" A Guitar Shop... dedicated to personal recommendations "
Welcome :)
My promise is simple - sincere advice and the knowledge that whatever we show you - it will be the finest in its genre - backed up by my experiences, qualified evidence and customer reviews - setup to perfection with back up service second to none.
Europes Largest & UK Exclusive Specialist. Hand made boutique guitars from Europe that will change your entire understanding and experience whenbuying a new acoustic guitar
The Dowina Guitar Centre
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Richard Introduced Furch Guitars To The UK 20 years ago and the reason we dont sell mass-produced "hi profile" brands. Furch are the benchmark tp which other brands aspire to.
THE Furch Guitar Centre
Furch Guitars
With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.
AUDEN GUITARS UK CENTRAL
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The Uks Largest & Longest Serving dealer. Thousands of customer reviews online - we are here to help online and at our showroom
Eastman Guitars
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Private showrooms dedicated to your visit
Your Experience is our priority
read about howards visit
In June 2024 I visited the Dowina Guitars Workshop
When Richard Met Dowina Guitars...
The time I spent at the Dowina workshop was without question the pinnacle experience of my 29 years in the guitar industry.
I do hope this short video comes close to bringing you the emotions I felt but also the spirit of Dowina that makes them so uniquely special.
Let customers speak for us
from 3281 reviews
Oskari Huusko
A great guitar for the price
A great guitar for the price. The build quality is great, set-up was on the spot and sound is on a par or above with what I have seen in this price range. Highly recommeded!
Eastman PCH1-OM Classic Finish 2023 Edition Thermo (Solid Thermo Cured Top) Acoustic Guitar
08/01/2024
Adrián
Fantástica guitarra. Muy buen trabajo del equipo de Richard Guitars
Muy buena comunicación con el equipo de Richard Guitars. Inicialmente solicité el modelo E30ME. Durante el traslado a la tienda de Londres la guitarra sufrió un desperfecto, por lo que me ofrecieron un descuento en este modelo Deluxe. Acepté y no puedo estar más contento. El único problema (culpa mía) fue el pago de impuestos y aranceles cuando el paquete llegó a España por proceder de fuera de la unión europea.
Pero la guitarra es perfecta. Muy buena puesta a punto por parte del equipo. Acabados muy buenos. El Ovangkol luce precioso y el sonido que emite la guitarra es fantástico.
Muy contento con la compra.
Eastman E3OM Deluxe
07/29/2024
Louise Whitehouse
Love this guitar!
Bought my first Furch earlier this year and it was also the first purchase from Richards Guitars. I absolutely love this guitar, it has a great sounds and is so tactile… l love playing it and everyone compliments the sound. I fabulous but from a great dealer.
Furch Violet Gc-SM Deluxe Acoustic Guitar
07/26/2024
Brook
Very helpful and knowledgeable a long way for us to travel but I would definitely use them again.
LAVA ME 4 SPRUCE 41" with AirFlow Bag ~ Woodgrain Brown/Burleywood
07/23/2024
Anna Jones
Dowina Walnut Spruce OM
OMG by name and OMG indeed. This is a perfect guitar. It feels as if it has been made just for me. It plays beautifully, the sound is crisp yet not shrill - it has a lovely almost bell like quality. It doesn't get muddy even with my inexpert playing. It is comfortable and easy to play. The customer service was exceptional - in the end I was not able to come to Stratford but Jake answered all my questions and I feel that I have received exactly what I could have hoped for. As well as playing like a dream it looks lovely and the finishing touch of the luthier's signature under the soundboard makes it feel so personal. Now I just have to live up to this lovely guitar. Thank you to all at Richard's guitars.
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
07/20/2024
Chris
At first I was disappointed but this guitar grew on me and I began to appreciated the quality of this guitar
Godin Session RHT Pro Electric Guitar ~ Carbon White
07/09/2024
Malcolm
Love the retro look of this guitar strap
SMJ Reserve Collection Guitar Strap With 20% OFF
07/04/2024
Malcolm
Great case to protect a superb guitar.
