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. 488
- Condition New
- Built by Richard Wilson
- Brisbane, Australia
- Completed in 2026
- Serial No. RW2601-488
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..."
RW2601-488 Overview
Style 1 Weissenborn Guitar - Tasmanian Blackwood · AA Grade Tasmanian Blackwood
My first new Weissenborn of 2026 — and the first to emerge following the workshop fire in 2025.
The sides were originally bent in March 2025, intended for a different guitar. The matching top and back were lost in the blaze, while the sides themselves survived. In late 2025, I resawed a new top and back to pair with them, and No. 488 came into being.
After nearly a year without completing a new Weissenborn, it feels fitting that one of the first would be a true phoenix guitar — born from what remained, and given new life.
– Richard Wilson
Specifications & Features
Inclusions
Hardshell case and free international shipping.
Lifetime warranty.
Info
Serial: RW2601-488Year: 2026
Model: Style 1
Shape: ‘Hourglass’ Weissenborn
Trim & Binding
Body Binding: NoneRosette: Maple Rings
Tonewoods
Top: Tasmanian BlackwoodBack: Tasmanian Blackwood
Sides: Tasmanian Blackwood
Fretboard: Fumed Eucalyptus
Bracing
Brace Wood: Sitka SpruceBracing Style: X-Brace
Bridge
Bridge: Fumed EucalyptusBridge 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: (1500 g)
Materials & Components
Tuning Machines: Waverly GoldFinish: Satin Lacquer
Saddle Material: Bone
Nut Material: Bone
Strings: 14-56 Phosphor Bronze
A distinctive voice
Individually voiced for responsiveness, depth and sustain.
Played, collected and trusted by the leading names in the Weissenborn world, these hollow-neck instruments are renowned for their dynamic response, harmonic richness and distinctive voice.
Each guitar is individually voiced by Richard Wilson, drawing on more than two decades devoted to refining the balance, character and responsiveness of the hollow-neck guitar. The result is an instrument that reveals the full potential of its tonewoods, with exceptional depth, clarity and sustain.
Built for a lifetime
Made to mature, endure and inspire for generations.
Every guitar is built by Richard Wilson in Brisbane, Australia, with an uncompromising approach to materials, construction and finish.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, each instrument is made to grow richer in character with age, offering a lifetime of music and the promise of becoming something worth passing on.
Crafted without compromise
Precision from construction to final setup.
Clean joinery, considered appointments and beautifully resolved details come together in an instrument of exceptional fit and finish.
Every element is considered as part of the whole, creating a guitar that feels as refined and precise as it sounds.
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.
