Why DOES It Take "SO Long" To Buy a Guitar Setup To Perfection?

[@derekjohnson5720]

Buying a guitar with an actual full set up and that has actually been checked for quality issues is pricless if you ask me. In the past i returned an epiphone tribute plus to GAK as it arrived with a melted pickup surround and bad scratches on the body which they actually tried to blame me for and deduct £100 off my refund. A fender player series strat to GUITARGUITAR as the nut was shocking and the frets where horribly sharp. I quizzed them as to how it got threw there supposed quality control, there reply. We get in hundreds of guitars that go to our warehouse, we dont have enough employees to check every guitar and we take them on good faith that the company's who supply us have already passed them threw there quality control. When you purchase online its like buying something from argos, it comes off a shelf and gets posted to you without inspected, pretty much the same as the person from argos who takes it off a shelf, takes it to the counter dosent check it and hands it to you. The service you offer is amazing Richard and I'm talking from experience having made a few purchases from you. Good to see you back on the Tube!!

[@markedgar5901]

If you’re going to keep a guitar for the rest of your life what’s a two week wait? Never compromise your service level it’s what sets you apart from other dealers.

[@martincraig3169]

Recently brought a Faith PJE Earth from Richard. Ive dealt with the shop in the past, i know the work that goes into EVERY guitar Richard sells. Trust me when i say, its worth the wait. My guitar took just over 2 weeks..... and it was perfect, straight out of the case. Keep doing what you do Richard( and his staff), dont change a thing

[@essentiallocalleads5392]

I waited for close to 3 months for a custom parlor I had Stephen Chipman in Vermont build for me, and it was totally worth the wait. Built to all my specs, cedar/birch, and then a consultation on how I was going to use it, styles, fingerpicking etc, so as to allow him to set it up perfectly. I chose everything from the slotted head stock down to the scale length and string spacing. Anyone who knows anything about guitars and playing them should be willing to wait however long it takes to come up with the guitar they want/need and then have it set up as to their specific playing style. For a beginner, that set-up could well be the difference in having success and staying with it, or battling for a short time, saying "screw it" and sticking it in the closet.

[@Greg-rp1sh]

Morning Richard, I bought my Tokai goldtop from you last year, not a top end guitar but I love it and was very happy with both the service and the time it took, so no complaints from me and would like to wish you good luck with the recovery from Covid shutdown 😎😎🎸🎸👍🏼👍🏼

[@frankyule4592]

That is interesting £ 65 for a set up it used to be £100 for this service ,hope it’s the same service, well I don’t really, because when I recieved my Furch, now you may think this is so trivial it’s not worth mentioning but the two E and A a strings were splitting or unraveling if you will Elixer strings I may add, ok no problem £100 set you would think this would have been picked up , well it wasn’t . Ok mistakes made or missed no probs buy new strings the guitar was spot on no problems with that .so a text message to rich well the response was (and I am condensing here) was “are you really complaining about two strings on the guitar,” well yes a £100 set up I think so , anyway I said I would buy my own strings even though rich offered to send new ones , not the point ....... anyway I’ll just add then whenI recieved. the guitar it was nearly falling through the box it arrrived in and when I complained again I was told by rich” you should see the state ofthe boxes I Recieve the guitars in think yourself lucky” so this is all fact I am not telling tales it is all documented but I must say this ,Richard guitars is one of the best places on line to buy yourguitars just be mindful of what is going on ............

[@VideosVonDennis]

Man, I wish we would have a guy like you in our city. The guitar stores are dying here, and that quickly. Back in the days, we had the same service here you mentioned. That's not the case anymore.

[@Larry-Art179]

I bought a guitar and watched them set it up. All they did was change the strings and did not ask me any question or ask me to play it . If you think they are going to inspect the frets . nut or intonation that is not going to happen . But they were so efficient and fast I bet that impresses some people .

