Richard Howell - 2002 No. 368
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
Important: Additional costs such as import taxes and custom duties may occur when importing goods from the EU into your country.
Delivery times are typically reliable and most instruments arrive within the estimated timeframe.
Should any unexpected delay occur, our team will keep you informed and provide support at every step. For all shipping details and exceptions, please see our Shipping Policy.
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Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Richard Howell is an Australian luthier whose relationship with music began long before his work at the bench. Born in Surrey, England, he grew up surrounded by orchestral music through his father, a musical director in London. Howell made his first guitar in 1966, but it was after moving to Australia in 1972 that instrument making became a serious pursuit. Through his early work he was able to study guitars by some of the defining makers of the twentieth century, including Hermann Hauser, Hernández y Aguado and, most importantly for his own development, Ignacio Fleta. Howell spent several years studying Fleta’s work, and although his later instruments developed into an individual approach rather than direct copies, the influence remained an important part of his understanding of classical guitar construction. Working alone in his workshop in Mornington, Victoria, Howell builds his guitars largely by hand, approaching each instrument through careful selection of wood and a long-established concern for separation, balance, clarity and richness of sound.
About the guitar
Quick response and remarkable tonal flexibility define this 2002 Richard Howell. Despite its traditional construction, the guitar releases the sound immediately and requires little effort to bring the notes fully to life. The bass register is particularly compelling: deep and clear, with a long, lingering sustain that gives musical lines both weight and continuity. At the same time, the voices remain distinctly separated, so that chords retain their inner structure and individual lines can be followed with ease. Perhaps the most engaging quality is the guitar’s sensitivity to the right hand. Even small changes in playing position or attack reshape the colour noticeably, moving through different shades without losing the core of the sound. This elastic response gives the player considerable freedom with dynamics and timbre, while the sustained basses provide a resonant foundation beneath the upper voices. Built with a spruce soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides, the guitar follows a strongly Fleta-influenced concept with seven-fan bracing and an under-bridge plate. The result is an instrument in which immediacy, separation and long sustain are joined by an unusually responsive range of colour.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition, with light wear marks consistent with careful use. There is no damage and there have been no repairs.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars
How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?
Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.
What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?
Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.
Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?
Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.
Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?
Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.
What payment methods and financing options do you offer?
We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.
How do I properly care for my classical guitar?
A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.