|
|||||
|
|
Home | Courses | Sales | Ask Selina | Links | Contact | | ||||
|
Welcome Selina and I (Adrian), since joining the Internet revolution, have been fortunate in that we now have customers from around the world who choose to come to visit our web site to purchase guitars, cases and accessories. We are extremely happy that we are able to give our customers the friendly efficient service they need and are thrilled when they send e-mails like these shown below. Jane Muir. England Vicente Carrillo 1a Spruce. Dear Adrian, I have now had my guitar for two weeks and should like to say how very pleased I am - she's a beautiful instrument and an absolute delight to play. Thank you so much for your recommendation and advice when I called. I found Stafford Guitars through an internet search when I decided to buy a new guitar. Although I'd been playing since a child and had been involved in guitar orchestras, ensembles and societies for years, I had more or less given up playing when I moved out of London a few years ago. But I'm no longer commuting and I decided to take up playing again and join a local guitar orchestra. It was time to buy a new guitar. But I'd never bought a guitar for myself before, and had no idea which one would be suitable - both for ensemble playing and for the type of music I most enjoy (from the Baroque, Renaissance and Romantic eras). Some research was required and your web-site was by far the best I found. After speaking with you I had full confidence in accepting your recommendation and buying the Carrillo sight unseen. You clearly understood exactly what I was looking for - and you've delivered!! I'm delighted with her and very grateful for your excellent service. With all good wishes, Jane Muir Michael Livermore. England Vicente Carrillo 1a Cedar. Dear Adrian, A bit belated but we wanted to tell you how much we appreciated your help when we bought the Carillo the other week. We both felt as if we had attended a complete course on the playing and making and care of guitars! Not only was it invaluable but we really enjoyed the occasion and it is so nice to have such pleasant memories of buying our first really good guitar. It would have been impossible to have been given so much help and time in a normal guitar shop situation...and the fact that you are so much more concerned with finding the right guitar for your customer even if it means not making a sale - that must be unheard of these days. Also many thanks to Sandra for her excellent playing and patient disposition because more than anything it helped to really convince me that the Carillo was the one I wanted. As for the guitar - I can't tell you how pleased I am with it. It has completely revitalised my playing. The sound is so beautiful you feel you must invest more effort to sort out the weak the points in a piece... so I am paying so much more attention to them and hopefully improving. So...should we buy another guitar we will be back! It would be ridicuous to think of going elsewhere. Hopefully we will see you again on one of your guitar course later in the year. Thanks again, Glenna and Michael Livermore. Tim Edmondson. England Kevin Aram Spruce/Brazilian. Dear Adrian, I just have to let you know that my Kevin Aram guitar is absolutely wonderful! It is way beyond my expectations. This is the most beautiful guitar that I have ever seen, that I have ever held and that I have ever played. It is a masterpiece. The sound is absolutely beautiful. The volume and projection is prodigious. The bass strings are just amazingly powerful, and the beautiful trebles can be played like pistol shots or just as sweetly as I like. The "flying birds" rosette is stunning (it could hold place in any art gallery). And the brazilian rosewood (Cites 0108) is absolutely superb, so finely grained and almost black (it could almost be carbon fibre), - it is fundamental to the astonishing response. My very utmost thanks to you for directing my search to an Aram guitar, my very utmost thanks to Kevin Aram for making such an incredibly beautiful instrument and to Kevin's wife for the best rosette in the world. (I open the case and let the birds out every day, - and the song is absolutely beautiful)! My utmost thanks and very best wishes, Tim Edmondson. Alun Williams. England Kevin Aram Spruce/Brazilian. Hello Adrian, I am sending you a copy of the e-mail sent to Kevin Aram expressing my thanks for enabling me to purchase the guitar at relatively short notice, you will see from my comments below that I am absolutely delighted with her. When I got home and was able to study her in detail I was deeply impressed by all aspects of the design, craftsmanship and finish. The playability, something that was very important to me, is excellent, so responsive and clear. I also, want to thank you for your role in the process and especially for the help and advice during our discussion last Thursday. I learnt so much during the brief discussion that it has really whetted my appetite to attend your residential weekend. At present I cannot commit as Karen, my wife, is waiting for a date for knee surgery and she really fancies coming along. Although the guitar is still quite tight she is already far ahead of anything I have played previously and because she is so responsive this has led me to question my technique and prompted me to modify my approach to playing- previously I fear I was forcing too much, straining for projection and volume rather than concentrating on the subtleties of shade and tone which were qualities that Selina was able to readily demonstrate when she played for me. Overall, playing has become for more pleasurable and satisfying and I have only had her a week! I'm sure I shall attend one of your residentials if I can't make the next one- don't forget to let me know when you get the new humidifiers. All the best for now. Regards Alun Des Sines. England. Bernabe M5 Spruce. Hi there- many apologies for the delay in writing to you about the bernabe m5 I purchased a while ago - just to let you know I am very happy with my purchase - the m5 is the first all solid woods guitar I have bought and now with this there is no going back! - she delivers a real quality (and clarity) of tone that makes playing even the simplest pieces a very satisfying experience - she is great for baroque - esp' bach - and even renaissance - as well as spanish repertoire - she is very easy on both hands - and I needent have worried about any bass heaviness or dominance as she is all so well balanced - all in all a beautiful quality instrument - and the hiscox case is not just a beautiful luxury - it is so well protective - an essential buy - as in the past I have severely damaged 2 guitars through not keeping them in a good case - so this bernabe is in safe hands this time! - thanks also for your brilliant service -I shan't be going anywhere else for anything guitar wise - you guys are the best! - thanks again. yours sincerely Des Sines. Julie Howorth. England. Contreras C4 Spruce. Adrian, I found the Stafford Guitar web site about 12 months ago and have 'studied' its every page since. I am a returning guitarist, who played to a reasonable standard through the ABRSM grades back in 1985. For many reasons I stopped playing but lately wondered if I could retrain that once reasonable musical ear !! I found the website fascinating, and the help and advice from Adrian superb. I decided on the Contreras C4 as a student option, with the hope of it inviting me back to the hobby - it has certainly done that !! After only 6 weeks, its sound is developing as much as my skill returning. I wanted an instrument of clarity and beauty, but something not too expensive, incase my return was not all I hoped for. Adrian, my one problem is that I find it difficult to leave this guitar alone !! It has given me the confidence to both relearn solo pieces and indeed for me to venture towards a 'new' repertoire of 'reputable' pieces. It looks and sounds beautiful, leaving me wondering how 'perfect' a concert range instrument could actually become !! Thank you so much for your help at Stafford guitar, you are real professionals, with a true consideration of individual needs, whatever the skill of the artist. I had every confidence in your advice, and was very happy to purchase without even viewing or trying the instrument. I will be back, for certain, as I would never buy a guitar from any where else !! All the best for 2008. Julie Howorth Graham Wylie. Scotland. Michael Gee Spruce/Brazilian. Adrian, I have now been playing my Michael Gee guitar for ten days and have found as follows: Visually the instrument is striking, a vivid contrast of light spruce and dark rosewood set off by bands of red and white striped purfling delineating the form. In its use of pattern and strong contrasts the guitar seems to refer more to the tradition of northern european luthiers than to the mediterranean tradition. The oiled finish is reminiscent of the white of egg with which the tables of lutes were once finished. It produces a dull lustre which is restrained and uncontrived. All the beauties of the grain and colours of the woods are there to be appreciated unadorned. The guitar is of medium weight; heavier than the instruments of the pre Smallman era but not as heavy as current rigid bodied Australian guitars. The body moves more than its weight would suggest and the bass gives plenty of feedback into the pit of your stomach. The instrument is beautifully made and has a reassuringly stable feel as you hold it. The neck has a comfortable round section and a precise and fast action for most hands. The tone of the instrument is remarkable and unlike anything else I have heard. It is deceptively powerful without losing anything of its balance. It is rich, complex and beautifully rounded. Generally I find it slightly dark and secretive. It hints at its qualities and asks you to bring them out but it does not advertise itself. This is