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

That’s pretty standard for most shops I think. Hence doing this video. I think most shops in the country will look at my video in horror!!!! You could say it’s a labour of love and life balance. It’s important to me we are the very best we can be and that whatever I do in life is with a genuine passion. I think most businesses are just doing whatever minimum they can get away with. If they say they can do something and get away with not doing it - they will. I’d love to hear of any guitar shop that does have the same level of quality control though!

[@Fret-knot]

I had a similar experience as one of the comments here with GAK. I bought a Gibson Les Paul, which allegedly was brand new, but wasn’t up to even 'b' stock standard. It was covered in dust, dent on the body, no setup. I took pictures of it and sent them to GAK, who then agreed to pick up the guitar and send me a new one. This was better, but still no set up and no real apology for sending me a defective guitar in the first place. I set the new one up myself. Anyway, my point is this - If you're spending good money on a good guitar, then it's worth waiting to have it set up properly and at the very least checked! I will happily wait weeks for my next guitar as long as it's set up right. Providing the seller explains this at the outset, then for me at least it isn't an issue. After that experience, I'd now only buy a guitar from guitar enthusiasts and not from box shifters!

[@chriswilliams-lilley5771]

Remember my guitars bought from you in the past were set up by the brilliant Pete Allen. Times moved on, you have your own top luthier...but it so important to get guitars properly set up in the shop, and delighted you still insist on Quality set ups. Chris is no doubt a craftsman too. Even some of the well-known brands need fret dressing, action setting and quality checking. I remember all your feedback on Gib*on etc. 😳 Your ethics are top-notch. Don’t ever change. I watch all your vids.💡🎸🇬🇧

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Always love hearing from you chris and so nice that you stay in touch via the vids .

[@chriswilliams-lilley5771]

@@RichardsGuitarshop My daughter plays too. Shares my love of guitars. I need a Dobro kind of guitar for her 16th bday. Plus, I'm still keen on the Eastman EC222 acoustic, plus have a real hankering for a Schecter PT Special (tele style, with split coils etc). I/We need to come over. It's just when. Can’t wait to catch up properly. It’s been ages.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

@@chriswilliams-lilley5771 That would be amazing! Would love to see you again.

[@jasfiona]

Thanks for explaining this Richard. You're such a great character. Please carry on what you're doing and don't apologise for anything.

[@steviesynapse]

Great video Richard and a lovely explanation of what it is to provide excellent customer care and service. Just like many other areas of business and services, very often what you are paying for or buying is not ‘like for like’, even though others might claim it is, it is definitely not! I really like and admire your whole passion and business ethos for providing customers with the best guitar buying experience, pre and after sales service you can. It’s very obvious how much you care about what you do, and judging by the lovely comments you have received , so do your customers.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thank you Steve - really kind words and very much appreciated.

[@CapoTripps]

This is the reason I went with your shop! It is interesting that people sometimes have a difficult time grasping this concept. Also, that's 6 guitars in a day - in an ideal scenario each time. Any real issues (wonky truss rod, crappy nut or saddle, et cetera) take time to adjust, and some issues that may not be caught by a rushed eye looking to make quick bucks (slight warp in neck, delamination, et cetera) would be unfixable and it would really suck to open that box when you're expecting the light fantastique and choirs of angels.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Seriously... we reject guitars regularly. Currently we have a vintage. We have told the customer - we now have two sent to us by the very amicable director of vintage guitars to help us make sure one of them is bang on - so we can further work on the guitar. I am sure that one scenario would never occur elsewhere but is just par for the course here

[@CapoTripps]

@@RichardsGuitarshop To add to your already busy schedule, you should do a video like "14 things to do once you get our 2 week deadline" and have it be: Day #1 get a humidifier. Day #2 buy 6 different packs of strings so you can really get the tone you're looking for. Day #3 research 17 new jazz chord voicings so your buddies will think its a Magick Guitar. And so on.... Basically, a "you have 2 weeks to get your S together before your grail arrives" video.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

@@CapoTripps I like it :) Maybe a daily email that gives them useful information to research and be aware of? Hmmm I like it.

