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We are one of Europes largest Eastman Specialists. Every Eastman Guitar includes FREE UK Delivery, and over £225 of quality control, setup & follow up service FREE

Eastman AR880CE-BD (Price inc. Custom Pro Setup Package)

Sale price£ 3,297.00 Regular price£ 3,849.00
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Based on 3368 reviews
91%
(3058)
6%
(200)
2%
(62)
1%
(21)
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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Ewen ... Forfar, Scotland (Aberdeen, United Kingdom)
Bought on trust ... and they delivered.

I purchased my Furch, sight unseen and unplayed. I explained to Jake my style of music, how I played and the sound I was looking for. Originally I thought a Dowina was for me but after a few online chats, watching a few online videos etc., I was persuaded that I should go for Furch Blue Gc-CM Master's choice with the CNR active neck model instead. I am extremely pleased with the service I received, the advice given and the updates on ordering, arrival and delivery. All spot on. I was in no great hurry to get it but it was good to be kept informed.

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Chris (Canterbury, United Kingdom)
T98 ACE

This guitar is something special to hold, to play and to look at. It really is beautiful in all aspects. I had wanted to buy another acoustic (ideally electro) for a while and with the advice of a friend who has the T98 Parlour Lag I went for the T98 ACE. I wanted a high quality guitar that would feel equally at home with finger picking and strumming, had a warm tone, well balanced highs and lows, has a lovely resonance and could somehow effortlessly amplify my soft figure picking in the absence of long finger nails...oh and at a modest price (below £500) - not too much to ask for right!? Ha ha

Well I must say this has exceeded all expectations and I got more than I'd hoped for with the T98 ACE and that's even before I plug it in!

What made it even more special was the much needed advice and guidance I received from the team at Richard's Guitars whilst weighing up my options as well as the care and attention that went into setting up the guitar to my specifications and making sure that it was nothing less than amazing before it was posted out.

The quality of the guitar makes me play better and sound better. Part of my goal was to get back into guitar playing after going through a period of years where life was getting in the way. I can safely say since purchasing this guitar I have played more in the past few weeks than I had in the past 5 years! It even spurred me on to put up a proper guitar hanging rack.

I highly recommend the guitar and what's more I highly recommend Richard's Guitars

M
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Mladen (Etobicoke, Canada)
FGN Guitar

Richards guitars provided an unbelievable experience via on line purchase. he guitar came well packed and arrived in fantastic condition. Communication via email was flawless. I've attached a picture of me in the Amazon jungle from this past July!

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Barrie Cass (London, United Kingdom)
Auden 12 string

Just bought another wonderful guitar from Richard's Guitars. It's an Auden 12 string. It's what I was missing in my arsenal of guitars. It is an amazing guitar that was recommended to me by Jon and Jake and they never let me down. It sings so sweetly and I can't put it down. Another massive thanks to Richard, Jon, Jake and Chris the guitar tech for all the expert advice and knowledge they gave me. They are all so understanding and great guys. The fingertips are sore but I'm a very happy guy...all the best, Barrie

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Phil Scally (Rothbury, United Kingdom)
Richard Guitars - Furch Yellow Gc-CR SPA Master's Choice

I had a appointment to try some guitars in the showroom.
Jake had already selected some he thought I'd be interested in and was on hand when needed for information and advice. It was a lovely experience. I played a lot of guitars in those 3 hours and never felt rushed or pressured in any way.
The Dowina guitars are some of the most beautifully crafted instruments I've seen and play beautifully.
In the end I picked a Furch. The sound is exceptional - rich and resonant.
I left the showroom confident I'd picked the right guitar for me and paid a very reasonable price for it.
The guitar was delivered 3 days later. I'd asked for a couple of minor tweaks which had been done and overall the setup was spot on.
The whole team were a pleasure to deal with and I am a very happy customer. Would highly recommend.

L
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Len (South Shields, United Kingdom)
Richards Guitars and LAG met my needs!

I'm 74 years old, have been an electric guitar player since my teenage years and haven't owned an acoustic since my teenage 'folk' days. I've been playing live in bands for many years but stopped a couple of years ago and have some issues with arthritis in my hands. I still have 3 of my electric guitars but wanted an acoustic in order to encourage more spontaneous bouts of playing instead of having to pull an amplifier out and get an electric set up. I also feel that an acoustic will help me to focus on my technique.
I have spent a lot of time researching brands, suppliers and watching reviews. Richards Guitars, I thought, had a really customer focused attitude so, after talking to Jake about my short list and taking his very honest advice, I ordered a LAG T118ACE. Getting the guitar set up by Richards Guitars with the best possible action was a big factor and, within a few days, my guitar arrived ready to play. It's a complete beauty and a real quality instrument! Throughout the process, Jake has been there for me, answering my questions and pointing me in the right direction.
A huge "thank you" to Richards Guitars. All I have to do now is get used to playing an acoustic again!