an guitar which needs to be negotiated with; trying to force it isn't going to work. The quality of the tone is evenly distributed across the whole range. The middle register, which I have found can often sound dead, really sings on this guitar. The bass has tremendous sonority and sustain. The treble maintains the roundness and complexity of the tone and will no doubt widen out over time. The instrument is very sensitive to changes in dynamics; small movements of the right hand relative to the sound hole produce quite startling differences. Overall therefore, this is an instrument which offers the player the possibility of a long, rewarding and intriguing relationship. I will be discovering new things for a long time to come. Please pass on my appreciation to Michael Gee for his remarkable work. Best Wishes, Graham Wylie. Brian Birkenhead. UK. Hello Adrian This is just to let you know that the Kenneth Roberts Guitar I bought from you in April this year continues to sound wonderful and play very easily. It has definitely inspired me to play much more than I had been, and perhaps even make a bit of progress. I also want to thank you for your patience and expertise in digging out my preferences when I visited in April. This guitar was the right one for me, but I would have found it difficult to make the choice without your very thoughtful professionalism. Regards Brian Birkenhead. John Godsk Jensen. Denmark Roger Williams - Spruce Hi Adrian And Salina Im so happy about my new guitar, that I want to write you a few words about it. I was very nervous bying a guitar that I hadnt tryed, but I know now, that The Stafford guitar center can be trustet. My new Roger Williams guitar is a real beauty, and dispite shes a spruce guitar she is allready beginning to "open up" after around 3 weeks of everyday playing. This guitar is my new freind, a beautiful guitar with a beautiful sound worth every pound. John Godsk Jensen Copenhagen Denmark Mathieu Roberge, Québec, Canada Vicente Carrillo 1a - Cedar Hello Adrian, Finally I have prepared my comments about the Carrillo 1a cedar. Without any problems, you can put it on your web site to perhaps help future customers. The Carrillo 1a cedar is a amazing guitar. She is light in construction and very easy to play. Then, the player can concentrate more on the music and think less of technique. She has a rich tone and a beautiful sustain. I am very happy with this guitar because initially I searched for a cedar top with clear and focused trebles and with the Carillo 1a it is exactly what I received. I am also surprised by the clarity of the inner voicing. The basses are deep, rounded and well balanced with the trebles. I am already impatient to know how the sound will grow up with time, one thing is sure, it is very promising. Obviously, the Carrillo 1a cedar it is a guitar that I will enjoy for a long time. I am so enchanted by Carrillo's guitars than may be in the near future I will go with another one, with a spruce top this time. Thank you very much Adrian for everything. Best Wishes, Mathieu. Tim Illidge. England. Michael Gee Spruce/Brazilian. Hello Adrian, Just a short note to say how thrilled I am with the Michael Gee guitar and that the Saverez strings bring out the projection and clarity this wonderful instrument offers yet further. I have not wanted to make immediate superlatives but having owned the guitar for 3 months now, I can truly say it is the finest classic guitar I have ever played and is greatly superior to the Jose Ramirez 1A Camara for playability, tone, projection and musicality. Thank you again for guiding me to this real joy in my life. The Bach has never sounded better. Best wishes Tim Joelle Moreau. France Hello Adrian, Stunning, wonderful, beautiful, magical, impressive..., this is what I read in the customers comments about the Kevin Aram guitars, so what could I add? Even if I already knew Kevin's hight level workmanship, the beauty of the instrument and the quality of the sound are both absolutely moving. This guitar is aesthetically and musically a piece of art. I am very happy that you gave me the chance to choose this beautiful dark Brazilian Rosewood. The sound is full of promises, I know that it will change without difficulty progressing in the deepness of the basses and the tenderness of the trebles, the playing is very easy and soft, so I feel completely confident. Thanks to Kevin for this « chef d'oeuvre », to Sandra for her nice and warm contact and to you Adrian for your great professionalism and efficiency. Amitiés Joëlle. Mike Pratt. Perth. Australia. Almoraima 2a Negra. Hello Adrian, The Almoraima Negra has arrived safe and sound and plays brilliantly, the trebles are fantastic, clear and strong in all positions, the basses have a nice edge, in all probably the best value for money guitar that I have purchased, certainly beautifully made. Thanks for all the info re the business of guitar construction, this is the 4th guitar I have purchased from you and once again, as always, the service from Stafford Classical Guitar was 1st class, all the best. Mike Kees van der Spek. Canberra - Australia. Contreras C4 Spruce. Dear Adrian, Selina and Sandra, Thank you all at Stafford Classical Guitar Centre for the care and concern shown in sending me my Contreras C4 Spruce, which I received last week. She was incredibly well packed in a sturdy box entirely suited for such a long and arduous journey. (Admittedly, I had envisaged a guitar-case-shape in half-torn brown wrapping paper! My apologies for underestimating your professionalism...). The tracking service on the UPS website worked perfectly - instilling a true sense of anticipation as she came ever closer - and their handling of the package, including customs' clearance, advance payment of import and GST duties, and notifying me by phone of impending arrival were all very professional. In the end, I selected to pick up the parcel from their local appointed agent as nobody would be home on the day to sign for receipt. So I had a lovely large parcel not quite underneath the Christmas tree, but close enough to it for me to feel very special this Christmas. In fact, opening the parcel on the 23rd was more than a Christmas present (which it actually was not), but somewhat akin to the arrival of a new family member, with something of that same sense of expectation (having five children, I did recognise something of that feeling, now years back!). She was named 'Emma', which I feel sounds pleasing to the ear and is also in some small way indicative of her pedigree (Manuel > Emanuela > Emma). Needless to say, the 'Hiscox' kept her snug and beautifully protected, and she came out as she was placed there by you, smelling fresh and new and all shine. Upon close visual inspection during the past few days, I can say that she is almost perfect (happy to provide separate feedback if Manuel would find such useful) and a joy to behold, a beautiful 'girl' indeed. Having played her during the past few days, the E, A and D strings are already beautifully resonant in a deep but not overtly booming or overpowering kind of way. The G, B and E strings are still a little subdued but will surely find their voice as she settles down and continues to develop. I am sure that as a study guitar she will be magnificent, and rewarding to (learn to) play, even if it will be a while before my ability will match her potential. Thank you for all your advice, Adrian, in helping me make this choice and leading up to my decision to purchase. It has been great doing business with you, and I shall be happy to renew our acquaintance when the time comes when Emma needs a younger sibling. Warm regards and with my very best wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year to each and everyone of you, Kees van der Spek. Colin Adams. England. Contreras N2 Spruce. Hello. You probably don't remember me. My name is Colin, and I purchased a Contreras from you earlier this year. You said at the time to keep in touch and let you know how I was getting on with it. Just to remind you i have to teach myself, so progress is sometimes slow. That said, however, I just thought I'd let you know that your advice was brilliant. I've recommended you to everyone I know, and the guitar itself is so beautiful, that I'm doing very well with it. It really is true what you said about the 'vocal range' of the instrument. I hear sounds from it that i could never hear from my old Admira, which I have to say plays like a piece of agricultural machinery now I'm used to the Contreras. This point was proven when a colleague of mine at work recently asked if I could show him my Admira because he wanted to learn classical guitar and was thinking of buying one. I took the Admira into my place of work and during a break tried to show him what it sounded like by playing some reasonably common pieces by Sor. This was the very point when everything you said hit home to me. The Admira irritated me so much! I could not at first make out why, but slowly I began to realise that it simply couldn't make the sounds I knew even my technique should make, and it couldn't respond how I knew it should respond. In the months since I first purchased the Contreras I must admit there were times when I wondered if it really had been sensible to spend thousands on a guitar, even though I loved it so much. At that very moment, there at work, trying to drag sounds out of a guitar that simply didn't 'have it', I knew that the money was well spent. When I returned home I picked up the Contreras and began to play. Immediately the same lump formed in my throat that did that day at your place when I first began to play it. The Contrera really did choose me, and I would gladly pay that money again. The next day my colleague asked me about you, and asked how you tried to 'flog' me a guitar. I think, like most of us he doesn't like the hard sell, whatever it is in life he is purchasing. I told him the