Wizard
I bought some parts from StewMac recently, as I reported in a different thread.
The service was fine, the prices were good ... but I was a little disappointed with some parts being different than what I expected.
I wasn't over-excited with the pickguard I bought from them.
Dimensions were slightly off - the bridge indent is slightly too small and will need filing away to be usable.
I did notice, on more careful analysis, that their components were of a different calibre to Acme Guitar works.
e.g. Acme sells CTS pots, StewMac doesn't
So ... for my next order I decided to go with Acme.
I just got an e-mail from them.
They had carefully analysed my order & noticed that the white pearloid of the backplate I had ordered was "aged white", and the pickguard was "bright white" and thus didn't match.
Was I sure that this is what I wanted?
They also wanted to point out that the pickguard wasn't shielded and wanted to confirm I was happy with this.
e-mail addressed to me ... and signed by "George" ... with an apology that they had taken so long to respond (2 days)
Now ... I am impressed with that service !!
Gearhead
After receiving my Stewmac order three years ago I was pleasantly surprised by the service level and quality. The flame maple cap I bought from them has really really nice flame and the new nut fitted perfectly and sounds great. The best thing however was the ruler - I was happy with the first one even after they sent me a notice that due to some production error a batch of rulers had not been as straight as advertised and they were sending a new one. It turned out to be a small problem clearing with customs that I was receiving the second ruler without having been sent an invoice, but the first one still makes me happy every time I use it.
aubs1
I have had many pleasant and excellent service from the US and UK.......however........
I ordered a set of Kinman Woodstock Plus pups about a month ago. We had a slight problem with the wire transfer.....they got paid 25Euro less by the transferring bank........long story short, I sent them my CC details........sorted........I wait a week, they send me an email to let me know my order is ready to dispatch, however, my address is incomplete..........BS..........they've had that info right from the beginning.........so I correct that again, and send them an email (with all the detais again) to confirm that they've got it from my original info sheet. It's almost 2 weeks later now, I'm still waiting to hear from them.........
So.......I wait.........and wait..........and wait...........still no pups..........will let you know when I eventually get them...........
AlanRatcliffe
I've had good results ordering from all of them. Kinman usually takes 3 - 5 days and Chris was very helpful when UPS lost a set of pickups and then routed the second set via the US. Stewmac were excellent when I had problems with two successive sets of Sperzel tuners, replacing them no questions asked.
AlanRatcliffe
Oh yeah - Stewmac isn't the best for everything (especially electronics). Pickguards do vary and things don't always line up perfectly - even if you buy a Fender pickguard for a Fender guitar.
killafo
Talking about good service. I got in contact with Andrew from Music Connection, and the service was superb !!!
I was looking for some speed knobs for my Epiphone and i sent him a picture to verify that they had the right ones. Once he confirmed, i ordered them and got them 2 days later. Really, really awesome!!!
[deleted]
I do most of my shopping online, never had a bad experience.
amongst those that I have used are fatsoundguitars, proguitarshop, stewmac, elderly, notableguitars, callaham, rs guitarworks (all that comes to mind) never had a problem.
A couple of years back 2 Shure mics from Elderly never arrived, told them and they sent two new ones free of charge, no questions asked... impressive eh 8)
Would never get that right is SA!!
aubs1
Well...well.....well...........first thing this am. I get a notification from Kinman, my pups have shipped, will be here in 4-5 days!!!
Alan Ratcliffe wrote
I've had good results ordering from all of them. Kinman usually takes 3 - 5 days and Chris was very helpful when UPS lost a set of pickups and then routed the second set via the US. Stewmac were excellent when I had problems with two successive sets of Sperzel tuners, replacing them no questions asked.
They do however have a notice on their order site....."Out of stock items may take up to 35 days to ship"...........how many items do they stock????
AlanRatcliffe
I think that they have to rely on an outside manufacturer/supplier for things like the mu-metal shield, so that's probably there to cover their butts in case of a supply problem.
singemonkey
I bought a couple of things from stewmac that arrived safe and sound. But is it my imagination or is shipping more expensive than it used to be? It's hardly worth buying anything under $300 now with the large amounts you spend on postage.
My only problem - which isn't really stemac's fault - is the fraughtness of ordering tuners for the uninitiated. It turned out the self-locking Grovers I ordered don't quite fit the screw-holes on a Gibson. Furthermore, the capstans on these suckers are really high, reducing the string break angle over the nut and looking slightly odd (my headstock's become a bit of a pasta fork). It's all a bit strange.
I wish these people would provide some kind of compatability list for tuners - because I've torn my hair out trying to figure it. If I'd known they weren't a perfect fit, I would have bought Sperzels and gone the whole hog.
aubs1
Ok, so I got the tracking number from Kinman, did a tracking check with DHL-Express and discovered my PUPs were cleared at JHB (ORT) Airport this afternoon, so I am expecting my a little parcel on my desk 2morrow!!! Wowwie!!.......... ?
[deleted]
Aubs1 wrote
Ok, so I got the tracking number from Kinman, did a tracking check with DHL-Express and discovered my PUPs were cleared at JHB (ORT) Airport this afternoon, so I am expecting my a little parcel on my desk 2morrow!!! Wowwie!!.......... ?
They were totally worth the effort and time, Aubs!
aubs1
Stratisfear wrote
They were totally worth the effort and time, Aubs!
Absolutely...........!!! I am certainly over the moon about my Kinmans.
I now am the proud owner of a Strat that is "better" than the best Start I've ever owned........... ? ?
"Twas really awesome and a privilege having both you and Andrew Bryson over yesterday afternoon. When one is having so much fun, time just slips away so fast!!!!
MikeM
Guitarfetish - 2 thumbs down >☹
I've imported LOADS of things (Sometimes I wonder when I'll need a license) but jeez, parts missing from tuners, half of the things I ordered aren't here. Really disappointed
guitarboy2828
MikeM wrote
Guitarfetish - 2 thumbs down >☹
I've imported LOADS of things (Sometimes I wonder when I'll need a license) but jeez, parts missing from tuners, half of the things I ordered aren't here. Really disappointed
Aish, that's a bummer! How do these guys stay open with service like that?
