Buying a classical guitar
For anyone looking for a high-quality luthier built guitar, I can recommend Devon Classical Guitars. The owner Geoff has built up a rare collection of truly excellent guitars to suit a wide range of tastes. The website provides excellent information and pictures on current stock alongside details on new guitars on the way. I just purchased a wonderful Kevin Aram guitar in new condition, which was perfect for me. Geoff runs the business from home, allowing a potential buyer to play and assess different options before making a decision in a friendly and unpressured environment. Buying a new guitar at this level is an investment which requires careful consideration. Devon classical guitars is a valuable resource to help you in your decision. Philip Turner, Plymouth.
I travelled down to Devon from Oxford, stayed overnight in a local hotel, had a lovely breakfast, and a walk on the beach before going up the hill to meet Geoff in his house (also known as Devon Classical Guitars) overlooking the sea. I was particularly interested in the Eden-Friederich. I knew before-hand Friederich type guitars are quite big instruments and take a bit of getting used to. Geoff had the guitar and a few others I said I’d be interested in trying, set out for my arrival. I spent nearly 6 hours playing some amazing guitars, a real education, before settling on and leaving with the Eden. At no time did Geoff pressure me to make a decision or feel in a rush to make one. If you are thinking of buying an instrument, make the trip! “ Paula, Oxford.
Looking to move up to a better classical guitar, I spent a very pleasant few hours in a relaxed atmosphere at Devon Classical Guitars trying out different pre-used models, assisted by Dr Geoff Roberts (the owner) and decided on one by Gioachino Giussani. I was very pleased with the help and understanding that Geoff showed towards me, and his knowledge and guidance in helping me to make the right choice. I am delighted with my purchase of the Giussani and look forward to many happy hours playing it. I can recommend Devon Classical Guitars to anyone looking for a quality used Luthier guitar. Ian Barlow. Exeter
I had the pleasure of visiting Devon Classical Guitars this summer, when I was looking for a second classical guitar. Reaching DCG was a pleasant drive from Bristol airport to the very picturesque seaside town of Seaton. Upon arriving at DCG I was warmly greeted by Geoff Roberts, the owner of DCG and made to feel very welcome. I was provided time and space to trial an impressive collection of quality concert level classical guitars. Geoff, is a guitar enthusiast who clearly enjoys discussing all things classical guitar but, more importantly, is a gentleman. Over the course of a few hours Geoff was on hand to answer any questions I had, provide impartial advice and even provide cups of tea(!) - and at no stage did I feel under pressure to rush into nor even make a purchase.
Geoff made the whole visit very enjoyable and I would wholeheartedly recommend a visit to Devon Classical Guitars to anyone looking for a quality classical guitar. Philip Shaw Belfast
I live too far from Devon to come and try the guitars in person. Geoff was extremely helpful through multiple emails and then a long phone call as we worked out what would work best. At all times I felt like his main priority was to find me a guitar I loved - which he managed with aplomb. The after sale service was first class and I felt in safe hands throughout. Between the value for money and exceptional service, I'm not sure there's a better place to buy classical guitars. Martin Thomson Edinburgh
Geoff is an enthusiastic guitar aficionado and provides a very friendly environment in which to try out the guitars in his collection. I have purchased two guitars from him over the past 4 years. When I recently visited he had a good selection of a variety of guitars which were all available to be played and evaluated. I thoroughly recommend his friendly, efficient and knowledgeable service.” Peter Smith. Weston Super Mare
I have just purchased a guitar from Geoff Roberts of Devon Classical Guitars, my first concert level guitar. I visited DCG with a fellow guitar player. We had an enjoyable time trying a dozen or so guitars. In about two hours we narrowed down to two. Listening to Geoff play these helped with my final choice. Although not very experienced myself several things at DCG gave me the confidence to make what I feel sure was the right decision for me. These were: The wide variety of guitars available to try, Geoff's helpful observations about each, feeling under no time pressure to arrive at a decision and genuinely feeling under no pressure to make a purchase at all. I would confidently recommend to anyone looking for a second-hand concert level classical guitar to visit Geoff at DCG. Paul Perkin Bude
‘I visited Geoff with a fellow guitarist to try to find a guitar that would match my playing style and be something different from the concert instruments I already owned. When we arrived, Geoff had circa 10 instruments out and we spent a very contented 4 or 5 hours playing all of the guitars. My colleague selected a guitar which suited him. For myself, although I thought all the guitars were of a high quality, there was one stand out guitar for me. This was a guitar made by an Italian luthier which had all the qualities I was looking for, and very different. Geoff allowed me to try the guitar for a few weeks before final purchase, which simply confirmed my initial opinion of the guitar, which also had the cache of being owned in the past by Pepe Romero. All-in-all a very successful visit to Geoff for both of us. If you are looking for a concert level instrument at reasonable prices, Geoff is a very good place to start.’ Vince Smith Bristol
Geoff is an excellent and experienced dealer of quality classical guitars. He has a fine selection of instruments to suit all tastes and budgets. I spent a delightful afternoon trying several guitars before selecting a model which I am more than happy with. I am recommending his service to all of my students who are looking to upgrade their instruments. I have dealt with many dealers in the past, but none were more knowledgeable or more generous with their time than Geoff. David Hayes St Austell
I knew Geoff for quite some time since I sold him one of my concert instruments ( a beautiful Giussani ). Recently I was on a search for a great concert instrument but it was a difficult task indeed, since I was not only searching for a really responsive and robust instrument but also for an instrument built by a luthier carrier of a great legacy, and it happened that Geoff had what I was searching for: a beautiful Paul Fischer from the 80s.
