Article: Todays Visit To The Gordon Smith Guitars Workshop

Nov 10, 2015Gordon Smith Guitars

Todays Visit To The Gordon Smith Guitars Workshop

Needless to say its late in the day and I am just simply not going to get everything I want to say "said" so I won't try and rush it right now but will try and put a comprehensive update down as soon as possible.

However - I just didn't want to go to bed without saying the word "excited" does not come close to the feeling I have right this second. What I have witnessed today, combined with the plans I am developing with Doug I believe are going to radically change the way British guitar buyers consider buying their electric guitars in the future. Hand on heart, that is how relevant I think this moment is.

Ohhh my - as I say there is just so much I want to tell you but I am just tooo tired - mentally exhausted from all the excitement of the day.

I feel blessed to be part of this project and I am hoping as you guys see the quality, detail and possibilities afforded to you as a buyer of a British electric guitar under £1000 (pretty much 95% of the range are under £1000) you will just have to have one.

I will conclude this evenings post by telling you that by January you should be able to come into my shop where I will have a dedicated area to walk you through the process of having your personalized guitar made for you,

You will be able to try necks of different widths and radius - even different string spacings and nut widths.

You will be able to choose your fret wire - traditional or jumbo - even gold is available I kid you not! Steel frets? No problem.

I will also have body blanks for you to compare the different options, scratchplates of different colours and style and I can even send you photos of the build process once we have decided on your final build.

Fancy an elaborate veneer? I have that all in hand too with a dedicated veneer specialist on tap to provide you something totally unique.

Ohh my - I have to go to bed. Hope that wets your appetite anyway!

I have Strat, Tele and Les Paul styles on order (will tell you more soon on that - you will love what I have ordered) along with 7 more GS1 / 2 variations to get the display going but in the mean time do feel free to order online or call me if you want to discuss getting one ordered before all this happens in the New Year.

Written by Richard Cholerton

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Gordon Smith Guitars

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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

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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.

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.

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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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Quality - Versatility - Innovation

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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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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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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.

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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

Sometimes buying a guitar online can be a disappointment ( I've been there on a few occasions) but not this time. The guitar is everything I expected and more . Even better , my guitar teacher was most impressed. A great sounding guitar. It came with a set of 12's but I changed them to 10's as they suit me better. Nice low action . Sustain was better than my Taylor 324e . All said and done a good purchase and was recommend Richards Guitars! Case was great too!
SPA a great sounding pick-up .

One of the best purchases I have ever made. I was helped from start to finish helping me choose the right guitar then setting up and delivering. The guitar made me a beginner sound good. Thanks

Dream Guitar and a Well Deserved 5 Stars.

Just picked up my beautiful new Kremona Sofia ST-C classical guitar from Richards Guitars in Stratford upon Avon.

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.

Very good guitar

Son très rond, bon sustain, j’adore, ma meilleure OM

First Class In Every Respect.

I sought advice about purchasing a guitar of excellent quality at a reasonable price for my daughter to learn on.
Jon and Jake are trusted advisers in all matters of guitar. They guided me through options with patience and sagacity but without any pressure. This took time as I wanted to get it right.
I chose this Eastman PCH model.
I chose to have it delivered for convenience sake and at an extremely low price.
The guitar arrive safe and sound, and set up to absolute perfection.
It is a beautiful guitar. Way beyond my high expectations.
The set up makes a huge difference and the quality control at RGuitars is very stringent.
A wonderful experience from start to finish.
RGuitars are themselves first class and the Eastman will make my daughters first class joyous!
Thank you.

What an absolute stunner!

Eastman's Juliet felt "right" from the moment I picked it up. It arrived perfectly set up from Richards Guitars - and still in tune(!) despite changes of temperature and being bounced around by the courier. It's just about my ideal electric guitar - so comfortable and accurate to play, with beautifully articulate pickups and a very stable Bigsby to add subtle shimmers. It has a totally unique vibe all of its own which I really like, and yet it feels like a guitar that I've played for years and is a trusted go-to instrument.

My dream fulfilled

I wanted this guitar for 18 months before I ordered it. It’s not super-expensive but getting it to Australia really jacks up the cost. It was absolutely worth it though! I’ve already recorded my new single with the guitar. It’s great!

Lava me4

I am satisfaid, strings are a bit higher.. Otherwise is really nice and pleasent sound.. Need time to get use to strings...

Puts a smile on my face!

My second guitar from Richards Guitars and I couldn’t be more delighted. I wanted a good quality guitar for everyday gigging. My trusty Yamaha APX500iiEW is a great workhorse but lacked the tone I wanted.
My Auden Chester Neo 45 is too good to be used on the road. The LAG T70 ACE fitted the bill perfectly. The clarity and brightness of sound from the spruce top is just what I wanted at an affordable price. The staff at Richards Guitars know their stuff and never try to “up-sell” they just want you to get the guitar that is perfect for your needs and budget. Many thanks to Jon and Jake.

Todays Visit To The Gordon Smith Guitars Workshop

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