[@stephankrannich8823]

[@paddyandhisguitar2831]

Ditto, really want to try out some of those lovely Dowina's

[@mull-sd9dz]

If someone can't wait for 2 weeks for a 1st class service and one to one personal service with beautiful hand crafted guitars has to have some personal problem. We need more top customer service just like this, so I say well done for doing all that you do and all the hard work you put into looking after all of your customers 👍

[@clivemackrell8467]

Well worth waiting for. My guitar came setup perfectly, unfortunately not the same from other shops.

[@ShiningHourPop]

That’s why I want to visit you from Sussex and buy an acoustic when things return to normal-ish, hopefully June. By the way, what model was the Eastman on the wall you pointed to? Thanks!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hia! An Eastman AC630 BD ... the nicest sounding one I think Iver ever had in. Wonderful ! Can’t wait to see you!

[@ShiningHourPop]

@@RichardsGuitarshop Thank you. Looking forward to making the trip. COVID be gone please! 😊

[@ignission9742]

These guys and gals are quite simply the best in the business. The attention to detail and level of service is, in my opinion, unrivalled. I'll never buy a guitar from anywhere else after purchasing an Auden from Richard's Guitars. Lovely people.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thank you so much. Yes - Girl power! My wife Teresa has been with me all the way and Sophie who started with us in January has shown herself to be the most wonderful member of our team and has slotted in like she has always been here. Shes amazing! I am blessed to work with such lovely people all day long and it makes it all the more enjoyable - as if being around guitars all day long wasnt enjoyable enough right? :)

[@TTWD-nx6sx]

Richards guitars are always set up to perfection, always worth the wait !

[@PJ-ff5jy]

After mediocre experiences with PMT & Andertons I’d only now buy from Richard. Excellent customer service. And what’s a two week wait when you’ll have the guitar for years?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thank you - well that is always my personal view yes. If you had already bought your guitar and booked it into a great tech - you wouldnt refuse to do it if he said he could book you in for 2 weeks time - you would feel re-assured that hes a great tech in demand. Its purely the fact that people are SO used to NOT having a guitar meticulously setup pre sale that they may think out approach is odd. We've been doing it for 26 years! :)

[@stevec.1802]

Just wondering, when your guitar’s arrive in your shop do you set them up before they’re displayed?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Its a great question. I have seen one or two online stores suggesting that they do all the setups as they arrive in. Well thats fine if you are not doing what we are doing (and I hesitate to fully believe they even do what they say they are doing - but it certainly gives them an excuse for the speed of delivery). What they mean is they are "checking" for fault and making very minor adjustments that may be blindingly obvious to any potential buyer. To actually setup every guitar would be a mammoth task that would completely undermine the whole point of the service. So lets say for example an Eastman electric comes in. Chris gets it on the bench, does all the normal checks - geometry, cosmetic - then goes on to full intonate the guitar, truss rod adjustment and so forth. Guitar is then boxed back up and stored. Customer buys the guitar and wants 9 gauge strings with a super low action - or is a rhythm player and wants heavier strings or a hybrid set. Chris now has to re-setup the guitar. Most setups we do have customer notes attached as we ask every customer how they would like the guitar to play - this would be impossible if we did it prior to selling the guitar. . Hope that helps answer your question and thanks for it too.

[@stevec.1802]

@@RichardsGuitarshop yes, I wouldn’t doubt that your shop would give more attention to details than the big box stores do. As far as an online purchase is concerned from a big box store I’ve never seen a guitar that didn’t need a proper set up and inspection by a qualified luthier. In our local shops there is more attention to the details before the guitars are hung on the rack. But of course there will always with a bit of a personalized adjustment at time of purchase. Would love to visit your shop eventually. Thank You.

[@kevinhill1848]

Hi Richard, just came across this very informative video after having placed an order with you. From past experience, I would rather wait 6 months for a properly setup guitar than have one `next day` that is so hard to play you end up returning it. Just keep doing what you are doing and thank you for the time and effort you put into your wonderful business. Looking forward to receiving my Furch. Best wishes.

