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| HOME | CUSTOM GUITARS | UPGRADES | ON SALE & READY TO SHIP | ENTER THE VOODOO LOUNGE | GALLERY | ||
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Only the Best!
Ordering Information and
~ and ~
Frequently Asked Questions
~ What is Pat's Guitars?~
Pat's Guitars is an Internet-based business, registered with (and located in) the State of Washington. Pat's Guitars provides comprehensive services, from sales of fine used and vintage stringed instruments, to simple repairs and upgrades, to complete vintage restorations, to custom guitar building. Explore this web site, especially the galleries of images and the many pages showing recently sold guitars, to see some examples of the vast range of Pat's Guitars sales and service.
1. How do I place an order?
The first step is to send me an email. Let me know what you'd like to purchase and your preferred method of payment (payment methods are discussed below). I'll confirm the total with shipping, and as soon as your payment is received, the item is yours.
Please visit the Custom Guitars page for additional information about ordering a made-to-order guitar.
2. What methods of payment do you accept?
At the present time, I accept bank checks, money orders, money transfers, bank-to-bank wire transfers, and even personal checks (with a brief holding period). I am no longer accepting credit card payments or PayPal (sorry, but "cash and carry" helps keep prices low). I'll gladly answer questions and provide further instructions about possible payment methods if you will kindly contact me directly.
3. Do you offer financing?
No, I am not a financial institution.
4. Do you ship outside the USA?
YES. I ship to customers all over the world.
5. What methods of shipping do you offer?
Most shipments from Pat's Guitars to USA addresses are sent via fully insured Federal Express Ground, and the rate for most guitars in a hard shell case is $75. I'll be happy to ship by faster FedEx methods, and/or to add special delivery options, and the rate will be higher. I can ship by United Parcel Service if you prefer, but rates will be higher, and I have found Federal Express is (overall) the most predictable, safe, and reliable private carrier.
Shipments to APO, Alaska, and Hawaii addresses are sent via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
My preferred method for international shipments is Federal Express International Economy. I am also willing to ship internationally using United States Postal Service. USPS is less expensive than FedEx, but I consider FedEx to be a much better value because of FedEx's superior safety, speed, and online tracking. USPS also now enforces insurance limits and size restrictions that often make shipping guitars risky or (often) even completely impossible.
6. Do you accept trade-ins?
I will often be happy to allow credit for quality trades toward guitars that you see for sale here. Please understand before contacting me that I probably can't offer you as much as you may be able to get for your guitar or amp if you sell it yourself; you are often better off doing that. In order for me to evaluate your trade, I'd like as much information as possible. A couple of clear photos will be very helpful. Also provide a complete description of the guitar's condition with a detailed explanation of all wear and damage. Does it have the original case, papers and accessories? Let me know the serial number of the guitar or amp so that I can verify the year of manufacture and find the correct value. Once I have this information, I'll tell you how much (if anything) I can allow in trade.
7. Do you allow returns?
I don't send my guitars "on approval," my sales are final. But I stand behind my products and if there is any problem with the guitar on arrival, I want to know about it right away and make it right. I've never felt any need to have a return option because my customers have never wanted to return their purchases from Pat's Guitars.
8. Who plays your guitars? Can you furnish references?
Guitars that I have built and sold are in use today by professional musicians on stages and studios on every continent.
Here's a photo of Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, playing a 1978 Fender Telecaster Custom that I restored. The photo was taken at a solo benefit performance in Seattle's Showbox Theatre on May 14, 2004 -- the very first time he played the guitar in front of an audience. The guitar was later used extensively on Pearl Jam's "Vote For Change Tour" and was also seen on the Sundance TV Network broadcast of the Washington D.C. performance.
A few thoughts about the Internet "Forums" --If you search the Internet, you may find guitar chat rooms where people who have never touched one of my guitars engage in uninformed idle speculation (some of which is actually "planted" by envious competitors). Common themes include "you could build it yourself for less" (which is like saying a steak dinner prepared by a great chef in a fine restaurant is overpriced, simply because it is more expensive than raw meat at the grocery store ... think about it).
I don't have the time or inclination to monitor the chat rooms and respond to every discussion that may arise among people who have far too much free time in their lives. Instead I ask my customers to consider the comments of people who have actually played my instruments. It is through the delighted recommendations of my real life customers that Pat's Guitars continues to grow and flourish, year in and year out. In any event, if anything about Internet sales gives you pause, please let me know, and we can discuss your concerns.
9. I live near you in Seattle. Do you have a store that I may visit? May I pick up my guitar in person to save on shipping?
I do not operate a "bricks and mortar" retail store front. I will happily arrange a meeting with any buyer at a mutually convenient time (during business hours) at my local Starbucks Coffee shop, to hand deliver your purchase and save you the expense of shipping. Washington residents will pay the in-state sales tax, currently at 8.4%.
10. Help! I have other questions.
Contact me:
