I am now exclusive retailer for www.walsallguitarstraps.co.uk . Click on the link to see a video of one being made. I took the video! An incredible experience. Hand made in Walsall - the home of the UK leather industry since 1800.
I've just bought a guitar from Richard for precisely the reasons he lists; attention to detail, looking out for the customer and honest opinions :-) Whatever you want to make on your sales, go for it, quality costs. Worth every penny :-)
Richard if all guitar sellers were as honest as you it would be a great thing. I'd rather spend the little extra for a good set up and a guitar from you. My next buy won't be of Thommann, it will be on your website.
A nice video that explains n easy to understand terms the care and attention a good guitar shop will give to their products. I was talking to my supplier and mentioned in passing, my disappointment with my SG types condition after taking it out of storage. He suggested I drop it in for some TLC. He did so much stuff for so little money, it was like having a new guitar again. Guitar shop technicians are the unsung heroes of the industry and I'm sure your regular patrons appreciate this added value!
I love your channel Richard. The important thing is if someone is buying a guitar on which to learn, they need one that is a pleasure to play and will encourage them to progress, not one that will put them off at the first hurdle.
I just bought a Baja Telecaster from sweetwater.com here in the US and they are a company who do instrument setups and i'm sure they add this to the price overall but i've never had a guitar delivered in tune and set up perfectly to the point i literally had to do NOTHING to it. I love sellers like you and sweetwater where the quality of the setup is just as important as the instrument itself. DO NOT change anything but you should also let customers know regularly that you do this because i promise you they will appreciate it even if they're new players and don't understand it just yet. Good Job!
You just summed up my problems on two occasions purchasing guitars from big online stores. As a beginner 2 years ago I was unaware my difficulties playing was down to a bad action I just thought I sucked. The second guitar I bought I personally requested a good setup before shipping and was just told sorry we ship it in a box. Cough Dawson’s. After 2 months my machine heads were lose the action was terrible. And I still to this day find more imperfections that just annoy me. No quality control at all. I’d happily spend more for your added service and I’ll be defiantly be purchasing from yourself in future.
My Bro and i purchased guitars from Richard 3 years ago, me a stonebridge 0m 20 cm £750 and my bro a furch G 23 crc £1300 both solid wood and play like a dream. Richard is truly an honest guy. I really wanna try a godin nylon string to play a bit of jerry reed stuff on so may pay You a visit sometime. Thanks again Richard. I love you :) lol
100% Correct on all accounts. I've purchased many guitars and a quality setup is essential for veterans or beginners to enjoy playing. I'm impressed with you quality control. If I can afford the shipping to the US, I will be purchasing from you.
thanks Richard for giving people info many are not aware of. I worked in the bike business for years, did a full set up and adjustment on all bikes, whether they were 300 or 3000 USD. Here's my own experience with guitars that obviously came from big box places. Regal RC-2- did full fretdress and bridge work, guitar 2 tuner holes had been re drilled on the headstock. Fender MIM start-again, did a full fretdress and bridge set up. The regal would have been rejected by you, the fender I did fret dressing under tutelage of as friend who's a luthier, as well as the Regal work for a bit less that a standard shop would have charged. There you go folks, had I bought those guitars new I would have had to spend even more than Richard's price, and if you weren't aware how those guitars could have played, you would have struggled to play well, or given up in frustration.
I spent over a year, and a pro setup, trying to get a guitar from an online store sorted. Unbelievable hassle, to the extent that I'm not even crazy about that guitar anymore! Think I'll be visiting you next time.
You make a lot of sense .... Did exactly the wrong thing with my first acoustic epiphone ...killed myself with a budget guitar that was terrible then got to the point, having struggled with it, of selling it on as my tech wanted too much to warrant the investment. New learner players need something as you say "that plays like butter" early on to aid the playing & development. Your way ensures that even on a budget. 👍🎸
Fantastic tutorial on what to look for when buying a guitar. Also for me, this chap is the ultimate salesman - because he understands guitars, is honest and has that quiet passion for them that i and i am sure many other customer will have. I'm sold. where is your shop dude?
Well I wish there was a guitar store like your's where I live in the USA. As a person that is new to guitars I want to start off with the best possible guitar and setup I can get so i can just learn to play and not have to worry about the equipment I am using.
Good, honest explanation of what goes into your products and pricing. Looking forward to part 2. I've bought mail order from one of the big online retailers before and the guitar really needed a set-up when it arrived - which would've been an extra £30-50 on top of the 'bargain' online price. I sent it back! Keep up the videos Richard, really enjoyable.
Wish your shop was around my place. When I bought a guitar two years ago at a local shop's closing-sale for about 400€ it was exactly all the issues with it you mentioned. Nut slots tight, saddle wobbly in its slot, frets not level, action way too high and too much of an underbow in the neck . Then it took me a while to gather information on how to fix it until I dared to do it myself. Now I have a lovely playable guitar, totally different to how it was when I bought it. So, if someone is not keen on doing it by oneself, the extra to have the guitar set up is worth the money twice.
Brilliant video. Hope buyers sit up and take notice. £50 is cheap for a setup. Most shops will let you try a guitar, then when you commit they get you a nice shinny guitar fresh out of packing that could have loads of faults. This is a brilliant service.
I recently purchased a guitar from you and i havent even recieved my product yet but already i can tell i am going to be very pleased i can see you take lots of pride in your work and am suprised you make so little on that guitar considering how much u do great stuff
Richard, Thanks for this. You have clarified for the masses why it's NOT just price. I buy from a quality shop such as yours any time I can. Getting harder to do as the quality shops are being squeezed by Amazon.
In the business there is a term used 'A Brown Box Company'. Those are outlets that get loads of guitars in, never open the box they arrive in and simply send the thing out in the unopened box it came in. I fell foul of that once and it cost me a lot of money. I bought two guitars from this guy and they arrived well set up and ready to play out of the box, there's a big difference..
It is amazing to me that so many guitar players don't realize the importance and impact of setting up their guitar. It's the number of guitar players that is amazing. To answer the question you are posing to us and basically to yourself... you are only doing it because you love doing it. If you were choosing a profession based solely on income then you would not be selling, repairing, and setting up guitars... Love the direct honest approach to your vids. Wish I had your shop in my city. LOL, that action is very high. Thanks for the vid. Great way to end the weekend. TY
Looks like a Taylor 214ce copy. I’ve had quite a few guitars and the Taylor is of very good quality; their quality control is very good it seems given they are a mass produced product. There’s no doubt though that even at 1200 quid price mark it would need a proper setup. You are right, you can buy a low quality guitar that’s setup properly that will play nicely and a more expensive one that isn’t setup will be terrible.