[@Mr4Strings]

OK, 2 weeks to set-up a guitar. How long to simply answer an email? Wanted to purchase a Cort Electric Bass from you but couldn't get a response. 1 week and counting. Quality Customer Service. Lots of competition out there.

[@daveydoodle1916]

What’s wrong waiting go 2 or 3 weeks I Waited almost 3 months for mine to be made and 4 weeks another time. The joy is in the Journey or the wait. Just think when it arrives at your door you’ll soon need another☺️

[@JMal883]

Can attest to this. Excellent setup and the care taken is apparent. It’s worth the wait as it comes perfectly playable and with a full professional setup. Doesn’t matter how little you spend, the care and attention is the same.

[@Havanacuba1985]

Wow Richard I’m impressed , can you recommend the vintage icon telecasters ,I’m wanting one for 5 string open G when I sell one of my others . What a great service

[@glorioskiola]

I would happily wait two weeks for a guitar from you! But I live in the USA.

[@PhillipAlcock]

My son bought 2 guitars from you last year year after I saw a video from you on KZbin (the ‘algorithm’ worked!). I’ll be in touch just as soon as I can sell a couple of instruments to afford what I want (so keeping my wife happy too - I know, but it has to be done!).

[@TIM123451ERR]

You could make an option when people purchase whether they want set up or not, and state that it will take 7-14 days if the set up option is chosen.

[@inticiccio]

You are the Massimo Bottura of the guitars, I hope to be able to visit your shop soon, good job

[@anthonysteel6877]

Better to wait a few days than get something out of a box that is unplayable.

[@johnmcintyre3459]

Even if you had to wait a month it would be well worth it. Keep doing what your doing Richard.

[@martintierney1763]

I bought a £300 guitar ftom Richard online. Yes I did wait for it but I didn't complain about that. My 'Vintage' brand strat arrived very well packaged and the frets and fretboard on the guitar felt great to play on. I have two Mexican Fenders purchased new elsewhere that needed frets worked on, at additional cost. Happy customer

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Awesome!! What depresses me most is when someone says “ Got my vintage and I felt a sharp fret. Make me question whether any work was done” ..... 😱. What they don’t realise is how much work was done to get it to that point!!!! Thanks you for your kind feedback and for appreciating what we are doing here. Great to hear!

[@essentiallocalleads5392]

I'll take the Dawina!

[@chrisjeneson3763]

I've bought two guitars from Richard, the set ups of the instruments was faultless and although it seemed like an age, the two weeks wait was very well worth it. I am sure that I will buy again.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thank you so much Chris. Its so appreciated

[@CeciliaZaneboni]

Hi Richard, Cecilia here. I just wanted to add my tiny two pence worth. No pun intended. I needed a budget guitar but came to you because I'm patient and the service you offered sounded amazing. I'm not in a position to buy high end guitars probably now or ever so please keep stocking some things accessible to me as I really want to keep shopping with you. And visiting from Sheffield. All the best Cecilia x

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Bless you Cecilia. If you ever need anything please let me know as I will always help you - regardless of what may or may not be on the website. For example - at this moment I have now removed all vintage brand acoustics and electos. Not because they are "bad" but we have to reject a lot to get them to our standard - they are discounted heavily online - and they are relatively cheap guitars. I just cannot justify pushing them as we need to focus on our core products - but LAG provide INCREDIBLE acoustics and electros from £200 so these will be my focus. Either way I will still be able to get you guitars even if I have removed them from the site - and I will always be here if you need me. I WILL make sure I alway have a core range of recommendations for budget players as its so important as you say not to disgard people who are on a tighter budget - such a difficult situation. THANK YOU so much for valuing what we do x

[@CeciliaZaneboni]

Thanks so much Richard, glad I don't have to worry and can keep coming to you for help with guitars. Have you checked out Loxely guitars in Sheffield yet? They are a father and son team who make beautiful guitars from scratch 💙😍

[@MajeticLuka]

Great shop!

[@rodneykitchen3869]

if I buy another guitar I will only do so through Richards Guitars, I have a half dozen guitars that need set ups,

[@Frozenguy1]

I think most big shops offering "free setup" do a short QC checklist and maybe do a trussrod adjustment if the neck is really out of whack. Nothing close to what a "setup" truely means.