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Luke Flavin (Youghal, Ireland)
Great Service

Thanks very much to Richard's Guitars for providing such an outstanding service.My beautiful guitar arrived in perfect condition and was set up perfectly and ready to be played straight from the box.This service was invaluable to me as It would have been very hard for me to find someone in my area to do a proper set up for me.All in all top class.I'll definitely be back.
Thanks again.Luke.

Hi Luke

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us and that your guitar arrived in perfect condition. We always strive to provide top-notch service and we're glad we could make the set up process easier for you. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy playing!

Richard

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Steve Mallett (London, United Kingdom)
Dowina Walnut OMG Cedar

A couple of weeks ago I visited Richards Guitars at short notice and they were amazingly accommodating given my very narrow time frame. I wanted to try the Dowina parlour size guitars and Jake had set up several for me to try. I already have a Dowina GAC Rosewood/Cedar and wanted something smaller. The bv Pure was an absolute delight to play but I also asked if I could try an OM size Dowina. The moment I started playing the Walnut/Cedar version I was hooked. It was just the perfect size and felt incredibly comfortable to play and had a really sweet sound.

It arrived today, perfectly set up with strings I wanted and I could not be happier with it. Fantastic guitar and wonderful service. These guys are just the best.

M
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Marc Peirson (Norwich, United Kingdom)
Superb Service, Superlative Guitas!!

I have now bought six guitars from Richard and his brilliant team. From a lower priced Lag to the top of the range hand built custom guitars from Dowina. Absolutely first class service all round and phenomenal instruments. A picture below with my wife modelling my GACE custom built Cocobolo and Spruce. My all time favourite guitar and it plays and records beautifully. Here with original song I composed with it and playing it.

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Marc Peirson (Norwich, United Kingdom)
Excellent Service Exceptionable Guitars

I have now bought six guitars from Richard and his brilliant team. From a lower priced Lag to the top of the range hand built custom guitars from Dowina. Absolutely first class service all round and phenomenal instruments. A picture below with my wife modelling my GACE custom built Cocobolo and Spruce. My all time favourite guitar and it plays and records beautifully. Here with original song I composed with it and playing it.

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
WARD OSHEA (Sacramento, United States)
Great Shop, Great Service!

This is a really nice shop. I love the guitar I bought here, the setup they performed on it is excellent, and their communication and attention to detail is top notch!

Eastman E1ss sb Fantastic very happy

What a wonderful service. The guitar is so well set up and plays so easy I love it.I am very happy indeed! Thank you so much! It's a lovely guitar!

S
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
SndMxr (Presteigne, United Kingdom)
A Totally Different Experience

As the title says buying my Cort CutCraftLE, the first guitar I bought from Richards Guitars, was indeed a real joy. No pushy sales person who didn't listen, trying to show me guitars that weren't cared for in the showroom.

Helpful, knowledgable and communicative, able to answer my queries swiftly online. The care taken regarding the setup I would like which was carried out brilliantly by Chris meant that when I opened the case
and took out the guitar it felt like an old friend! that's how good the setup was. So I have played every day for two weeks and can tell you that it really is a wonderful instrument and plays so well, it proves that the care and attention given to me and the guitar separates Richards Guitars from the rest in a very positive manner, Maybe I could have found a better deal,,,BUT...it would never have played like this one does and without doubt I will only deal with Richards Guitars from now on when I need a new guitar.

C
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Chris Moores (Shrewsbury, United Kingdom)
Service with a smile

I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of hours amongst the beautiful acoustic guitars. Allowed to browse and play untrammelled with sales pressure. Jake was on hand to provide details, technical specs, wood choices and more. Did I say the guitars were beautiful? A five star experience.
One major criticism - with so much resonance and artistry, how on earth does one choose one guitar?

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Unhappy Customer (Watford, United Kingdom)
Unhappy customer

I ordered a mandolin in Oct 24. It arrived in mid Jan 25 with a nasty blemish on the headstock and uneven/sharp frets. I returned it and 7 wks later they sent a replacement also with uneven and sharp frets. This was the brands flagship model. So much for their '£200 custom setup'. I now have to pay around £250 for a fret level/setup elsewhere. Avoid this store if you can

Hi

I am afraid you havent provided a name, an order number or email address that can verify your experience. I checked into the date and we have no order date correlating with a mandolin being sold on that date. The £200 custom setup as you incorrectly refer to it as - wasnt being promoted in this way in October last year - and the setup process itself is worth £90 - not £200. We also offer a 6 and 12 month check and reset provided completely free of charge and should anyone ever receive a guitar from us that does require extra work for reasons unkown - We would NEVER expect them to pay for it. Your experience therefore seems at odds with everything we do here and not one I recognise. If there has been some kind of misunderstanding please do email me and I can help you further. Sadly - I do allow total transparency on this review system which however upsetting it is on a personal level - I think the one star reviews do tell a story of their own - and my customers can make their judgements accordingly.

