Purchase Policy
Due to the length of my waiting list, I am no longer accepting deposits for new commissions until further notice. However, occasionally one of my instruments becomes available for resale, which I often broker myself. All my pre-owned guitars are completely reconditioned and carry my full warranty. If you are interested in a pre-owned guitar, please feel free to contact me.
I make a limited number of guitars each year and the waiting period is approximately fifteen years. The current base price is $15,800 (Jan. 2010), which includes Waverly tuners and a high quality hardshell case.
My basic model has either a spruce (European or Engelmann) or cedar top; East Indian rosewood or European maple back and sides; Spanish cedar or Honduras mahogany neck; ebony fingerboard; rosewood bridge; and a mosaic, spalted, or natural wood rosette. String scales are usually 65CM, 65.5CM, or 66CM; string spacings are 43MM at the nut and 57MM at the saddle, although other scales and spacings can be accommodated. Necks are Spanish heel construction and are shaped according to the customer's preference. All instruments are French polished. Instruments of Brazilian or African blackwood rosewood cost an additional $3,000, part of which will be donated to support responsible forest management. Instruments with a carved rosette or having more than six strings cost an additional 10% per feature. Cutaways are 20% additional; and the removable fingerboard extension option costs $500 additional. Rodgers, Alessi, or Graf tuners and custom cases are priced additionally at the time of purchase, as are special materials, custom work, and electronics.
All transactions must be in U.S. funds or equivalent, cash, money order, or certified bank draft. Final satisfaction of CITES or any other necessary export/import regulations are the responsibility of the owner.
Warranty
My instruments are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for my life as an active luthier. I will not cover damage due to fair wear and tear, abuse, neglect, extremes of temperature or humidity, or natural disaster. Nor can I be responsible for the tendency of Brazilian rosewood occasionally to develop hairline fractures despite decades of proper seasoning.
Periodic maintenance is the responsibility of the owner and is a condition of warranty. Appropriate care accessories are included in the purchase of each instrument. Repairs or alterations performed by someone other than me risk cancellation of this warranty. Transportation expenses are the responsibility of the owner.
Returns
After fifteen days of receipt, if an instrument proves unsuited to the player, it can be returned for the purchase price, less the original deposit. If not in new condition, the cost of restoration will also be deducted. Reimbursement will follow immediately upon resale of the instrument.
