I thought I'd start a thread about the experience of buying a guitar from one place or another.
I'm going to start by mentioning Project Music in Exeter. Now I haven't got the guitar yet (it won't be finished until sometime in the northern summer), but I have every expectation that the whole thing will go smoothly and pleasantly.
Lee at Project Music has been great to deal with. Clear and helpful, ready to go out of his way to assist, and very well-informed. They stock an excellent range of good quality acoustics from (among others) Lakewood, Lowden, McIlroy, Maton, Furch, Taylor, Atkin and National. I'd be happy to by another guitar from Project Music any time.
I'll also mention The Acoustic Centre in Melbourne. Not many readers here will be buying guitars in Australia, but you never know. For example, suppose you are visiting on holiday and fancy buying a Cole Clark or Maton in Oz (where they are much cheaper). I sold my Cole Clark 12-string and bought my WA May (a high-end Maton Custom Shop guitar) there and was struck by how easy they were to work with. They have a great range of guitars from (for example) Taylor, Maton, Martin, Cole Clark, Collings, Lowden, and many others.
Anyway, if you are anywhere near Exeter or Melbourne, those two are good places to go.
Who are your favourite acoustic guitar dealers?
Comments
I think he is particularly keen on Gibson's but has a changing selection of other high end acoustics, of varying ages, some vintage ones.
I think because he has so much specialized experience in acoustics, he is more unlikely to have lemons or mediocrities.
I found him to be both straightfoward and interesting , but as with every dealer, it is unwise to go in thinking you HAVE to buy something... they will always oblige. Glenn is not high pressure though.
Lytham St Annes Guitars - superb service and fine collection of Santa Cruz acoustics. Guitars can be tested in a relaxed and friendly environment (coffee and olives provided). A very pleasant experience.
Coda - excellent selection of fine acoustics and helpful, knowledgable staff. Very accommodating in all areas. Guitars can be tested in a relaxed and friendly environment. Coffee provided.
EDIT: Oct 2023 Coda: Opinion changed due to recent query that was met with somewhat of a smart arse reply. So Coda are off my list.
GuitarGuitar Birmingham - errrr, nah.
My Lowden from The Guitar Shop, Newcastle, where owner Brian would leave you to play. He retired & shop is now closed.
A Fender 12 string from Sounds Live Newcastle, now also disappeared.
My wife's Tanglewood from Making Music, now gone.
There seems to be a pattern emerging......
Newcastle still has a PMT, GG and Windows music shop (guitars, violins, brass pianos etc), but in deference to other people I haven't bought an instrument from them. Hey I could take offers from them to stay away!
I haven't bought an acoustic from Coda but have had a bunch of other stuff and they're always fantastic. They did also do me a quick video of a guitar I was thinking of buying a while back - an OM with non-standard woods. I wasn't quite enough to push me over the edge but their efforts were spot on.
GV I've bought from multiple times both in person and online. Even with a 4000-mile delivery they were fantastic.
Ta