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Here's some client e-mails and "thank-you" cards:


Thank you so much for the truly memorable afternoon that I (and my friend Stefan) spent with you and your wife last Tuesday!
Inviting a complete stranger into one's house is one thing. Spending a whole afternoon and sharing one's knowledge and musical vision with him
is quite another--not to speak of unhesitantly letting him play some of the most beautiful and breathtaking instruments on the planet!

Richard, your expertise on guitars is no less amazing than your willingness to have others participate in and benefit from it. Just a few hours
under your guidance expanded my musical horizon and gave me a whole new perspective on that very special relation between instrument and player.
I am very grateful for the experience, and I promise to ask for your guidance again, should the opportunity arise to acquire not only an 'object of desire',
but an 'instrument for life'.

Thank you once more and all the best to you and to Annetta

Heiko Schulz, theologian and guitar enthusiast


Hi Richard,

It's beautiful ... :o)
It took a few extra days but we managed to get it through customs . It just arrived in the office this afternoon;
not often that you'll hear a spot of live music in a regional corporate office
but now everyone wants a full, live gig from me.
A very nice instrument and it sounds as good as it looks. Thanks for the amazing pack-up job
and your patience through firstly the bank transfer delays and then the hassles on your side with the shipping.
I'm a very satisfied customer.

Cheers, Tomm


Dear Richard,
I must regretfully inform you that I have a problem with the Kenny Hill Signature guitar I bought from you last month.
The problem is that there are just not enough hours in the day to play it as much as I want! Seriously, even the more tedious exercises
in Pumping Nylon take on a renewed interest when each note sounds so good. My favorite pieces keep me up late at night as I strive to make my technique
commensurate to the great tone that comes out of the instrument. I'm glad you suggested the blinded test because I am convinced that I
picked it for the right reasons. (By the way you snapped a picture of me during the test--would you happen to have a copy of that I could have for the archives?)
I'm getting great enjoyment from my new guitar and have recommended you to several friends and colleagues. Hope things are good in San Diego!
Best regards,

Richard in Connecticut


Note from Richard:

This is what our FGC home/studio looked like 'the morning after' our session with Heiko and Stefan!
Here is what Stefan had to say after returning home:
In November 2007 I visited, for the first time in my life, California. I stayed in San Diego for a Conference of SBL. We had one day off and lots of people decided to go to the famous Zoo in San Diego, but me and my friend, interested by the homepage of Fine Guitar Consultants voted for a visit of this exciting place for all guitar players and collectors. We thought to visit a good guitar store like others we had seen in New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, Paris or Rome, but Fine Guitar Consultants is not a store, it is the paradise for all people who love guitars. We could not believe what we saw, but it was real. Not only the guitars we used to know from some good guitar stores or from some guitar journals were really there and we were allowed to play them, but guitars we did not know that they exist and that we saw and played the first time in our lives, too. And they look, sound and play wonderful. If you search for guitars that are made in heaven, you have to visit Fine Guitar Consultants. But what really changed my life as a guitarist was the way, Richard talked with me about those guitars with regard to my way of playing. It was like a self experience. And I learned a lot about guitars that I did not know and never heard before. Richard is not a guitar seller, he is a councelor and helps you to find out, what is the best guitar for you!!! And the warm and friendly atmosphere in Richardīs and Annettaīs place helped me, to listen and to feel whether the guitars I played were guitars for me or not. I never had this experience anywhere else. Unfortunately I could not buy all the guitars that I felt they were made for me. But now I know, those guitars exist and I know that it is worth to buy them one after the other, step by step. And Richard and Annetta gave me all the time I needed to decide what comes first. I travelled home to Germany without buying anything. I discussed everything with my wife, made my plans and ordered one of them. Step by step, but now I know, what I have to do ... And last not least: Annetta cooked a wonderful tea