truth as I see it. I told him that you don't 'flog' guitars - you form relationships, between people, and the instruments that choose them. You're the best. Thank you. Colin. Roger Dewell. England. Michael Gee - Preowned. Hello Sandra, Adrian and Selina, I hope you had a good holiday. Sandra has been helping me a great deal during the summer, as you probably now, and there has been a fine result, as I will communicate below. Having Sandra helping me patiently at the end of the phone when I asked questions about the Michael Gee helped to enable me to buy it without having seen it and with full confidence. Made all the difference between a purchase from a distance and having to wait until Adrian or Selina were back from hols. Well done indeed and thanks again for your help, Sandra. Well, the Michael Gee arrived right on schedule a week, or so ago. My eagerness was tempered by a decent measure of apprehension as I hadn't even seen it when I made the commitment. I had never even played a Michael Gee before or, indeed, any hand-made guitar so this was a real leap of faith for me. All I knew was that I was getting bit tired of the rather one-dimensional sound of the Cashimira 140. After two-plus years of playing it one, two, or three times a day, I felt I wanted to move on. I know Adrian and Selina often talk of Michael Gee guitars and I knew I wanted one for my next instrument, but had made the decision to wait until next year as a new one was beyond my budget for the time being, with other commitments to be taken care of. Then, all of a sudden, the used Michael Gee came onto the web site. Despite holidaying on the Isle of Wight soon after seeing it advertised I managed to contact Sandra and asked her to try it for me, to describe the state of the instrument in excruciating detail, to answer endless questions and only then did I decide that if I didn't commit myself then and there I would probably lose out on a full year of playing a fine guitar. It seemed meant to be. So I took the plunge. Once it arrived, I couldn't play it the first evening. The conditions had to be just right and I 'wanted to be alone' before I even looked at it. Nerves were working overtime. Would it be all that I wanted it to be? Could I, in fact, be disappointed after all the build up and anticipation? It wasn't a new instrument, after all. I woke up early the next morning to get acquainted. When I opened the case, the beautiful appearance of the instrument spoke volumes straight away - the honeyed appearance (not a modern Gee colouring I guess) suggested such sweetness of character. At least it looked wonderful, but what would it sound like? Would I be able to tell the difference? I could .. immediately I touched it, and what a difference! From the start I was so taken with the depth and breadth of the sound. It has so much more complexity in sound than I'm used to. Every string, every note has a voice of its own and just sings out with maturity and authority but it also has a pure and sweet sound which can be so different each time I play it. There seem to be no weak points over the range and it all sounds just right and well balanced. This is a guitar with character and I know I will enjoy exploring what I can do with it. Since I received it - I know it's only a week, now, but it's been played sometimes four or five times a day. What a shame it's not been played for a couple of years. I can't keep myself away from it for long. Every spare moment I find myself sneaking off to play through a piece or two, so it's being put through its paces from the start! Looking back now, I'm so pleased I took the chance and went with Sandra's advice. Here's to many years of guitar-playing enjoyment from my Michael Gee. I know now I'm not going to be disappointed. Best wishes, Roger. Gary Hull. England. Cashimira 4a Cedar. Hello Adrian, I have received my new Cashimira 4a cedar and Hiscox PRO-GCL-L case safely and in pristine condition today. I would like to thank you for the excellent service and for the informative status updates and replies to my emails. The Cashimira 4a is a beautifully made guitar and I look forward to playing her in earnest when the tuning has settled later. Although you are a mail order store the whole experience felt individual and personalized. Incidentally would you happen to know the strings/tension that the Cashimira 4a typically supplied with? It would help as a point of reference when I come to change them later. Many thanks again Gary Peter Luck-hille. Switzerland ARAM - Spruce/Brazilian Rosewood/oiled finish. Dear Adrian, How wonderful. The sound is clean and clear and very "honest". In fact that is the best way to describe it. Even the finish shows no pretense. It says "I am a pure instrument." Please convey my appreciation to Kevin. A real joy. Best wishes Peter. Howard Smith. UK. Carrillo 1a Flamenco. Dear Adrian and Sandra, Thank you very much for my guitar. She is absolutely stunning and every thing I wished for in a flamenco guitar. One I had finished admiring the way the guitar looked and had got her in tune the sound was fantastic with strong bright trebles and resonating basses. I know that as the guitar is so new the sound will develop and improve with playing over the coming months and years. I have played some good guitars in the past including a Reyes and this is about as good as it gets and it represents very good value for money. I would certainly recommend you to anyone wishing to purchase a top class guitar. All the best, Regards, Howard. Chris Wild. England. Contreras C5 Spruce. Hello, Thanks again to every one at Stafford Guitar, my Contreras C5 arrived safely, not surprisingly when you consider how well packed she was. Although I didn't have that long to play her last night, I can say that the Contreras C5 spruce has exceeded my expectations, lovely rosewood back and sides and a clear voice. It could be my ears or the fact that I was getting used to the guitar and adapting my playing style but it seem to sound better the more I played it. I am looking forward to seeing how she develops as she gets older and finds her voice. I will certainly be coming back to you when the desire for a new guitar takes me and have already recommended you to my friends. All the best, Chris. Philip Thorne. Scotland. Michael Gee. Dear Adrian and Selina, I would like to thank Stafford Classical Guitar for re-uniting me with the guitars of Michael Gee. I first came across Michael as a guitar maker in the early 80's and found his guitars to be extremely musical. Since that time I have played and owned the guitars of many different makers from around the World and would like to say that my new Gee is the best guitar I have ever played bar none. Thank you once again Philip. Head of Guitar Studies RSAMD Brian Harvey. UK. Contreras F3 Dear Adrian, The F3 is a guitar which really comes to life with aggressive playing, knock out a rumba on it and you would see what I mean! Loud, Beautifully voiced and oh-so-responsive. At this price point I would recommend it to anyone! I would also recommend visiting Adrian and Selina to buy any guitar. I found it the most positive and pleasurable buying experience and I personally would not go anywhere else to buy a guitar! All the best, Brain Harvey Brian Perkins. Bury. UK ARAM GUITAR-Brazilian Rosewood/oiled finish. 'Kira' arrived on 15/2/2006. Impressive! Perfect to the finest detail with the most beautiful rosewood figure I could have imagined, an incredible lightness and playability as promised. I wish to express sincere thanks to Adrian for all the help provided over the last couple of years. You have always given friendly, enthusiastic and objective support & guidance which raises you above the competition. I shall look forward to future contact. Thanks again. Brian Perkins. Kenneth Roberts Concert Guitar (A positive review) by Andrew Kerensky - UK. Adrian, This is the second guitar I have purchased from Adrian and Selina at Stafford Guitars; the first was an Alhambra 4P which was a delightful student guitar. As my classical guitar skills have progressed over the last couple of years I felt I needed a guitar that would inspire me to work through the advanced stages of playing (presently working on Grade 7-8 ABRSM). Where Stafford guitars excel is in sourcing very fine guitars for the right needs of individuals. The Kenneth Roberts Concert model is a lovely example of a very fine guitar, the sound is very focussed with excellent clarity across the strings, and my wife a non-player said it sounded like fine crystal the first time she heard it. The Roberts also has excellent projection, a sweet ringing tone and a very pretty rosette. The bass response is not heavy, as you tend to find on cheaper guitars but compliments trebles very well, as a brass and woodwind teacher for Cleveland School of Music I would very much like to recommend any prospective buyers to have a chat with Adrian he is not just a salesman, he has a passion for his art and this comes out in the instruments he selects for you. Thanks again Adrian. Bob Smith. UK Kevin Aram Guitar. I have now been the owner of a Kevin Arams concert guitar (called "Starla") for some five months and in this time I have really grown to appreciate the instrument. It has a beautiful tone and is comfortable to hold as well as being simple but attractive to view. My own ability has improved significantly as the purchase of this fine instrument has stimulated an already deep interest. In short, this is probably the best and most enjoyable purchase that I have ever made. My special thanks go to Adrian and Selina of Stafford Classical Guitar centre for providing just the right environment for making a selection. Being allowed to try out some eight or nine guitars allowed me to be quite sure of the one I finally chose. I didn't buy one and then hope I picked a good one, I KNOW that I picked a good one! Adrian gave me sound practical, unbiased advice and I was