FGC -- What, How, Why, Who (the When is now!)
What We Offer:
Fine Guitar Consultants (FGC) will properly introduce you to the little known world of fine hand made guitars from the individual luthier (guitar maker) shops. On your behalf, we are very selective. We bring in only the liveliest and most responsive of the hand made guitars from around the world. We turn away instruments that don't meet our high standard. We offer the fine traditional instruments evolved from historical American guitar design and we also offer instruments made by pioneering acoustic and electric innovators and designers. This second category is not experimental. These guitars are based on solid, proven construction principles that offer valid and exciting new directions for the instrument we love. Some of these are featured in our area called, 'Guitars From Another Realm.' Here at FGC, we proudly stand in both circles. The common bond is exquisite tone, playability, and magical qualities that will inspire your music.
How We Do It:
Fine Guitar Consultants recommends guitars that best match your individual style and desires as a guitar player--at no charge to you. The sellers pay our fee. We'll take all the time you need, discussing the music you play, your preferences, and your specific body & hand dimensions. If you are an established guitar player/collector or beginning your musical adventure with guitar, you will benefit from Richard's decades of experience. And, you will soon learn why Richard is known across the USA and around the world as 'The Matchmaker.' We can work together by email and telephone to achieve your goals. Another option is to participate in blindfold testing here at FGC. Clients fly in from all over the world to compare fine instruments side by side. (You can see a brief movie about blindfold testing, taped during the making of 'Gourmet Guitars Best Luthiers DVD Series' by clicking here.)
Why Come to Us?
Because we give you a level of personal attention that most music stores can't. Richard does his guitar matchmaking by asking key questions and listening carefully. His intuitive abilities make him unique in this field that he helped create many years ago. Working with Richard, you will connect with the guitar that works for you--for all the right reasons. Your 'dream guitar' may not be your best choice. Just because your 'guitar hero' may play one, doesn't mean it is the best choice for you! Click the guitar list buttons above (and the 'New Items' button), and you'll discover hard-to-find guitars and bass guitars that music stores don't carry. Each of these guitars and basses are hand-picked to be mechanically perfect in terms of set-up and adjustability. Every guitar has that 'in-the-pocket feel' that guitar players seek. Tone is a matter of personal choice; we help guide you to your best options. You make the final choices, with a 48-hour satisfaction guarantee--even on custom guitars. Every day, clients and makers alike experience the benefits of having Fine Guitar Consultants on the player's side.
Direct Contact with the Luthier (guitar maker)
At Fine Guitar Consultants, we speak the language of both guitar maker and guitar player. We understand that direct contact with the maker is important. After as many free consultations as needed, and when you're comfortable, we'll arrange a 3-way conference call if you like. Meeting the maker as we finalize your order together will give you a more personal connection to the maker. Together, we'll call during the building process, as necessary. Guitar makers pay us a fee to bring them clients. This gives them more available work time at the bench to make guitars. The price is the same from us as directly from the guitar maker. Importantly, our involvement results in a more successful outcome when ordering your guitar. You have a 'big picture' perspective in terms of choices. You are not dealing with just one maker's opinion. You have more focused choices for what is appropriate for your music and unique physicality. You have an expert consultant on your side to guide the guitar making process and keep it closely on track to meet the objectives we establish together.