Prof. Dr. Stefan Alkier / Germany





Richard,
I continue to get to know the (Laughlin) RL a little bit more each week. When I first got it I had started to play a lot of songs that I was singing over the top of my playing. I had not done much of that in years -- if you heard me sing you would immediately understand. The RL is fine for this kind of play, but it is not at its best in this type of service. The last week or so I have returned to playing mainly Celtic again and, I have to say, the RL is in its sweet-spot with this type of play. The tone of the RL is a little unique, but really shines when playing Celtic music. The bass in particular has some unique, almost eerie qualities that are much suited to the "old world" nature of Celtic music. This quality really comes out on more bass heavy tunes such as "Rights of Man" and "Blarney Pilgrim". I think you described it as having an old soul -- I would say on the bass side it conjures up a distant, almost vacuous expression. Anyway, the RL is right on point for a Celtic instrument....I think you recommended a guitar that addressed exactly what I was looking for. It has been a lot fun so far. Thanks Richard.
Rm

My recent dealings, a trade which i instigated with FGC were ........unique. I traded Richard the BEST archtop guitar i have ever owned,. That being a a Jim Triggs D' Angelico model, for a truly wonderful Pimentel and sons Southwestern Brazilian jumbo flattop. LOVE IT!! The first thing that surprised me was that Richard agreed that the guitars were of equal value. That is a very rare thing when trying to trade an instrument. Almost always regardless of value the seller-dealer in most cases wants some GREEN to close the deal. He new the guitars were comparable in value and there was no additional $$$$ talked about. I was notified within an hour of the Triggs guitar arriving at FGC which made me breath a BIG sigh of relief, after all i sent this very pricey guitar out with no more than a simple e mail for back up on this transaction. He could have jerked me around easily but he did not. Richard was VERY happy with the archtop. He had a fine set up done on Pimentel, it was packed well and arrived exactly on the date it was promised. The Glick's are very professional honest people and an absolute pleasure to deal with, STRAIGHT UP-NO CHASER i hope to do it again. Soon. FGC has the GREATEST guitars on the planet!!!

Thanks Again, Steve R.


Hi Richard,

I thought I'd write a quick note to tell you how much I'm enjoying my new Myka Dragonfly Deluxe. It's exactly what I was looking for - well constructed, versatile with a nut length and scale which suit the size of my hand perfectly. Thanks for the advice, professionalism and expertise - I will buy from you again without hesitation!
Sincerely,

Dan M., CEO
XXXCorp., Walnut Creek CA


Richard,

It was a pleasure working with you. You did a great job with this transaction. Should I need a guitar in the future, I know whom to call.

Thanks again, and all the best to you.
Tom


Richard, I have been going over and enjoying your most excellent website for the past while and it occurred to me to write you an endorsement. You may use it or not, as you please but it is true and sincere.
My best regards to both you and Annetta, and of course Capo the wonderdog!!
Anyway, here ya go!!

I met Richard Glick a couple of years ago by responding to an advertisement in Acoustic Guitar magazine. After an introductory telephone conversation, Richard invited me to come and see and play some of his offerings. What a collection of exceptional, unusual instruments. What a joy to be able to play and actually hear an instrument without the background din of a music store with some wannabe wailing away on an electric guitar beside you!! And most significantly, what a pleasure to find someone who is honest and sincere and is genuinely working to get you what YOU want instead of what THEY need to get out of their inventory. Richard and I talked and played and discussed and there was never any 'push' from him. That has been such a treat. A few months ago I was having some difficulty with the intonation and tuning on my Master Class Breedlove and asked Richard if he could do anything for me to get it right. Well, to make a long (but pleasant) story short, Richard took the Breedlove and a few weeks later called to say, "I've got something for you that I think you'll like!!" I thought it was a new guitar offering but it was my Breedlove, back from the guitar technician. All I can say is 'WOW' !! What a difference! This guitar now sings with light gage strings. It sounds like a different and significantly BETTER guitar than what I brought to Richard. I am so very pleased with the results of this effort that I'm tempted to load all my guitars into the truck and ask Richard to work his magic. (That would be a truckload!!) In any case, if you have a good instrument that can be 'tweaked' to greater voice or tone or character, I would surely recommend that you discuss the possibilities with Richard Glick. This man knows what he's doing, and isn't that a rarity these days!! Of all my guitars, [-Bleep-], [-Bleep-], a couple of [-Bleep-], a custom shop [-Bleep-], and the rest of the gang, this fine-tuned Breedlove is now my best sounding and playing guitar. By a significant margin. Thanks Richard!! I wish you all the best and we'll talk soon about which instrument to do next!!
Karl J. S.