You are justified to provide the best possible playing experience to your customers. All too often we see guitars that will not get played because of a flaw in the fret work, intonation, or neck adjustment/action. Most folks do not have the technical ability to make these adjustments. I would be happy to pay a little bit more to have the instrument looked over before receiving it if I did not have the experience. Good work and great ethic. Congrats!
A very honest video, thank you :) Being someone who has bought numerous guitars "in boxes", the quality of setup varies wildly and certainly reduces my desire to play some of them. You may very well have a new customer soon, thanks again
Sir Richard, it is absolutely inspiring to listen to someone that explains so much detail about your instruments!Actually you given so much Luthier quality expirence.
Fellow luthier here. I also set up every guitar I sell. The annoying thing is people saying "why should I buy from you when Amazon and Guitar Center are selling it for the same price or less?" You have to go through the whole litany of how online sellers just drop-ship guitars from factories with little to no set-up. I've given that little spiel thousands of times now - along with all the set up info you give in this video.
Hi. Just consider the effort as a welcome opportunity to show why you are different. Without that differentiation there would be no reason for them to buy from you at all. Guitars will always need setting up - people will always need specialists - so consider that a positive.
I am going to buy my first cheap Cort bass from you. Because of this video. It is worth paying more than I could have got it from elsewhere to get this setup and degree of care. Thank you for your honesty and passion.
I have never purchased a guitar from him, but I have to be completely honest. In a world where price point is going ever higher, quality is getting ever lower, a shop that has integrity and customer service is well worth the time and price that you have to pay. I recently purchased a PRS se Custom 24 from a big box store thinking that I was going to get PRS quality on a slightly lower price point only to find that that isn't the case. I did tons of research to find what I thought would be the greatest value for my money and I have always heard nothing but good things about PRS. Understanding that World Musical Instruments in Korea made this under license but that the Maryland factory handled all setups before shipping gave me the confidence to spend the better part of 1000.00 U.S. dollars for a guitar and I have to be honest, I am severly disspointed. There is fret buzz on almost every string, the action was severely high, and the thing couldn't hold tune if it had handles on it. I paid, out of pocket, to have a set up done on it at the cost of another 80.00 dollars and it still isn't right. PRS says they will "make it right" if I will just send it to them, but at this point I feel like I have already been had. When Richard talks about quality and price point I have to say that I am impressed with someone that will outright say what needs to be said. I would have gladly paid a little more to have the guitar play as advertised straight out of the box rather than deal with what I am currently dealing with. This goes for maintenance as well as sales because there are shops out there that will charge you for a setup, but at the end of the day they won't take the time to make sure that it is done correctly. We live in a world of instant gratification, and as a result, companies are going more and more with the, " that'll do" attitude. It is refreshing to see someone that thinks that is unacceptable. I wish we had more business owners like this.
Psichlo1 why on earth would you spend that much on a guitar and not just send it back immediately if it was that bad when you got it? Don't they have a warranty?
You are honest and not plastic ... If you are yourself then thats the best you can offer anyone .. I appreciate you teaching me on this vidio ...God bless and I will look at part two.Cheers
It is all about the setup. I had a Washburn Steve Stevens circa 1992 high action, buzzing and outta tune. Blocked the floating bridge, lowered the frets, got it rewired, lowered the action, put some special strings, sounds like a 1k Charvel and plays like butter. Also played a Squire strat that had been souped up TUSQ nut saddles, better pickups, tuners; it felt and sounded like a better guitar. Do you do that fret levelling etc for £55? Do you have a service Charge Sheet?
I bught a cort years ago from you and it still plays well... I should really take the plunge into a 1k range guitar but hiding it from the wife will be difficult ... mind you she had a utterly fantastic little Faith Mercury which I maintain is still the best small guitar out there. But played against one that wasn't set up by you good folks it's a leap away from the off the shelf product... Always treated to John Pearse strings it's a joy to own... in fact I think I play it more often than she does! One day I'll bring them back in for a touch of R lovin'
Bought a guitar from Richard and it was set up beautifully. As it happens, I didn’t get along with the guitar and he took it back no questions. His customer support is outstanding and I’ll not hesitate to buy from him again.
Everrytime i walk in guitar center and ask for a luthier, they always tell me Luther is out to lunch! There are no reputable guitar shops where i live...sad.
We need more stores like yours i hate buying online. many times i have recieved a defective guitar or a twisted neck even in higher end models thay should have never been shipped id pay extra to ensure that never happens again nothing worse then not being able to play the day you recieve it or a buzz so bad you wanna pull your hair out! Good job
Good honest video about the economics for selling guitars. You have a great brand and ethical approach which is sorely missing in this industry! One question, why not give your customers the option of how to buy their guitar? How about offer two options,1 our of the box quality or 2 the pro set up for £55 more. This keeps you competitive, allows your customers to decide whether they see the value in spending more for a proper setup. You might be surprised how many people will choose option 2 based on reviews, videos and your service. More than that you can retail with a clear conscience... I’ve spent a long time in retail and consultancy to retail on working in an increasingly digital price driven world and how to deliver a value added service in a price conscious marketplace
A simple reason. I would NEVER let a guitar go out the door that I feel uncomfortable about. People have different levels of understanding so by allowing someone to buy a guitar without a setup purely down to their ignorance would undermine my entire ethos. Let them make their mistakes elsewhere - not on my watch so to speak. I couldn't live with myself for example if I sold someone a Vintage brand guitar set up the way they come out the box - what? Just to make a quick sale? That would be like being a vegetarian only when people are watching. Hope that makes sense
I don't understand pounds & quids but do understand what's involved with. detailed set up and to make one play as well as a Msrtin & Gibson etc.... As ypu said....most peole do not get it...they are clueless to what it takes or how to do it themselve... I'l do know that afte thtey play a well set up guitar for a week or two them pick up a guitar that was Factory Fresh & not set up only thenm does this customer begin to understand what he has gotten g=for the 55 pounds... I set up my own guitars and learned to do it a little at a time and bought my tools the same way... You are a good Guitar dealer!
