Also Richard does seem to be very genuine and although he's about 280 miles away from me I am very much minded that my next guitar will come from him (the present I've promised myself if ever I finish the BC).
Absolutely, he’s one of the most genuinely concerned people in the business that you get an instrument that you will never want to let go of, I actually spent about 30 mins in his shop trying different instruments out before I found that Godin, it was his suggestion because I think he had figured out what might float my boat - he was spot on and he did warn me that they might not be available anymore but said if I ordered one I would get first refusal on the demo.
All in all a great guy and he runs a great business, ok not the best prices but his guitars are properly set up and his customer service is impeccable!