Richard
What can I say, as I know you hear this all of the time. Like you told me, I could not go wrong [with the guitar] and I will sum it up with one word: Speechless.
Andy


Hey Richard...The Myka [Dragonfly DeLuxe] is great!... Lot's of great tones to play with. As always you were right on the money with the construction and sound. I will talk to you after you return from Alaska (not really the time of year for that sort of trip...) and we can figure out the next guitar.
John


Richard:

Thank you so very much for the help you have provided me over the past few years. Your knowledge of and contacts within the community of today's great luthiers has enabled me to acquire a collection of instruments which reflect some of the very best examples of the golden age of luthery. The guitars are heirlooms, works of art and instruments that have soul. I am constantly amazed at the quality of workmanship and sound. The different "flavors" are a delight.

Hope to visit you, Annetta and that marvelous inventory of instruments again soon. Keep up the good work!
Walter


Dear Richard:

I received the Zimnicki last nite and boy am I tired today!!! I played until almost 2 am. It is truly a wonderful instrument!!!! I must have it!!!!... It is so funny how these things work out. I have admired the Zimnicki since I discovered your website but having it in my hands is an amazing experience. I have never had a 12 fret guitar before - now I understand why people like them. Gary's work is incredible, the tone is wonderful and the instrument plays effortlessly. Thanks so much to you, Annetta, and Capo for bringing this instrument into my life.

With great appreciation,
Mark


Hello Richard

Received your E-Mail asking about "THE FRAME GUITAR." Just FABULOUS. The comfort in holding ,playing chords ,notes seems to be ergo friendly when playing the instrument. There seems to be an effortless feeling to play the instrument. Ease to tune the guitar, who would think having the tuning keys placed lower would make tuning easier to turn keys. Holding the guitar seems to be less tiring to hold. Also I have the GR20 synthezizer & Roland VGA7 amplifier.The design to connect & set up is, so complmentry to use. I could go on & on,but you get the idea. I'm very lucky & blessed to have a great guitar teacher Mike Florio that is so knowledgeable to guide me in so many directions with the guitar. Thank you for your expertise & knowledge in helping me & Mike. We are just going on & on about this guitar & the potential it has set us into more directions with the guitar. Again thank you so much for your knowledge.

Skip Johnson


Richard:

When I purchased my Petros Apple Creek guitar from you approximately eight months ago, you remarked that you heard a sweetness in the tone of the guitar. I didn't hear it and said so. Although I liked everything else about the guitar, I thought it had a somewhat harsh tonal quaility, but definitely not sweet - as far as I was concerned. Because I trusted you, I went ahead and bought the guitar hoping it would become sweet as it opened up. You were right. The guitar has an amazingly sweet and refined tone, which I truly love. It is really starting to open up, and what a difference. Since the top is Adorondack, I know it still probably has a ways to go before it reaches it's full potential. I can hardly wait. Also, not only are the tonal qualities very pleasing to the ear, but the guitar with it's narrow profile neck plays like a dream. This guitar is dripping in quality and holds open tuning and capos up perfectly. I love this guitar. Thank you for guiding me in the right direction.

Jason



"Hi there Richard.

The guitar plays beautifully thank you, and of course it looks fantastic too. Thanks for all your help in getting it shipped promptly... I am looking forward to spending some time this week getting to know this wonderful instrument a little better.

