Testimonials

 

Jim and Neal, I just wanted to thank you for getting my Deering Vega Senator banjo for me. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now and I love it. It’s a beautiful instrument and easy to play. I bought my first banjo, a Deering Goodtime banjo from you several years ago and still enjoy playing it. I’ve also bought a Taylor 322e 12 fret and an Eastman MD 315 mandolin from you. Your helpful staff and expert service is the best. The next time I get back to Louisville I’ll try to stop by and say hello.

You guys are the best!

Robert B.

 

Hello!  We just wanted to let you know the Maton guitar we ordered from you arrived in perfect condition yesterday and our son is thrilled!  Thank you for your wonderful service and detail to attention with the guitar.Have a great weekend,

The H. Family

Hi Neal, I received the Taylor this morning around ten till nine. Not even a mark on the box. Case is nice and the guitar is beautiful. Really pleased! Thank you so much. I'll enjoy it forever. Well worth the wait. Hope I wasn't too much of a pain.If ever your store needs a recommendation tell them talk to me.Nice dealing with you folks.

Regards Sam.

 

 Hi Jim & Neal,    I picked up the order yesterday and am extremely impressed. It sounds good, feels good, looks good. All the qualities one would look for. Thanks for all your help. I look forward to using Steilberg String Instruments in the future. 

Jim S Chesapeake, VA

 

Hi Jim, Neal Just wanted to tell y'all that the mandolin got here to washington state yesterday, safe and sound and in tune! Thanks for taking such good care of it. Can't wait to try it and really learn some stuff besides limehouse blues

Thanks again!

Rob M.

 

My husband and I visited your store last Saturday for the first time and it was well worth the drive from Cincinnati. Your store and, I forgot my salesmans name, maybe Sean?, was a great experience. Very knowledgeable and patient and you have an amazing selection of beautiful instruments...something for everyone. I am extremely pleased with my purchase of the Eastman mandolin and will be sure to tell everyone of my experience with you. Thank you so very much!

 

Neal, I'm just letting you know that the Eastman 910 arrived, and I am beyond ecstatic at it!  Best guitar I've ever played, let alone owned, and I can't wait to take it out on some jazz gigs later this month.Thanks again for all the help; you've got a great shop.

best, Paul

 

I wanted to let you know that I chose to purchase from your store because even though I've never been there in person , my phone conversation with Mr. Jim Steilberg is what sold me. He really took time to talk with me about the amp. Very friendly, knowledgeable, kind and courteous. Pleasantly enjoyed speaking with him.

Kirk S

Baton Rouge La.

 

I cannot get over the sound I get from this instrument--it is so enjoyable to play. My practice time has doubled as have my expectations of becoming a better banjo player. Increased confidence and the desire to improve keep me picking more and more. Thanks Neal. Carl

 

Hi Neal and Jim,My wife and I gave the guitar to our son last night and he simply loves it.  Who wouldn't?  I have been making sure it "works OK" since it arrived and I'll be sorry to see it go . . .What kind of strings did you put on it anyway?  They sound great.Thanks for all the help.

Greg C

Jim,

Thanks so much for getting right to my Bourgeois LC Slope D. You have gotten it back into once again being my all-purpose guitar. It plays now like I remember it, and it will open up soon as I spend more time with it again. Thank you, my friend.

Curt J in Louisville, KY

 

Neal, thanks for all the time you took with my wife and I last Saturday. Your knowledge about the Taylors was very helpful. My new Taylor 456ce Ltd sounds and plays great.

Don H in Cincinnati, OH

 

I just wanted to say this guitar is everything you said it was and really more than I expected. I love playing my TELE but at times I felt something was missing in the way of tone. This guitar has everything, the playability of the Tele and that extra something that I sought. Thank you again for your help and patience in getting this very stellar guitar. I wish you all the best.

