I purchased two Taylor Guitars in the summer and fall of 2011 from American Musical (http://www.americanmusical.com/). The first guitar was a Taylor SB1 ($1400) and the second a Taylor T3B ($2500). I have been playing for about a year and half. When I received them, they looked to be in good order, but I noticed a buzz in the sixth string. So after the holidays, I took the Taylor T3B to a local repair shop where it was determined there was a major problem with the frets and the neck being dried out. After further investigation, the Taylor T3B was made in 2009. It appears the guitar had been damaged from improper storage lacking humidity for several years. American Musical has done the following damage to me:
Sold a three year old guitar as being newDelivered a guitar with heat damage from there own storage center, which they admit as having problems. Charged full price despite age and condition for guitar. Denied me peace of mind about my guitar When I contacted them about this problem, I was emailed the following
On Fri, Feb 10 at 11:04 AM, wrote:
Gregory, I received a message from my Tech Support representative, John regarding returning the Taylor T3B50 for an exchange. Unfortunately, this item along with all stringed instruments of $2000 or more, have a 10-day return policy period. Any requests for exchange need to be made within that timeframe.in this case, the guitar has been in your possession since October 18. I will acknowledge that we have experienced some issues with the humidity level of our warehouse facility and these issues are being addressed but an exchange at this point will still end in you getting and instrument with issues concurrent with dry conditions.
I have spoken with our Taylor purchaser on your behalf and here is his response. Ryan, It appears Taylor has offered to do warranty work on the guitar. Knowing what I know about Taylors repair work, this is the route I would go if it were my guitar. I dont think Ive come across a better company regarding repair work. I have seen them warranty things that I would have never dreamed they would. Taylor will properly humidify the guitar for starters, and make sure it is returned to Gregory in the properly humidified state. It will end up being better than if he were to get another guitar that sat too long in our warehouse. I cant argue his point there; he is right about the warehouse. I would encourage him to pursue the Taylor warranty; hell end up with a better guitar-guaranteed. I suggest contacting Taylor immediately to make arrangements for warranty service. I know they will be happy to help you by providing a full inspection and service accordingly.
I have asked for American Musical to remedy the situation in one of the following ways:
Exchange my Taylor T3B for a new 2011 Taylor T3B, same model and design. Return guitar and Refund my money in fullDiscount guitar in consideration of damage and unit being three years oldI am working with Taylor Guitars directly to have the guitar repaired. $2,500 guitars are lifetime quality guitars and thankfully Taylor is sticking by their product and repairing it.
American Musical has fraudulently sold me a 3 year old damaged guitar as new for full retail price. Rather than taking responsibility for the damaged guitar and making it right, American Musical, has decided to deny my requests for equitable and reasonable terms. Furthermore, upon inspection of the Taylor SB1, it looks to have been subjected to similar conditions and in need of similar repair. I paid $1400 for that guitar.
I share this with you as a customer, that is a victim of fraud, on behalf of American Musical. If you choose to do business with them, beware!
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