FAQs & Fine Print
Q: Who are you?
Q: But, but, but...
A: The proof's in the pudding. I should hope there's a reason folks have been driving up and out of their way to visit me aside from the useful psychiatric benefits of shop-talk about curious old instruments. I like both reasons, by the way!
Q: Are the instruments you sell playable?
A: Totally! Believe me -- I know how underwhelming it can be to visit a shop to try neat old guitars out and have them play... horribly! Mine don't. All instruments for sale have been repaired and setup for fast action unless otherwise noted in their listing information. I also do further setup adjustments before things ship or go home before a sale. This means that they play to the best of their ability and conform within expected tolerances (or better) of a properly-setup instrument. Action is low and easy, necks are straight, and necessary repairs have been done. Standard action height for guitars at the 12th fret (fret top to string bottom) is 3/32" E&A and 1/16" DGB&E, 5-string banjos have 1/16" or slightly higher standard (depending on string type), and tenor guitars/banjos, ukes and mandolin-family instruments have 1/16" standard. Classical guitars are setup for 3/32" standard. Adjustments can be made to taste.
Q: How should I pay for an instrument?
A: The inventory page has "Add to Cart" buttons that open an online shopping cart. This is secure and run via PayPal, though you don't need PayPal to use it (there's a Guest checkout option). This allows all varieties of credit cards, direct bank "e-checks," debit cards, and whatnot to be used online. If we've agreed on a different price or additional, unlisted purchases need to be made at the same time, I can send an online invoice using the same system. Easy-peasy. I also take checks and money orders which can be written to Jake Wildwood and posted to the address on the contact page.
Q: How do I pay for repair work?
A: The same options as in the above question (via PayPal invoice/cart to email, check, or money order).
Q: How much is shipping?
A: I include shipping in my listed prices but they're for the United States only. Figure that a guitar listed at "$300 shipped" really means "$250+$50" shipped. International sales may need an adjusted quote. On more expensive instruments I can often work overseas shipping into the price, though.
Q: How long does it take to ship?
A: This depends, but usually 1-3 days. I'm only one person and I often make minor setup adjustments to instruments before shipping if needed. After the instrument is delivered to the carrier, it's entirely in their hands. I generally ship USPS Priority or UPS Ground depending on postal zones.
Q: Can I try instruments out in-store?
A: Of course! They're at our family's brick and mortar shop located one mile south of Rochester, VT on Route 100 in the "big red building" called The Wildwood Flower (yes, the Carter Family song).
Q: What are your hours?
A: You can find them on the contact info page.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Returns are accepted. If you need to return your instrument for any reason ("I just don't like it, it doesn't work for me, etc."), I accept returns that are posted back to me within 3-days' trial time. When the item is safely back, I will refund the purchase price minus my shipping expenses. Buyer pays return shipping fee but I don't expect rocket-fast service. As long as it's packed well, feel free to ship it slow-boat.
Q: What if the item arrives in a condition not disclosed in the listing?
A: I'm sorry! If this happens whether it be due to shipping damage, setup change during shipping, or oversight on my part in the listing, the buyer will be refunded in full upon return.
Q: Can we trade? Will you accept a lower offer?
A: Offers are considered and trades may be a possibility! I mostly can't do trading on consigned instruments but I can probably do trading on instruments that are listed as owned by me. Keep in mind that I really can't give you full retail value of your instrument, but I try to offer very fair pricing on trades.
Q: Can you help me date or identify an instrument?
A: I can sure-as-heck try to help you out. Send an email or give me a buzz. Give me a buzz, especially, if I haven't responded to your email. I get a lot of this variety of question and can get buried in them from time to time.
Q: Are you accepting consignments?
A: As of 3/7/19, the short answer is yes, but it will take a long while to get to them unless they only need minor work. I currently have an insane backlog that I need to get through. If you're wanting me to re-sell an instrument you purchased from me, however -- by all means -- please send it back for resale, no questions asked.
Q: Are you accepting consignments?
A: As of 3/7/19, the short answer is yes, but it will take a long while to get to them unless they only need minor work. I currently have an insane backlog that I need to get through. If you're wanting me to re-sell an instrument you purchased from me, however -- by all means -- please send it back for resale, no questions asked.
Q: What is your consignment rate?
A: I now do a flat rate of 20% after fees (shipping, credit card fees, advert fees if applicable) are taken-out. I charge either consignment or repair cost, whichever is higher, for the specific instrument -- but not both. That allows me to take on oddball projects.
Q: What kind of instruments will you consign?
A: As of 3/7/19, I'm only taking fretted (or fretless plucked), vintage instruments. That means 1989 or earlier, unless the particular instrument is of extreme interest. I mostly work on instruments from the 1800s through the 1970s and those are what my buyers are looking for. I am no longer consigning bowed instruments, accordions, brass, keyboards, accessories, or amplifiers, except under duress.
Q: What kind of instruments will you consign?
A: As of 3/7/19, I'm only taking fretted (or fretless plucked), vintage instruments. That means 1989 or earlier, unless the particular instrument is of extreme interest. I mostly work on instruments from the 1800s through the 1970s and those are what my buyers are looking for. I am no longer consigning bowed instruments, accordions, brass, keyboards, accessories, or amplifiers, except under duress.
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