CLEAR • PERSONAL • STRAIGHTFORWARD

Artistic Guitars Policies

Clear expectations for purchasing, payment, shipping, returns and transactions involving exceptional instruments.

Fine guitar from the Artistic Guitars collection

Questions? Talk to Me.

Buying an exceptional guitar should not feel like an anonymous internet transaction. If you're considering one of my guitars, call or email me. I'm happy to discuss the instrument, its condition, its history when known, and whether I think it fits what you're looking for.

480-299-3790 • TALK GUITARS →

International Shipping

International transactions are considered individually.

Artistic Guitars does not ship instruments containing Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) internationally.

For other international shipments, the buyer is responsible for applicable import duties, taxes, customs charges and local requirements. Certain other woods, materials or instruments may be subject to CITES, customs or other import/export requirements and may not be eligible for international shipment.

Special Orders & Layaway

Special-order and custom-order instruments are final sale unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

A 20% deposit is required to place an instrument on layaway. Once the deposit is received, the instrument is removed from active marketing. Layaway deposits are non-refundable, and layaway purchases are final sale.

The normal layaway period is three months from the invoice date. If the remaining balance is not paid within that period, the instrument may be returned to active inventory.

For up to one year from the original deposit date, the deposit may be applied toward another non-layaway purchase from Artistic Guitars. After one year, no credit is issued.

Weather & Temperature

Extreme heat and cold can damage fine instruments and finishes. When weather conditions create an unnecessary risk, I may recommend delaying shipment after discussing it with you.

When receiving a guitar during cold weather, allow the unopened shipping carton adequate time to gradually reach room temperature before opening it. Rapid temperature changes can cause finish checking, particularly on nitrocellulose lacquer finishes.

Shipping Damage

Please inspect the shipping carton when your guitar arrives and do not discard the carton or packing materials until you have thoroughly inspected the instrument.

If an instrument is damaged during shipment from Artistic Guitars to the buyer, contact Artistic Guitars immediately. Photograph the shipping carton, packing materials, case and instrument, and retain all packing materials so that the appropriate shipping or insurance claim can be made. The normal discretionary-return restocking fee does not apply to an instrument damaged during shipment to the buyer.

If an instrument is damaged during an authorized return shipment to Artistic Guitars, the buyer remains responsible for the instrument until it is received and inspected by Artistic Guitars. A restocking fee, repair costs, loss in value, or other appropriate deductions may apply at the discretion of Artistic Guitars, depending upon the circumstances and condition of the returned instrument.

Please do not ship a damaged instrument back without first contacting me. Shipping claims need to be handled carefully and may require the original carton, packing materials and photographs.

Shipping Exceptional Instruments Carefully

Artistic Guitars normally ships via FedEx.

Whenever practical, I prefer to ship guitars on Monday or early in the week. This reduces the possibility of an instrument sitting in a carrier truck, terminal or warehouse over a weekend. I will confirm the shipping schedule with you before your guitar leaves Artistic Guitars.

Instruments are carefully packed, and I photograph the instrument and packing process before shipment. High-value shipments are insured or declared as appropriate and normally require a signature upon delivery.

Shipping charges are quoted separately unless the instrument listing or invoice specifically states that shipping is included.

Returning an Instrument

Many of the guitars offered by Artistic Guitars are rare, valuable, irreplaceable or one-of-a-kind instruments. I take extraordinary care when packing and shipping them and ask customers to exercise the same care if an instrument is returned.

Whenever possible, the original shipping carton and packing materials should be used for the return.

The buyer is responsible for the instrument until the authorized return is received and inspected by Artistic Guitars. If an instrument is damaged during an authorized return shipment, a restocking fee, repair costs, loss in value, or other appropriate deductions may apply at the discretion of Artistic Guitars, depending upon the circumstances and condition of the returned instrument.

Any change in condition, damage, missing documentation or missing accessories may affect the amount of the refund. Do not return an instrument without first contacting Artistic Guitars and receiving return instructions.

48-Hour Inspection & Return Policy

48-Hour Inspection Period

I want you to be happy with the instrument you purchase from Artistic Guitars. New and pre-owned instruments are eligible for a 48-hour inspection period, unless the listing or invoice specifically states otherwise. The 48-hour period begins upon documented delivery of the instrument.

If you decide to return an instrument for reasons of personal preference—including tone, feel, neck profile, appearance, or simply changing your mind—you must contact Artistic Guitars within the 48-hour inspection period and receive return authorization before shipping the instrument.

Discretionary Returns

The instrument must be returned in exactly the condition in which it was received, including the original case and all certificates, case candy, accessories, keys, tools and other included items.

A 10% restocking fee applies to discretionary returns. Original shipping charges are not refundable, and the buyer is responsible for properly packing, fully insuring and paying for return shipping.

If an instrument is materially different from its description or arrives damaged in transit from Artistic Guitars to the buyer, the normal discretionary-return restocking fee does not apply. Please contact Artistic Guitars immediately so the situation can be addressed appropriately.

TRANSACTION BASICS

Payment & Condition

PAYMENT

Cleared & Verified Before Shipment

Artistic Guitars currently accepts bank wire transfers and ACH payments, with payment instructions provided directly on your invoice. Credit-card payment is expected to be available in the future through a secure third-party payment processor.

For the protection of both the buyer and Artistic Guitars, all payments must be fully received, cleared and verified before an instrument is shipped. ACH payments may require several business days for final confirmation.

High-value credit-card transactions may be subject to additional identity, billing-address or fraud verification before shipment.

CONDITION

Accurate Representation

Listings use photographs of the actual instrument whenever identified as such and describe condition as accurately as possible. Known repairs, modifications or material condition issues are disclosed when applicable. Buyers are encouraged to ask any condition questions before purchase.

Personal Service. Clear Expectations.

Artistic Guitars specializes in exceptional, often rare and sometimes one-of-a-kind instruments. I personally handle each sale and encourage customers to ask questions before purchasing.

If you would like additional photographs, condition information, specifications, or simply want to talk about an instrument before making a decision, please call or email me.

Gary Thomas
Artistic Guitars
480-299-3790
gary@artisticguitars.com