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Testimonial: Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner Slope Dreadnought

Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner Slope Dreadnought

Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner Slope Dreadngought- Review!

Artisan Team,

The Santa Cruz VS has arrived safely in Little Rock. After unpacking for two hours, I was able to play it a little bit.

I wanted to thank all of you for the care taken with the complete buying experience of my guitar.  Some things that stuck out to me:

  1. 30-plus minutes on the phone with me discussing in detail what I thought I was looking for before I even made the trip.
  2. Staff that stayed with me almost the complete two hours I was in the store, answering questions, playing the instrument so I could hear it, no judgement of my playing ability, etc.
  3. Attention to detail – Instrument wipe-down, selection, care for overall inventory, knowledge of represented buildings and models.
  4. Time – I was given time and space to breathe, not hassled.
  5. Price – I was very satisfied with the price I paid, accessories, etc.
  6. Personable Staff – Nice, courteous and honest.  Up front, didn't try to hard sell, let me decide what I liked while offering a myriad of options. Good info on humidification of the instrument, something I hadn't known too much about.
  7. Online Presence – Pictures and sound clips were outstanding and helped in the selection process before even getting there.
  8. Facebook Page – I follow it and like the daily updates on inventory. - Sharing this stuff works.
  9. Packing of the guitar – It's how I would want it (and expected it) to be packed.

Overall, just an incredible purchasing experience.  I am not to the point where I can do this every year, but felt as if I was just as valuable as the next guy.

I have already mentioned my experience to many of my buddies who may be in the market for something similar. Hopefully I will be able to take more trips over your direction soon.  I will surely stop in and say hi.

Thanks,

KP / Little Rock, Arkansas

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Selling your guitar? We can help!

Selling your guitar? We can help!

As you might imagine, with thousands of visitors to our website each day, many times a visitor will encounter one of our lovely instruments that will cause a serious loss of sleep!  Totally unexpected, the visitor begins to imagine themselves playing the guitar, each night before falling asleep, and that special guitar creeps into your REM sleep... And so it begins!

We find that most players need to oft one of their least beloved instruments, to defend the need to purchase a new one (results may otherwise not only affect your sleep, but has also been known to disrupt marital bliss).

Artisan Guitars has a modest yet successful record of achievement in assisting you in this time of need, reducing the stress you may encounter in all the known variables... We work hard to help you achieve your goal quickly, and bring you the highest return on the sale of your instrument.  Here's how (and more importantly "why") it works:

  • A minimum average of 5,000 page hits every 24 hours - We can monitor & provide individual statistics for the level of interest in your instrument, with daily / weekly click reports. Add to this, the added presence of an established eBay store, with a perfect rating.
  • Extensive international client base - Over the years, our level of dedicated customer service has provided us with an enormous number of trust-based clients around the world.  You may be surprised at the limited availability of popular brand instruments in major metropolitan areas around the globe.  Even with language barriers, players all over the world have the same needs as we do... So, we speak their musical language.
  • Reduced consignment fee option for buyers - When purchasing any new or used instrument, we offer a discounted 10% consignment fee!  You can elect to use this option to (a) begin planning your purchase or custom order, (b) at the onset of a purchase using our 90 day layaway plan, or (c) anytime up to 30 days after your purchase.  You will receive 90% of the final sale price (click to learn more about our consignment agreement).
  • We provide the market research - Our staff can provide you with extensive pricing research on the current market value of your instrument, usually within 48 hours... To help you decide if now is the time to put your instrument on the market.  We gather online statistics for "comparable's", for recently sold instruments, Blue Book & Vintage Guide values, as well as mining data on instruments of like year & condition presently on the market.
  • You decide the best selling price - Armed with our extensive research, the final decision for pricing your instrument at / above / below the market is entirely subject to your approval.  You decide if the time is right, and if the potential outcome works into your purchase plans.
  • No hidden fees - Upon receipt of your instrument we create a documented physical inspection, and perform detailed cleaning & wax for best appearance.  We restring with original equipment strings, and inspect the setup for builder / factory specifications (so it plays and sounds the way the builder intended).  You pay for the initial (1st) set of strings (never a service fee), and we provide any future restring services at no additional charge.
  • Superior market representation of your instrument - With hi-res photo documentation, expert MP3 recordings, and a detailed personal write-up for each instrument, we will feature the finest attributes your instrument has to offer.
  • We do the heavy lifting - When (not if) your instrument does sell (on average, within 30 days) we carefully pack your instrument for safe shipping, regardless of destination... Our extensive packing process is proven & trusted (learn more here).  The buyer pays for shipping within the final purchase price.  We provide direct outside insurance coverage for full value loss up to $10k at no additional charge (a rider is procured for instruments above this value).
  • Value added services, at no charge to you - We restring your instrument prior to shipping, so every pre-owned instrument is delivered in the best possible condition.  We include a number of useful gift items in the case with every purchase - We want the buyer to be absolutely satisfied with the purchase process and their new instrument.
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Testimonial: Huss and Dalton CM Cutaway