Dean R in VA

 

Dear Jim, I wanted to say thanks for your care with instruments and great service. I received the Ibanez PM-35 this morning and was pleasantly surprised. It's in better condition than expected, is well set up and very playable, and has just the sound I was looking for. I enjoyed talking to you over the phone, am impressed with your service, and I will recommend you to my friends. Thanks again,

Terry B in FL

 

Jim and Neal,  I purchased this guitar (G&L ASAT Classic S) from you guys back in August of last year. It arrived with a great set up and intonation job and is a beautiful instrument, great fit and finish. I have since done some upgrades and changes which it didn't really "NEED" but I love to make a guitar "my own". I added Schaller deluxe locking tuners, a custom made pick guard, and a set of Joe Barden Nashville pickups with a Modern T in the bridge position. I have played guitar for over 30 years, and owned hundreds of guitars from nearly every manufacturer. I have custom made guitars from Gibson, Fender and PRS also, all Custom Shop built. This G&L is my ALL TIME FAVORITE GUITAR EVER. It plays like a dream, and can cover ANY sound I need, no more having to drag 4 or 5 guitars to a gig. You guys were so friendly and helpful and courteous, and I appreciate great service. Thanks Neal for the personal touch of writing on the ticket "Thanks Dave and Enjoy" Just wanted to say thanks for the great service and for offering fine quality instruments and service at a very fair price. I will gladly use your services in the future if need be, and I recommend you to fellow musicians and friends any chance I get, Thank You 

Sincerely Dave B, Indiana


Jim, I love the guitar (Custom Taylor 528e). It is beautiful looking, beautiful sounding, and so comfortable to play. Absolutely perfect set up. Thanks again for everything.
When I get my next instrument it will be thru you, your professionalism and personal attention means a lot.

Barry M in Goffstown, NH

JUST A A QUICK NOTE TO LET YOU BOTH KNOW I RECEIVED MY GUITAR (Furch D31SMA) YESTERDAY EARLY AFTERNOON (WEDS. JAN.22ND). I FOLLOWED YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO A "T" AND AFTER SLOWLY, MOVING MY GUITAR FROM A COOLER AREA, TO A SLIGHTLY WARM AREA, FINALLY TO A WARM ROOM. (THURS.JAN.23RD). JUST GOT THRU PLAYING IT FOR WELL OVER AN HOUR THIS AFTERNOON, IT SOUNDS GREAT! JIM AND NEAL, I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR WEBSITE AND DECIDED TO DO BUSINESS WITH STEILBERG STRING INSTRUMENTS. YOU BOTH REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO GUITARS. MANY THANKS, FOR A VERY PLEASANT EXPERIENCE AND SHOULD I DECIDE TO BUY ANOTHER GUITAR YOU'LL BE THE FIRST PEOPLE I WILL CALL!!

Richard G, MA


Oh my....... I'm thinking that I've never played a 'real' guitar (Taylor 714ce) before.
Wow, what a guitar!  Better than I'd hoped.
It sounds great even out of tune!
Thanks Jim and if I'm in Louisville I'll be sure to stop by.

Joe in Claremore, OK


Received mandolin (Breedlove FF) and two days later got the pick-up. Nice set up thanks. Will talk you up to my friends and when I get ready for my next instrument I'll check you out first. Richard.. Happy holidays!!

Richard A in Middleboro, MA

Hi Jim:  You did a great setup on my new GS Mini. Plays even better than the Taylor factory setup. Stopping by your store and trying the guitar you suggested was the best experience I have had in a long time. Fires me up about playing again. 

Lynn H

Hi Jimmy,

In our fast paced world sometimes we don't take the time to show appreciation for those special people who are going out of their way to help make our community and our world a better place. I was thinking about all of the years I have been shopping at your store and I immediately thought to myself “I am so very glad there is someone like you in Louisville.” I just want to send you this personal thank you to say I truly appreciate the work you're doing and I know there are many, many others who appreciate it too. 

Yours sincerely, Doug T in Louisville, KY


Neal, the amp (AER Basscube 2) arrived Tuesday.  I am very pleased with the sound - great amp and more compact than I thought (Have seen the Basic Performer in past and the BC2 is smaller).  Able to easily dial-in tone for the upright for different styles like trad jazz, latin jazz, bluegrass, old school country and rockabilly. 

