Our Story

Based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, 9Rivers Lutherie Superstore offers original, bench-tested tools for guitar building and repair. Our approach is straightforward: develop well-made tools that solve real problems at the workbench.

9Rivers was founded by master luthier Hongbo Zhao, whose career in guitar making began in 2005. Over the past two decades, he has repaired thousands of guitars, trained more than 300 guitar makers and repair technicians, and worked with manufacturers on product development, product line planning and technical training. That experience combines a working luthier’s understanding of tools with the manufacturing knowledge needed to bring new designs to life.

Hongbo settled in Surrey in 2022, making British Columbia the home of his next chapter in lutherie. The province has a rich history of craftsmanship and innovation, from Larrivée’s years in Victoria and Vancouver to companies such as Graph Tech Guitar Labs, Riversong Guitars and Radial Engineering. Its community of independent guitar builders, pedal makers and tonewood suppliers makes it an inspiring place to continue that work.

At 9Rivers, we draw on this experience to create tools that are thoughtfully designed, carefully made and tested in everyday workshop use. Whether you’re building your first instrument or repairing guitars for a living, our goal is to offer tools you can rely on—and practical support from someone who understands the work.