LeftyBassist.com

Mods, if this breaks forum rules, I am sorry and please delete it.

I tried to get my G&L JB-5 through my local dealer. They obviously didn't pursue it because they made one call. After giving the dealer two weeks, I searched for a dealer and found Steilberg. The first time I called them and told them what I wanted, they set to it and had an answer from G&L by the next day.

https://www.stringinstruments.com

The owner is a luthier who started in his garage and wound up with a nice little shop. I had a chance to talk to Jim Steilberg, and he was so cool. He told me his story, and we talked about the construction of G&Ls.

And they were so easy to work with. Thorough too. Before he shipped, Jim called to ask what I'd like with the setup so that it would be optimized for the way I play. I have never worked with a dealer so accommodating and friendly.

I've ordered two G&Ls from UpFront Guitars here in Massachusetts. One order went smoothly, and the other was bollocksed badly by G&L. UpFront hounded G&L until they made it right, and the end result was pretty damn gorgeous (even though it took 11 months!). This was when the Custom Shop first opened.

UpFront is a family business: husband, wife, and son. The shop is in the basement of their house out in the country, down the hall from their rehearsal space. Visiting is a pleasure. They offer coffee and talk bands and gear. I brought my young kids once and everyone was super charming and friendly.

Another cool thing about UpFront is that they will sell your instruments on commission, and will apply 100% of the net sale price towards anything they sell. Both of my G&L orders were funded in part by trade ins. In one case, I had a Warwick that I couldn't move at $650, and they ended up getting $1,000 for it, with $900 and change applied to my SB-2 order.

These posts don’t break any rules and are great. It’s always nice to hear about people having good experiences with getting gear.

Thanks, Andrew.

It's more important than ever to direct biz towards the Mom & Pops.