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.
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
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
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.
Son très rond, bon sustain, j’adore, ma meilleure OM
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.
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.
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!
I am satisfaid, strings are a bit higher.. Otherwise is really nice and pleasent sound.. Need time to get use to strings...