fortunate to be able to hear it played by Selina before I left for home. A truly excellent day followed by a lifetime of pleasure. Many thanks Best regards Bob Smith (Philip) Mark Stanley. Australia. Martin Fleeson Preowned Guitar. Hi Adrian, Selina and Sandra, Well guess what? The Fleeson finally arrived and it was everything and more than I expected - it was just simply fantastic. I felt like a small child again today waiting patiently at the window waiting for the delivery man to arrive at any time and knock on the door hand over the great guitar I had been waiting for. I must congratulate you guys and in particular Sandra for all your help. While you and Selina were away Adrian, Sandra fielded all my questions about my prospective purchase and made enquiries for me regarding postage to me in Australia that most other people would have simply said "Do it yourself". I really admire the way you guys have conducted your business - it has been most helpful and above all professional. The description of the guitar such as how it sounds, looks and feels is entirely accurate. When your spending a hell of a lot of money on an instrument that you cannot hear or see, you really must place confidence in what is being told to you - guys never let me down. Well done and thank you enormously for everything. I will have no hesitation in purchasing from you again and I will be certainly recommending you to my friends here in Australia. Best Wishes Mark Stanley De la Rey Marais. South Africa. Contreras C1 Cedar. Hi Adrian/Sandra Thank you very much for your outstanding service regarding the purchase of my Contreras C1. It is a beautiful guitar, easy to play and an excellent sound. It took only four days from shipping to delivery. You did an excellent packing job in an impressive Hiscox case. Thanks also for the newspapers as part of your protection in the box. It updated me on news from England. You impressed me with better than the best service - You have a permanent good customer! Regards De la Rey Marais Grant Bridgwater. New Zealand. Music Books. Hi, Just to let you know the book arrived today. Fantastic service. We had spent weeks trying to get this book through music shops in NZ. Won't hesitate to use your service again. Thanks very much Regards Grant Bridgwater Hendrik Pollard. South Africa. Alhambra 9C. I like to thank you for sending the guitar. It arrived safely and it is a beautiful guitar. The sound is very good. My son is proud to play on his Alhambra. We get the two strings you send. It was a pleasure to do business with you and that we can trust you. If i must buy another guitar, I order it from you. I keep your website. Thanks God bless you xx Hendrik Pollard David Benedict. Louisiana USA. Contreras C1 Cedar. Dear Adrian and Selina I have a new mistress. It is your fault! You said it would take six months before she opened up. She sings like no one else in only five months. I can not wait and look forward to the maturing process for many more years. It is a very personal relationship that very few have the ability to understand and appreciate. The both of you obviously understand and appreciate. I was hesitant about getting the cedar much less trusting someone whom I have never met, but I am very happy that I did. My gut reaction after talking with you played out true. She already has a rich sense of the warmth of cedar and the clarity, separation and brightness of spruce. It is the combination that I have been looking for. The quality of sound is one of the best I have heard that is affordable. It gently persuades and requires me into being a better guitarist. I have never experienced that with any of my other instruments. The both of you said that it had very good potential. You should hear it now compared to when you played it during the selection process. To say thanks for all of your help is simply not enough. Best regards, Dave Benedict Bob Mercer. England. I phoned Pete Barton in early October and he kindly invited me to see his workshop when his next instrument was well on its way. The understanding of the skill and art that he invests into his work only added to my appreciation. I waited (very impatiently) until the middle of January, with Selina and Adrian keeping me in touch with progress, until I finally got the call that Pete's latest creation was ready. I went down to Stafford, and again if there was any doubt of my affections going elsewhere, one touch of Pete's guitar, and I was mesmerised. Handing over the credit card was of course easy. What was lovely (and I can't underestimate the importance), was Adrian's patient and helpful advice on the care of my very beautiful new baby. When you are responsible for (what is for me) the most wonderful thing you have ever owned, you have to understand the basic care that she needs. The guitar then: I am what I would call a social player who got through grade 8 and did a few professional gigs 20+ years ago. I then more or less stopped playing till very recently. I tried various instruments but never felt particularly inspired. Suddenly I can play again. By coincidence, just 3 days after collecting my baby I played a short recital (a bit of Bach and Dowland). I never felt so relaxed and in control. No guitar plays itself, but this is damn near to it. It does exactly what you ask it to; but with love! There is a wonderful, bright, open sound that just feels so clear and true. It's looks are of course beyond reproach. "............ the most beautiful woods in the world" says Pete - with very good reason. I sometime can just gaze at the beauty of her. My only fear is that maybe I don't deserve her. Then I smile - grin! Its the sound though, the musical, convincing sound that convinces me that its the best £##### I've ever spent. So thanks so much for your kindness, support and good service at Stafford Guitars and especially to you Pete for the many years of pleasure that you are sure to have given me. Very best wishes Bob Mercer Simon Mayo. Wales. Hi Adrian I was a little nervous buying such an expensive guitar as the Contreras Double Top Premium without having seen, heard or played her. However I put my trust in Adrian’s description of her appearance ,sound and playability. When I received my Contreras I was bowled over by the shear brilliance of the workmanship and artistic and musical flair that must have gone into her making. She has a strong powerful sound but delicate passages still sparkle with intensity. Just picking up a guitar like this and beginning to play her lifts one’s standard of play a couple of levels. I find it much easier to play with musical expression than on my old guitar (itself a quality concert guitar) and the improvement has even been commented on by other members of the family who normally pay no attention to my playing all day. Best Wishes Simon. Andy Smith. UK As promised a note to let you know how I am getting on with the Cashimira 105. "When I received "Arena", my first Aram guitar from Stafford Classical Contreras C7. Adrian, Just a note to say thanks very much for the time you spent in helping me choose a new guitar the other week. Although my purchase was fairly modest (Contreras C7 in the end, after much indecision on my part !) I never felt rushed or pressured, which is the ideal situation when making a decision which you're going to be living with for a number of years in all probability. I was delighted with the guitar when I played her at home for the first time, and I'm sure the instrument's qualities will outstrip my ability for a good while yet. I wouldn't hesitate to use your excellent service next time, even though it entails a 600-mile round trip from Scotland ! Thanks also for the advice and tips freely given on your part regarding posture etc. Best Regards James Cox Brice Denize. Macao. Cashimira 140. Hi Adrian, My baby arrived this morning safely. You can tell your customers that you have made another delivery without trouble. And what a delivery ! The guitar went from GB to Louisville USA, then Anchorage ALASKA and finally Hong Kong then Macau. From GB to the other side of the World without a single scratch on the case. Thanks for your cares. /Care for your customers/; after surfing hundreds sites you have been _the only one_ answering and giving me confidence. It is not really easy to spend that amount of money just through a website. /Care for your guitars and your knowledge of them./. I tuned it this evening. Quite difficult as it is new. It will take some time probably and the wood has to get used to our climate with more humidity and hot. But the sound... Wow !!!! I just can't imagine when this guitar will be a few more month and even years old. She is beautiful... simply beautiful. Thanks again for everything. Sincere and best regards to you and your wife. Brice Duncan Baxter. England. Contreras C4. Hello Adrian, Well I have nearly owned it for 24 hrs and I can say that we are quickly bonding. After a nervous start in your studio and the guitar feeling a little alien - it has quickly become a part of me! Fantastic tone and balance. Perfectly in tune all the way up the neck. Beautiful clarity and quite sonorous. I look forward to growing with this guitar. I really do appreciate your time spent with me in choosing the instrument, I never felt hurried or pressured - there are a lot of vendors out there that would do well to learn from your quality of service! Many thanks, Duncan. Allan Bignell, England. Lazaro TL40 Adrian, Just to say thank you for the excellent advice and service regarding my recent purchase. The TL40 arrived exactly when promised and she definitely exceeds all expectations - she's absolutely beautiful, aesthetically, musically and functionally. Oh yes, and the Hiscox case is equally impressive - she now has a better bed to lie in than me! I have to say that the way in which you provide customer service and customer satisfaction via your web site should be a model for other businesses operating