Article: Why I Don't Supply Tanglewood Guitars. (From The UKs Largest Tanglewood Guitars Dealer For Over a Decade)

Cort Guitars Made Tanglewood Guitars For 15 Years

Dec 18, 2022Cort Guitars

Why I Don't Supply Tanglewood Guitars. (From The UKs Largest Tanglewood Guitars Dealer For Over a Decade)

I started selling guitars at the ripe ol' age of 22. If you are wondering - I am now 50 .... oh my.....

One of the brands that impressed be in the early days was Tanglewood and it wasn't long before they became my #1 personal acoustic guitar recommendation.

I didn't know of Cort manufacturing at the time but I was later to learn that every Tanglewood guitar that I was recommending was made in the Cort factory and did indeed have an identical TWIN which were supplied in other areas of the World!

So the Earth 200 by Tanglewood guitars - Yep! A Cort Earth 200 was available in America! Basically Tanglewood in the UK didn't even swap the model codes.

When Tanglewood guitars switched manufacturers - which must be 15-20 years ago now - the brand never was the same - but that didnt matter - because the brand had gained its traction - its reputation - and having guitars as good as Cort were producing seemed to matter less now than the image that had been generated.

When Tanglewood guitars went their separate ways I decided to continue selling the Cort guitars brand as this IS the guitar I was recommending. I wasn't selling a name on a headstock - I was selling my experience - my knowledge - my understanding and appreciation of quality manufacturing.

If you would like a small selection of personal recommendations to look at, take a look at the following - needless to say there is no possible way Tanglewood guitars could produce guitars of this quality, at this specification at the prices that Cort guitars are available.

Written by Richard Cholerton

5 comments

Hi, I’m trying to find out if my Tanglewood TW2TE I bought this year is a genuine Tanglewood or not. I’ve tapped in serial number in Tanglewood search site and it keeps coming up “oops sorry nothing found” can you explain to me why this is happening, please . It does say on label inside sound hole, manufactured in China, could this be the problem, regards, Ian 👍

Ian David

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

What do you think about a Tanglewood TW-70 that was made in Indonesia? Should I consider it?

Robert Langley

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

What do you think about a Tanglewood TW-70 that was made in Indonesia? Should I consider it?

Robert Langley

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

Hi Richard Guitars! I have a Tanglewood model# Evolution TW28CSRCE , serial# KH090600126. I know it was made in 2009. I’m just wondering if it was crafted in the UK. I had no idea that they started making them in china! Very disappointing. (there is nothing marked on the guitar to indicate made in china). I can’t seem to find any info online using the serial and model #’s. Any help would be deeply appreciated!

Stephen L Croft

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

Just wanted to record my appreciation of the fantastic service I received from Jake today. Attentive and customer focussed so rare in 21st century Britain.

Nigel Saunders

January 11, 2024 at 12:37 am

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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.

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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

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.

Why I Don't Supply Tanglewood Guitars. (From The UKs Largest Tanglewood Guitars Dealer For Over a Decade)

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