What payment methods do you accept?
What are your shipping policies?
What if I get an instrument and don't like it?
What if my instrument gets damaged during shipping?
What winter precautions should I take when receiving or caring for an instrument?
Who are you guys?
Do you have the instruments on your site out where people can play them?
Do you take international orders?
Is your store climate controlled?
Do you offer trades and consignment?
Do you offer layaway?
Do you offer appraisal services?
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment options that do not cost extra are MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Cashier's Check or money orders (and of course cash, just don't send it in the mail!). We also accept PayPal for an extra 3% of the purchase price but product will not be shipped until PayPal transactions are complete.
What are your shipping policies?
Our regular domestic shipping method is Fed Ex Ground. (International shipping outlined further down on this page). This is the most economical method, and faster than other ground shipping. However, at your request and for additional charges, we will ship all other forms of UPS and Fed Ex Express. Be sure to provide an e-mail address and we can send you tracking information. Note: We do not ship to P.O. Boxes, and sorry, no C.O.D.s
Shipments must go to an address where a person can sign for the package. If not, we advise to have the item shipped to the nearest carrier's terminal for pickup.
What if I get an instrument and don't like it?
All purchases come with a full 48-hour evaluation period (an extra 24 hours will be allowed for acoustic instruments during the winter season to allow the contents to reach room temperature before opening). With full payment of the instrument, and, if upon evaluation, the customer is not completely satisfied with the instrument, it can be returned via the customer's preferred common carrier. However PLEASE NOTE: that if returned, shipping - both ways - is to be paid by the customer. Sorry, we do not send out instruments for evaluation without payment in full.
To return an item, the customer first calls their salesperson for a return authorization. The instrument then needs to be carefully packed up in its original carton, with all accessories and paper work included, then shipped via a common carrier to us. ALWAYS INSURE IT FOR THE FULL RETAIL AMOUNT! Remember, you are now the responsible party of the package and are taking full responsibility for the item in case of damage or loss. If the item is damaged while in transit, we'll notify you, but you must file a claim with your preferred shipper. NOTE: Once the item is back and we have determined it to be in its original condition, we will issue a full credit for the item, less shipping charges - BOTH WAYS. A return voids any free shipping offers and the customer is liable for shipping charges both ways. If the item is not in its original condition, or is returned after the normal evaluation period has expired, re-stocking fees and other charges may apply at our discretion. Note: There are certain exceptions to this return policy for consignment items and McPherson guitars. Please ask for details!
What if my instrument gets damaged during shipping?
In case of damage, be sure to let the Fed Ex or UPS driver know of any sign of damage and inspect the package before they leave. If your package is damaged, contact us immediately at 1-800-747-9980. We will issue a call tag to have the package inspected and picked up. Do not send it back without notifying us. We must start a claim process - if any step is altered, we may not be able to issue a refund to you! Once the package is returned to us and we determine that damage in shipping has occurred, we will issue a full item refund or we will get another piece to you as soon as possible.
What winter precautions should I take when receiving or caring for an instrument?
Attention acoustic and electric instrument customers! During the winter months, be advised to allow 24 hours for the instrument to acclimate to room temperature before opening - this is very important! (Note: During the winter, we will allow you 96 hours for evaluation to give you an extra day) This means leaving it in the case AND in the box!! We know, we know, you'll be dying to try out your new instrument but you'll also be kicking yourself when you open a frozen case and watch the lacquer finish on your custom Collings Brazilian guitar start to crack! If we determine that damage occurred due to opening a cold case, we cannot be responsible for refunding your money if returned. It is also advisable to keep your new instrument between 65 and 75 degrees F and at a relative humidity of 40 to 50 percent. These are the conditions of our climate controlled store (and the manufacturer) and if kept in these conditions, will insure the optimum set up and tone for your instrument. This is especially critical for high end solid wood instruments and electric guitars that use thin lacquer finishes. We recommend using a Kyser or similar sound hole humidifier if the humidity in your area drops below 40 percent and as always, keep instruments away from wide fluctuations in humidity and heat.
Who are you guys?
We are an actual "brick and mortar" retail store that has been in business for over 25 years. We are not guitar "brokers" working out of a basement on an "appointment only" basis. Our passion has and always will be selling and servicing fine stringed instruments, amplifiers and P.A. We are musicians who like to work with musicians. This means you get the same kind of attention ordering over the phone as you would if visiting the store in person.
Do you have the instruments on your site out where people can play them?
Our inventory is deep and we never "deal off the bottom of the deck." Our instruments are taken out of their cartons and cases and displayed for our customers. We do this for a variety of reasons:
Do you take international orders?
YES! We ship instruments around the globe! There are certain brands we are prohibited by the manufacturer from shipping overseas, so just email
to inquire. For international shipments, we have found that USPS is the most economical method. There are several choices from 1-2 days (USPS Global Express Guaranteed), 3-5 days (USPS Express Mail International) to 6-10 days (Priority Mail International) to choose from. We're happy to work with you to get the instrument of your choice to you in a timely manner. Also please keep in mind the following:
Is your store climate controlled?
Yes. This not only insures you a comfortable place to shop, but it keeps all of our inventory and instrument repairs at the proper temperature and humidity for optimum set up and tone. You can be assured that your next purchase or repair, when it leaves the store, will not have any climate control problems.
Do you offer trades and consignment?
Yes! All of our trades and consignments are evaluated on a case by case basis. Feel free to e-mail or call us @ 1-800-747-9980 or in Kansas, call 785-843-3535.
Do you offer layaway?
Yes, under the following conditions:
Do you offer appraisal services?
Yes! We offer written appraisals for insurance and other purposes. A formal appraisal is $50 for most solid and acoustic guitars, $80 for most archtops (due to time involved in authenticating pots, etc). If you would like a complete set of digital photographs on CD to accompany the appraisal, it is an additional $50. To schedule an appraisal, please contact Ted Kritikos. In addition to Ted's expertise, our co-owner Jim Baggett is a contributor the PBS series "Antiques Roadshow" as an instrument appraisal source and is very knowledgeable regarding fine vintage instruments. His specialty is Pre-WWII Martin Guitars. Give us a call at 1-800-747-9980 or email Ted at to schedule your appraisal.