Thanks again.

Craig R in Florida


Dear Jim and Neil, I am so amazed that this beautiful Deering Vega Olde Tyme Wonder Open Back Banjo belongs to me! The set up is so appreciated...your information helpful...and I am still wondering what that old woman from Maine said to you...! I is my good fortune to find your store....Thank you so very much. Jane Bethel, Maine

Hi Neal, the (used) Washburn 12-string was delivered in perfect condition yesterday. I find it to be a beautiful guitar with great playability and a tone I am happy with. I am really pleased with Steilberg’s representation of the instrument and your service.  I will certainly keep your store bookmarked for any future needs! 

Thanks again. 
Jim W, Montrose CO

Hi Neal, the Taylor (814ce) arrived this afternoon in perfect condition as usual. There is one problem though…..my other guitars are never going to get any more playing time! I love this guitar! It is everything I hoped it would be and more! Thank you so much for your help. The action is great, the neck is wide enough for finger style and yet it feels like my Strat when I play it with a pick. The strings bend like an electric almost ( and it has a 12 instead of a 10 for the high E ). I can play say..Pride and Joy on it and pull off all of the licks! Even the 12-15th fret pentatonics and double bends are cake! I can’t say enough about it. And man, looking down at that incredibly beautiful neck while playing is just heaven. This guitar is simply gorgeous in all respects. Thank Mr. Steilberg for me as well. You guys have a super shop over there and it has been nothing but a pleasure doing business with you. Have a great year! I’m going to try and show some restraint now, and with the Taylor, Stonebridge and Breedlove I’m really going to enjoy woodshedding the rest of the winter. I’ll be sure to drop your name when anyone asks about them. Three guitars purchased sight unseen and they ALL kick a$$, I am amazed. I was lucky to stumble upon your store looking for Breedloves.

Thank you all very much! Talk to you next time one of your “evil” emails hooks me! LOL!

PS – Operation “Sneak in the guitar on a weekday when the wife is at work” went off without a hitch! Thank you for waiting to ship until Friday!

Mark E in New Mexico

Hi Neal, the guitar (Stonebridge D22SRBGA) arrived in perfect condition. It looks, plays and SOUNDs wonderful. Thank you all so much! Have a Merry Christmas!

Mark E in New Mexico


Hello Neal, received the guitar (Heritage H535) today safe & sound no shipping damage unpacked and....it also took my breath away!!!! what a beautiful instrument I tuned it and played for 2 hours. A very easy instrument to play neck profile and action is good and it very close to the old Gretsch that I have. Thank you for the service.......some of my friends were skeptical about purchasing unseen and not able to play before purchase however your approach to service and attention to detail made me confident in doing the deal.

I love the Heritage story and it's nice to be playing something different other than the mass produced brand names that come out of China Japan & Korea,

I will not hesitate to recommend Steilberg String Instruments to any of my friends it was a pleasure to deal with you.

Thanks again Neal

Kind regards

Keith N in Sydney, Australia


Jim, just wanted you to know we received the Guitar (USA G&L ASAT Classic) today, and it is beautiful.  Love that Pick Guard it sets the guitar off..you guys were great to deal with. Scott (my grandson) will love it...

Thanks
Carrel H. in Tulsa OK


Jim, everything went well with the Transport and Flight of the Heritage. Im back home and enjoy this beautiful Instrument very much.  It feels great, the Neck is perfect and the Sound is just as i had it in mind!!  Thanks so much again, wishing u all the Best!

best regards

Jerome from Switzerland


Hi Neal and Jim, the guitar (Breedlove 000 SReH) arrived yesterday in perfect condition! The setup is great and it is a joy to play with that little body. The sound is awesome and the pickup really brings out the tone of the guitar. I already feel so comfortable with it I am going to play a gig with it tonight! Thank you so much for all of your help getting the guitar setup and shipped out to me! I am a workshop coordinator for the Nashville Songwriter Association’s New Mexico chapter and I will be sure to mention your establishment’s service at the next meeting when asked about my new guitar!