Cool video. Nice demonstration of all the attention to detail you go to. And kudos for doing it on the lower budget stuff too. Why didn't I know about you when I was starting out?!
Thank you so much. Check out the 2nd video which I will try and put together for the weekend - which will demonstrate so perfectly the frustration of wanting to do the right thing by my own ethos/standards vs making very little money on a price squeezed mid range guitar!
Richard, I LOVE your video's for all the reasons Paul loathes them - you are not a " salesman " - you care far too much for that tag - you are a purchase advisor in a very specialist market - it is blindingly obvious to me that you care, passionately, about guitars and you care equally about people ( especially prospective customers ) - add to that the total spontaneity of your video's and the bonus of a " real " environment ( i.e.: background noises, phones going off etc ... not reading bullshit off a script ) and it is as if we are sat in your shop with you whilst you are giving your sound advice, from years of experience - I am certainly no great guitarist, and yet I own a few nice guitars ( I write and record and, usually, more competent players record my guitar parts for me, using my guitars ) and I would definitely buy a guitar from you brother - in fact, I have been looking at the Eastman T486B and giving it serious consideration - if I decide to go ahead, I would not hesitate calling you. Keep putting out your video's Richard - to real people they are priceless x
Thank you so much. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Knowing I am connecting with like minded people is everything - Its also a wonderful filter to ensure the people who actually turn up to my shop are people who I am more likely to connect with on a personal level too - which is fantastic. Thanks again for taking the time to put that together.
No worries Richard - I will take a trip down to the shop some day soon and introduce myself - I'll bring my guitarist with me - he'll be like a child in a sweet shop :-) lol Bless ya brother x
Hi Paul. He said you "loathed" the videos. Not me personally. Suggesting that I am too boring to listen to for more than 10 seconds suggest you do loathe the videos! Your comment is a total over reaction to a very nicely written heart felt observation. Seems to me you have a problem with communication on a number of levels and a disconnect with people with emotion and true feelings - buy hey, that is only coming from someone as boring as me who clearly needs all the good luck you have given me
" Too boring to listen to for more than 10 seconds " - I would, personally, consider that a loathing Paul ... but, no worries man, nobody is " kicking you around " - have a great day
You are a classic attention seeker Paul Willis. I have met many people like you. You say something nasty for attention, then you have the audacity to imply YOU are getting kicked around. I would have just deleted your comments entirely but I wanted people to see people like you exist and they wander around spreading their negativity around as it makes them feel better about their sad lives. You know what? I doubt you even have any paint that needs drying - nor anything better to do at all - hence why you are still wasting my time with your verbal diarrhoea
Hey Richard enjoy your videos I agree on your Taylor input, I'm a big Eastman fan the tone in the power stand up to anything, have you thought about blueridge guitars not sure if you got the video or not that would be interesting to see what you think on the 280A. You have a lot of passion keep the videos coming thank you.
Hi Richard. I just found your channel and really enjoy your insight on guitars. I’ve recently become interested in the new Guild acoustics. One of my dream guitars is the Guild D55. I was curious what your thoughts are on Guild’s acoustic line made in China? I played some of their Westerly line and I was pretty impressed. It almost seemed to good to be true! What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!
The trouble is that many high street guitar shops make this claim, that if you buy from them the guitar will be perfectly set-up. You also see this claim repeated in guitar magazines advice on buying a guitar. Guitar manufacturers often claim their guitars are perfectly set-up when they leave the factory. Distributors say they check every guitar they handle. I have bought many guitars at different price points, both from high street shops and online and I would describe very few of them as having a perfect set-up right out of the box. That makes Richards Guitars the exception rather than the rule.
Terry Relph-Knight I once bought a heavily discounted Ovation, which was in a bargain bucket with no bag. I bought it cheaply not because it played well but because I thought I’d bought a bargain. It was horrible and stayed in the gig bag I later bought for a year and each time it came out I kicked myself. Ultimately I took it to another shop in my home town, which has been there forever. One of the guys set it up for me and afterwords it felt like a totally different guitar. It wasn’t massively expensive as it wasn’t the top luthier, but the person that did the job was very diligent in finding out what I wanted.There is some truth I feel in what he says, and having listened to this video I’d buy the guitar from him, so I agree with you. Happy pluckin.
Nice video, you are talking about the competion with webshops with no service. But the service is what will make the difference. Many people only realize when they will buy the 2nd time. Si I am wondering if you would be shipping to Germany...
This very much makes me want to come to your shop. I'm looking for an upgrade to my Cort G 290. I have spent the last year ordering guitars online and only to send them back. I feel I need to go to a shop like this. I need some honest advice.
People always want to believe they can get something for nothing. You get what you pay for. People forget that manufacturers spend almost no time setting up guitars unless they’re custom shop level guitars. They are simply building to a tolerance standard and then rely on dealers or more usually the eventual owner to deal with any problems.
Hi Richard - could you try and explain difference between the Bowman and Chester please ? My take is both same scale just body size. Chester tighter waist but deeper body ? Bowman slimmer but wider waist. How does this translate regarding tone ? Rosewood
Loved that blues lick u played...just spent 10mins working it out...shame yr shop it 150miles away from me or I would visit..great video keep it up...Tim
Ya bro my Mitchell MX-400 had a vibration coming from the Saddle during certain chords. Thats why I got rid of it. Paid $200 USD and had to sell it for $60 😞
I just found your channel days ago and I think you're the most honest sales person I ever saw lol. Also lots of insights into your niche. It's almost like you're listing to a business instructor of this niche :D If I ever win in the lottery, I set up my own guitar store in Germany and let you know that your information's helped :D Also by the way, I liked your Eastman Les Paul reviews... hard to get in my town and I wish I could try them out too :/
HA HA!! I never thought of it like that ! Time to shut up! ha ha. The funny thing is though, not many people want to devote their lives to their work so for example my busiest time is later at night? Not everyone wants to be talking "out of hours" to succeed but to me its my life and what I know it takes - anyway - thanks so much for your kind words and if you do make a million - remember me will you?
Your passion is visible. If your store would be next door, I'd come there to try guitars. This is what the local stores in my city lack, they don't look like they are interested in what they are doing. You feel that as a customer. Yes, I will remember things even without the million :) Learned a couple of nice things from your videos, also in this one... I will examine my acoustic later ;)
... At the same time, do your research. You don't want to be paying for something you can buy half price elsewhere. If said guitar is cheaper in another country use the money you end up overpaying on a plane ticket. See some of the world for a few days, etc.