[@PeteAxeShields]

Patience is a virtuoso :-)

[@benmaguire4098]

Hello Richard & the team Family etc .. Yes stick to your principles .. But please watch your Blood pressure .. Lol .. I have almost 28 guitars now & with very few exceptions they have all needed work either straight out of the box or as soon as new strings are put on . The reason I have so many is because B4 Covid I had begun buying cheap bargains from 2nd hand shop's etc for the express purpose of practicing the skills I needed ( I now after a few years consider real skilled Luthiers to be akin to an Artist in their own right & you could not pay me to do it for a bunch of idiots who do not appreciate what's involved lol ) .. But While I do not regret the skills & knowledge I have so far in a small way learned .. To be properly set up in a shop tackling all sorts of problems .. No thanks .. I have had some small success with a few of the cheaper ' Name brands ' where all that was needed were fret edges some TLC & a Truss rod adjustment ( plus my secret hanging near the upper floor chimney wall by the headstock treatment which helped straighten a set neck ) .. & I have learned so much more about what I just do not want to spend my time doing for someone else .. If I polish the frets & I like a slightly higher action ( not a shredder ) then thats ok by me & I am quite happy with a banged up acoustic that Sings .. But my own special needs are unique to me & I have guitars that stay in open tunings & none of my guitars are at concert pitch ( except one Bass ) So never doubt yourself or hurry Guitar Tech' .. I honestly do not think anyone who has not been practicing ( ? ) repair's or set ups ? Can be experienced 10.thousand hours & that not counting waiting for parts or glue to dry lol .. I had an angry young man from a famous shop in Exeter who when I complained the guitar had arrived set up for Robin Hood got very upset with me lol ..

[@michaelrapley5794]

Found Richard's guitars on KZbin, watched some videos and loved them. I waited a while before making a purchase. I simply cannot recommend this shop highly enough. I spoke with Richard a few times over message, he's knowledgeable keen to help, without being a pushy salesman type. I then spoke with Rikki as the guitar I originally wanted wasn't available and I'm impatient, Rikki was able to make a recommendation that I believe may actually suite me better than my original choice. I'm now eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Eastman AC322CE. I could have bought this guitar cheaper from other places with a next day delivery. However I think on balance from what I've seen and what I've read, I'm actually getting better value for money. I know that at some stage I'll be buying another guitar, it seems like different woods and shapes scratch different itches, I know already where I'm going to go for the next one.

[@williamfoley4630]

I have had shocking experiences with all the large dealers and won’t buy from them now. I discovered during a conversation with a salesman , at one of the largest guitar dealers , that if a consignment of say 10 of the same guitar arrives they only check one of the batch. After hearing that I realised it’s just pot luck if you get a playable guitar . Support your local guitar shop and build a relationship with them is definitely the way forward .

[@t0nin012]

Thanks for visiting Richard! I take a lot of pleasure with my Faith Venus Blood Moon that I recently received and was managed by Rikki! I was so nervous during the shipping from England to France and now... I dissolve my nervousness by playing a lot of time :-)

[@patchevansbrokencountry2583]

I love your business model. I also play fiddle. When I take it in for a set up it takes ......two weeks.....and I already own the fiddle! But it is seen by a well seasoned luthier that I talk to and whom I trust. I will not go anywhere else with my fiddles, I only buy my strings there. I am about to reduce my guitar collection and would love to come to you for my final instrument.