I live and work in Italy and it was quite difficult for me to travel to Seaton to see and try the instrument, so I asked Geoff for a lot of pictures, information and details about the Fischer which he relentlessly provides me. He was so detailed in answering my question that I blindly bought the instrument.
The kindness and availability of Geoff don't stop here, since he flew to Italy only to bring me the guitar! We also talked a lot about guitars, luthiers and we shared little curiosities about the guitar world!
I can't recommend a better person, dealer and guitar aficionado if you're searching for the right guitar for you. Carmine Picariello from Italy"
I had been looking to purchase a new classical guitar for over a year, but living in the South West I had found it very difficult to locate somewhere with a genuine choice of higher quality classical guitars.
I had located a shop in Birmingham and was resigned to travelling 2 1/2 hours, but was wary of making a decision of such importance on a single session so I was delighted to hear of Geoff Roberts at Devon Classical Guitars in Seaton.
When I read the testimonials on his website I was encouraged to visit and I found Geoff to be exactly as described, a genuine enthusiast of classical guitars, knowledgeable and keen not just to sell me a guitar but for me to find one that I loved.
I was welcomed into his home and given plenty of time to try a large number of instruments and spent 2-3 hours experiencing their various strengths until I narrowed the choice down to two.
Unable to decide between them I was trusted to take both of them so I could play them in my own surroundings and within a few days I knew which one to choose and any doubts about my decision were removed.
I am Seriously Sight Impaired and travelling distance would have been very difficult for me so I was very grateful to Geoff for providing me with a guitar that I already love.
Thank you for making my experience so enjoyable. Graham de Bolla Wellington
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dr Geoff Roberts when I went to Devon Classical Guitars to upgrade my classical guitar. He was so welcoming and knowledgeable in his field. He showed me a fine selection of classical guitars and I feel that he found the right guitar for me, a Thomas Dauge guitar. It’s stunning and beautiful with a very well balanced sound and plenty of volume yet also great sensitivity.
I feel it will bring on my playing considerably. A perfect gentleman and an enjoyable afternoon. Thank you Dr Cari Aplin Wells
I was advised to visit Geoff by one of my classical guitar peers at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. From the outset our conversations were dynamic and personal. As things progressed Geoff’s involvement in my search for the right instrument surpassed the realm of usual business dealings into an almost selfless role in which every move Geoff made was to facilitate the process. He is a genuine enthusiast with not only a love for classical guitar but a love for assisting others in their individual pursuit. Along with the acquisition of my new guitar I’ve made a firm friendship. Geoff is certainly unique within the world of classical guitar dealership, I highly recommend making a trip to Seaton for the Devon classical guitar experience. Thomas Vine Swansea
During my holiday I visited Geoff to have a close look at his wonderful collection of guitars. The visit was very convenient, and I had plenty of time playing different instrument. The quality of the instruments was really high, the prices are modest compared to other professional sellers. Every country should deserve a shop like Devon Classical Guitars, unfortunately this is not the case… A couple of months later I decided to buy the Locatto guitar that was offered. During the whole process of buying the instrument, Geoff was very friendly, highly communicative and generous! I could truly recommend buying an instrument at Devon Classical Guitars, even if you come from the EU. Like David Rubio was called “the gentlemen luthier”, I would suggest to name Geoff “the gentlemen guitar seller”. Martijn Kamphuis Holland
Finding a classical guitar made by a fine luthier is not the easiest when based in the UK. So if you are make the journey to Devon Classical Guitars. There I was greeted with the warmest hospitality from both Geoff and his wife as soon as I arrived. From that moment I had the most wonderful day in relaxed surroundings trying out a large variety of beautifully handcrafted guitars made by an array of highly respected and fine luthiers. Geoff has an astounding knowledge of all aspects of the guitar and patiently whiled away time with me whilst I tried several within his collection (more than once!!) before I decided on a Michael Gee guitar which I absolutely love. It’s perfect for me. Thank you so much Geoff. I had the most wonderful day, one I shall remember which makes my guitar that much more special. Best wishes Nicole Alderson