in e-commerce - I don't know what you secret is but throughout the whole process I felt like a genuinely valued and individual customer and I heve additionally found the advice and information provided in your web pages both informative and inspirational. Good luck to you with the continued success of your business. I must go and practice now, my fingers are twitching! Kind regards Allan Michael Pratt-Guyan. Perth, Australia. Cashimira 105 Hello Adrian, I recieved my guitar a couple of days ago and my first impressions of the Cashimira 105 are that it is a great instrument, as your website says "A family producing amazing instruments". Both the playability and the intonation are spot on, better than my 1967 Contreras, which in itself is a great guitar, and I am sure that this instrument will have more to offer as time goes on. I am delighted with this purchase and the service from the Stafford Classical Guitar Centre. Yours in music, Michael Pratt-Guyan(Mike) Scott Barr. Scotland. Contreras C7. Hello Adrian and Selina Wanted to thank you for the valuable advice you gave my parents when choosing a guitar for my birthday and the fast delivery (two days)! The Contreras C7 is everything I wanted it to be, it sounds wonderful and Adrian tells me it will sound even better in a years time (I can't even begin to imagine how that would be possible). I wanted a guitar that not only sounded great, but looked great as well and the Contreras certainly does both of these. Adrian was right, the Contreras does have depth in the middle and lower harmonies. I am studying at the RSAMD in Glasgow and my teacher was very impressed with my new guitar, when I eventually got the case open that is. I was so looking forward to taking it to the academy, that I forgot the key to open my case. A mad panic set in, I was doing a performance class with Allan Neave that day. We eventually got the case open and I was really proud of the sound coming from my guitar, as I performed. I didn't feel quite so daft when Allan Neave told us a few stories about top guitarists playing at sell out concerts, one turned up with an empty guitar case, the other put his guitar down to sort his music and then sat on top of it! Anyway my performance went really well, I learned a lot from Allan and I was really proud of my guitar. I would recommend it for any student of classical guitar, it has a lovely sound and great for performing as well as learning. Scott Barr (Aged 15) Dan Palmer. England. Contreras Double Top Premium. She has settled down now and the strings have stopped stretching. What an incredible sound! Such tone! Great and very solid bass response, wonderfully clear and sweet trebles. Wonderfully easy to play, even at the standard string height with the standard bridge. Thanks for sending the spare bridge. I don't think I'll need it though. You can really see the attention to detail in the build, although I still feel that the Aram guitar can't be bettered for workmanship. Thanks once again for all your help and advice with this guitar, and also to Selina for her input. There is no one else like you two for your care, attention and customer satisfaction. Dan Palmer Dan Palmer. UK Kevin Aram Guitar. Hi Adrian, My principle has always been to give constructive criticism where due, but also to praise where due. I don't hesitate to complain if I think that I have been shabbily treated. Praise is DEFINITELY due in this case. It's just a shame that I can't thank you in person. Maybe one day. The advice and help that you have given me has enabled me to make much more informed decisions about what to buy. That is priceless. Also you seem to put the customer's satisfaction above your own profit (e.g giving the two people who cancelled their deposits back), which is sadly a rare attribute in today's businesses. And you tell me what's going on, including the bad news, without leaving anything out. Another rarity nowadays. Also I was impressed by the way that the website gives really useful information and help to players, rather than just advertising products for sale like all the others do. I emailed Ergoplay re the oiled finish and they replied saying that they have no solutions to the problem, so I'll use the cushion(s). I can't bring myself to spoil such a beauty. I'll be taking her to my lesson tomorrow, so we'll see what Dave my teacher says. He is a friend of Liam Romanillos, so it's rather difficult to sway him! Have a good weekend. Regards to Selina. Dan. Dan Palmer. UK Kevin Aram Guitar Hi Adrian, Selina and Kevin. Just a quick note to let you all know how very pleased I am with the above guitar that I received yesterday. She is absolutely beautiful, and sounds and plays like a dream come true. I had to drag myself away from her last night to ring Adrian to let him know that all was OK! It's the first time that I've experienced an oiled finish. It really sets off the woods a treat and is very tactile to hold and play. The tone of this guitar is amazing, so evenly balanced and sweet, the basses are full and the trebles ring wonderfully. The only slight problem that I have had is that I can't use the Ergoplay rest that Adrian sent me with this guitar, because the Ergoplay uses suction cups, and these don't seal at all on to the oiled finish. This is because the grain of the wood is not covered by any lacquer. I'm loathe to try putting on the plastic stickers that Ergoplay supply with the rest, as if I do that I wonder whether even that will work as the oiled finish is quite slippery, and I really don't what to spoil the perfect finish. However in order to solve this problem I have ordered a couple of Dynarette guitar cushions from Guitarnotes. The Ergoplay rest works perfectly with my other lacquered guitars. Thank you Kevin for making such a wonderful guitar, and thank you Adrian and Selina for all your help and (very useful and helpful) advice over the last few months! Best Wishes to you all, Dan Palmer. Nick Pattas. Manama. Bahrain. Cashimira 4a. Dear Adrian, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from me in Bahrain. I promised I would let you know how I feel about the Cashimira 4a after I had played it for a while. She has now been with me since 20th November and has settled nicely. First I want to say how efficiently and pleasantly you have served me and in particular for the objective buying advice you offered in response to my questions. The Cashimira is just as you described; she is a real good looker, beautifully finished and she exudes quality! A classy lady. The sound is well balanced across the strings with very rich and full bases and clear trebles which match the bases perfectly so that no one part of the register dominates unless you choose that it should. Sustain is phenomenal and the result is easy vibrato and trills that can be maintained as long as you can keep up the left hand plucking speed - the downside is care must be taken to damp strings when you no longer want to hear them. She is very bright and the sound projection is very impressive - I'm sure she would be suitable for use as a concert guitar and would do justice to a professional performer. As you suggested using such a guitar has helped me to improve considerably in a short space of time - I have become much more precise in left hand fingering because any mistakes or uncertain positioning inside the frets is hard to conceal and the reward for a perfectly fingered note is so evident. The volume available enables a much wider range from piano to fortissimo and the tone palette is almost unlimited. I feel sure that as time goes by the tone will only get better and since it is very sweet already it means the instrument is truly superb - I am sure you could pay two or three times more and still not find a better sound. The Hiscox case you supplied is her home when not in use and is also a high quality item that will give me peace of mind when travelling. Please feel free to use this letter as a testimonial. Best Regards, Nick Pattas. Mike Speight. Manchester, England. Contreras F2 Adrian, 6 months or so ago I bought a Contreras F2 flamenco guitar from you (I was so excited that I left my house keys with you!) and promised to email you with my opinions. I think that I said that I would email you soon! Well, the delayed response is your fault for selling me such a beautiful guitar, I simply can't put it down. The Contreras F2 is great. It has all the qualities you could want for Flamenco. It is bright and punchy with a slightly metallic edge if played towards the bridge but still has a sweet tone (which is improving with age) when required. It has excellent clarity and precision, essential for the rhythm player (even a relative novice like me). The action is pretty good as it is (especially with a capo) but I am still having trouble holding back from lowering it slightly until your recommended 18 month waiting period is over. The only thing that is not so good about the guitar are the tuning heads but you did mention this and I agreed that the money is better spent elsewhere on the guitar as I can get replacement tuning heads when required (can you remind me of the name of that supplier that you recommended to me). Oh, and I forgot to mention that the guitar looks great and even smells good! To anyone else looking to buy a guitar from The Stafford Guitar Centre I can only give you my highest recommendations. I live relatively close to Adrian's studio and was able to pick up my guitar personally so I can't vouch for the delivery of guitars but, if this part of the service is anything like the rest, I'm sure it will be great. Adrian's knowledge of and enthusiasm for his subject is practically boundless. I had a 2 and a half hour "consultation" after which he apologised for not being able to spend any more time with me! I never once felt that I was being pressured to buy one model of guitar over another or that he was forcing his opinions on me about what each guitar sounded