I wish your shop was down the street from where I live. I’m sick of mass retailers! It would be great to forge a bond with a shop like yours that cares about its customers. Do you ship to the U.S.? I’ve got my eyes on the GS1 P90 in yellow. I can’t afford a LP JR, and this is the only guitar I’ve found that offers an alternative, and for a lot less money!
I think the shops in my city have absolutely zero quality control. It's awesome that you do this. Here locally, you find lots of horrible guitars on the walls, with super high action, old and dull strings, out of tune and so on. I wonder if they ever sell a guitar (lol) when I take a look at the strings alone. I once asked them if they could order a certain guitar for me so that I can try, and the reply was "No, because the issue would be when you don't like it, we have it for the next 10 years on the wall". I think he gave himself the certificate of poverty with this statement. It did upset me in a way, because I had two grand in my pocket and was really asking them to help me to find my dream guitar. Since you do sell in this niche as well, do you think this is really an issue today? Why would they not be able to sell the guitars? Back then it was completely normal in my city to tell the person to order three different guitars until you bought one, and they were fine when they made the sale. Something must have changed here.
The pricing factor is fair enough - as consumers we pay our money and we take our choices. However if you want a musical instrument and a certain level of service and advice why would someone risk buying from a supermarket?
Buy a cheap guitar and pay to get it set up is an option; I got a pawn shop Steve Stephens for 200 quid. I rolled the die. Almost put me off the guitar, it is dangerous for beginners as they go outta tune, buzz and sound crap because of how they are setup. Had to spend a bit to get it right. It would suck spending £700 and not having this service. 10 years later got my guitar setup and enjoy playing again. Can also setup basic myself now.
hi Richard, just subbed to your channel, thanks for posting these videos they are some of the best and most honest guitar related reviews on TH-cam, keep up.the good work.
Bought a Taylor 214e from Richards guitars years ago. I turned out to be a nightmare customer. There was a minute - and I mean minute - cosmetic issue with it (I’m very observant and picky). Despite having bought it on finance, they sorted out a refund for me. They offer very good customer service in my experience.
Vintage on the phone in the background , screaming ... Cancelled... PS I think the extra fifty quid is well worth it . This is always the problem with these budget priced guitars they are well put together with pretty good materials for the price . But the final set up is something a beginner won’t be able to do . If your starting out on guitar you don’t want to fight a guitar with terrible set up that won’t play in tune .
Richards Guitars wow, time flies. You’re looking well mate. Quick question, I know you don’t deal in such guitars, but I’m wanting to buy my bro an acoustic for his birthday but I’m on a very tight budget, like £100. I’m planning to go for the tanglewood crossroads dreadnought, do you think that’s a good bet for my very limited spends? Hope you’re well
It looks pretty put it that way. Believe it or not I can/do sell Tanglewood but don't list it lol. I do however have a Tanglewood electro acoustic with walnut back and sides you can have for £100 if you pop in - I will make sure its setup beautifully for you. Hope that helps.
Ooops. Nope. Showroom will be closed tomorrow but open Tuesday. lol. . Life balance ha ha!!! No in real terms I am working all the time it seems. I have my live help on now for example although I am just about to go out. Live chat will be on through the evening and is available most hours most days. The showroom will be open Tuesday to Saturday. Sorry about that!!
I will be buying something from you. Working in the "quality industry", you gave a very good presentation. Just left a message on your page for a Little Jane.
The honest answer is I recognise the value they bring the buyer who is on a limited budget and I dont want to exclude people the opportunity to have a beautiful playing guitar at a reasonable price
Hi. Being on youtube you get used to it. I could be offering £100,000 to every viewer and someone would dislike what I had to say. I just have to focus on the 445 who found something positive in it.
Some of the most intelligent commentary I’ve ever heard regarding discount/economy instruments. The shops in town have decided that in order to compete, they’ll just hand you a guitar right out of the box. Because of this, I’m forced to buy on line, then immediately drag it over to my tech. To make it worse, I’m finding that the ‘good enough’ mentality permeates the instrument market up to about 1500.00 US, and sadly, even higher. I am currently looking for a mid-priced acoustic but have been combing the region looking for a shop with the same mentality. I will happily pay a fair premium to insure that I get the best quality and instrument set up that I can.
@@RichardsGuitarshop Racism separates groups of people based on their race, with the intention of perceiving one race as more important and better than others. So. What made me a racist here, dear guitar seller.
I am now exclusive retailer for www.walsallguitarstraps.co.uk . Click on the link to see a video of one being made. I took the video! An incredible experience. Hand made in Walsall - the home of the UK leather industry since 1800.
Great to see you flying the flag for the Black Country. :)
I've just bought a guitar from Richard for precisely the reasons he lists; attention to detail, looking out for the customer and honest opinions :-)
Whatever you want to make on your sales, go for it, quality costs.
Worth every penny :-)
Richard if all guitar sellers were as honest as you it would be a great thing. I'd rather spend the little extra for a good set up and a guitar from you. My next buy won't be of Thommann, it will be on your website.
I'm not on that side of the Atlantic, but I am thoroughly impressed by how genuine you are!
Nick Oring Most Brits are like this guy (but not all).
A nice video that explains n easy to understand terms the care and attention a good guitar shop will give to their products. I was talking to my supplier and mentioned in passing, my disappointment with my SG types condition after taking it out of storage. He suggested I drop it in for some TLC. He did so much stuff for so little money, it was like having a new guitar again. Guitar shop technicians are the unsung heroes of the industry and I'm sure your regular patrons appreciate this added value!
purchased a cort m600 from rguitars 2 years ago and it the best set up guitar I have ever owned. played like a dream
I love your channel Richard. The important thing is if someone is buying a guitar on which to learn, they need one that is a pleasure to play and will encourage them to progress, not one that will put them off at the first hurdle.
I just bought a Baja Telecaster from sweetwater.com here in the US and they are a company who do instrument setups and i'm sure they add this to the price overall but i've never had a guitar delivered in tune and set up perfectly to the point i literally had to do NOTHING to it. I love sellers like you and sweetwater where the quality of the setup is just as important as the instrument itself. DO NOT change anything but you should also let customers know regularly that you do this because i promise you they will appreciate it even if they're new players and don't understand it just yet. Good Job!