Huss and Dalton CM Cutaway

Huss and Dalton CM Cutaway - Review

Hello Adam,

My custom built Huss & Dalton CM is a magnificent instrument. The guitar looks beautiful. Remarkably, it sounds even better than it looks.

The lows, middle and highs are perfectly balanced. In short, the guitar sounds great. It is extremely comfortable and easy to play.

It is surely my favorite fingerstyle  guitar. The advice and guidance from Artisan in terms of wood selection and custom details was incredibly helpful. I cannot imagine getting a finer instrument or service from any other dealer.

Much thanks,

GF / Pleasantville, NY

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Testimonial: National Reso-Phonic Biscayne Blue ResoLectric

National Reso-Phonic Biscayne Blue ResoLectric

Bill and Adam,

Sorry guys, the Blue Biscayne ResoLectric has officially moved to California and is not coming back to Tennessee, at least not until I get a paying gig in Nashville.   Thanks, great packing job, guitar is beautiful, sounds better than I expected acoustically (loud!).  My second great guitar from Artisan, I'm sure not my last.

EM / Oakland, California

 

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Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner vs. Gibson J45 – Slope Dread “Shoot Out”

Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner vs. Gibson J45 - Slope Dread

We always welcome the opportunity to test theories here at the shop... Whether it be the distinct voicing differences between guitars from our builders, or the controversy about how a Herringbone top purfle might impart more resonance in a guitar, we relish the chance to put pick to string in the name of "sonic science".

In our latest installment we took on the venerable Slope Shoulder dreadnought, to compare a custom Vintage Southerner from Santa Cruz Guitar Company, with a standard Gibson J45.  These "workhorses" battle it out!

Both instruments are Sitka Spruce topped, with Mahogany back and sides, and Sitka bracing. Each has Rosewood fretboards and (*) Rosewood bridges, which provides more complexity in the tone, perceived by the player as richer overtones.  And both are short scale - which is also vital to the authenticity of the venerable slope D's of the 1960's.

(* In the case of our custom Santa Cruz, the Brazilian bridge and fretboard were specified as an option, and in the case of the J45 challenger the rosewood species for the bridge is not specified on the manufacturer's website.  While the fretboard is specified as Indian Rosewood the bridge appears to be Brazilian).

Our recording was performed by two players here in the shop - Adam Hatfield and Adam Fluhrer (we even compared Adam's!), using the same pick; a PaPa's faux tortise-shell 0.9 mm size, with the same recorder (a Sony PCM-D50).

On the recording you will here Mr. Hatfield 1st, slowly picking individual notes within a chord, then a short selection. When you hear the chordal notes picked individually next, it is Mr. Fluhrer playing.

Let the best "Horse" win!

Santa Cruz VS Vintage Southerner Sitka and Mahogany Brazilian Rosewood Bridge and Fretboard

 

Hear This Instrument: Santa Cruz VS Vintage Southerner Brazilian Rosewood Bridge and Fretboard

 

Recorded In-House on a Sony PCM-D50 handheld recorder with no compression or eq.