Have a great weekend!

Mark in New Mexico

Neal and Jim,   The Guitar (Washburn D10sce12) arrived last night after I arrived home from a business trip from Michigan.I was eagerly awaiting its arrival since I never bought anything like this on line. Well I sat down and played it for 2 1/2 hours. You folks did a nice job setting it up it played well and sounded Great.

Thanks for your help and advice!  

Mark in Florida


Jim and Neal, Wow! I just got the uke and it is AMAZING! I am thrilled with it, it is even nicer than I imagined. Thanks so much for finding and offering up this gem - ones like this just don't get made anymore nor come up used very often. You just made my holidays, so I hope yours are also merry and bright. And I wish much success and prosperity for Steilberg String Instruments in 2012.

With sincere excitement and gratitude,
Kenji in California


Neal,  I received the guitar (American G&L Baby Blue Comanche), it's great. Thanks for the great set up, just the way I like it.      

all the best,
Alex T   Washington,DC


Neal, just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that the mandolin arrived here in Wyoming yesterday in great shape.  Though I really thought I wanted to FF mandolin, I have to admit that this one has already grown on me and all thoughts of the sunburst finish have left.  It's simply beautiful and plays and sounds fantastic.  Thanks for spending the time with me on the phone.  You won't be getting this one back.  I'm in love!

It was great working with you.  And, again, thanks for all you did for me.

Helen R in Wyoming

 

Hi Neal, Mick. Guitar (Used Taylor CPSM Model) arrived today. All look good so far just like you mentioned. Will enjoy it for sure. Glad to do business with you guys. Though this is my first purchase from your company, you guys are very professional in helping me decide on an instrument that I can neither see or hear. I should say I am a very satisfied customer. My heart-felt thanks goes out to you. Keep up the good work. God bless.
John W (Singapore) 


Hi Neal, the (Used) Polytone Taurus Elite (amplifier) showed up yesterday.  Surprised that the thing is in mint condition, especially considering that the thing is 8 years old.  Wasn't expecting something in flawless condition.  Happy and glad that I made the purchase.  You guys sure know how to pack things well.
Bob R.
Elgin, IL

Neal, I received the Washburn (C124SW) guitar early Saturday. I have been playing it all day. The guitar has the best tone of any classical guitar that I have played. The  solid woods makes the difference. The action is perfect. It is a beautiful guitar. I am very happy with the purchase. Thanks for sending it so quickly.
Glen


Hey Guys, I just wanted to thank all of you for the best buying experience I've ever had. Jim taught me a great deal about woods vs. tone. Just so happens that the Taylor 510 is the perfect fit for me. Great tone (literally tickles my ribs!) and very fairly priced. I'll take good care of it and you can have regular visitation, if you want!!!
Thanks,
Duane
Louisville, KY


Hello, thank you for prompt courteous service. The guitar (Breedlove American D/SMe) is perfect. It came-in on Saturday morning, and I must say, it's everything I was hoping for. I will be in contact about ordering a model to my specs,  for sure! You guys are great, and I see why Breedlove offers their line to you.
Thanks again,
Ron in Vermont

Hey Mick, this is Brooks' son David. Just wanted to drop you a quick e-mail letting you know the guitar (Stonebridge 23CRG) arrived yesterday evening, and that I couldn't be more satisfied with it. The tone and colors are phenomenal, and the guitar's better looking than in the pictures. Everything about it either met or exceeded me and my father's expectations. Just wanted to thank you for all your help, and say it was a pleasure doing business with you.

Regards,
David T

Hi Jim/Mick
Just a quick note to let you know that the (Vega Senator) banjo arrived safely yesterday and I'm very happy with it. Thanks once again guys for your advice and steering me towards a truly wonderful instrument.  I'm sure we'll be talking again soon.
Cheers,
Neil from Australia

Mick, the mandolin is everything you said it was. Neil was very helpful and greatly appreciate his kindness and patience. I recommend your shop to all my musician friends.  Thanks again

Clinton from WV


Jim and Gang,

Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and good fortune in the New Year! It is a white Christmas here in Northeast Washington and quiet here in the early morning hours.