You just summed up my problems on two occasions purchasing guitars from big online stores. As a beginner 2 years ago I was unaware my difficulties playing was down to a bad action I just thought I sucked. The second guitar I bought I personally requested a good setup before shipping and was just told sorry we ship it in a box. Cough Dawson’s. After 2 months my machine heads were lose the action was terrible. And I still to this day find more imperfections that just annoy me. No quality control at all. I’d happily spend more for your added service and I’ll be defiantly be purchasing from yourself in future.
My Bro and i purchased guitars from Richard 3 years ago, me a stonebridge 0m 20 cm £750 and my bro a furch G 23 crc £1300 both solid wood and play like a dream. Richard is truly an honest guy. I really wanna try a godin nylon string to play a bit of jerry reed stuff on so may pay You a visit sometime. Thanks again Richard. I love you :) lol
100% Correct on all accounts. I've purchased many guitars and a quality setup is essential for veterans or beginners to enjoy playing. I'm impressed with you quality control. If I can afford the shipping to the US, I will be purchasing from you.
thanks Richard for giving people info many are not aware of. I worked in the bike business for years, did a full set up and adjustment on all bikes, whether they were 300 or 3000 USD. Here's my own experience with guitars that obviously came from big box places. Regal RC-2- did full fretdress and bridge work, guitar 2 tuner holes had been re drilled on the headstock. Fender MIM start-again, did a full fretdress and bridge set up. The regal would have been rejected by you, the fender I did fret dressing under tutelage of as friend who's a luthier, as well as the Regal work for a bit less that a standard shop would have charged. There you go folks, had I bought those guitars new I would have had to spend even more than Richard's price, and if you weren't aware how those guitars could have played, you would have struggled to play well, or given up in frustration.
I spent over a year, and a pro setup, trying to get a guitar from an online store sorted. Unbelievable hassle, to the extent that I'm not even crazy about that guitar anymore! Think I'll be visiting you next time.
You make a lot of sense .... Did exactly the wrong thing with my first acoustic epiphone ...killed myself with a budget guitar that was terrible then got to the point, having struggled with it, of selling it on as my tech wanted too much to warrant the investment.
New learner players need something as you say "that plays like butter" early on to aid the playing & development. Your way ensures that even on a budget. 👍🎸
Fantastic tutorial on what to look for when buying a guitar. Also for me, this chap is the ultimate salesman - because he understands guitars, is honest and has that quiet passion for them that i and i am sure many other customer will have. I'm sold. where is your shop dude?
This is rare - a dealer coming clean re guitar quality, price, set-up, etc. All done with the best interests of the customer in mind.
Good man!
Well I wish there was a guitar store like your's where I live in the USA.
As a person that is new to guitars I want to start off with the best possible guitar and setup I can get so i can just learn to play and not have to worry about the equipment I am using.
That, my friend, is an understatement!
Good, honest explanation of what goes into your products and pricing. Looking forward to part 2.
I've bought mail order from one of the big online retailers before and the guitar really needed a set-up when it arrived - which would've been an extra £30-50 on top of the 'bargain' online price. I sent it back!
Keep up the videos Richard, really enjoyable.
Wish your shop was around my place. When I bought a guitar two years ago at a local shop's closing-sale for about 400€ it was exactly all the issues with it you mentioned. Nut slots tight, saddle wobbly in its slot, frets not level, action way too high and too much of an underbow in the neck . Then it took me a while to gather information on how to fix it until I dared to do it myself. Now I have a lovely playable guitar, totally different to how it was when I bought it. So, if someone is not keen on doing it by oneself, the extra to have the guitar set up is worth the money twice.
Brilliant video. Hope buyers sit up and take notice. £50 is cheap for a setup. Most shops will let you try a guitar, then when you commit they get you a nice shinny guitar fresh out of packing that could have loads of faults. This is a brilliant service.
I recently purchased a guitar from you and i havent even recieved my product yet but already i can tell i am going to be very pleased i can see you take lots of pride in your work and am suprised you make so little on that guitar considering how much u do great stuff
Richard,
Thanks for this. You have clarified for the masses why it's NOT just price. I buy from a quality shop such as yours any time I can. Getting harder to do as the quality shops are being squeezed by Amazon.
In the business there is a term used 'A Brown Box Company'. Those are outlets that get loads of guitars in, never open the box they arrive in and simply send the thing out in the unopened box it came in. I fell foul of that once and it cost me a lot of money. I bought two guitars from this guy and they arrived well set up and ready to play out of the box, there's a big difference..
Hey Richard, guys like you are a dying breed. Keep up the good work and honesty.
It is amazing to me that so many guitar players don't realize the importance and impact of setting up their guitar. It's the number of guitar players that is amazing.
To answer the question you are posing to us and basically to yourself... you are only doing it because you love doing it. If you were choosing a profession based solely on income then you would not be selling, repairing, and setting up guitars...
Love the direct honest approach to your vids. Wish I had your shop in my city.
LOL, that action is very high. Thanks for the vid. Great way to end the weekend. TY
Looks like a Taylor 214ce copy. I’ve had quite a few guitars and the Taylor is of very good quality; their quality control is very good it seems given they are a mass produced product. There’s no doubt though that even at 1200 quid price mark it would need a proper setup. You are right, you can buy a low quality guitar that’s setup properly that will play nicely and a more expensive one that isn’t setup will be terrible.
You are justified to provide the best possible playing experience to your customers. All too often we see guitars that will not get played because of a flaw in the fret work, intonation, or neck adjustment/action. Most folks do not have the technical ability to make these adjustments. I would be happy to pay a little bit more to have the instrument looked over before receiving it if I did not have the experience. Good work and great ethic. Congrats!
A very honest video, thank you :) Being someone who has bought numerous guitars "in boxes", the quality of setup varies wildly and certainly reduces my desire to play some of them. You may very well have a new customer soon, thanks again
Sir Richard, it is absolutely inspiring to listen to someone that explains so much detail about your instruments!Actually you given so much Luthier quality expirence.
You personality comes across as genuine and non phony expression!
Fellow luthier here. I also set up every guitar I sell. The annoying thing is people saying "why should I buy from you when Amazon and Guitar Center are selling it for the same price or less?" You have to go through the whole litany of how online sellers just drop-ship guitars from factories with little to no set-up. I've given that little spiel thousands of times now - along with all the set up info you give in this video.