Gibson J45 MP3

Gibson J45

Hear This Instrument:  Gibson J45

Recorded In-House on a Sony PCM-D50 handheld recorder with no compression or eq.
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Testimonial: Collings UC2K Koa Concert Ukulele

Collings UC2K Koa Concert Ukulele

Collings UC2K Koa Concert Ukulele

Dear Artisan,

I just wanted to say thank you for my new Collings UC2K Ukulele. Always wanted to learn to play one and after seeing this one on your website, I knew I just had to have it!

As always, your customer service and fast shipping made me want to use your company over others. Also your great selection is always fantastic. I know that if there is a stringed instrument I need, you will have it!

Thanks again,

TL / Asheboro, North Carolina

Testimonial: Collings OM2HG Cutaway with Adirondack Bracing and No Tongue Brace

Collings OM2HG Cutaway with Adirondack Bracing and No Tongue Brace

Bill and Ellie,

I wanted to say “thank you” for your patience and attention to detail regarding this purchase. Your product knowledge and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

I love this guitar and it is absolutely perfect for my playing style in every way. It is a pleasure doing business with you and your staff. I highly recommend Artisan Guitars and please feel free to use me as a reference anytime.

Best regards,

LE / Los Angeles, California

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Testimonial: Bourgeois Vintage OM

Bourgeois Vintage OM

Hello Adam,

As a background information, I live in the Philippines and there are not too many good acoustic guitars here being carried by the usual music stores. The best you could get here will be Taylors and Martins and these are the lower end models. Having said that, even if these are the lower end models, their prices are comparable to the good models in the mainland US.

My search for my dream acoustic guitar led me to consider purchasing on-line in the US. I searched the net for music stores with the model I had in mind. Needless to say, there were some obstacles in my planned purchase. Some music stores do not ship to the Philippines (international), others do not accept international issued credit cards and still others simply do not deal with customers outside of the US.

Then I came across Artisan Guitars which was selling a 2010 pre-owned Bourgeois Vintage OM. I thought this is perfect and this will be the guitar I will buy. So I emailed the customer service of Artisan Guitars and soon after I got an email from Adam asking me about my playing style and describing the Bourgeois in detail. After a lot of emails to clarify a number of issues, I finally decided to purchase the Bourgeois. Adam was especially very helpful and accommodating. He made sure I had all the information about the guitar so that I will know if it is really the instrument I am after. Artisan Guitars was even gracious enough to add a few freebies to sweeten the deal.

I am very satisfied with the service provided by Adam and the rest of Artisan Guitars. I received the guitar A week ago and my fingers are already sore from playing but I still can't put it down. I will definitely contact Adam again should I decide to buy another guitar.

From the Philippines, thank you very much!

DQ / Makati City, Phillippines

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Steel Magnolia – Josh Jones and Meghan Linsey with their new National Collegian

Steel Magnolia - Josh Jones and Meghan Linsey with their new National Collegian

When the songwriter & performing duo Steel Magnolia were looking for a "new sound" to bring into their music, their producer Paul Worley (*) brought them to visit our shop.  After playing numerous instruments, Josh & Meghan decided the National Steel Body Collegian in Vintage White was perfect for bringing a new level to some songs they were working on.

A talented, bright young couple, clearly on their way to a successful future... Here's an exciting snippet from their website:

"There is a very cool moment, preserved for posterity in TV syndication, when Joshua Scott Jones and Meghan Linsey, the duo known as Steel Magnolia, make the connection that changes their lives. It's cattle call audition day for season two of CMT's Can You Duet? Josh and Meghan are secretly ambivalent about the whole thing, skeptical that the judges are going to get their very unique sound. But they do and so began the journey that would put Steel Magnolia in the shows winner's circle and on Big Machine Records.

In the year since winning the show, Steel Magnolia has gone on to win over many more influential fans and supporters. Their bracing take of "Keep On Lovin' You" broke through as the highest charting debut single by a co-ed duo in Billboard history and climbed all the way to No. 5 on the Billboard Country Charts. The song has been downloaded more than a million times and landed in the major motion picture, “Valentine’s Day.” Josh and Meghan spent the summer of 2010 touring alongside Brad Paisley on his massively popular H20 Tour. They also toured with Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton and appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Lopez Tonight.

