Article: My Second Visit To The Gordon Smith (Auden) Workshop

Jan 18, 2016Gordon Smith Guitars

My Second Visit To The Gordon Smith (Auden) Workshop

This is just a quick update to let you know that I spent Friday with Doug at Gordon Smith guitars catching up and seeing how progress was being made on my guitar range and the hub concept.

Its always fascinating stepping into their workshop - the hairs always go up on my arm just being around such a positive and creative bunch of people.

The hub is still a month or so away I think - things never move as fast as you would like but it has to be organic and things will materialize in the right time. In terms of neck options we have decided that it makes more sense to offer neck depths which are measurable rather than offering "c - d - v" shapes. Offering different thicknesses and widths is much more "accountable" so people will know exactly what they are getting.

I saw several of my guitars in the build process which was fun to see as well as the pickup winder in full flow. I took a video which I will try and upload as soon as I can. Its so quirky and cool!

I was so pleased and excited to see a Gordon Smith Gemini. It was jaw droppingly beautiful. So I made a mental note to get one of these ordered asap.

A few months ago on my last visit my eyes and ears were impressed by their acoustic guitars - Auden guitars. The back story is they are hand made in a small workshop in China which Doug has built a great working relationship with. The bodies are made in the workshop and then sent to Dougs workshop to be assembled with the highest quality components. The result is highly impressive. Doug was kind enough to send 3 over to me to test out but 2 of the 3 were sold to customers who fell in love with them in store before I could even try them myself! That really is the ultimate accolade. On this visit I had some time to acquaint myself with them and reckon my customers can't be wrong! If 2 guitars sold to customers who even had access to Furch at the same time?!?! So I just had to get this moving..... expect to see this developing in store and online over the coming weeks - really exciting.

Mark at work in the spray booth. His work is first class as I have witnessed on all the GS guitars I have tried since the Auden take over.

Mark spraying guitars in the Gordon Smith workshop

Was really exciting to see some of my guitars drying out ready for the next stage before ending up in my hands!

Necks cut with fret markers installed - ready for the next stage toward final assembly

Some necks completed ready for asembly to the bodies hanging in the drying room...

Written by Richard Cholerton

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Gordon Smith Guitars

Todays Visit To The Gordon Smith Guitars Workshop

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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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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

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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.
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I chose to have it delivered for convenience sake and at an extremely low price.
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Thank you.

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My Second Visit To The Gordon Smith (Auden) Workshop

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