Thanks again, David"



Dear Richard,

Here are the pictures of the (hollow body electric) guitar Gary Zimnicki built for me. Thanks again for connecting me with Gary. The guitar is EASILY the best guitar I have ever played.
I also want to thank you for reintroducing me to the Standel amplifier. It is definitely tops on my list of amplifiers to try... when I get my effects switching system nailed down.

Best regards, Ryan


Dear Richard,

[The guitar] arrived today - perfect condition. I LOVE it! Manageable size, easy fingerboard action, great tone, (highs sound almost electrified, "sizzling"), outstanding case, beautiful finish and appointments.
I will keep it.
Best regards, David

Richard--

"I spent my life battling amplifiers and I thought I'd finally go back to what works for me."
--Buddy Emmons, an FGC client, talking about (with his permission) his Standel amp he ordered and received from us


Dear Mr. Glick:
The Traugott is fabulous...exactly what I hoped for. Thanks for supplying such a wonderful instrument.
Yours truly, Edson H.


Hi Richard
I am very happy with the guitar, Richard. The selection of floating pick up is perfect. She has a dark & mysterious look & a crisp punchy sound that sustains forever...I have been working hard on expanding my vocabulary, the (guitar) has helped with my speed & the comfort factor, body & neck has helped me play for longer so all-round I get more time to play. She is fabulous.
Regards, Mark



Steve [Kauffman]: I finally was able to pay off and take home the Peonies (guitar) yesterday. Spent last night and all morning playing it. Wow!! Unbelievable. It's even better than I thought it was. I don't know how you managed to engineer such a responsive/alive instrument. I've never experienced anything like it, and I have played most, if not all, of the fine steel stringed instruments Richard has for sale. I just cant get over the absolute quality and tonal beauty of Peonies. It will not leave my side until I am in the ground. Thank you for allowing me the time to pay it off. And thank you for the privilege of playing and owning what has to be one of the finest steel string guitars in the world.
J.K.

[This charming and perceptive one from Japan:]
Dear Richard,
Thanks for the info. I just succeeded in opening and listening the sound file which you sent me, and listened it again and again. For me it sounds so elegant and sofisticated and yet remain simple and unaffected one as a basic. I like this sound very much and it gave me a decision point to get this guitar. As I told you, I'm kind like a beginner on playing guitar. So, I could not produce the good sound like which Laurence Juber played, but can make a practice as a long term having fun.
--Hiro


Hi Richard, hi Tom,

What can I say, Gentlemen???
WOW!!!
I'm the proud owner of probably the only left hand Ribbecke Monterey in Europe?!
This baby definitely meets my expectations! It's drop-dead georgous and the sound is unbelievable. Tom, it's really amazing - the guitar is 100% of what I wanted it to look and sound like. I compared it to the sound that I was describing to you 2-3 yrs. ago when I ordered the guitar - and it's...exactly the kind of tone I was looking for. Phantastic.
I've already spent some valuable time with my new "baby" after we came back from our little vacation. By the way - everything went fine with picking up the guitar in NYC. The federal express office was only a few blocks away from the hotel we stayed at. Richard was right by saying that you are as good on wrapping the guitar for shipment as you are on building it - no scratch not even on the case...this is a superb quality instrument made by worldclass craftmanship.
Thanks again to both of you: Richard, thanks for listening to my needs - your consultations as the subject matter expert have been very valuable to me. Tom, thanks for building this fine instrument according to my needs and creating this wonderful piece of art that will be a great joy to me hopefully for many the years to come.
Well, that's all for now. Thanks again and let's keep in touch.
--Klaus


"Here is one of my very favorites from a 14 year old that brings me back to my early days: --Richard"

