Mike Miltimore grew up in the music business with his father Lee, working in the repair shop at his family's music store in Kamloops, British Columbia. 

Gradually, the repair shop at Lee's Music began to accommodate requests for custom builds and specialty guitars. People would come in looking for a specific width and feel for their guitar neck and they’d build it for them. It was out of that experience that Mike came up with the idea for Riversong Guitars - which was initially to build a braceless guitar. 

The concept was not without its challenges. There were many prototypes. There were many times he questioned if the design was even possible. Then in 2012, Mike had a crazy idea. By removing some parts from a guitar, the guitar suddenly sprang to life with more vibration, resonance, and a unique tone. It was also structurally sound. This was the turning point that set the company off on a two decade journey of innovation and growth.

Along with growth came recognition, with Riversong Guitars gaining popularity among country music stars like Eric Church and Priscilla Block, who have performed with custom Riversong models on prominent stages like the Grand Ole Opry. The guitars started receiving positive attention and reviews from big names in the music industry. 

In 2022, Riversong’s P2P-GA was given the Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) Dealers' Choice Award for Acoustic Guitar of the Year. This marked the first time a Canadian company received this honour, up against industry giants like Yamaha, Taylor, and Martin. The P2P-GA River Pacific was praised by the magazine as "both visually stunning and remarkably comfortable to play" and for the innovation of Riversong’s patented Adjustable Neck-Thru System™ . Mike rejoiced that “this is a win for small town Canada” as he was presented with the award at the 2023 NAMM Show. 

Since then, Mike and his team at Riversong have continued to refine their product lines. New Riversong Guitars come with the patented Double Reaction Bridge™  - an upgraded pinless bridge design that Mike co-developed with Phillip Shaheen. They have also expanded into electrics with their line of T2 Electric Guitars that feature their own unique adjustable neck design. 

Riversong has recently expanded by opening a second factory in Sicamous, British Columbia in late 2024. Nearly twenty years into this journey, their priorities and core values remain the same: guitars built sustainably using locally sourced Canadian woods, environmentally friendly practices, community mindedness, problem-solving, innovation, attention, and care.  And of course the quality sound, design and playability that Riversong is known for.

We love what we do!

Mike Miltimore, Founder, Riversong Guitars 

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