Luthier
Judson Riviere
Associated with Riviere Guitars
Judson “Jud” Riviere is an American luthier whose work reflects a lifelong devotion to the acoustic guitar and an uncompromising pursuit of craftsmanship. His journey began in adolescence, when an early fascination with guitar construction led him from building kits and performing his own setups to formal training at the Guitar Repair and Building Program in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Following his studies, Jud spent three formative years working alongside Steve Mason in Lawrence, Kansas, where extensive repair work afforded him an intimate understanding of the structure, behavior, and voice of fretted instruments. In 2019, seeking to further refine his approach to guitar making, he began a multi-year apprenticeship with renowned luthier Jason Kostal, completing the program in 2022.
The influence of these experiences remains central to Jud’s work today. Combining traditional lutherie with a deeply personal approach to voicing and design, he pursues instruments of exceptional tonal character, responsiveness, refinement, and lasting beauty.