[@Motocoupemusic]

Wow super cool, really need to take a closer look at your store, especially since it’s in my town!!! 😂🤘

[@JordanReed1]

I was perfectly happy to wait 2 weeks for my set up, what I was less pleased about is that UPS took two weeks to deliver despite being "next day delivery", useless company!!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Was this a problem with an international delivery? Sorry if you had a problem . Brexit had put a lot of pressure on couriers 😢

[@JordanReed1]

@@RichardsGuitarshop No domestic, chuffed with your service Richard but UPS just had it sitting in their depot for weeks, terrible customer service too, no way of contacting a real person

[@ajlmirrormist]

Three weeks isn't a wait... pre ordering from the (big boys) and them holding your money for months is a "wait". Seems the trend is wait get enough orders before purchasing stock. I haven't bought anything from you since you left Leam... but I've never bought a bad guitar from you set up or otherwise. Good Luck

[@malcolmriviere8256]

Good to see you back again Richard. Can't fault the setup on the 2 guitars I bought from you lat year during lockdown, but your video review of the LAG convinced me to buy one and I am extremely happy with it. The Faith 12 string has a brighter sound than my vintage Eros, but much prefer playing it now. Would I have chosen these 2 guitars if I could have visited the shop? Maybe or maybe not! However, I have great respect for you and your team. Hopefully get to meet you in the not too distant future.

[@IvorPuddifant]

I purchased a Cort Jade 1 Electro from Richards last Christmas. Chris rang me to ask what type of set up I'd like and I explained it was for a 12 year old (her first proper acoustic) and I agreed with his advice, namely light strings and a relatively low action. It was beautifully set up and very easy to play. All this service on a guitar costing less than £200.00.

[@MarkJVSomers]

Great job. Keep it up. Not wanting to grow forever and ever is refreshing, I wish more business owners thought like this.

[@hochiminhunited1444]

What a cool set up and philosophy. Shame I live in the Highlands, would love to come and see these guitars in person.

[@royalblue5758]

I am currently waiting for my two week delivery slot on an Eastman guitar from Richard and happy to do so. Having a guitar properly set up is to be recommended for any instrument to really get the best out of it. If you are not able to do the set up yourself then the only option would be to sent it to a guitar tech to do it for you. It will cost both time and money. Unless you know one it’s a bit of a gamble. I have paid to have two guitars set up and one was excellent but the other was very average. To have your guitar come already set up and at no extra cost is tremendous and credit to Richard for providing this service. I am more than happy to wait and one of the reasons I have ordered from Richard is the set up service the guitar comes with.

[@elliothowell8373]

I've been looking for a new guitar for a year now, pandemic has caused delays. waiting for a couple of weeks for it to be perfect seems like a no brainer.

[@davidfurnival176]

Excellent video Richard, managing expectations is critical and your service sets you miles apart from the rest. I'm loving my Gordon Smith Classic T and am looking forward to coming into the shop.

[@stephenfranklin8258]

I have a Dowina Acero Jumbo on order - can’t wait! I would love to call by before that guitar arrives (haven’t visited the shop) but I’d just be taking up a slot in place of someone who wants to try and buy. Oh well, patience is definitely a virtue!

[@strumminronin]

When something is "cheap" people think of it as a TOY, and their expectation is that for a toy. Thank you that you keep the "budget" guitars in tip top shape making sure that the customers receive an INSTRUMENT. Thanks for the video and I hope to pick up an electric guitar from yourselves at some point very soon.

[@TommySG1]

Hi ya, hope all is well! Miss your feeds! 👍

[@TommySG1]

I can see how the time you mention is for real. I true - blue set up can take a lot of time, especially if the nut or the frets are wonky. I just put a Fender Stratocaster together with a solid rosewood neck together and it took me 3 of four hours including all the soldering and I even used a loaded pick guard, if it weren’t it would’ve took me another 2 hours added to that. In short I’d be very comfortable purchasing a beautiful guitar from your shop if I were in the UK Rich!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Well hopefully back now - famous last words eh!

[@TommySG1]

LOL yes 😄

[@matthewhart3719]

This is why I bought my guitar from Richard and I can see my Lag with order number on the rack awaiting setup. Looking forward to getting it and more than happy to wait 👍🏼

[@eddiejr540]

Wait...your customers are real people and not just a number...brilliant!!!!!