Even before the release of their debut album, Steel Magnolia snagged nine major industry award nominations, including: Vocal Duo of the Year and Top New Vocal Duo of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in both 2010 and 2011, Top Vocal Duo by the The Country Music Association in 2010, Best Country Music Video By A New Duo by Country Music Television and a 2012 ACM Award for Vocal Duo of the Year. Their second single, “Just By Being You (Halo and Wings),” became their second Top 30 hit. Their third single “Last Night Again” reached No. 24 on the country charts. Their self-titled album was released in January 2011 and it debuted in the Top 10 of the pop and country album charts, entering the charts at No. 7 and No. 3, respectively. No wonder then, that you're seeing Josh and Meghan on every "Whom To Watch" list in country music."

(Paul Worley has made an enormous contribution to the Nashville music scene, from early in his career as a session guitarist to his more recent role as producer / co-producer of the Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, and the Band Perry).

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Testimonial: Collings OM1C Pete Huttlinger Signature Model

Collings OM1C Pete Huttlinger Signature Model

Collings OM1C Pete Huttlinger Signature Model

Bill,

I've been meaning to write you for a month now. Life gets in the way!

Thanks for the excellent service on the Pete Huttlinger Collings. It's a fantastic guitar. I can't put it down. Pete is playing my place in May and I can't wait for him to break it in properly.

Meantime, here's a new vid of the guitar in action: http://www.youtube.com/user/jeffauen?feature=mhee

Thanks again. Looking forward to seeing you next time I'm in Nashville.

Jeff Auen / Baltimore Guitar School

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Testimonial: Santa Cruz 00 Skye

Santa Cruz 00 Skye

Santa Cruz 00 Skye - Reviewed:

Hi Adam,

Thank you very much for the prompt and careful shipping of the Skye 00 to Australia.  Being an owner of other Santa Cruz guitars, I was very confident in Richard Hoover and his team's level of craftsmanship to order this unplayed.  Needless to say, the attention to  detail and exquisite woods are outstanding.

As we all know, the "new guitar delivery" honeymoon can cloud our initial impressions and then looses its luster with time. I waited awhile before my review of The Skye 00, being my first true small body,  appears to have grown even better with time.

Initially, I was struck by the  beautiful appearance; I love the incredible straight grain of the Adirondack and the depth of colour of the Cocobolo, but still classically elegant.  It was really comfortable to hold and had an easy playability after I quickly adapted to the slightly wider neck.

I must admit that  I was however, not initially overwhelmed by the tone - good, clear but a little bright. I think the standard Elixirs 80/20 strings may have contributed to this impression.  After a change of strings to Eric's choice, and now having played it everyday since , I absolutely love the tone,  sustain, volume and most everything about it!

I think that their advertisement is apt, because it is the one I reach for first everyday and definitely is the one to keep.   Thank you Adam for organising this, and thank you Richard for developing this with Eric Skye.

Cheers,

QD / Australia

Testimonial: Carr Slant 6V

Carr Slant 6V

Carr Slant 6V

Dear Adam,

Thank you so much!  My Carr arrived today and it is better then I could have imagined in the short time playing tonight I could feel why this amp is so respected and loved.  I truly appreciate the high level of customer service I received from you and your team... I look forward to doing business with your company again!

Take care - Peace

BW / Centerport, NY

Each Carr Amplifier Contains:

  • 100% point to point hand wiring
  • Custom wound interleaved paper bobbin transformers
  • Polypropylene filter caps
  • Mallory 150 series tone caps
  • Carbon composition resistors
  • High-end Canare shielded cable
  • Hospital grade power cords
  • 12 gauge aluminum chassis
  • Dovetailed pine cabinets built in-house
  • Analysis Plus Clear Oval speaker wire
  • Hand-made leather handles
  • Peerless customer support
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Astounding tone!
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