Kinsman Ultima™ Hardshell Dreadnought Guitar Bag ~ Brown
07/04/2024
Malcolm
Stunning guitar tonally and visually. Excellent service from Richards Guitars. Thanks again guys.
Furch Blue Gc CM FM Custom Electro Acoustic Guitar
07/04/2024
Elaine
Absolutely love it.
I initially ordered a mandolin with an oval hole. Jake got in touch to tell me this was out of stock but could be ordered to arrive within a few weeks, or alternatively I could have one with f holes which was in stock. I chose the latter and am delighted with it. The Mandolin arrived in perfect condition and the set up was superb, so lovely to have someone take the time to make sure your instrument is tuned correctly. I would highly recommend for the high quality customer service.
Eastman MD305 A-style Mandolin (F-holes, Solid Spruce top, Solid Maple back and sides, w/Gigbag) - EXCLUSIVE Limited UK Price
06/30/2024
Liz Smith
Lovely Guitar
Really enjoying the guitar. I am a beginner, but the finish and quality is first rate. I feel compelled to keep picking it up and making effort to learn. Richard's guitars is a goldmine, and it has been a real pleasure dealing with them. The guitar was very expertly packed and arrived in great condition. The shop has a great philosophy and I would have no hesitation in using again. Highly recommend them.
Eastman AC122L-1CE-CLA Classic Electro Acoustic Guitar Left Handed
06/21/2024
c.w.
eastman mandolin set up
richards guitars are the best bought an eastman mandolin must say it plays brillant action nice and low no buzzes no jaggy fret ends just perfect thanks to jake for passing info to guitar tech got it spot on cant recommed highly enough if you want your set correct go to richards guitars
charlie w
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
06/20/2024
Colin Ross
Introduction to Furch Guitars
I recently started playing guitar again & bought a Taylor BB, big mistake. While looking for a Martin I came across reviews for Furch and decided to give them a try and bought a Furch D blue. I was so impressed that I upgraded al little and added an OM yellow, I love it both aesthetically, tone and ease of playing. I am now considering going for one of the red series. Unfortunately most of them are not in stock but this will give me time to consider which one to choose. Thank you Richard’s Guitars.
Furch Yellow OM-SR Orchestra model Acoustic Guitar
06/19/2024
John Eady
Great guitar, great experience
Going to Richard’s guitars and buying a new guitar was simply one of the most positive experiences I have had in terms of purchasing something. I’m normally a bit intimidated by guitar shops and so have made the big mistake of buying unseen and unplayed with varying degrees of success and failure. This time , tempted by the appointment system I went along and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. I’d thought about the Eastman AC322 but on arrival there were 4 guitars lined up including the Eastman. I was left to try them all out but decided in the end on the Eastman. The chap who looked after me even played two of the contenders so I could listen from a distance which really helped. Once I made the purchase the guitar was then setup there and then, so a short trip into Stratford for lunch and back to pick up the guitar a couple of hours later. I love the guitar. It felt right in the shop, it plays beautifully, has a lovely tone and is surprisingly loud unplugged. A great set up. I wish I had need to Richard’s before. It would have saved me years of frustration at never quite getting the right guitar for me.also there was zero (or probably ver y subtle - it is a business after all) sales pressure. On top of that the guitar with set up was competively priced. So pretty much a perfect day, a relaxing day and I now have a guitar beautifully set up that feels like the guitar I’ve been after for 50 years. At long last. Thanks Richard’s guitars.
Richards Guitars Of Stratford Upon Avon
06/18/2024
Terry Mitchell
SIX STAR REVIEW
I was enthused by Richard's video review of the Eastman E1D and enquired if one could be sent to my home in Cyprus. "But of course!" was the swift reply.
A few life issues got in the way but my guitar was eventually delivered by courier and found to be in faultless, wonderful condition. I am daily amazed and delighted by its sound.
In spite of the hold-ups, that were not of the team's making, I don't think I have ever been so painlessly separated from my money, nor so happy as a result!