Hi. Just consider the effort as a welcome opportunity to show why you are different. Without that differentiation there would be no reason for them to buy from you at all. Guitars will always need setting up - people will always need specialists - so consider that a positive.
I am going to buy my first cheap Cort bass from you. Because of this video. It is worth paying more than I could have got it from elsewhere to get this setup and degree of care. Thank you for your honesty and passion.
I have never purchased a guitar from him, but I have to be completely honest. In a world where price point is going ever higher, quality is getting ever lower, a shop that has integrity and customer service is well worth the time and price that you have to pay. I recently purchased a PRS se Custom 24 from a big box store thinking that I was going to get PRS quality on a slightly lower price point only to find that that isn't the case. I did tons of research to find what I thought would be the greatest value for my money and I have always heard nothing but good things about PRS. Understanding that World Musical Instruments in Korea made this under license but that the Maryland factory handled all setups before shipping gave me the confidence to spend the better part of 1000.00 U.S. dollars for a guitar and I have to be honest, I am severly disspointed. There is fret buzz on almost every string, the action was severely high, and the thing couldn't hold tune if it had handles on it.
I paid, out of pocket, to have a set up done on it at the cost of another 80.00 dollars and it still isn't right. PRS says they will "make it right" if I will just send it to them, but at this point I feel like I have already been had. When Richard talks about quality and price point I have to say that I am impressed with someone that will outright say what needs to be said. I would have gladly paid a little more to have the guitar play as advertised straight out of the box rather than deal with what I am currently dealing with. This goes for maintenance as well as sales because there are shops out there that will charge you for a setup, but at the end of the day they won't take the time to make sure that it is done correctly. We live in a world of instant gratification, and as a result, companies are going more and more with the, " that'll do" attitude. It is refreshing to see someone that thinks that is unacceptable. I wish we had more business owners like this.
Psichlo1 why on earth would you spend that much on a guitar and not just send it back immediately if it was that bad when you got it? Don't they have a warranty?
PRS usually makes it right and if you press it, they will give you 20% of the purchase price back.
You are honest and not plastic ...
If you are yourself then thats the best you can offer anyone ..
I appreciate you teaching me on this vidio ...God bless and I will look at part two.Cheers
It is all about the setup. I had a Washburn Steve Stevens circa 1992 high action, buzzing and outta tune. Blocked the floating bridge, lowered the frets, got it rewired, lowered the action, put some special strings, sounds like a 1k Charvel and plays like butter. Also played a Squire strat that had been souped up TUSQ nut saddles, better pickups, tuners; it felt and sounded like a better guitar.
Do you do that fret levelling etc for £55? Do you have a service Charge Sheet?
I bught a cort years ago from you and it still plays well... I should really take the plunge into a 1k range guitar but hiding it from the wife will be difficult ... mind you she had a utterly fantastic little Faith Mercury which I maintain is still the best small guitar out there. But played against one that wasn't set up by you good folks it's a leap away from the off the shelf product... Always treated to John Pearse strings it's a joy to own... in fact I think I play it more often than she does!
One day I'll bring them back in for a touch of R lovin'
Bought a guitar from Richard and it was set up beautifully. As it happens, I didn’t get along with the guitar and he took it back no questions. His customer support is outstanding and I’ll not hesitate to buy from him again.
We have just completed the setup on the guitar.... and it will make for a very interesting conclusion / part 2 ...oh my....
Hi Richard,
Did you ever get around to uploading part 2? Can't seem to find it anywhere
Brutally honest..... Respect.
Love the honesty from him
I have a LAG acoustic from Richard and yes, set up does make a huge difference.
Video coming up on these!
@@RichardsGuitarshop the guitar still has its original strings on it, can you tell me the make and gauge please?
Everrytime i walk in guitar center and ask for a luthier, they always tell me Luther is out to lunch! There are no reputable guitar shops where i live...sad.
We need more stores like yours i hate buying online. many times i have recieved a defective guitar or a twisted neck even in higher end models thay should have never been shipped id pay extra to ensure that never happens again nothing worse then not being able to play the day you recieve it or a buzz so bad you wanna pull your hair out! Good job
I like listening to you talk guitar.
I would love an acoustic that sounds great,plays like a dream... i really dont care if it looks like a nightmare.... prefer it really..
Good honest video about the economics for selling guitars.
You have a great brand and ethical approach which is sorely missing in this industry!
One question, why not give your customers the option of how to buy their guitar? How about offer two options,1 our of the box quality or 2 the pro set up for £55 more.
This keeps you competitive, allows your customers to decide whether they see the value in spending more for a proper setup.
You might be surprised how many people will choose option 2 based on reviews, videos and your service. More than that you can retail with a clear conscience...
I’ve spent a long time in retail and consultancy to retail on working in an increasingly digital price driven world and how to deliver a value added service in a price conscious marketplace
A simple reason. I would NEVER let a guitar go out the door that I feel uncomfortable about. People have different levels of understanding so by allowing someone to buy a guitar without a setup purely down to their ignorance would undermine my entire ethos. Let them make their mistakes elsewhere - not on my watch so to speak. I couldn't live with myself for example if I sold someone a Vintage brand guitar set up the way they come out the box - what? Just to make a quick sale? That would be like being a vegetarian only when people are watching. Hope that makes sense
Richard I have argued for a long time why do manufacturers send out their guitars with the strings a mile from the fretboard
I don't understand pounds & quids but do understand what's involved with. detailed set up and to make one play as well as a Msrtin & Gibson etc.... As ypu said....most peole do not get it...they are clueless to what it takes or how to do it themselve... I'l do know that afte thtey play a well set up guitar for a week or two them pick up a guitar that was Factory Fresh & not set up only thenm does this customer begin to understand what he has gotten g=for the 55 pounds... I set up my own guitars and learned to do it a little at a time and bought my tools the same way... You are a good Guitar dealer!
Cool video. Nice demonstration of all the attention to detail you go to. And kudos for doing it on the lower budget stuff too. Why didn't I know about you when I was starting out?!
Thank you so much. Check out the 2nd video which I will try and put together for the weekend - which will demonstrate so perfectly the frustration of wanting to do the right thing by my own ethos/standards vs making very little money on a price squeezed mid range guitar!