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
John Best (Walsall, United Kingdom)
6 Stars not 5

As you can see from the title of my review I am more that happy with my dealings with Richards Guitar. Through the website I explained what type of acoustic guitar I was interested in and my budget. I also explained that I had arthritis in my wrists. A guitar was chosen and paid for. Shortly after I was contacted to discuss the set up in view of my restrictions. A slight hiccup with delivery delayed it arriving on time. Richard was kind enough to send a beautiful guitar strap as compensation. You might think that I was buying a £5000 guitar, or a £1000 guitar, no my guitar was under £200. I am so enjoying the guitar,
Thank you Richard and all you staff.

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Ann Mccubbin (Scunthorpe, United Kingdom)
Bough a used guitar online

Great communication and lovely guitar arrived quickly, just allround good service im a beginner so appreciate the set up too as im clueless to the tech side. Many thanks Ann.

J
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Johnmc (Birmingham, United Kingdom)
Furch Blue Dc Cm ordered from factory by Rguitars

Firstly, the guitar even exceeds my expectations with its rich tone and playability. In addition, I ordered a bespoke nut width and the staff handled all communications very well.
The set up is exactly what I requested too.
The guitar arrived very well protected and swiftly. Very pleased all round.

S
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Scott Matthew (London, United Kingdom)
Excellent product and service

Really delighted with my new Vintage Surfmaster 90, the guitar was beautifully set up with the strings I requested and meticulously packed for shipping. I’ll be back

K
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Ketil Strand (Ålesund, Norway)

Thumbs up!

G
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Guitar Gate Subscription (Bourg-la-Reine, France)
Pro team, really available

Thanks for the customer service team, it was a pleasure doing business with you folks. Highly recommend.

A
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Alex Hamilton (Oban, United Kingdom)
Great dealer

This is my second purchase from Richards guitars and have found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful with my purchases. I would have no hesitation in buying from this dealer.

D
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Drew Lord (Rossendale, United Kingdom)
Vintage V62 Icon

Once more another more than satisfactory experience with Richards Guitars and the team. I ordered the above to include the set up and Vintage branded gig bag. This order was competed and delivered within a week, very impressive.

Upon delivery, I was test playing and I noticed that the imput jack socket seemed "not right". I examined and concluded the jack securing nut was missing. I was rather brusque in my subsequent communication with Richards Guitars and I would like to apologise here and now for that. The patience, professionalism and speed with which they allayed my fears were commendable. It appears that Vintage use a different design of jack input on this type of guitar, one which doesn't require an outer securing nut.

Once more the Vintage Pro set up was done to my request and the guitar is a joy to play.

Given my experiences with Richards Guitars, I would highly recommend them to anyone who is wanting to buy their equipment.

Thanks very much from a very satisfied customer.

Drew Lord

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Drew Lord (Rossendale, United Kingdom)
update on Vintage V6MRTBLG regarding Pro Setup Dcal

It's not even 9.00 am the day after I left my review regarding the missing Pro Setup decal and I have been contacted twice via email from first Richard himself and second Jon both offering their sincere apologies regarding the missed decal and a very satisfactory resolution to the matter which I am extremely grateful for. The speed of response and importance of providing customer satisfaction displayed by Richard's Guitars means that I have no hesitation in recommending Richard's Guitars to anyone wanting to buy their musical equipment. I will certainly be ordering again from here.

Once more, I thank you.
Drew Lord

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Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
Drew Lord (Rossendale, United Kingdom)
Vintage V6 MRTBLG with Vintage Pro Set Up

The guitar arrived on the day I arranged for it to be delivered which is a good start, however upon opening I noticed that the hex keys for adjusting the truss rod and saddles were missing as were the hang tags. The factory fitted scratch plate sticker was extremely difficult to remove, I had to use various solvents to dissolve the glue, which in turn removed some of the aged finish on the scratch plate.

When you order the Richard's Guitars Pro Setup, the online description says that a pro setup decal is fitted to the reverse of the headstock. This wasn't done on my guitar, how do I prove this if I sell on, and if it's no longer done as practice should it not be removed from the description? As for the Set up, this was done to my specifications - low action and 8 gauge strings and the guitar is a joy to play with no fret buzz or choking on bends, ten out of ten for this part. But no decal wrankles with me. The missing decal could be a future deal breaker as I want to get a V62 next.