Vega No 2 Open Back Banjo

There are not many feelings better than heading down to the 12th Fret with a pocketful of cash looking to buy (another) guitar. Although the store was fairly busy the staff were fantastic in offering help and advice. As I sat and auditioned ten or fifteen guitars no staff member passed by without asking if I needed help. Every question was answered with expertise. There was absolutely no sales pressure – take your time get the guitar that is right for you was the philosophy.  Thanks Grant, Brian and Mike for sharing your knowledge and sage advice.
Finally, there is no better feeling than heading home from the 12th fret with a brand new Taylor 714ce professionally set up and ready to rock ‘n roll.
Thank you all

Gord Brady
(The Brady Brothers)
Bobcaygeon (Hip Town)

I have had this guitar back over a week and I am still ecstatic over what a great job Jay did with that humble Classic Vibe Strat!

After you guys put that Lollar CC pickup in the neck of my tele, I couldn’t find a telecaster style bridge pickup which matched up closely enough with it for my taste while still fitting in a conventional telecaster bridge. So Lollar wound three balanced output CC tele neck style pickup and I bought a CV Strat in order to have something to try them out in.

It was a total experiment. The CV strat had had its fret edges beveled just a little deep and there was some playing room lost on the fret. I asked the fellow who helped me (Scott?), if he could put a new nut in with a bit tighter string spacing to compensate for the loss of playing space and he assured me that he could and we left it at that.

Now as things turned out Jay was the fellow who ended up working on the guitar. Now in a mediocre place when a different fellow works on your instrument than the fellow you talked to, something usually gets lost in the translation. But I’ll have you know, that thing plays fantastic now. The before and after with a new nut and set up was really striking. Way beyond expectations! I had assumed that I would check out how the pickups sounded and change out the neck to a Warmoth or something, once I determined whether it was worth it or not. This guitar is remaining intact now.

I have owned a lot of instruments, have taken guitar building courses and put guitars together myself. Twelfth Fret’s work really is on a different level than other places in this city and it is not only the technical ability but taking the time to understand clearly what the customer wants and treating even less expensive instrument with care.

I couldn’t be happier. This set up has taken this guitar to a different level now. I have a totally unique instrument that can effectively go from playing thick George Benson single-note jazz lines to Dire Straits approved ‘quack’ with the flick of a 5-way switch!

Hi Grant.  You have no idea who I am but I was some schmuck that came into your (old location?) store and bought a D28 for my 40th. That was almost 20 years ago and as I have moved round the world I finally decided to take formal lessons rather than rest on my “lyin eyes” “streets of London laurels”!  Currently in South africa but I remember when you served me and I had NO idea what to look for in an acoustic – you said “see which one you like” – but as I didn’t play, I had no clue! Please keep that same patience and gentle guidance that served me well all these years ago and never get too too serious.  Good luck with the store. My sincere best wishes!

Now that I’ve had it (Manzer 1980) for 24 hours all I can say is WOW! I took it in to my local L&M to order a new case for it and the guys were literally lined up to see and try it out. Also some patrons came over hearing there was a Linda Manzer in the store.  Anyway, I do not regret the investment. Out of the 14 hours of ownership…. I’ve played for at least 10 and showed it off for 2. I think my Taylor 914ce will be looking for a new home. No comparison.

Thanks for everything.

“Good news, received the Guild Starfire III today.  Exceptionally pleased with the instrument and the condition of the case. Absolutely beautiful setup on the guitar. Can’t fault it in any way.  Have enclosed one of our posters for you to have a look at. We are professional players of 20 years or so. Thanks to you and your staff for your assistance! ” – Trevor Miners (& Margaret Barrat BACKTRAKKIN’) 

I want to send you this happy mail and thank you for your help and patience. The Saratoga is ringing and plinging and has accepted me as her user. My fingerpicking is improving and I am happy in every way. 

Next year I will buy a  good open back banjo and I mean to buy it from you. I don’t find the Saratoga to be ideal for claw hammer so we must look into the matter. Maybe a fine  top end instrument already used and treated with songs? Greetings from Norway!