Richard, I LOVE your video's for all the reasons Paul loathes them - you are not a " salesman " - you care far too much for that tag - you are a purchase advisor in a very specialist market - it is blindingly obvious to me that you care, passionately, about guitars and you care equally about people ( especially prospective customers ) - add to that the total spontaneity of your video's and the bonus of a " real " environment ( i.e.: background noises, phones going off etc ... not reading bullshit off a script ) and it is as if we are sat in your shop with you whilst you are giving your sound advice, from years of experience - I am certainly no great guitarist, and yet I own a few nice guitars ( I write and record and, usually, more competent players record my guitar parts for me, using my guitars ) and I would definitely buy a guitar from you brother - in fact, I have been looking at the Eastman T486B and giving it serious consideration - if I decide to go ahead, I would not hesitate calling you. Keep putting out your video's Richard - to real people they are priceless x
Thank you so much. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Knowing I am connecting with like minded people is everything - Its also a wonderful filter to ensure the people who actually turn up to my shop are people who I am more likely to connect with on a personal level too - which is fantastic. Thanks again for taking the time to put that together.
No worries Richard - I will take a trip down to the shop some day soon and introduce myself - I'll bring my guitarist with me - he'll be like a child in a sweet shop :-) lol Bless ya brother x
Hi Paul. He said you "loathed" the videos. Not me personally. Suggesting that I am too boring to listen to for more than 10 seconds suggest you do loathe the videos! Your comment is a total over reaction to a very nicely written heart felt observation. Seems to me you have a problem with communication on a number of levels and a disconnect with people with emotion and true feelings - buy hey, that is only coming from someone as boring as me who clearly needs all the good luck you have given me
" Too boring to listen to for more than 10 seconds " - I would, personally, consider that a loathing Paul ... but, no worries man, nobody is " kicking you around " - have a great day
You are a classic attention seeker Paul Willis. I have met many people like you. You say something nasty for attention, then you have the audacity to imply YOU are getting kicked around. I would have just deleted your comments entirely but I wanted people to see people like you exist and they wander around spreading their negativity around as it makes them feel better about their sad lives. You know what? I doubt you even have any paint that needs drying - nor anything better to do at all - hence why you are still wasting my time with your verbal diarrhoea
Hey Richard enjoy your videos I agree on your Taylor input, I'm a big Eastman fan the tone in the power stand up to anything, have you thought about blueridge guitars not sure if you got the video or not that would be interesting to see what you think on the 280A. You have a lot of passion keep the videos coming thank you.
Hi Richard. I just found your channel and really enjoy your insight on guitars. I’ve recently become interested in the new Guild acoustics. One of my dream guitars is the Guild D55. I was curious what your thoughts are on Guild’s acoustic line made in China? I played some of their Westerly line and I was pretty impressed. It almost seemed to good to be true! What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!
The trouble is that many high street guitar shops make this claim, that if you buy from them the guitar will be perfectly set-up. You also see this claim repeated in guitar magazines advice on buying a guitar. Guitar manufacturers often claim their guitars are perfectly set-up when they leave the factory. Distributors say they check every guitar they handle. I have bought many guitars at different price points, both from high street shops and online and I would describe very few of them as having a perfect set-up right out of the box. That makes Richards Guitars the exception rather than the rule.
Terry Relph-Knight I once bought a heavily discounted Ovation, which was in a bargain bucket with no bag. I bought it cheaply not because it played well but because I thought I’d bought a bargain. It was horrible and stayed in the gig bag I later bought for a year and each time it came out I kicked myself. Ultimately I took it to another shop in my home town, which has been there forever. One of the guys set it up for me and afterwords it felt like a totally different guitar. It wasn’t massively expensive as it wasn’t the top luthier, but the person that did the job was very diligent in finding out what I wanted.There is some truth I feel in what he says, and having listened to this video I’d buy the guitar from him, so I agree with you. Happy pluckin.
Nice video, you are talking about the competion with webshops with no service. But the service is what will make the difference. Many people only realize when they will buy the 2nd time. Si I am wondering if you would be shipping to Germany...
Hey Richard...great channel. I see you have a bunch of Godins behind you. As a Canadian, I'd like to hear your impressions of that brand.
This very much makes me want to come to your shop. I'm looking for an upgrade to my Cort G 290. I have spent the last year ordering guitars online and only to send them back. I feel I need to go to a shop like this. I need some honest advice.
People always want to believe they can get something for nothing. You get what you pay for. People forget that manufacturers spend almost no time setting up guitars unless they’re custom shop level guitars. They are simply building to a tolerance standard and then rely on dealers or more usually the eventual owner to deal with any problems.
How about a video on the acoustic amps you sell
Hi Richard - could you try and explain difference between the Bowman and Chester please ? My take is both same scale just body size.
Chester tighter waist but deeper body ?
Bowman slimmer but wider waist.
How does this translate regarding tone ?
Rosewood
Loved that blues lick u played...just spent 10mins working it out...shame yr shop it 150miles away from me or I would visit..great video keep it up...Tim
Ya bro my Mitchell MX-400 had a vibration coming from the Saddle during certain chords. Thats why I got rid of it. Paid $200 USD and had to sell it for $60 😞
I just found your channel days ago and I think you're the most honest sales person I ever saw lol. Also lots of insights into your niche. It's almost like you're listing to a business instructor of this niche :D If I ever win in the lottery, I set up my own guitar store in Germany and let you know that your information's helped :D Also by the way, I liked your Eastman Les Paul reviews... hard to get in my town and I wish I could try them out too :/
HA HA!! I never thought of it like that ! Time to shut up! ha ha. The funny thing is though, not many people want to devote their lives to their work so for example my busiest time is later at night? Not everyone wants to be talking "out of hours" to succeed but to me its my life and what I know it takes - anyway - thanks so much for your kind words and if you do make a million - remember me will you?
Your passion is visible. If your store would be next door, I'd come there to try guitars. This is what the local stores in my city lack, they don't look like they are interested in what they are doing. You feel that as a customer. Yes, I will remember things even without the million :) Learned a couple of nice things from your videos, also in this one... I will examine my acoustic later ;)
Mine does the ping thing when tuning, I find the ping quite satisfying lol.
Much soul exhibited 5:16 and value throughout
... At the same time, do your research. You don't want to be paying for something you can buy half price elsewhere. If said guitar is cheaper in another country use the money you end up overpaying on a plane ticket. See some of the world for a few days, etc.