like or which was better. Adrian, as he admits, is not a guitar salesman but a guitar lover who sells guitars. Happy New Year and thanks. Mike Speight Stephen Muires. Denmark. Cashimira 2a. Dear Adrian: I had decided to buy a handbuilt classical guitar in September. I live in Denmark, which is apparently far away from any shops that stock top models. It seemed a very great risk to buy a guitar over the Internet without even having seen it. To play safe I first decided to go for the JK90, the top model in the Admira line, since I already was playing one of their student models and knew and liked its playability. Adrian's site seemed a very good place to start inquiries, not too far from Denmark, a very clear and professional site. The JK90 was not in stock. I didn't want to wait months so I asked Adrian for advice. I thought that I could probably get a good idea of the reliability and quality (or not) of this shop from a few email responses. There certainly were other sites I contacted and some of therse have to this day not replied. How they expect to sell expensive items I don't know. But Adrian's answers were prompt and well formulated and no obvious sales pitch. He advised me to consider the Cashimira or Contreras lines in the price class that I was interested in (£1000-1500). These guitars were in stock and I was able to ask questions about their characteristics, and got reasonable answers given the fact of how difficult it is to size up a guitar against personal preferences. So I took the step and ordered the 3a model from Cashimira. The transfer by ParcelForce took 2 days and the case arrived without problems. It was a beautiful guitar. Then the unexpected happened. On the second day of playing this instrument I was inspecting it (again) from all angles and noticed a rough edge to the lacquer at the bottom of the bridge where it is glued to the soundboard. Part of me thinks like an engineer so I tried to slip a thin piece of paper into this rough spot. And found that it slid right under the bridge. OK, not good. I mailed Adrian right away (in a slight panic) and when I sent the measures of the gap he advised me to return the guitar to him, assuring me that the problem would be fixed completely to my satisfaction. He took full responsibility, even though this defect was very hard to notice and anyone could be forgiven for not noticing it. I don't think I would have seen it in a shop, either. But a defect it was. Cashimira took the guitar back. Adrian would send me a completely new guitar, but the model I had played was now not in stock anymore. That meant I had to wait one month. I had had a chance to play the Cashimira for a few days and had been very pleased with it, so I decided to stick with the name. The hard part was to wait this time out. I decided to upgrade to model 2a in the meantime, to compensate myself for the extra delay. The 2a arrived mid November, again absolutely no problem with dispatch and delivery. Adrian had made double sure this time that no such defects were present in the guitar. And they weren't. I have been playing it now for 3 weeks, almost every day. It has a wonderful rosetta pattern with fleur-de-lis motifs in very dark colours. It was a very new guitar and this is also what it felt like the first few days. Its sound and feel were actually quite different to the 3a model. Where the 3a sounded bright and crystal, my 2a sounds deep and strong. It has been growing into its sound. First it was a bit wooden, now it has become almost golden, and I don't feel the process is over yet. For the kind of music I like to play (mostly slow and resonant classical pieces or Steve Hackett) this is perfect. The lower E was boomy at first, but this has gradually disappeared. My wife, who can listen to the guitar from a little distance, describes it as if the notes reverberate around inside the guitar before they come out, a very deep sound. So, to round this off, I am very pleased with the instrument and do not regret at all the delay or the decision to buy online. Since I do not have the opportunity to actually try out good guitars this has been a very convenient and lucky way of getting hold of a superb model, at a price that has got to be very competitive, seeing that top models today cost upward of £3000. And the shop stood the test of excellent service and reliability and trustworthiness. Thanks Adrian. Best regards, Stephen Muires Yasuhide Yamamoto. Tokyo, Japan. Southwell A Series Cutaway. Hello Adrian: A month has passed since I received the guitar and I'm enjoying playing this unique and wonderful instrument. Now I can mention my impression. I'm amazed with especially two points. One is the sound of low strings. I think this guitar is a little bit smaller than a modern guitar but the low string sounds very loud and clear with long sustain. The other is playability. This guitar is absolutely the most "easy to play" guitar. The surprising fact is ultra thin neck like a electric guitar and this neck reduces workload of left hand. I think anyone who try playing this A series will soon decide to order his/hers. Thank you again for your best help and arrangement for my ordering and I hope we have another business in near future. Best Regards, Yasuhide Yamamoto. Phil Herbert. England. Cashimira 4a I went to Adrian's house to pick my cashimira 4a guitar, I played a few guitars and nothing matched the sound of that guitar. We had a great talk about guitars and music but most of all I came home, knowing I had purchased the right guitar from a honest and great guy. The guitar was a bargain cheers Adrian and Selina best wishes for the future. Phil Herbert. Dr Fooh Poh Weng. Singapore. Michael Gee Guitar Hi Adrian, The guitar is absolutely fantastic! I am simply amazed by the clarity and separation of the notes. The trebles are so sweet and the perfect complement of the basses make this guitar an absolute gem. The neck is so comfortable and the action is low but without buzzing making it so easy to play. This Gee just blows my 2 Australian made guitars away. The best part is that it just gets better everyday. I will highly recommend a Michael Gee guitar. My friends at the guitar club are overwhelmed by the beauty and the sound of this guitar. They would like to know whether Michael's guitars are the best of the English makers that you represent or is there another maker with guitars better than his . One of them is most interested in getting one after trying out the Gee. I am most happy with this guitar. Please convey my thanks and appreciation to Michael. Regards Edwin Peter Lunken. England. Cashimira 3a Spruce Dear Adrian and Selina, Firstly thank you for sending my Cashimira 3a so promptly and so well packed. It was a fathers day gift to me from my dear wife who knew that I needed a new guitar. After much discussion and the selling of a few children into slavery she agreed to my choice and hence 'Esmeralda' (or Esme for short) as she is christened has joined our family. Upon tuning her and playing a few tentative chords I must say that Adrian's advice for having a spruce top was spot on. Esme has such a clear voice, it almost bell like and I must admit that it is love at first play !! She is such a joy to play and so rewarding and yet she is also very unforgiving and she has tightened up my playing considerably in the short time that I have known her. I find she reflects every nuance and expression and has such wonderful overtones. I cannot fault her in any way and I must admit to being somewhat baffled has to how she could be improved let alone paying 3 to 4 times the price! Maybe you could enlighten me because all I can say is that guitars in that price bracket must be beyond belief!! Thank you once again, but I must not wax too lyrical otherwise my wife will start to get suspicious!! Take Care Peter Lunken & Helene Bard David Murray. England. Cashimira 140 Adrian, Just to let you know that I received my guitar this morning and am delighted with it. It's just accompanied me to my weekly lesson and my tutor was most impressed. He played one of his own spanish style compositions on it and commented how good it sounded. Now all I need to do is 'crank-up' my practice regime so that I can begin to do the instrument some justice! Kindest Regards and Many Thanks David Murray. Ken Rhodes. England. Contreras C1 Adrian. Guitar is excellent. Am loving doing even the simplest first lessons. Beautiful sound, excellent workmanship. My friend who "plays" the guitar will never speak to me again when he sees it!!!!! Thank you for your help in choosing it. I like the stand too, and the ergonomic support. It seems to work well. Thanks again for your assistance. Ken Rhodes Jerry Barnhisel. Las Vegas. USA. Ergoplay Hello Adrian. I did not reply at once as I wanted to use it for awhile to be sure. Now I can say with confidence that my classical guitar center prop is the best thing I have ever used to keep my guitar on my lap and in the same place in my lap. I no linger need to look to see if my fingers are on the correct fret, I can hit all six strings on all 12 frets. I paid about $40.00 for it but would not sell it for a $1000. Jerry. PS yes if you offer me $1000 I'll take it and order another for $40 Andreas Rag. Stavanger. Norway. Cashimira 145s Hello Adrian The parcel arrived at my house Friday, surprisingly only five working days after my order. Both the Cashimira, Hiscox case and the packaging appeared completely without any sign of transport damages. The Cashimira is certainly a beauty, surpassing all my expectations in respect of craftsmanship, playability and appearance. Thank you Adrian for your swift response and proper service. Finally, your goods tracking number service works brilliant as well. Best regards Andreas Hisham Abdullah Ashkar. Saudi Arabia. Cashimira 105 Hello Adrian, At last, She is here. And She looks so beautiful. She sounds Amazing. She arrived on Thursday, but I was in Lebanon, so I