About
A note from Richard Wilson
In April 2025 my workshop faced an unfortunate fire that caused significant damage to stock Weissenborns, tonewoods, tools and. machinery.
Restoration work continues on the damaged workshop, and in the meantime I’ve established a smaller, dedicated space where I can focus on true small-batch building — crafting one instrument at a time, entirely by hand. Each guitar receives my full attention from raw timber to final setup.
My focus will be on the four traditional Weissenborn styles, crafted entirely from reserve grade tonewoods that survived the fire.
Please see below for pricing for Weissenborn guitars for this initial release.
Weissenborn Prices (USD) - 2026
-
Weissenborn Styles
-
Style 1
$3290 -
Style 2
$4290 -
Style 3
$4990 -
Style 4
$5490
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Tonewoods
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Figured Tasmanian Blackwood
included -
Highly Figured Tasmanian Blackwood
From $600 -
Hawaiian Koa
from $800
Prices for Weissenborn Styles are inclusive of $1500 USD deposit.
Hard case and free global shipping are included with all guitars.
Lifetime Warranty included with all guitars.
Standard features for all models include solid, quartersawn and air-dried tonewoods that have been selected for their tonal properties.
Each guitar is individually handcrafted by Richard Wilson.
Twenty Years of Weissenborn Making, Distilled
A limited series, handcrafted with patience and intention.
Over the past 20 years I’ve been humbled to see this small workshop grow, and to watch my guitars find homes in every corner of the world. To create friendships and collaborations with some of the finest Weissenborn players out there. To witness so much incredible music being shared with the world on instruments I created.
Temporarily downsizing from 1500sq ft to less than 300sq ft has taken some time to get just right, but this new workshop has been designed from the ground up to ensure that these six Weissenborn guitars will be among the finest I've ever crafted.
With nearly 500 guitars behind me, this limited release is a rare opportunity to return to the way I first learned the craft: building slowly, one instrument at a time, with complete focus on tone, feel, and detail.
Each guitar in this limited batch will be meticulously hand-built in this climate-controlled workshop, voiced and refined with care at every step, using traditional Weissenborn construction methods that prioritise tone, responsiveness and aesthetics. And each one is backed by a lifetime warranty.
2026 Weissenborn Styles
Style 1
No Edge Binding
3x Maple Soundhole Rings
Fretboard Dots
No Fretboard Binding
Style 2
Black Top/Back Binding
Rope Soundhole Rosette
Fretboard Dots + Diamond
Maple Fretboard Binding
Style 3
Rope Top Binding
Rope Soundhole Rosette
Fretboard Dots + Diamond
Rope Fretboard Binding
Style 4
Rope Top/Back/Headstock Binding
Rope Soundhole Rosette
Fretboard Dots + Diamond
Rope Fretboard Binding
Customisations
Other customisations are available on request albeit on a limited basis for 2025. These can include include left-handed stringing, custom string height or spacing and pickup installation. Alternative tonewoods or custom inlays may be available. If you have any customisations in mind, please contact me before placing a deposit to confirm availability.
How To Order
As numbers are limited, Weissenborn build slots will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
I will be focusing on the traditional four Styles of the Weissenborn, and offering these in a range of Tasmanian Blackwood and Hawaiian Koa in a variety of premium grades, selected for their tonal properties and aesthetic beauty.
To initiate an order and to secure a build slot, a $1500 USD deposit is required. Once this has been received, I will contact you directly to lock in the exact tonewoods and other custom options.
Payment of balance is required upon completion of your Weissenborn guitar, prior to shipping. Free standard shipping is included with all guitars.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like more information about the different options.
2026 Weissenborn Guitar Enquiries
2026 Build FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you switching to made-to-order Weissenborn guitars?
Because significant inventory of tonewood and parts were lost in the fire, and a temporary relocation to a smaller workshop, switching to made-to-order will allow me to work on individual guitars one at a time while I have reduced capacity and inventory.
How many Weissenborn build slots are available?
I will be offering only six Weissenborn guitar build slots for completion in early 2026. Once sold, further build slots will not be made available until these six guitars near completion.
How can I secure a build slot?
A build slot can be secured by paying a $1500 USD deposit.
How do I pay the balance once my Weissenborn is completed?
You will be issued with a separate invoice for the balance payment, including any upgrades, pickups or accessories you have chosen.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, once your $1500 deposit has been paid, we can arrange milestone payments during the build instead of a lump sum final balance payment.
Is the deposit refundable?
No — deposits are non-refundable, as they reserve your place in the build schedule and cover the allocation of tonewoods and workshop time specifically for your guitar.
When will I receive my Weissenborn after placing a deposit?
The current estimated completion time is about four months. Orders will be prioritised in the order that they are received. Full payment of the balance is required prior to shipping.
Can you give me some inspiration for styles, tonewoods or other features?
If you'd like to secure a built slot but would like some inspiration, see our Weissenborn Guitar Gallery for photos and demo videos of hundreds of Weissenborn guitars I've crafted.
When will you return to offering readymade Weissenborn guitars?
I expect that I will return to offering the core range of Weissenborn guitars as readymade guitars in mid/late 2026. Securing one of these limited built slots is currently the only way to secure one of my Weissenborn guitars.
What customisations are available on 2026 Weissenborns?
In addition to your choice of Weissenborn style and tonewoods, additional options include premium tuning machines (Waverly or Gotoh 510), pickup installation and modifications such as left-handed stringing or adjusted string height.
Alternative tonewoods, custom inlay and other customisations may be available.
Standard Specifications
2026 Weissenborn Build Slot – Deposit
Inclusions
Hardshell case and free international shipping.
Lifetime warranty.
Info
Serial: RW26 - Custom BuildShape: Hourglass Weissenborn
Features & Hardware
Tuning Machines: Golden Age (Nickel)Tonewoods
Top: Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian KoaBack: Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian Koa
Sides: Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian Koa
Fretboard: Tasmanian Blackwood or Hawaiian Koa
Bridge
Bridge: West African EbonyBridge Pins: Waverly (Ivoroid)
Measurements
Scale Length: 635mm (25")*
Overall Length: 950 mm (37")*
Body Depth: 78mm (3")*
Upper Bout: 260mm (10 1/4")*
Lower Bout: 390mm (15 1/4")*
Soundhole Diameter: 97mm (3 13/16")*
String Spacing (Nut): 42mm (1 5/8")*
String Spacing (Saddle): 64mm (2 1/2")*
Weight: 1.5kg (3.3lbs)*
Details
Finish: Satin Lacquer*Standard specification. May differ due to slight variations with individually handcrafted instruments.