Richard,
...I wanted to let you know that I love the 25L15. I've played it on a variety of gigs (a country club, a large club, a small bar, etc.) and it sounds great! I'm really impressed with the eq - while my other amps have one tone, and turning the bass or treble compensates for a lack/abundance of brightness or bass, the Standel's tone actually changes! The tone actually sounds different when you turn the knobs...a very simple feature, but this is the only amp I've ever played that can do that. Not to mention, the amp sounds good even with the treble on 10. Finally, an amp that you can sculpt your tone with. So practical, and so rare. Tell Danny he hit it out of the park with the eq voicing - really, it's so smooth even my girlfriend was impressed, and she doesn't even own a stereo.
The other feature that knocks me out is the response. Very even at a wide volume range. I have a '64 Vibrolux (a pretty sought after amp) and when you adjust the volume even slightly, you have to make drastic changes to the eq. The Standel sounds great loud or soft, and sounds the same loud or soft. Very versatile. Thanks a bunch for getting one in my hands. --Graham T.


Hi Richard,
I had the pleasure of taking the Marchione to the Blue Guitar Sunday night, and really felt like I was a Ferrari among Buicks. It plays with finesse, and has wonderful balance. It has the ability to be both subtle and aggressive, which complements my playing. It's a winner. The sound attracted a lot of attention...Thanks again.
Bob


"Richard...Well, I finally received my new Requisite Audio "The New Cables" and "wow" best describes myreaction. When I first heard the price, I thought, "Richard, you've got to be kidding!" You are such a positive, enthusistic guy by nature, and I thought your pitch on these cables had to be an oversell.
Wrong. These cables are the single, most cost-effective item I have ever bought to upgrade my sound. It's truly like buying a new world class amplifier, except maybe better. I have an Evans 200 watt head and a Razor box and it's a really nice system. Yet, somehow, the sound always left me searching for something more.
With "The New Cables," the sound immediately came out of the box. More 3 dimensional and alive. Distinctly more musical, sweet and round. But also able to cut through as never before. The acoustic qualities of my chambered Nickerson Skylark guitar now shine. And the individual notes articulate clearly in all chord situations.
Richard, thanks so much for introducing me to these cables. I'm one happy player."
--B. Stern,
Physician and Guitar enthusiast


Hi Richard, Received the two New Cables just about an hour ago. I am always trying to enhance the sound I produce with my Jazz Bass, and The New Cable has helped me do just that. I plugged my bass straight into my practice amp, and the difference was resoundingly clear from the first note I plucked. Rather than choose adjectives, let me tell you what this cable did. It shortened the distance between my heart and the sound coming out of the amp. I was immediately inspired to compose something on the bass. I was hearing a much clearer, powerful, and extremely pleasant sound.

The people behind this made something special. Please let them know that their efforts are greatly appreciated.

All the Best,
Richard A. Smith


Dear Richard, I finally sat down and played the Rick Turner Custom Nylon I got from you this evening and I just love it. The fine-tuning you have done on this instrument - having it's action tweaked and properly intonated have made all the difference. It is so easy to play--fast and fluid. The help with string choice was inspired. I love the strings and the bothersome amplified string noise is no longer an issue.

And oh, the tone. I wrote praising the Requisite Audio "The New Cable" cables shortly after I got them. Well I had a chance to finally play the Turner with them. It's a different guitar. This amplified nylon sounds so sweet and acoustic now. The cables make such a difference they actually seem cheap for the benefits I've gotten.

Finally, thanks for being a tremendous fine guitar consultant. Your service is really appreciated. Buying from you is really a better way to purchase a guitar.
Feel free to use my comments as you see fit.
Many thanks,
Bryan


"Richard, Chas and I are back and getting settled in. I had a wonderful time with you and Annetta on Thursday. I'm leaning toward a (Boaz elkayam) acoustic. I'm sure I'll have all of the details pounded out in the next couple of months. You have the most amazing collection of instruments.
Again, I can't thank you enough."--Chris

"...the guitar arrived safe and sound. I am quiet pleased. The craftsmanship is superb, I love the headstock overlay and all of the inloays look great. The sound just blew me away...Richard, Thank you for delivering everything you promised and maintaining my faith in humanity. I have told many friends about my ongoing adventure and I will be sure to relate this story, with all names included, many times in the future." Regards, Rand

