If you play one of my guitars let me know: CONTACT
Anne Chaurand - Classical Guitarist
"The perfect balance between clarity and warmth, my beautiful and responsive musical partner."
Mark Anthony McGrath (Ireland)
My current guitar is stunningly beautiful spruce top with yew back and sides built by Michael Ritchie in 2015. I previously owned a spruce top made by Michael in 2007 which prompted me to order a cutaway version with some subtle refinements to the neck profile etc to facilitate my style of playing. Michael also expertly installed a K&K pick up system which I thoroughly recommend for nylon string guitars. I look forward to ordering a cedar top companion to this guitar in the future.
Neil (UK)
I'm a proud owner of one of your early guitars, it's a jewel in my collection of 43 guitars. You are a genius, your guitars are simply the best I've ever played.
Abhishek (USA)
Hi Michael
The guitar finally arrived today!
It feels and sounds great. Your craftsmanship is absolutely remarkable. The guitar has a distinct character, which I am hoping to explore and get better acquainted with in the times to come.
Thank you for the wonderful work you have put into this.
Hope our paths cross again!
Peter (UK)
One of the best things I've ever done - got a Michael Ritchie guitar. Fantastic workmanship.
Randal (USA)
Hi Michael!
The guitar is beautiful to behold and to play. Such a wonderful instrument! As you said earlier, photos just do not do it justice. The claro walnut's depth of character is mesmerizing and the colors of the bindings, rosette, top, back and sides blend beautifully. I hope my playing will, eventually, measure up your skill and craftsmanship that you put into this marvel. Absolutely pristine delivery without any sign of damage. The Savarez strings are indeed lovely and easy on my hands. You have fulfilled a dream!
All the best, Randal
Allan (Canada)
Hey Michael,
In case you’re getting worried that you haven’t heard how the guitar is getting on.
I didn’t want to get in touch too early with Ooh's and Aah’s like some teenage fanboy so I’ve taken a bit of time and had a good old play here.
I tell you, this is the most comfortable-feeling-from-new guitar I’ve had. It feels like I’ve had it for years, it just feels so familiar. It seems like I ask stuff of it and it knows where I’m going. If that makes sense.
Usually with a new, or new-to-me, instrument there’s a while when player and guitar become familiar with each other. You adjust to different little things to get the sound that you want, not major things, but little adjustments here and there. I’m sure you know what I mean, but with this it seems like we did that already and are used to each other.
Other than that it’s hard to know what to say, it looks great, sounds great and little things just bring a smile, like the way the wood around the sound hole is tapered top and bottom. Sometimes on guitars it’s rounded and sometimes left straight-cut but the way you taper it just seems better. One thing I will say is that this one is a keeper, so thanks for that.
Cheers for now,
Allan.
Jon (UK)
Michael, first off: no damage! Second; I think this guitar might be the best guitar I've ever played - and it's new! Set up and the feel is perfect and the sound is already very open and responsive/expressive. I'll try a few different sets of strings to find what feels/sounds best to me. I'm looking forward to the journey! Everything about it, straight out the box, is beyond my expectations. Thank you so much. You've made exactly what I'm after in a guitar and I can't wait to spend many happy years playing it. Thank you again, Michael.
All the best, Jon
P.S love the cream hiscox case as well!
Joseph (Germany)
Dear Michael, with very best wishes and gratitude to a master artisan. I am so honoured and happy to become a caretaker of one of your guitars. Joseph"
Then:
"Hi Michael, Well, I have been playing her for nearly 2 hours and cannot stop. There is nothing that feels foreign, I feel quite at home already and love the lyricism and the fact that the 1st string sings but has a bit more cover and mystery than that of my Bouchet replica…..the sustain is wonderful, separation of voices is great, no blurring. The set up feels really good, I am not buzzing much at all! I will fix that by pouring a glass of wine. A toast to you and the gorgeous guitar! J"