This is my second Dowina and I didn't think I could love it any more than my first. But I do. It is a beautiful guitar in every way - lovely wood, beautifully made, little details, really comfortable to play. And the sound is quite special. I'm not a brilliant guitarist but it is such a pleasure to play, and makes me sound way better than I am. The customer service from Richards Guitars was outstanding. From the first question, to sorting out a complex shipping, both Jake and Jon were helpful, friendly and speedy in responding and in making the whole thing a pleasure.

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.

I bought a Dowina OMG rosewood guitar it is the best acoustic I have played it was dispatched very quickly and the service could not have been better.

Sorry guys I think I messed up my first review!! Take two!! Firstly I'd like to thank all at Richards guitars for introducing me to Dowina guitars, I'm really impressed with the one I brought. It sounds amazing looks amazing and plays amazing, also I love the individual touches like Tusik's signature on the bracing inside the sound hole, it's like having a piece of art signed by the artist!! So I'm extremely happy with my new instrument. Just a couple of negatives, no pun intended but the G string impinges through the nut causing a pinging when tuning which can be a bit of a nuisance and the case supplied, although discounted is not up to the standard that this guitar deserves. I feel a proper Dowina hardshell case should be supplied as standard. However these things do not detract in anyway the love I have for this guitar. Thanks again guys, kind regards, Jack

From the moment I stepped into the guitar shop, my eyes—and ears – were captivated by the Dowina guitars.

Their exquisite craftsmanship and resonant sound stood out so starkly that, given unlimited resources, I would have indulged in three of them without a second thought. (or maybe four!)

The Dowina Rosewood OM quickly became my favourite. Its OM body is so comfortable. The Moon spruce top is visually stunning, and the rosewood back and sides complement it with equal allure. Holding this guitar is like embracing nature itself—it has an organic, ‘alive’ quality that I’ve never encountered in any other instrument.

The neck is a dream for any musician, offering a playing experience so smooth it feels like an extension of oneself. Having owned this guitar for two weeks, it’s become a piece of my daily life.
As a jazz musician accustomed to a semi-hollow guitar, I’m astonished to find my trusty semi-hollow relegated to its case, while the Dowina Rosewood OM becomes my go-to at home.

The guitar’s unique character has even inspired me to champion an acoustic-only session at our next monthly jazz club – which is next week! Can’t wait!
For those seeking a unique, character-rich instrument, the Dowina is a perfect choice. It’s not a cookie-cutter guitar; it’s a work of art with its own distinct personality. Each Dowina I played had its own flavour, making the experience all the more personal.

I eagerly anticipate the day I can return for a Dowina parlour and a nylon hybrid. My deepest gratitude goes to Dowina for crafting such a masterpiece and to Richards Guitars for introducing me to this remarkable brand.

Having bought guitars from Richards Guitars in the past and looking for a change and a really great guitar, I was so persuaded by Richard and his team (Jon and Jake) and their collective enthusiasm for Dowina and Furchs I decided to visit the shop to try them out. I have a very understanding wife who allowed the visit but her brief to me before I set out was that I could get a new guitar but only if it really excited me. Well, I am now poorer in monetary terms but with and incredible new Dowina Paduak GAC.

When I play even simple cords or riffs on the guitar, the way in which it projected and the way in which the guitar body resonated feels almost like it is reaching out to me to give an embracing hug; an incredible feeling.

Richards and his small team really know their stuff and only sell outstanding guitars matched by outstanding preparation and service. So if you are in the market for a top quality guitar but don't feel the need to follow the herd into over priced and over marketed 'popular' brands go the Richards Guitars and you won't be disappointed.

Dowina pure is phenomenal in a matter that words cannot make it justice. I'll give you the reasons you shouldn't look at any other guitar unless your budget is at least over double the price of this model.

1) Very rich & coplex overtones while maintaining its tonal focus.

2) Amazing projection. It's not just a loud guitar, it amplifies very sensitively the sound. Even the most delicate touch on strings has resonance. My hammer-ons & pull-offs have the same volume as if I plucked the string, without effort. I haven't played a guitar like this before.

3) Perfect amount of sustain. Some premium quality guitars have extremely long sustain, which makes the sound very big, bad it needs great precision and attention to not sound muddy, making clean playing a challenge, especially for fingerstyle players. That's not the case with Dowina Pure, it has the perfect balance between clarity & richness

4) Very balanced sound. The tonal quality of sound is almost identical across the whole range of the guitar (except the top 6 frets on each string but I think it's almost inevitable)

5) Deep & robust sounding percussive elements on the instrument that have great balance on sound & projection with string's sound

6) Attention to detail is custom shop qulity. Quality of wood, finish, polishing of frets, intonation of the fretboard, literally there is not a single aspect of the guitar I got that has a single flaw.

7) Richards guitars set-up the instrument to perfection. Most of the times that I play or buy online an instrument I need to adjust the nut or saddle because of High action or string buzz. This is he first time I played a guitar which was set straight to perfection.

I'm so impressed with this guitar so much that I wonder how much better a master build of Dowina can be.

Last but not least, customer service is very important and you must take it in serious consideration. I was looking to some OMs as well on the shop, but I talked with Jon through live chat and explained me that OMs will not deliver the volume I need from the percussive elements of my playing as a fingerstyle player, and I should look at Grand Auditorium guitars, making a few suggestions including this model. Even if you see somewhere else a guitar that you like more on the first glance, or cheaper than it is at Richards guitars, you're most likely to buy a guitar from Richard's that you'll enjoy much more, because of his customer service and commitment to sell you the guitar that'll fulifll your needs 100%

Very helpful service before and during my visit to showroom in Stratford. Well worth visiting to compare different makes and models. No pressure to go for more expensive models. Dowina picked for sound and playability, and I was then given a good deal on guitar and accessories. . Guitar then set up and dispatched quickly to meet a personal deadline I had. All round I highly recommend Richards for range of products and support.

Nicest guitar I have ever played. Beautiful tones and feel. I can't praise it enough.

Well Worth the wait for the end result of a beautiful Gloss back, sides and :top: finishing