Article: Vintage Brand ProShop 59 SD Custom Smashes It Out The Park!

Dec 15, 2022ProShop

Vintage Brand ProShop 59 SD Custom Smashes It Out The Park!

OK I will put my reputation of 27 years right on the line here.

About 15-20 years ago I was a Fender main dealer. Men in suits would tell me what guitars I now had to be enthusiastic about - which models were discontinued, which colours were now discontinued - which colours I now had to push. Soul destroying - for anyone who LOVES guitars - Representing Fender was totally soul destroying..... So obviously as I am now proudly waving my ADHD diagnosis..... that wasnt the point of my story!!

My point IS..... As part of my Fender journey was my attempt to promote the "Relic" models. OMG..... I literally couldnt believe my eyes - maybe they have improved these days but when I was doing them they looked NOTHING like an old guitar - Customers would literally laugh and point and say "WHAT is that? What have they DONE?!!" Needless to say these weren't my happiest times.

This leads me to my latest project with Vintage Guitars! Vintage Proshop is a concept whereby within reason - I can mess around with ideas, colors, hardware options - all in their UK workshop - using the amazing Vintage guitars as the basis from which to build from. Its a beautiful idea. Its right up my street to say the least and am working with them currently on a number of specials that tick my boxes and hope will tick yours too.

Whilst I love what I call " Post Apocalyptic" concepts (trust me - they will be so cool - and individual), this one is way more in line with traditionalists!

There is NO question - whatsoever - in terms of Vintage vibe - character - authentic "it looks old" ability...... This knocks a Fender out the park - when you consider this is £899 Vs god knows how many thousands you pay for the Fender badge.

I think Electric guitars should be fun - exciting - make you smile when you pick them up and play them. Vintage really do this and I want to thank them for creating a project that proves you CAN afford a UK built custom shop guitar - made literally for you - at a price that is still affordable even in todays climate.

Written by Richard Cholerton

2 comments

I want the heavily distressed black Vintage V120 that was posted on Instagram. Can you tell me if you still have it and the price please?
Thanks

Dave Oates

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

Sorry but the “relic” boat left behind. I cannot fathom how anyone can inflict damage to a new guitar. If damage occurs for real?, then it’s real (and regrettable) and if it’s not?, it’s bogus!
I cannot view this any other way.
What stumps me more is people pay for it!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Roger Zander-Caulfield

April 17, 2024 at 8:18 pm

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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.

Very good guitar

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

Vintage Brand ProShop 59 SD Custom Smashes It Out The Park!

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