didn't get to see her until I came on Saturday. I really don't know how a Flamenco guitar should be, I have never played one before. But I know she has what it takes to be called a flamenca. I really don't know how to thank you Adrian. It was a pleasure doing business with you. I have to say, this is the best customer service I have seen. It should be an example on how business must be done. My best regards, Hisham Abdullah Ashkar John Nebi. Richmond, USA. Contreras C1 Hi Adrian, I have had time now to overcome some of my rustiness and the Contreras C1 has more than met my expectations. I don't have very much to add to the description, as most everything I might have to say has been covered either by you or your customers. It's a great guitar - much better than the Ramirez 1A that I used to own. It responds eagerly to my commands and never fails to please. As advertised, it is an easy guitar to play and the marvelous action does not seem to come at any cost (i.e buzzing, etc). I think if I had been in the high to very high price range, I might have been more reluctant to order a guitar with out trying it, unless of course I was familiar with the maker and/or his instrument(s) in advance. But, if all C1s are consistently this good, I would not hesitate to recommend buying one in this fashion. Also, not to be overlooked is the quality of your web site and the underlying feeling that I was dealing with honest people who love what they are doing. Bravo. Thanks, John Thor Udenaes. Sweden. Contreras C4 Adrian, Just to let you know that my guitar arrived at my house Friday last week, and it was in very good shape. It was very well packaged and did not suffer any damage from the long journey from England to Sweden. The shape, color and materials were impressive but best of all - it was really easy to play. The sound was crystal clear and very deep and the variations in tones (soft, sharp, low, high etc.)was most impressive. The most surprising thing about this guitar is how easy it is to play and much less effort is needed to produce a tone which means less strain on the left hand fingers. So, I really have to thank you for helping me to chose this guitar, and taken care of my order in such a good way. Regards, Thor Udenaes. Andrew Kerensky. England. Alhambra 4P Hi Adrian, This is a very nice true ‘Spanish student’ guitar. Having played this guitar now for a few weeks I have found the intonation holds well in all registers, tonal quality is satisfactory and particularly pleasant in the lower and middle registers. I would be very confident to use this guitar for classical grade exams certainly up to grade 5. The action and feel of the guitar is very comfortable and relatively easy to control. Appearance is typically Spanish, overall I am happy with this choice of guitar and the friendly advice offered when I made my choice. Would I buy from Stafford Guitars again? Yes for sure. Andrew. Hugh Clarke. Jersey. Ergoplay Dear Adrian, Just a quick note to thank you for your advice on choosing an appropriate guitar rest, and to summarize my experience, should this be relevant to any of your customers. Essentially I have what is termed degenerative changes to my cervical spine, which is an on-going condition which requires a degree of management. I recently had a flare up - probably caused through bad posture when sleeping, which caused inflammation, a lot of pain in my neck and left arm, and an enforced lay-off from guitar for about 4 months. When I did start to play again, it was important that I improved playing posture which meant banishing the footstool for good - something that I had used for 30 years. The Ergoplay guitar rest that you recommended has worked out really well, and I was surprised that I took to it almost immediately. Within a few weeks I was completely comfortable with it, and now find the footstool extremely uncomfortable. My only regret is that I didn't start using one years ago. The health professionals that I have dealt with have all commented on the poor posture that results from using a footstool - especially for prolonged periods. I would advise players of any age to give one a try for a month or so and see what they think. Thanks again for all your help. Hugh K. Goralski. MI. USA. Kenneth Roberts Guitar Adrian, I just wanted to drop a note regarding my new Ken Roberts guitar. She is just beautiful and the more I play her the better she sounds. I must admit I felt rather anxious about ordering over the internet let alone over the sea. You were very helpful and prompt answering all my questions. I have been studying classical guitar for about one year. However, I have been playing a steel string. I can't believe the difference. I looked around my area for classical guitars but very few were to be found. I began looking into the cost of having one built. After learning that cost I turned to the internet because I wanted a handmade guitar but I couldn't find an affordable American luthier. That is when I discovered the Stafford Guitar Shop. I asked Adrian many questions including the exchange price for the Ken Roberts guitar. The pictures of Roberts guitars were really beautiful. Then I asked Adrian to describe how it sounded. Selina, a classical concert guitarist played it. They described it well. Finally, I made the decision to order. Adrian kept me informed about it's ship date and when I could expect it. I worried about it until it arrived on the day it was promised in perfect condition. It was packed very well for the long trip across the ocean. UPS worldwide kept me informed through it's tracking system while I awaited it's arrival. Believe me it was worth the wait. Thank you Adrian and Selina. I would do it again. Sincerely, K. Goralski Rev. Leslie Donaghy. Dumbarton. Scotland. Francisco Solera Model TL20. Hello Adrian, Just a quick note to say that the guitar arrived safe and sound on Wednesday. The original idea was to keep it until my wife's birthday next month, but with having 14 days to consider the guitar, I thought it better that the woman herself should be able to try it, and see what she thought, so last night she got an early birthday gift! I have to say that I was totally delighted with the instrument. Okay, I know it's not the most expensive guitar in the world, but it IS well made, and a beautiful guitar too. The woods are fantastic, and even the pictures on your web site didn't do it justice. I have to say that Caroline was thrilled with the guitar. She's been so in love with her old instrument that I never thought she'd play another guitar, but she said last night when I returned from a meeting that she was ready to get rid of her old guitar now, and wouldn't mind if she never played it again! The sound from the instrument is lovely, and I fully expect it to improve, as you said yourself. The range of tone available is incredible. I assume that's down largely to the spruce top, but the warmth which the rosewood back and sides add is just wonderful, and balances it beautifully. I always say that, when you switch to a quality instrument, your playing improves, and Caroline told me last night I was right. There's a piece she's been trying to play for months and getting her left hand in knots over, and last night, the first time she tried it on the new instrument, she played it perfectly. Just goes to show you what the instrument does!! Anyway, I've rambled on somewhat, but I wanted to let you know how pleased we both were with the guitar and that fantastic Hiscox case too. Thanks for your help, Adrian. It was great to be able to speak to you and hear your advice, and I think that has made all the difference. We are both very grateful. Many, many thanks. Kind regards, Leslie Hans Gebben. Holland. USA. Michael Gee Guitar. Adrian. The guitar arrived today. Wow, wow, and wow. The guitar is everything I had hoped for. As loud as it is right now; with quality of sound, as well, I hope you were right in telling me that the guitar would be a bit tight and would mature with age. If that is the case, this is going to be a beauty in a few years. Tell Michael that the quality of workmanship far exceeds that of others I’ve played. The Gee plays very easily and the music just seems to jump out of her. I’m very pleased I went with your suggestion. I hope she matures and gets better with age. That would be the icing on the cake. Thanks to you and Selina for all your help. I’ll keep in touch. Hans Gebben. Jeff Olson. Seattle. USA. Ergoplay. Adrian. I received the Ergoplay yesterday. It took just four days to ship to Seattle. I have been using the A-Frame guitar support, and a Dynarette cushion before that. The Ergoplay is more comfortable and offers better positioning of the guitar. It won't fit in the guitar case, however, as the A-Frame does. Regards, jeff olson. Mel Soledad. California. USA. Cashimira 105. Dear Adrian, I did my share of research upon arriving on this certain model so I did expect higher materials coupled with fine craftsmanship inside and out. But I've never actually seen nor played any of these guitars before so I went with your positive comments. I'll tell you what? After all that, the "Cashimira 105" still blew me away! This model has all the "Luthier Made" qualities that are required by professional players. It took me a few years of playing Flamenco to find out exactly what those certain qualities are and to find them all in a guitar at this price range is almost too good to be true!!! My guitar is going to be "broken-in" in no time flat because I just can't put it down. It is that good! I showed it to my brother who plays a "Pedro de Miguel" and he wouldn't stop playing my new guitar, so I had to kick him out! I can't wait until her tone improves even more as she develops! Reference wise I'd say this model reminds me of the "Manuel Reyes" in sound and feel. (The 105 being just a little less powerful and refined.) Truly unbelievable at this price range! Your wonderful selections and