"I am indeed very happy with my guitar. The only problem, and it is not a small one, is that I am now very dissatisfied with my D18! I can't believe what I have been missing all these years and I am already thinking about what to do about replacing it. Given what I've just spent on the Griffin, it will need to wait for a bit, but you should expect to hear from me again. As to my playing, the instrument is indeed taking me in new areas and allowing me to explore new techniques and styles. Thank you for your help.
Regards, R. L.
IBM Global Services

"I spent a wonderful evening with my Somogyi Guitar last night (I am getting SENILE I guess) and was reflecting on my journey as a guitar player and collector. About 2 and a half years ago, I had my first conversation with you about the current Golden Age of luthiery, and it was a life changing experience. I was a "Martin Man" my entire life, and to suddenly have a world open up of such extraordinary instruments and craftsmen was mind boggling and refreshing in an age of technological sameness and mediocrity.

The four guitars I bought from you are like old friends now. The two standouts are clearly the Somogyi and the Kim Griffin Brazilian.

First, I have to compliment you on your ability to discuss the shaping of the sounds over the phone in language... and accurately no less. The Somogyi is absolutely breathtaking in it's sonic qualities. The only comparable instrument of any sort that I have ever heard for such shaped musical perfection is a 9 foot Steinway Custom Concert Grand friend of mine has from the late 1940's... (Adirondack top, by the way)...The Somogyi was the best $7500 I've ever spent (Even my wife agrees!). It is an astonishing guitar and the sound grows every week. It is one in a million, and that guitar teaches me every day to be a better, more lyrical, more inspired player. As memory serves me, I told you the sale was a definite 2 minutes after I opened the case!

My Griffin is another study in the astonishing capability of fine luthiers to fine-tune the shaped sounds in an intensely satisfying way.

So I have regained my passion for guitar in a way I wouldn't have thought possible for a jaded 40 something guy, and look forward keenly to future purchases with your invaluable assistance. Just wanted to thank you."

Gratefully, Rob Teicher


"Richard - Just a note to let you know that I think the Griffin is a spectacular guitar! This is also the opinion of several of my friends who play (professionally) everything from bluegrass to acoustic blues to classical. Kim should be congratulated. I'll be calling you after Xmas. Have a good holiday season." --R.T., MA

"Hey, Richard Smith blew all of us away -- Lounge host, producers, and obviously our listeners.
Thanks for bringing him in to the show, Richard.
Compliments on your Web site. First Class. Great graphics. Elegant touches everywhere, even the photography is cool. Just wanted you to know the TLC you put into this shows.
Let's talk guitars one day soon.
Dirk Sutro" (Host: "The Lounge" on KPBS Radio, San Diego)

"I bought guitar after guitar from other dealers in search of the 'Holy Grail'...then you sold me the 'Holy Grail', Richard. Thank you." --Alan Rogers, Santa Fe NM

"Richard, you are a good guy. I'm so excited to get my guitar!!"
--Sandy L., Santa Clara CA

"Thanks Richard, for being a man of your word. The guitar is as described and all I have to do now is get to know her (?)." --Dr. C.I. Jackson, Cheshire, UK

"Oh, Richard. The Standel is gorgeous and so well made. The sound is clean and exquisite...it is the perfect jazz guitar amp. My Benedetto, L-5, anything with floating or built-in humbucking pickups sounds great. With Matchless and others, the bottom end craps out and the high end is too twangy--not with the Standel. The tone holds together all the way." --C.S. (studio owner), New York, NY

"It was a pleasure talking with you about guitars today...In the meantime, I'll salivate over your stocklist and let the instruments roll around my mind...Again, thanks for your insights and help." --L.H.

"Thank you for the check which I received in the mail this week for the sale of the Benedetto. Thanks for selling the guitar...I will not forget it...I will go by your advice. Kind regards" --T.L., Singapore

"...a superb amplifier in every respect. I'm just thrilled with it. It's by far the finest I've ever owned. I wanted to say thanks again for all your help, Richard." --B.C. Wayne, IL