[@tinman8014]

Well explained and I can appreciate everything you say. The main thing that stops me buying from you (again, I’m a previous customer) is you’re website. It’s full of annoying pop ups and prevents reverse navigation, as well as having unclear real time stock control, although I’ve noticed the latter point improve a bit recently.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hi. Whilst I try my best to ensure the site works fully for every possible user - I think what you are referring to is when you are using the website for the first time on a phone. So you may receive some pop ups which appear but you just click them off and then they are gone. If you can let me know exactly how and when the popups appear and what device you are using I will definitely look into it but i am guessing its only an issue on your phone? Please reply back here so I can follow this up? One question however - would this truly stop you buying from me again?

[@johnjackman22]

i bought a Burny 335 from you when you had the Lemington spa shop, must have been around 2005? it was set up perfectly, really easy to play, i took it to my local guitar tech for a set up a few weeks ago as it has never been set up since you did it, all he did was change the strings its still spot on, thank you, i just wish you weren't so far away now,

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Awesome!

[@nigelarthur5524]

any good work shop has lead time, and its never an hour !

[@jonjamesesq]

I’m only buying from you from now on. My two Faiths are setup perfectly and I can’t wait to get the Dowina. I really don’t mind waiting when the guitar arrives the way it does from your shop Richard. Also everyone I have spoken to on your team have been fantastic - big shout out to Jon as well. Good lad he is.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

He is indeed!! Like you say they are all lovely and I am blessed. Thank you so much for your kind words

[@davidmonks1]

Seriously, if you're thinking of buying a guitar from Richard just do it! I had a Godin electro acoustic and the setup is fabulous. Book the guitar and then wait - it's SO worth it!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hi David. Hope you are well and life is treating you kindly . Thanks so much for the vote of confidence . Your name is one I know is important. My memory is like a sieve - it always has been but I know you are a special customer. 🙏

[@johnnyboywonder]

Hi Richard. Great video and service. It’s a rare thing that you do. Can you tell me if a guitar is listed on your site as in stock does that mean it’s in the shop or in a warehouse? Cheers

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hi Johnny. OK its complicated but I try and make the best of it for people viewing.... So here goes... Where I have access to a real time stock feed I use it. So for example, Cort guitars, Faith guitars, Vintage guitars, Godin and a couple of others I can make my customers aware of what is literally available in the UK warehouse. Its notmally on the more mass produced guitars. Then you have guitars such as Furch, Dowina, Eastman, Auden, Maybach, Gordon Smith which are all hand made so I have build schedules and delivery spreadsheets which show me when I should next see one. These items are still considered "out of stock" when not in the building but because I know I can give someone an update on stock on these I still let people order them with the proviso we will update them shortly with an ETA if they place the order. Bottom line - If it says "IN STOCK" that is definitely in stock either with us or available to us at short notice. Ummmm clear as mud? Welcome to my world ! lol

[@EnglishVeteran]

Richard, why do these guitars arrive with such a rubbish set up in the first place. I get that some may want a specific action but in general why are the setups so diabolical?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

The reality is it isnt always about the guitars being diabolical. I only sell one or two brands where the setup my be diabolical - because they are budget brands and things can be much more hit and miss. Cheaper - less profit and can take us twice the amount of time to setup of course! Its about attention to detail - looking for details to improve on what was made in production and very often its more about tayloring the setup to the players personal specification. Resetting to accommodate the customers string guage and playing style. Its also about finding those Friday afternoon guitars that always get through any workshop. Hope that helps!

[@EnglishVeteran]

@@RichardsGuitarshop Quick reply Richard! Yes I do understand, particularly about personal setup. I am going to book an appointment with you later this year for a new acoustic guitar and look forward to meeting you all. Presumably after the Richards Guitars Setup I will be transformed into a phenomenal Guitarist??!! No? Oh ok fair enough! 😊😊

[@DD-dx3ei]

