Weissenborn Style Acoustics

Based on the original Hermann Weissenborn instruments. All guitars feature the highest quality tonewoods and components.

The models listed below are the most popularly requested configurations. All guitars are made-to-order and can be taylored specifically to your requirements so If you have features in mind that aren't listed don't hesitate to contact me for a quote. Photos are provided (where available) as examples of each model.

Models I-IV are not reflective of Hermann Weissenborn's Style 1-4 instruments but rather four different levels of instruments based on the most commonly requested features.

Guitars by Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson Guitars has a new home on the web at RWguitars.com. You can find out much more about the different models of Weissenborn guitars and see many new photos by visiting the new website.

Basic Weissenborn style acoustic lap steel. Similar in style to the original Style One Weissenborn. It is ideal for those after a simple unassuming guitar that is very natural in appearance, built to the same exacting standards as all my other guitars but without the added trims and customisations. The lack of binding and its low-key satin finish gives this guitar a very earthy appearance.

• Tasmanian Blackwood top/back/sides.
• Grover Rotomatic tuners (nickel).
• No top/back edge binding.
• Fretboard bound with Tasmanian Blackwood.
• Solid maple soundhole rings.
• Satin lacquer finish.

from AUD$1,600

This guitar features the addition of top and back body binding to provide an elegant instrument, also affording the added structural integrity by sealing the end-grain of the timber and protecting the edges from impact. Its robust build makes it ideal as a stage instrument.

• Tasmanian Blackwood top/back/sides.
• Grover Rotomatic tuners (nickel).
• Solid binding on top and back edges. Available in black, white or cream. Full binding details.
• Matching Fretboard binding.
• Solid maple soundhole rings.
• Satin lacquer finish.

from AUD$2,000

A contrasting timber binding and optional purfling makes this guitar visually striking. As well as additional trim, this guitar features a polished full gloss finish that will make the high figured blackwood body sparkle.

• Figured Tasmanian Blackwood top/back/sides.
• Grover Rotomatic tuners (nickel or gold). Other tuners also available.
• Timber binding on top and back edges. Solid or rope style (alternating Rosewood/Maple). Full binding details.
• Optional soundboard purfling/trim. Choices include herringbone trim, black/white fibre, paua abalone and many more.
• Matching Fretboard binding.
• Soundhole rosette to match binding and optional purfling choice.
• Satin lacquer finish.

from AUD$2,400

Made from Hawaiian Koa, the timber used on original Weissenborn guitars. Koa is a difficult wood to source and is subject to availability. A throwback to the early days of Hawaiian music and Hermann Weissenborn's original creations.

• Hawaiian Koa top/back/sides
• Grover Rotomatic tuners (nickel or gold). Other tuners also available.
• Timber binding on top and back edges. Solid or rope style (alternating Rosewood/Maple). Full binding details.
• Optional soundboard purfling/trim. Choices include herringbone trim, black/white fibre, paua abalone and many more.
• Matching Fretboard binding
• Soundhole rosette to match binding and purfling choice
• Satin lacquer finish

from AUD$2,400

Standard Specifications

Each guitar is hand made from the best tonewoods available, each is individually 'voiced' to bring out the best possible tone and volume. This list of features represents only those that are standard on all acoustic instruments. If you have any specific features in mind don't hesitate contact me. Custom body shapes including the 'teardrop' shape are available.

Unless otherwise specified, standard features include:

About the bindings & purflings:

For a complete rundown on the range of bindings that are available for all four models, please visit the Bindings page.

About the timbers:

Regardless of whether you purchase a Model I or Model IV, your guitar will be built with the highest quality tonewoods available. Backs and sides will be quatersawn to ensure structural integrity. Model I and II are built with standard Tasmanian Blackwood with no guaranteed levels of figuring or curl in the wood, while the Model III and IV contain extensive figuring. Figuring is a primarily cosmetic aspect to tonewood and doesn't significantly contribute to the tone of the guitar. Figuring typically works best in conjunction with a full gloss finish.

Blackwood is a varied timber and can range from light, creamy colours to dark reds, browns, oranges and blacks. Some sets will contain sapwood. If you have a specific look of timber in mind it can often be accommodated.

Internally, the guitars are braced with Spruce, the traditional timber for this task. Soundboard braces are individually carved to bring out the fullest sound of the instrument in a process known as 'tap tuning'. Each bracing is meticulously handcarved until, when tapped with a finger, the soundboard exhibits a pleasant tone.

Alternative Tonewoods:

Soundboards are available in Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar, Bunya Pine (Australian native) and select other timbers on Models III and IV; extra charges may apply. At times instruments made from alternatives to Tasmanian Blackwood become available; these are typically sold via the For Sale page when available.

Guitars come without pickups as standard. A range of pickups can be installed. I personally recommend the Fishman Rare Earth range of soundhole mounted magnetic pickups for their warmth and clarity as well as versatility, lending themselves equally to soft acoustic as much as heavy blues and rock.

All models come standard with a satin laquer finish. This low-key finish offers the instrument a brilliant natural appearance with excellent protection for the guitar. The optional full gloss finish can be included on Model III and IV instruments at no extra charge and is a great way to bring out the best with the figuring and colour of the timber.

If you wish to discuss ordering a guitar, contact me to talk about the options you have in mind. When you are ready to go ahead I will send you an invoice for the order. A 50% deposit is required up front. This secures your spot in the waiting list. The balance is due upon completion of the guitar, in addition to postage/shipping costs where applicable. All payments can be made by direct bank deposit, cheque, cash (in person) or PayPal for international orders.

A 5% discount is provided for guitars which are paid in full up front. Postage/shipping costs aren't paid until completion of the guitar.