I wish your shop was down the street from where I live. I’m sick of mass retailers! It would be great to forge a bond with a shop like yours that cares about its customers. Do you ship to the U.S.? I’ve got my eyes on the GS1 P90 in yellow. I can’t afford a LP JR, and this is the only guitar I’ve found that offers an alternative, and for a lot less money!
I think the shops in my city have absolutely zero quality control. It's awesome that you do this. Here locally, you find lots of horrible guitars on the walls, with super high action, old and dull strings, out of tune and so on. I wonder if they ever sell a guitar (lol) when I take a look at the strings alone. I once asked them if they could order a certain guitar for me so that I can try, and the reply was "No, because the issue would be when you don't like it, we have it for the next 10 years on the wall". I think he gave himself the certificate of poverty with this statement. It did upset me in a way, because I had two grand in my pocket and was really asking them to help me to find my dream guitar. Since you do sell in this niche as well, do you think this is really an issue today? Why would they not be able to sell the guitars? Back then it was completely normal in my city to tell the person to order three different guitars until you bought one, and they were fine when they made the sale. Something must have changed here.
The pricing factor is fair enough - as consumers we pay our money and we take our choices. However if you want a musical instrument and a certain level of service and advice why would someone risk buying from a supermarket?
Buy a cheap guitar and pay to get it set up is an option; I got a pawn shop Steve Stephens for 200 quid. I rolled the die. Almost put me off the guitar, it is dangerous for beginners as they go outta tune, buzz and sound crap because of how they are setup. Had to spend a bit to get it right. It would suck spending £700 and not having this service. 10 years later got my guitar setup and enjoy playing again. Can also setup basic myself now.
do you have eastmans archtop jazz type guitars in stock
rich, i saw you post about the sheeran guitars. im looking to order when when i find out the details, do you guys sell? how much are they?
hi Richard,
just subbed to your channel, thanks for posting these videos they are some of the best and most honest guitar related reviews on TH-cam, keep up.the good work.
Bought a Taylor 214e from Richards guitars years ago. I turned out to be a nightmare customer. There was a minute - and I mean minute - cosmetic issue with it (I’m very observant and picky). Despite having bought it on finance, they sorted out a refund for me. They offer very good customer service in my experience.
Vintage guitars are really very well-made for the price.
Great video, the added value easily makes it worthwhile!!
Vintage on the phone in the background , screaming ... Cancelled... PS I think the extra fifty quid is well worth it . This is always the problem with these budget priced guitars they are well put together with pretty good materials for the price . But the final set up is something a beginner won’t be able to do . If your starting out on guitar you don’t want to fight a guitar with terrible set up that won’t play in tune .
Spend the extra few quid. It's really worth it. I mean really.
Thanks for your honest helpful demos and advice
Thanks Dave. Much appreciated following the last comment which I have pinned!!! lol Thanks again.
Hang on... did you used to have a shop in Leam? I'm sure I recognise you... think I bought my first guitar from you about 20 years ago
Yep! 23 years now
Richards Guitars wow, time flies. You’re looking well mate. Quick question, I know you don’t deal in such guitars, but I’m wanting to buy my bro an acoustic for his birthday but I’m on a very tight budget, like £100. I’m planning to go for the tanglewood crossroads dreadnought, do you think that’s a good bet for my very limited spends? Hope you’re well
It looks pretty put it that way. Believe it or not I can/do sell Tanglewood but don't list it lol. I do however have a Tanglewood electro acoustic with walnut back and sides you can have for £100 if you pop in - I will make sure its setup beautifully for you. Hope that helps.
Richards Guitars oh! That’s great, thank you! I’ll try and get over tomorrow if you’re open and have a look at it 😊
Ooops. Nope. Showroom will be closed tomorrow but open Tuesday. lol. . Life balance ha ha!!! No in real terms I am working all the time it seems. I have my live help on now for example although I am just about to go out. Live chat will be on through the evening and is available most hours most days. The showroom will be open Tuesday to Saturday. Sorry about that!!
I will be buying something from you. Working in the "quality industry", you gave a very good presentation. Just left a message on your page for a Little Jane.
About to do the same on this basis!
If you were in the states I would buy from you. It’s a shame you’re not.
Great, and hugely helpful video Richard. I love you philosophy . Thank you for posting.
Thank you!
Just bought a badass 2400$ Cole Clark. Worth every penny.
I'm sure that the guitars are fine but please get an apostrophe in the title!
What? Where?
😂👍 I’m quite OCD and I noticed that lol. But I already really like this guy and his stuff 😎
Great video
If a product gives you that much grief then why sell them ?
The honest answer is I recognise the value they bring the buyer who is on a limited budget and I dont want to exclude people the opportunity to have a beautiful playing guitar at a reasonable price
Great guitars
Hi where are you based?
Hia. Its all on our website at rguitars.co.uk but Stratford Upon, Warwickshire!
Great videos Richard
55 thumbs down, which is weird.
Hi. Being on youtube you get used to it. I could be offering £100,000 to every viewer and someone would dislike what I had to say. I just have to focus on the 445 who found something positive in it.
Some of the most intelligent commentary I’ve ever heard regarding discount/economy instruments. The shops in town have decided that in order to compete, they’ll just hand you a guitar right out of the box. Because of this, I’m forced to buy on line, then immediately drag it over to my tech. To make it worse, I’m finding that the ‘good enough’ mentality permeates the instrument market up to about 1500.00 US, and sadly, even higher.
I am currently looking for a mid-priced acoustic but have been combing the region looking for a shop with the same mentality. I will happily pay a fair premium to insure that I get the best quality and instrument set up that I can.
Great video. I swear you sound just like Robert Plant talking. Lol
Very honest thank you
£55 is a very reasonable price for a setup.
your awesome ! someone who gives a shit about what they sell . good on you
subcribed
guitaaars are good. mmmmkeee.
A typical British promoter who just blabs. I didn't hear that guitar sound.
I think that’s the first racist comment I’ve ever received? Thanks! 😊
@@RichardsGuitarshop Racism separates groups of people based on their race, with the intention of perceiving one race as more important and better than others. So. What made me a racist here, dear guitar seller.
Looks like a cheap gutiar
The bridge is lifting off the body. Need to hear the sound. Terrible presentation.
lol. Bless you
Geez,,, this guy puts out 2-min oh content in 20 min of poor communications skills.