I have been wanting to drop you a note regarding the Taylor custom all-mahogany GA that Suzanne bought for me in August. Every time I pick it up I am drawn into its mellow, beautiful tone. Chords have depth and balance that I have seldom heard on any guitar. The setup was perfect for me right out of the case and Taylor's workmanship is first class. I see that you have two more all-mahogany guitars on your website now. I am please to know that two more lucky individuals will have a chance to appreciate these beautiful instruments. I bet that GS with the florentine cutaway is just dynamite! As owner of the first mahogany GA that "sold lickety-split," I bet the new additions won't stay in the shop long. At least you had time to take a few pictures and, I hope, to enjoy playing these guitars a little before they are sold.

Suzanne and I hope to see you next time we are in Louisville (probably in the spring). Until then, take care and keep selling those fine musical instruments.

Dennis in Cheney, WA


Mick & Neil, My Eagle II is awesome! Last night I put the banjo case in bed with the covers pulled up over part of it with my arm around the case. My wife came into the room, and exclaimed "good grief, is that thing taking my place?" I've learned several songs by ear in which it plays like a dream. Thanks to both of you for all of your help. Please tell your dad thanks too since he initially got me turned on to Deering banjos. See you soon, and Merry Christmas! David

Dear Jim, Mick, Neil, and the whole Steilberg team,



Wanted to just write and thank you so very much for the wonderful Taylor 12-fret and for all your graciousness in handling my purchase so carefully and helpfully.

This guitar is absolutely fantastic - perfect for me, for my size, great to play, beautiful sound, and I love it!

THANK YOU.

Janet

I just wanted you to know that I love my new dulcimer that I recently purchased from you. Thank you very much for giving me your attention and help in acquiring the dulcimer. Our local group plays a lot and after using a smaller one, this one is wonderful. Thanks again, Marlene


Hey Mick,

Your description of this guitar (R. Taylor Style 2 Brazilian Rosewood) was right on.  It's very 3D in tone, louder than expected and just flat out amazing sounding!

Thanks to you and your dad!

Derek

Hey Mick. Guitar [Heritage H-150] arrived ok and is set just how I like it. Thank you for doing business with the army.
Jake S.
USA Army Band 

Hi Mick and Jim. Just wanted you to know that the guitar (Alhambra 9P) arrived safe and sound and is everything you said it would be. I just love it. Thanks again for all your time and help. I couldn't be more pleased.

Paul N in New York

I purchased this guitar from you guys back in August of last year. It arrived with a great set up and intonation job and is a beautiful instrument, great fit and finish. I have since done some upgrades and changes which it didn't really "NEED" but I love to make a guitar "my own". I added Schaller deluxe locking tuners, a custom made pick guard, and a set of Joe Barden Nashville pickups with a Modern T in the bridge position. I have played guitar for over 30 years, and owned hundreds of guitars from nearly every manufacturer. I have custom made guitars from Gibson, Fender and PRS also, all Custom Shop built. This G&L is my ALL TIME FAVORITE GUITAR EVER. It plays like a dream, and can cover ANY sound I need, no more having to drag 4 or 5 guitars to a gig. You guys were so friendly and helpful and courteous, and I appreciate great service. Thanks Neal for the personal touch of writing on the ticket "Thanks Dave and Enjoy" Just wanted to say thanks for the great service and for offering fine quality instruments and service at a very fair price. I will gladly use your services in the future if need be, and I recommend you to fellow musicians and friends any chance I get, Thank You Sincerely Dave B, Indiana

I wanted to let you know that I chose to purchase from your store because even though I've never been there in person , my phone conversation with Mr. Jim Steilberg is what sold me. He really took time to talk with me about the amp. Very friendly, knowledgeable, kind and courteous. Pleasantly enjoyed speaking with him.

Kirk S, LA