Anyone have any experience with "Richards Guitars"?

[Cato]

They're local to me.

 

It's quite a quirky little place because their USP is not selling the common stuff.

 

There are no new Squiers, Epiphones, Fenders or Gibsons in there. Instead you find stuff like Danelectros and Guild along with various boutique electrics and quite a big acoustic section, again not from the usual subjects.

 

They do have basses but it's not a huge selection. They're only 15 to 20 mins from Bass Direct and Bass Bros so it's possible that's a deliberate choice to not try to compete with 2 of the most prominent bass places in the country.

 

The shop is by appointment only.

 

I've never bought from them but I did take a couple of skinny stringers in for some maintenance and a set up at the end of last year which was largely arranged by email, I think we maybe had one phone conversation. The whole process was smooth and I was very happy with the results.

 

All in all they've got a very good reputation locally. I'm currently in the market for a baritone guitar and I'll certainly be popping in to check out Dano stuff and whatever else they've got and will happily give them my money should I like what I find.

Edited February 9, 2024 by Cato

[bass_dinger]

On 09/02/2024 at 12:07, Cato said:

It's quite a quirky little place because their USP is not selling the common stuff.

 

I am looking for an Eastman Mandolin, and Richard's Guitars seems to be the only UK shop with the full range of instruments in stock.  

 

Four hours on the train, but nevertheless on my "must visit" list.

Edited April 28 by bass_dinger

[Sean]

2 hours ago, bass_dinger said:

 

I am looking for an Eastman Mandolin, and Richard's Guitars seems to be the only UK shop with the full range of instruments in stock.  

 

Four hours on the train, but nevertheless on my "must visit" list.

I bought an Eastman MD505 from RG. All good. No issues.

[Peela]

Waiting on a 12 string - buy on soul, not price

Strange title, but it will make sense.

I used to have six guitars and was typically following the X+1 formula.

1. A Tanglewood 12 string
2. A Squier Fender Strat copy
3. A 1972 Yamaha FG-140
4. A Cordoba Electro classical
5. A Simon & Patrick SP6
6. A Yamaha 3/4 steel string (for a child)

 

I sold a few, was robbed of the Cordoba and the Squier. I loved the S&P story and it was for a long time my go-to guitar.

I then found myself in a position of being able to spend more, and went looking at Martins and wanted an electro S&P. I ended up with a very nice Maton SRC-70c (Australian S&P in my view).

My mind wandered and I became obsessed by a Mini Maton EMD-12 - a very rare beast and about a grand if you can find one. So I drifted and almost convinced myself to sign my life away on a Taylor 652 Builders  (not cheap at over £3k)/

Divorce crossed my mind, as I knew how well it would go down with the love of my life. So I Googled alternatives to Taylor and came across a video by Rich.

I was that taken by his passion. And solid belief that its about the guitar not the brand, that I am now waiting (3 more days) for a Furch 12 string from Richard's guitars.

Passionate, a believer in good product and service, the communication with Rich's team has been excellent from the start. I am sure that when my new 12 string arrives at the weekend, it will be brilliant.

Then for my search for an electric.....