Article: £600 Raised For Butterfly Conservation (So Far) Through Our SMJ Strap Sales :)

Feb 27, 2023Conservation

£600 Raised For Butterfly Conservation (So Far) Through Our SMJ Strap Sales :)

A couple of years ago I created my guitar strap brand "SMJ", dedicated to and inspired by the work of my parents, transforming a stretch of overgrown ex-railway line into a thriving conservation area designed for moths and butterflies to thrive.

Read more here

Well - as a result of sales we have now raised £600 for butterfly conservation

I am also excited to announce I have 500 more straps coming soon which will help us, over time, hit the magical £1000 mark which would be amazing!

I can only do it with your help and support - and just so you know - as with every single recommendation I make when it comes to guitar sales - my straps are no less impressive! They are incredibly high quality and I have seen the EXACT same strap quality, material and designs pushed as "hand made" in various parts of Europe and the World (yes - I am afraid its all BS - Smoke & Mirrors as it often is in our industry) sold from £39 to £69

So why not SAVE money on the marketing and hype and do some good at the same time? Yehhaaa!!!

Written by Richard Cholerton

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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.

My "Personal Collection"

Art Meets Craft - Artisan - Unique

Hand Made In Slovakia

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.

Buy Dowina Guitars Online

Detail - Clarity-Power-Resonance-Beauty

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.

Buy Furch Guitars Online

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.

Buy Auden Guitars Online

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.

Buy Eastman Guitars Online

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.

Buy Godin Guitars Online

Perfection

Hand Made In Italy

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.

Buy Valenti Guitars Online

Hand Made In Ukraine

Valiant Guitars

Breathtaking guitars made by men who continue their passion literally in a war zone.

The human story is inspiring but no less than the impeccable, meticulous qualitywith an enormous dash of the secret ingredient so many guitars can never find - MOJO!

View Our Valiant Guitars

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.

Buy Vintage Brand Guitars Online

Hand Made Ultimate Luxury Leather Guitar Straps

You will see so many marketing stories and false claims of hand made guitar straps in the UK - often with a massive premium price tag added.

TRUST ME - THESE ARE...

The finest hand made leather guitar straps money can buy

Hand made in Walsall using traditional tooling methods by own of the UKs greatest horse sadlers.

Memory foam insert ensures premium comfort - These straps will last you a lifetime.

Learn More

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Unbelievable Guitar

This is an unbelievable Guitar for the price point. Highly recommended even for experienced players.

Fantastic Service & a Beautiful Instrument- Aotearoa - New Zealand

Outstanding service from Richards Guitars. Seamless from payment to delivery .
I have had my eye on Sauvage Brankowood series since they were introduced. They are not available in N.Z.
The team at Richards Guitars meticulously setup the guitar, they were almost ready to send it when they discovered a slight flaw so they rejected the original instrument and started again with a new one. It arrived on my doorstep in pristine condition. The cardboard box took a bit of a hit somewhere on route, however the super high-quality Lag gig bag protected it from any damage.

It looks even better than in the photographs. The textured sides and back give it a very pleasing and tactile appearance. It visually stands out from the crowd. It has a beautiful warm tone and if you need to create some noise it can crank out the volume, no problem. It's smaller size make it easier take places.
I am really enjoying playing it. I've been sitting outside in the warm summer evenings, playing it on the balcony, doesn't get much better.

It will be an heirloom to pass on to the grandchildren.
So thanks to Richard & Jon and the team. Really appreciate your passion and dedication.

Not an Entry Level Guitar

After spending a good 3 hours playing various Furch Eastman and Dowina guitars available in the shop I kept returning to two. A lovely Dowina (Moon spruce/ Paduak) and what I eventually bought, the Furch Blue Oc cm.
Now I’d given myself a budget of up to £2000 which meant there were good choices open to me, the aforementioned Dowina unfortunately was a little over that.
But, what if had in mind before I’d even arrived at the shop was to looking to buy a Furch with the new CNR ACTIVE system in place and find out how Furch guitars sounded and played with my own ears, and fingers.
So here is my opinion on the Furch Blue Om c/m.
This is NO entry level guitar, this guitar is built to such a high standard, even without any glitzy bits, this has a beauty all its own, and sounds and plays so beautifully…. Any professional/studio musician would be happy to be playing with this fantastic tone instrument.
Also the absolute friendliness and professionalism I received as a customer at Richard’s Guitars was a delight, and special shout out to Jake who with only the information of me wanting an Om size guitar Pulled the guitar I ended up buying out of the fresh deliveries and set it up ready for my arrival with another 4 or 5 similar ones.
What can I say other than it will be a cherished memory that I hope to repeat in the near future.
Mark

Great service

The guitar is great, and the shipping and availability of the staff was very nice! Thanks team!

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.

Fabulous guitar, fabulous service

Guitar arrived safely today and it was in tune! What a thing of beauty it is. Action, sound, build and overall playing experience are all beautiful. So much guitar for such an affordable price. Jon, Richard, Chris and the team were amazing and so helpful, and kept me updated throughout the search and sale; expert advice and personal service that was second to none. They also fulfilled my request to deliver early as the guitar is a present for my daughter. Thank you very much and I'll definitely be back for more! I can't recommend this wonderful shop highly enough.

Fantastic guitarBass

Hello everyone, I want to thank all the staff at Richard's for the professionalism, kindness and efficiency of their work. I bought this bass vi and it is perfect. Really an excellent setup of the instrument. Thanks again! Alessandro Terlizzi

Excellent

Great service.

A beautiful guitar

I've had my eye on a Guild A150 for sometime then this one popped up at a very attractive price. I received it just after the new year and it's my Christmas present to myself. It was nicely setup, and plays extremely well. I couldn't find a blemish of any kind on the guitar and it was absolutely perfect. I've never bought a guitar that was so good on delivery. I will definitely buy again from Richards Guitars

Furch Blue Deluxe Gc SW: my new best friend.

I had three Furchs in my collection already: Yellow GcCR, GN4 Nylon and Little Jane. I also have a McNally OM, Dowina Merlot BV, Larrivee Baritone and Brook Lyn. I kept thinking this is far too many, especially as I am now retired and might need to reduce the flock to raise funds. But I then realised that I love every one, dearly…but could not, obviously, buy any more. I was however a bit obsessed with the walnut guitars I’d heard…something in the tone that was so different to what I had. I’d heard Blue Series walnut offerings played on You Tube reviews and they sounded so bright and distinctive. So, when tempted by a reduction on the Blue Deluxe GSW I yielded to temptation. I am sooooo glad I did. In short, I absolutely love this guitar. How can a guitar sound this good at this price point? The point of listing my other guitars is to show that I have some pretty decent ones (the house is falling to bits but I have nice guitars…which seems the right priority to me)…yet, it is now this guitar that now comes out more than any other. It came perfectly set up for me and my predominantly fingerstyle preference…as have the other three guitars I’ve bought from Richard. Jake was extremely helpful right through the purchase process and the guitar arrived well packed and on time. As soon as I picked it up I was in love: the tone is just wonderful, it plays so easily, despite my best efforts to mangle every note and I love the feel of the open pore finish. It is bright and joyful, clear and articulate but with a real power when you want it. I was also taken aback by the beauty of the walnut back: beautiful and perfectly matched swirls that I’ve only seen in more expensive guitars. How can Furch produce the guitars they do at these prices? At the risk of repeating myself, I love this guitar.

£600 Raised For Butterfly Conservation (So Far) Through Our SMJ Strap Sales :)

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