Thanks guys. I am so happy to recommend you all. Five stars are not enough!
Eastman E1D
06/18/2024
A selection of my personally recommended guitars.
The Result of 29 Years Research
Vintage* V100PGM Electric Guitar
(21)
Eastman E1D
(31)
(2)
Eastman E1P Limited Edition Blues Master Parlor E1P-LTD -CLA
Eastman AC322CE Grand Auditorium Grand AuditioriumElectro Acoustic Guitar w/ cutaway
(22)
Furch Blue Gc CM (Formerly) G CMC (Grand Auditorium / Cedar / Mahogany / Cutaway) Acoustic Guitar
(45)
Dowina Pure GAC - The Worlds Finest Value Hand Made Acoustic Guitar?
(7)
Furch Violet Gc-SM Deluxe Acoustic Guitar
(1)
Auden Neo Chester Cutaway.
(4)
Dowina Rosewood OMG Spruce. OM Body Acoustic Guitar
Dowina Rosewood GAC
(11)
Gordon Smith Classic T HS "After 8" Custom
(2)
(41)
Eastman SB59/v GB
(8)
Furch Yellow Deluxe Gc CR (With Option Of Original 23CR Inlays - A Worldwde No Cost Exclusive)
(1)
Valenti Nebula Carved Semi Hollow P90 Dark Blue
(1)
My "Personal Collection"
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.
With the industry dominated by marketing, hype, and "blinkered" brand loyalty - retailers focus on what they get asked for - with little effort in raising awareness of guitars that are better than the one you asked about. This leads to a lot of poor buying decisions!
Here is a quick introduction to the brands I often refer to as "my babies" but really you could simply refer to them as "benchmarks". Check the prices - check the specs - check the quality and back story - and find me a brand that does it better - or even close. The fact is you cant buy a bad guitar from Richards Guitars - you will only find the best - set up to your personal requirements.
Art Meets Craft - Artisan - Unique
Hand Made In Slovakia
I have the honour and privilege to be Englands exclusive dealer for Dowina guitars. A completely unique approach to guitar building that blends passion, art and craft producing the most inspiring and wondrous acoustic guitars that represent so much more than the materials they are made from.
Dowina is more than just a guitar - its an experience that you will appreciate and remember for a lifetime.
Buy Dowina Guitars Online
Detail - Clarity-Power-Resonance-Beauty
Furch Changed Everything...
I introduced Furch to to the UK over 20 years ago - with my good friend Keith Twine who has since retired.
At the time I was a leading supplier of brands such as Gibson, Martin & Taylor. Experiencing Furch guitars made me realize there is what you "know" and what you "should know". Just because you DON'T - doesn't mean it doesn't exist!
What does all this mean? Forget what you think you know and open your mind to the possibility that you can find better - and we will guarantee you an experience you will never forget - with help from Furch and my other personal finds from over the decades.
Buy Furch Guitars Online
Inspirational quality, tone & feel at a price you never thought would be possible.
A Benchmark British Brand
With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.
Buy Auden Guitars Online
Hand Made - Standard Setting - Affordable
We Were The First UK Dealer for Eastman Guitars...
....and continue to be their largest and most experienced dealer in the UK supplying Eastman guitars throughout Europe.
Originally known for their extraordinary quality, hand made arch tops - produced by violin makers - as their reputation spread they developed into the World of electric and acoustic guitar production which continue to be made by hand.
Eastman have now become a hugely dominant force in the Guitar World producing the "best in class" in any guitar genre they opt to focus on.
Nobody knows them better or can provide you a better experience.
Whether you decide on the showroom experience or buying online you could not be in safer hands.
Buy Eastman Guitars Online
The Truly Great British Electric Guitar Brand Since 1974
The Great British Electric Guitar Brand was born just 2 years after me!
I first became entwined with Gordon Smith in 1995 when I began selling guitars. My first experience was on receiving what I later learned to be a Gordon Smith Gypsy.
