Article: Vintage Brand ProShop 59 SD Custom Smashes It Out The Park!

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Dec 15, 2022ProShop

Vintage Brand ProShop 59 SD Custom Smashes It Out The Park!

OK I will put my reputation of 27 years right on the line here.

About 15-20 years ago I was a Fender main dealer. Men in suits would tell me what guitars I now had to be enthusiastic about - which models were discontinued, which colours were now discontinued - which colours I now had to push. Soul destroying - for anyone who LOVES guitars - Representing Fender was totally soul destroying..... So obviously as I am now proudly waving my ADHD diagnosis..... that wasnt the point of my story!!

My point IS..... As part of my Fender journey was my attempt to promote the "Relic" models. OMG..... I literally couldnt believe my eyes - maybe they have improved these days but when I was doing them they looked NOTHING like an old guitar - Customers would literally laugh and point and say "WHAT is that? What have they DONE?!!" Needless to say these weren't my happiest times.

This leads me to my latest project with Vintage Guitars! Vintage Proshop is a concept whereby within reason - I can mess around with ideas, colors, hardware options - all in their UK workshop - using the amazing Vintage guitars as the basis from which to build from. Its a beautiful idea. Its right up my street to say the least and am working with them currently on a number of specials that tick my boxes and hope will tick yours too.

Whilst I love what I call " Post Apocalyptic" concepts (trust me - they will be so cool - and individual), this one is way more in line with traditionalists!

There is NO question - whatsoever - in terms of Vintage vibe - character - authentic "it looks old" ability...... This knocks a Fender out the park - when you consider this is £899 Vs god knows how many thousands you pay for the Fender badge.

I think Electric guitars should be fun - exciting - make you smile when you pick them up and play them. Vintage really do this and I want to thank them for creating a project that proves you CAN afford a UK built custom shop guitar - made literally for you - at a price that is still affordable even in todays climate.

Written by Richard Cholerton

2 comments

I want the heavily distressed black Vintage V120 that was posted on Instagram. Can you tell me if you still have it and the price please?
Thanks

Dave Oates

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

Sorry but the “relic” boat left behind. I cannot fathom how anyone can inflict damage to a new guitar. If damage occurs for real?, then it’s real (and regrettable) and if it’s not?, it’s bogus!
I cannot view this any other way.
What stumps me more is people pay for it!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Roger Zander-Caulfield

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

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For me - there is no difference between "personal" and "business" life - It is all "my life". Interconnected and therefore highly personal. Every guitar I sell (EVERY) is one I can tell you the backstory - about the people who make them - the ethos of the brand and how they align with my own - they are a genuine personal recommendations based on 28 years in the industry.

With the industry dominated by marketing, hype, and "blinkered" brand loyalty - retailers focus on what they get asked for - with little effort in raising awareness of guitars that are better than the one you asked about. This leads to a lot of poor buying decisions!

Here is a quick introduction to the brands I often refer to as "my babies" but really you could simply refer to them as "benchmarks". Check the prices - check the specs - check the quality and back story - and find me a brand that does it better - or even close. The fact is you cant buy a bad guitar from Richards Guitars - you will only find the best - set up to your personal requirements.

Art Meets Craft - Artisan - Unique

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I have the honour and privilege to be Englands exclusive dealer for Dowina guitars. A completely unique approach to guitar building that blends passion, art and craft producing the most inspiring and wondrous acoustic guitars that represent so much more than the materials they are made from.

Dowina is more than just a guitar - its an experience that you will appreciate and remember for a lifetime.

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Furch Changed Everything...

I introduced Furch to to the UK over 20 years ago - with my good friend Keith Twine who has since retired.

At the time I was a leading supplier of brands such as Gibson, Martin & Taylor. Experiencing Furch guitars made me realize there is what you "know" and what you "should know". Just because you DON'T - doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

What does all this mean? Forget what you think you know and open your mind to the possibility that you can find better - and we will guarantee you an experience you will never forget - with help from Furch and my other personal finds from over the decades.

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Inspirational quality, tone & feel at a price you never thought would be possible.

A Benchmark British Brand

With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.

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Hand Made - Standard Setting - Affordable

We Were The First UK Dealer for Eastman Guitars...

....and continue to be their largest and most experienced dealer in the UK supplying Eastman guitars throughout Europe.

Originally known for their extraordinary quality, hand made arch tops - produced by violin makers - as their reputation spread they developed into the World of electric and acoustic guitar production which continue to be made by hand.

Eastman have now become a hugely dominant force in the Guitar World producing the "best in class" in any guitar genre they opt to focus on.

Nobody knows them better or can provide you a better experience.

Whether you decide on the showroom experience or buying online you could not be in safer hands.

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The Truly Great British Electric Guitar Brand Since 1974

The Great British Electric Guitar Brand was born just 2 years after me!

I first became entwined with Gordon Smith in 1995 when I began selling guitars. My first experience was on receiving what I later learned to be a Gordon Smith Gypsy.

So powerful an impact that guitar had on me that I kept it and gave it to my Dad. Its the ONLY guitar in 28 years I havent parted with (well - My Dad has it and continues to enjoy it at 82).

The Gordon Smith Legacy rocketed to new heights when Doug Sparkes took over about 10 years ago - taking this great British Electric Guitar brand into new realms not just in terms of value but extreme quality too - making them not just a choice for people who want to support British Guitar Building but for people who want the finest electric guitars too.

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Quality - Versatility - Innovation

Canadas Finest

I have specialised in Godin guitars since 1995.

Godin have been solving problems for performing acoustic and electric guitar players for over 30 years, producing the most divine instruments which are stylish, of the highest quality whilst serving the practical needs of the modern performing professional

You could say Godin is the antithesis to Gibson! Godins reputation is built largely on the word of mouth of professionals and session musicians who need their instruments to be highly reliable and consistent night after night.

Get one in your hands, and you will soon understand their unique contribution to the evolution of the guitar.

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Perfection

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I have to thank Stuart - Director of UK Distributor Selectron for thinking of me when he made a very special find in the guise of Luigi - A man building what can only be described as playable works of art. An extraordinary man - extraordinary guitars and I can only thank Luigi & Stuart for thinking of me as a perfect fit to help represent Luigis work in the UK.

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The most comprehensive collection of affordable electric guitars money can buy.

We will help you find The best playing - Affordable electric guitar

I have been promoting Vintage brand guitars since the day they were "born" some 20+ years ago! In this time they have just got better... and better... and better! Not just that but the range has just become EPIC. Something for everyone!!

In the past couple of years ProShop has become one of the mmost exciting UK hand built guitars- using the Vintage range as the building blocks to create wonderful and exciting guitars that would normally cost thousands of pounds.

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Vintage Brand ProShop 59 SD Custom Smashes It Out The Park!

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