Article: Dowina Guitars: The "Trio Plate" For Added Luxury & Style

Jun 16, 2023Dowina Guitars

Dowina Guitars: The "Trio Plate" For Added Luxury & Style

The Dowina "Amber Road" was one of the first instruments I experienced by Dowina and wow was that an experience I wont forget!

One of the initial and unique characteristics is the amber charm in the headstock which is really lovely - but not essential if you would rather have it looking for traditional....

Amber Road Headstock

The use of Padauk binding matched up with the stunning matched rosewood back and sides is also an exquisite detail

Stunning padauk binding

One of the most striking features, however, was the 3 piece back which combined the rich dark rosewood grain with the striking bold flame maple that ran through its heart - WOW!

Initially I considered this detail a characteristic of a specific "model" within the range but later I experienced another model called the Cocobolo III...

Cocobolo 3 by Dowina Guitars - Another example of what I call the trio plate

Initially I didnt know how this incredible "art / design" was created - But I soon learned that this was very much down to the incredible artistic eye and skills of Zuzka - one of the amazing talents employed by Dowina.

Zuzka is able to craft 3 pieces of wood and depending on the textures, colors and grain patterns of the wood in front of her, she will decide on how to approach the central piece and where it connects to the outer wings - Its really stunning and a detail that is so easily overlooked / not considered when comparing Dowina to any other brand in the market.

Only a truly bespoke hand made guitar can be produced in this way - to such powerful effect.

I was so blown away I made this short film so people would appreciate her work behind the scenes :)

This highly artistic approach to wood combinations, not only produces beautiful trio plates for the backs but is equally important when looking at all aspects of the guitar such as matching back and sides - even the headstock and fretboard.

Every part of the guitar is seen holistically - how does each part of the guitar flow to the next and does the guitar retain its own personal identity which can only occur with continuity / flow - through the entirety of the guitar.

Working with Dowina enables each player to be as creative as they want - to create truly bespoke instruments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Dowina Trio Plate Cocobolo

I just had to show you this one... from their time travel series - This is the original timer traveller himself! This doesn't happen by chance. Nature gives Zuska the inspiration and then he artistic eye will connect nature with art.

Written by Richard Cholerton

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My Dowina Amber Road arrived today and I couldn’t be more pleased. It plays beautifully and it has an infinity stone in its forehead – what’s not to like about that? It also arrived in a beautiful case with a lining out of a vampire coffin. Result!
Seriously though, it’s a great-sounding, beautiful-looking guitar. Definitely worth hearing in person. Definitely worth trying a range of options at the shop if you can – watching videos online only gets you so far. I had a very hard time deciding between Dowina and Furch personally, but it’s the kind of decision where there’s no bad outcome. Buy with confidence.

Marty

January 11, 2024 at 12:37 am

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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!

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Excellent guitar for the price 😀

This is my first Furch guitar and I’m delighted with my purchase. This is one in their low/mid price range but sounds as good (or better) than my Taylor 614ce and quite definitely plays better straight out of the box. In the past few years having also purchased Eastman instruments I have come to the conclusion that US manufacturers just don’t offer anything to justify their pricing.

Nice addition to the collection- plays very easily with a good feel to it

Great case, well made good VFM

A good set up, guitar plays well

Excellent service

I've waited a while to write this review. It's too easy after a new guitar purchase to get over excited and try to justify spending a sizeable chunk of money on an acoustic that doesn't have Taylor or Martin on the headstock.

My advice to those that have a sizeable chunk of money to spend - don't buy a guitar with Taylor or Martin on the headstock. Buy a Dowina. Full disclosure - I own a Taylor.

The build quality at this price point is what you should expect. No excess glue permeating the bracing etc, neck smooth as butter, first class tone woods and absolutely on point when it comes to the detail.

Dowina has this in spades and then some. Blows the water out of Martin and Taylor at this price point, it's no contest. This guitar is so responsive, you can make it whisper, you can make it shout out loud - in every scenario it is perfectly voiced. If I had to choose one word to describe it, it would be....

Incredible.

As an aside to the guitar review, let's talk about Richard's Guitars and the buying experience.

These guys are special. In the current climate of buy fast and buy cheap they are beacons of what customer service and quality products should be. They are wonderful individuals, the absolute best. I can't find enough superlatives to describe these folks, but what I will tell you is that they know their guitars, they recognise quality, understand how personal a guitar choice is and will always do what is best for you not them.

Why bother have a phone number

Rang numerous times, no one answers, tried to purchase Furch Red Deluxe twice and not in stock but on the wedsiteand still waiting for notification of availability,

Do you think it would be possible for me to discuss the issues you have had?

I really do feel an explanation would put your mind at ease and help us help you.

I will try and convey my sincerity as follows:

I introduced the brand to the UK market over 20 years ago
I am the UKs largest dealer and have been for 20 years
I know the products like the back of my hand - every single one set up to perfection to your requirements
I personally spend hours and hours revising, calculating, forecasting stock to try and ensure the very best balance of models in stock at all times, ensuring all my favorite models are either in stock or about to arrive shortly.
I currently have 67 models in stock in the building
I have 30 guitars allocated in stock at Furch
I work tirelessly to provide the very best personalised service - as a dedicated specialist.
I employ just 2 other people in sales to answer calls - it is a workshop environment and we are incredibly personal in our service.

Sadly - this means that sometimes - especially if someone is off sick - we may be stretched to reply to every phone call in real time but we always have an answer phone and we always return calls.

Life is a balance - we try our best - its not always going to be a perfect scenario but its how our customers treat us - and how we treat them in response - that ultimately ends up with the majority being overwelmingly happy.

I never take any sale for granted and I also ensure my success helps incredibly positive projects - which may or may not be of interest - so I wont bore you with that side!

I would love to help you further

Richard

A well made ,great sounding and high quality guitar

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SPA a great sounding pick-up .

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What a sensational instrument!

Great build quality and materials, and a sublime sound. I can’t believe how these instruments can be sold for such a competitive price. It plays beautifully after being set up by Richard’s team.

A personal thank you to Jon for his advice, guidance and sharing is detailed product knowledge.

A happy customer and a great purchasing experience.

Dowina Guitars: The "Trio Plate" For Added Luxury & Style

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