So powerful an impact that guitar had on me that I kept it and gave it to my Dad. Its the ONLY guitar in 28 years I havent parted with (well - My Dad has it and continues to enjoy it at 82).
The Gordon Smith Legacy rocketed to new heights when Doug Sparkes took over about 10 years ago - taking this great British Electric Guitar brand into new realms not just in terms of value but extreme quality too - making them not just a choice for people who want to support British Guitar Building but for people who want the finest electric guitars too.
Buy Gordon Smith Guitars Online
Quality - Versatility - Innovation
Canadas Finest
I have specialised in Godin guitars since 1995.
Godin have been solving problems for performing acoustic and electric guitar players for over 30 years, producing the most divine instruments which are stylish, of the highest quality whilst serving the practical needs of the modern performing professional
You could say Godin is the antithesis to Gibson! Godins reputation is built largely on the word of mouth of professionals and session musicians who need their instruments to be highly reliable and consistent night after night.
Get one in your hands, and you will soon understand their unique contribution to the evolution of the guitar.
Buy Godin Guitars Online
Perfection
Hand Made In Italy
I have to thank Stuart - Director of UK Distributor Selectron for thinking of me when he made a very special find in the guise of Luigi - A man building what can only be described as playable works of art. An extraordinary man - extraordinary guitars and I can only thank Luigi & Stuart for thinking of me as a perfect fit to help represent Luigis work in the UK.
Buy Valenti Guitars Online
The most comprehensive collection of affordable electric guitars money can buy.
We will help you find The best playing - Affordable electric guitar
I have been promoting Vintage brand guitars since the day they were "born" some 20+ years ago! In this time they have just got better... and better... and better! Not just that but the range has just become EPIC. Something for everyone!!
In the past couple of years ProShop has become one of the mmost exciting UK hand built guitars- using the Vintage range as the building blocks to create wonderful and exciting guitars that would normally cost thousands of pounds.
Buy Vintage Brand Guitars Online
★ Judge.me Reviews
Let customers speak for us
3281 reviews91%
(2981)
6%
(198)
2%
(60)
1%
(20)
1%
(22)
C
Eastman MD315 F-style Mandolin (F-holes, Solid Spruce top, Solid Maple back and sides, w/Gigbag)
Colin
Excellent service! Lovely mandolin!
O
Eastman PCH1-OM Classic Finish 2023 Edition Thermo (Solid Thermo Cured Top) Acoustic Guitar
Oskari Huusko (Oulu, Finland)
A great guitar for the price
A great guitar for the price. The build quality is great, set-up was on the spot and sound is on a par or above with what I have seen in this price range. Highly recommeded!
A
Eastman E3OM Deluxe
Adrián (Santiago de Compostela, Spain)
Fantástica guitarra. Muy buen trabajo del equipo de Richard Guitars
Muy buena comunicación con el equipo de Richard Guitars. Inicialmente solicité el modelo E30ME. Durante el traslado a la tienda de Londres la guitarra sufrió un desperfecto, por lo que me ofrecieron un descuento en este modelo Deluxe. Acepté y no puedo estar más contento. El único problema (culpa mía) fue el pago de impuestos y aranceles cuando el paquete llegó a España por proceder de fuera de la unión europea.
Pero la guitarra es perfecta. Muy buena puesta a punto por parte del equipo. Acabados muy buenos. El Ovangkol luce precioso y el sonido que emite la guitarra es fantástico.
Muy contento con la compra.
L
Furch Violet Gc-SM Deluxe Acoustic Guitar
Louise Whitehouse (Telford, United Kingdom)
Love this guitar!
Bought my first Furch earlier this year and it was also the first purchase from Richards Guitars. I absolutely love this guitar, it has a great sounds and is so tactile… l love playing it and everyone compliments the sound. I fabulous but from a great dealer.
B
LAVA ME 4 SPRUCE 41" with AirFlow Bag ~ Woodgrain Brown/Burleywood
Brook
Very helpful and knowledgeable a long way for us to travel but I would definitely use them again.