments, and the vibrant tapestry of the local music community. 

You can learn more about Coloma Guitars here.