The RW sound
- Performed by Jacob Raagaard
- Recorded live in the Richard Wilson Guitars workshop
- No compression or audio effects
- Represents the characteristic RW sound
This performance captures the characteristic voice of Richard Wilson Weissenborn guitars — clear, responsive, and rich in harmonic detail.
Every instrument has its own personality, but all are built around the same design principles that define the RW sound.
Instrument Details
About No. 496
- Condition New
- Built by Richard Wilson
- Brisbane, Australia
- Completed in 2026
- Serial No. RW2609-496
One of only a small number of Richard Wilson Weissenborn guitars completed each year.
Artist Testimonials
Jacob Raagaard
"I’m completely blown away by the incredibly clear overtones and the sustain..."
RW2609-496 Overview
Hawaiian Koa Style 1 Weissenborn Guitar · AA Grade Hawaiian Koa
This guitar stands out for its remarkable lightness. At just 2.68 lbs (1.22kg, including strings), it is the lightest Weissenborn I have built, coming in around 20% lighter than my typical Style 1.
This is not the result of a lighter build — it features my standard bracing pattern and has undergone the same voicing process as all of my instruments — but rather the result of a truly unique set of Koa. Naturally stiff yet lower in density, it has come together in a particularly favourable way.
In the hands, it feels exceptionally responsive and alive, with a quick attack and a strong sense of connection between player and instrument. It has a liveliness more commonly associated with spruce-topped instruments, while retaining the warmth and character of Hawaiian Koa.
– Richard Wilson
Specifications & Features
Inclusions
Hardshell case and free international shipping.
Lifetime warranty.
Info
Serial: RW2609-496Year: 2026
Model: Style 1
Shape: ‘Hourglass’ Weissenborn
Trim & Binding
Body Binding: NoneRosette: Maple
Tonewoods
Top: Hawaiian KoaBack: Hawaiian Koa
Sides: Hawaiian Koa
Fretboard: Hawaiian Koa
Bracing
Brace Wood: Sitka SpruceBracing Style: X-Brace
Bridge
Bridge: ZiricoteBridge Pins: Waverly Ivoroid
Measurements
Scale Length: (635 mm)Overall Length: (940 mm)
Body Depth: (76 mm)
Upper Bout: (254 mm)
Lower Bout: (381 mm)
Soundhole Diameter: (97 mm)
String Spacing (Nut): (41 mm)
String Spacing (Saddle): (64 mm)
Weight: (1220 g)
Materials & Components
Tuning Machines: Golden Age (Nickel)Finish: Satin Lacquer
Saddle Material: Bone
Nut Material: Bone
Strings: 14-56 Phosphor Bronze
Tone you can trust
Individually voiced
Dynamic range, rich overtones, and long-lasting sustain
Our responsive instruments have earned the trust of beginners, part-time players - and even Grammy award winners across the globe.
From timber to timbre, every guitar is crafted to its best tonal characteristics. Responsive, dynamic, and focused sound for every player, every time.
A sound investment
Buy it for life
Timeless form, figuring, and finish
Every component is cut, carved, sanded and assembled in a state-of-the-art boutique workshop in Brisbane, Australia. All with the singular purpose of bringing to life the authentic Weissenborn aesthetics into the modern world, backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
On display, or in your lap, the world will know you've made a sound investment.
Exceptional Craftsmanship
The new standard in quality
Beautiful on the inside, as well.
Up to 60 individual components, 800 individual segments of wood, and 1000s of individual steps per guitar, are handled personally by master luthier, Richard Wilson.
Every detail comes together to create an RW Weissenborn renowned for their quality materials, structural design, and craftsmanship. That somehow becomes more than the sum of its parts.
Our Shipping & Support Promise
Enjoy complementary delivery, protection, tracking, and insurance worldwide.
Free next-day delivery. Worldwide.
Order any in-stock Weissenborn guitar, and it will be shipped for free the next business day. That's free shipping, anywhere in the world so you can enjoying your guitar sooner.
Free Global Tracking and Insurance
Tracking and insurance is included with every guitar so that you can relax and track. We have shipped guitars to every corner of the globe and know better than anyone how to get it to you safely.
Our Lifetime Guarantee Promise
You will love your guitar. It's really that simple. We offer free a lifetime warranty with every instrument. And we're always here to help you with questions you might have about your guitar.
Still have questions?
Just Ask
Whether it's your first handcrafted guitar or you're a seasoned collector, we're here to help!
Richard and the team can help you with any questions you've got about ordering, shipping, customization, or anything else!
The RW Sound
Jacob Raagaard performs on his Richard Wilson Style 3 Weissenborn guitar.