Might it be possible a shop does the setup before they have been sold? Might that be how they can send them on quickly?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Its just not commercially viable. If you set up a guitar before the person buys it - you have now removed half of the point of having the guitar setup which is to ensure the guitar feels like YOUR guitar - not just ANOTHER guitar. So for example, what gauge of string would we use? What action would we set? What type of string would we fit? To do it in advance once again removes the unique value of the service - its basically saying "you will have it like this - perfectly setup IF thats how you like it!!". So when you get a light fingered fingerstyle guitarist who can afford a very light action he may now need to take the guitar to a tech to have the action reduced. A heavy handed strummer may get rattles and buzzes if we set up the guitar super low. Any shop who tells you they set up their guitars in advance is just talking BS. They may well "inspect" and make minor adjustments so they can push them into stock. The would check for cosmetic faults etc. but thats it. No personalisation - no actual real setup and certainly not personalised like we would offer. If you then say "ahhh well why not do it twice?" I think you know the answer to that! Great and valid question - but I hope you appreciate the answer isnt as straight forward - or we would indeed do that.

[@thomaschalmers4031]

Looks like you need bigger premises already😂

[@simonplimbley5778]

I bought Eastman E2D from you last summer yes it took 2 weeks but it played so good when I got it 👍. I was kept informed by email and I spoke with the team to make sure everything was on track. Great service Richard & team - I wasn’t disappointed. Many thanks

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Eastman is a brilliant Example. Their guitars are wonderful but they almost always send their guitars out with a slightly higher action and loads of saddle height. Why? Because when a guitar has fantastic geometry and room to be adjusted - the end user can find the perfect setup that suits them from the setup that is provided in the workshop as a starting point. The worst guitars are ones that are made poorly from the outset which play so badly that they have to then shave the saddle down to nothing before we have even started work on it. Some critics say "shouldnt a guitar be perfect before it arrives with you" - well Eastman is the perfect example. Awesome guitars but we ALWAYS improve them - every time!

[@simonplimbley5778]

@@RichardsGuitarshop I wouldn’t buy any guitar normally without playing it. As a musician I have spent many an hour sampling guitars before parting with my money and on occasion I have worked my way through a shop’s stock (my SG purchase). In short Richards Guitars is the exception to this rule. Don’t change a thing you and your guys are “bob on” with what’s missing today - simply good old quality service👍

[@tinysteelorchestra]

Excellent, informative video once again. I'm currently waiting on a guitar from you and this shows why the wait is worth it. I've had two appointments with you and it was brilliant both times, staff put no pressure on at all and answered every question I had. Given there are currently NO shops in the whole of my city of Leicester offering remotely this quality of guitar, it's marvellous to have this place only 40 miles away. Looking forward to my third visit 😃

[@GaabzR]

I want to buy a guitar from you but live too far away to try them out. But I trust u all so will do it anyway.

[@martinlegg5808]

This is one of the very few places I trust for buying a guitar by mail order. Have purchased both a budget and an expensive guitar from here in the past and both were really well set up. Worth the wait.

[@skithewhitestuff]

The showroom looks bigger than I remember it when I came in a couple of years ago to collect my Eastman SB59. I must say that a two week wait is worth it to have a perfect set up guitar.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thats because its a different building!! lol - We are now on 2 floors - by the Train station.

[@skithewhitestuff]

@@RichardsGuitarshop DOH! I shall try to pop in next time I’m in the area.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

@@skithewhitestuff lol ok.... by appointment I am afraid :( but hope we will see you one day

[@retroglam73]

Great vid.

[@mikehomar5321]

More videos! 😳

[@ATT1490]

Is there any dowina sol gace in that row of guitars?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

There is ALWAYS a SOL GACE not too far away!!!

[@ATT1490]

@@RichardsGuitarshop Well, if there is any destination to Barcelona, ​​it is mine !!!!

[@jubu01]

👋👋

[@TheLastFraudster]

Free service but charges £115 on the website?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

I’ve literally no idea what you are referring to 😆

[@PhillipAlcock]

You’re misinterpreting what it says on the website. It’s showing you what you get that included in the price, not an additional charge. My son bought 2 guitars from him last year and I can assure you you get the setup included in the price. Nothing extra. The guitars turned up and were superb!

[@TheLastFraudster]

@@PhillipAlcock Ah OK probably my mistake. Thanks