top notch customer service will have anybody coming back for more. If I wasn't already on a waiting list of a well known luthier, I would have ordered another guitar from you this instant! Many Thanks Adrian for personally selecting her for me. Sincerely, Mel Soledad. Bobby Beduya. Los Angeles, USA Contreras C4 Hi Adrian, I want to thank you for helping me find and arrange the shipment of my guitar. Your consistent timely responses to my e-mailed questions, your asking the appropriate questions, your web sites accurate description of your guitars, the chronological, easy to navigate web site all helped in my decision to buy it from you. I guess this is one instance where the Atlantic ocean was no hindrance to a sale ! Regards, Bobby Beduya. Claire Alexander. Llandovery. UK. Alhambra 4P. Hello Adrian. received the Alhambra 4PZ as promised, it is quite delightful,thank you. No room for disappointment here. with best regards Claire Charlie Goff. Texas. USA. Edward B Jones Guitar. I recently purchased a pre-owned Edward B Jones guitar from you. I would like to thank you for your professional help in selecting this guitar. I must admit that I was more than a little nervous about purchasing a guitar over the internet from another country. However the guitar arrived in perfect condition and exactly as you represented it to be in both sound and appearance. After a couple of weeks she has become comfortable with her new surroundings and opened up quite nicely. Adrian, you are the only guitar shop I spoke to who was truly concerned about my selecting an instrument that was right for me and that I would be happy with. When you said it would take two weeks for the guitar to acclimate to its new surroundings and settle down you were right. And I am so very thankful I did not buy from a shop that would only allow me two days! You also surpassed my expectations when the guitar arrived with a new case and strings! I look forward to buying another guitar from you in the future. Regards, Charlie. Rik Cazares. Texas. USA. Cashimira 87. Adrian, Just a few quick things as I am short on time. Beautiful guitar. I'm sure she will sound equally as beautiful when I learn to play well. The case is great and thank you so much for including the humidifier. Overall a terrific buying experience. Thanks for your extra attention. You have gone over and above what one would normally expect from a retailer. But then your shop is more than just a retailer, isn't it. I'll let you know of our progress, and will probably contact you with questions in the future. A thousand thanks. Rik Cazares Barry Milligan. Ohio. USA. Ergoplay This is just a quick note to tell you I received the Ergoplay I ordered from you and am really loving it. For two years I had been using an A-Frame (an American-made support, in case you're not familiar) and was fed up with it being wobbly and coming loose from the guitar all the time. The Ergoplay is an elegant solution to all those problems and less expensive, even after currency conversion and transatlantic shipping. Thanks for making this guitarist's practice more comfortable and rewarding. Best, Barry. William Smith. Virginia. USA Contreras C1. When I ordered the Contreras C1, I was already expecting a fine guitar. Even so, after opening the very nice Hiscox case I was immediately absorbed by the beauty of the instrument and spent a long time just enjoying examining the beautiful workmanship, the matched woods and the detail before remembering that it was the music that I ultimately came for. So, I began the tuning up process, impatiently getting longer and longer glimpses of the potential and power of the instrument as the strings began to settle in. After a day or so, I was enjoying the responsiveness and clarity of sound as you said would be the case, making me wonder why I waited so long to make the move to a really good guitar. As with others, the idea of making a purchase by internet of an expensive instrument can be a daunting proposition, but your recommendation was right, and you came through in all respects. Thanks again. William. Howard Erisman. Ohio. USA. Kenneth Roberts Guitar. I have now had a chance to play my new Kenneth Roberts spruce-top guitar for two days, and I want to tell you how very satisfying this purchase has been for me. We have bonded nicely (my guitar and I). It will be a daily companion. It has a wonderful voice--very full, clear tones and a strong bass. It looks great--simple and elegant, and it plays easily. I appreciate the fine workmanship by Kenneth Roberts on this instrument! I emailed you for the first time, Adrian, 2 months ago after stumbling across your web page in my search for a new instrument. At first I thought it would be too complex to buy a guitar from a different country, so I focused mainly on sites in the USA. But I kept coming back to the staffordguitar page--nice pictures of several beautiful guitars in the price range I was considering--upper end production models and some moderately priced handmade instruments. After several emails, your helpful comments and suggestions gave me the confidence to go forward with this purchase. The delivery was no less than amazing (using Worldwide UPS). The UPS origin scan was from North Rode, GB at 5:44 PM on Monday. It was delivered to my door in central Ohio, USA at 9:54 AM on Wednesday. That is less than 2 days! The guitar was well protected on the trip in the fine Hiscox case I also purchased from you. The case is well made and holds the guitar snugly with a set of cushions at the pressure points. I am keeping the Hiscox tag (with the British flag) fastened to the handle of the case as a reminder of the origins of the guitar and case. I will share my very positive experience with Stafford Classical Guitar Centre with my guitar playing friends here in Ohio. Thank you, Adrian, for making this work for me! Howard. Guy Miller. San Francisco. USA. Michael Gee Guitar. Michael's guitar is still changing, as I play it becoming more sensitive and responsive. Some things remain the same: it is still piano-like, very even from bass to treble, tight and with volume to spare. When I play it, I'm conscious that it's a work of art; it has a delicate, aristocratic tone that is accessible but not easy (its "default" tone is buttery and smooth. With very small changes in my right hand position, this guitar's voice changes completely. It requires a bit of handling. Still, I'd rather work with this guitar than something easier but less profound. Visually, Michael's guitar is exquisite. I had some friends over the other day, and from the instant I opened the case, they couldn't stop remarking how beautiful the design is. For myself, the only part of the guitar that seems to matter is the fingerboard. It's a wonderfully shaped plane of ebony that's fixed itself in my mind, so that I'm always looking forward to my next chance to play on it. Especially near the end of a working day, its presence is very strong! I'd like to thank you and Selina again, for watching this order from start to finish, and making sure things went smoothly. -Guy Danny DeMetris. San Francisco. USA. Admira Artista I ordered my Admira Artista without a lot of knowledge about the guitar level. I called Adrian and he was very open and honest on what to expect. I ordered and received this beautiful instrument that has well surpassed my expectations. I now play my Artista more then my Martin D-35 which I have had since 1978. Something very warm and special with this guitar that Adrian had sent to me. I did ask him to pick a good one to his own ear. And guess what he must have ears of angels. Many thanks and highly recommend and appreciate your kindness. Cheers Danny DeMetris. Brian Wilde. Shrewsbury. England. Contreras C1. Thank you so much for assisting me with the purchase of the wonderful Contreras C1. Your knowledge and patience were just what I needed in making the right choice for my needs. As soon as got home I played the guitar and was pleased with the variation in sound that the instrument could produce. It has a bell like sweetness when played softly and the clarity of the individual notes are perfectly defined. The power and volume that can be generated by the guitar is a joy and real fun to play. The build and finish of the instrument is superb. I am delighted with my purchase. All the best for the future of your business. With kind regards. Brian Wilde. Joseph Morris. Austin. Texas. USA. Jake Fuller Guitar. "Adrian, I received the Jake Fuller safe and sound in only three days and am very, very pleased with the results. My overall impression is that the instrument plays much better than I do which means that we will have a long relationship while I try to catch up. Your advice as to the kind of guitar I needed, one that could move between the diverse musical genre I enjoy playing, was spot on. Bright yet sensitive and the workmanship is beautiful. As some of your other customers have noted, I could initially hardly believe I was going to purchase an expensive guitar sight and sound unseen from a web site 3,500 miles away. However, your and Selina's responsiveness, attention to detail and sound advice allayed my concerns. My best wishes for your continued success, Joseph Morris" Leonard M. Mavashev. New York. USA. Alhambra 11C. Hello Adrian! I want to let you know that I received my guitar on Friday and I'd like to thank you, she is really a lovely peace of art. It took a few days for strings to stop stretching and now I can tell that the sound is rich and clear. I am really impressed thank you very much. Sincerely Leonard M. Mavashev. Bob Higbee. Pennsylvania, USA. Contreras C1. I picked up my Contreras C1 this morning (cedar top) and brought it home (ignoring my normal need to go to work). I tuned it, played it a bit, then let it stretch and rest till evening. This evening I retuned and have played it for about an hour and have found that it has met or exceeded my expectations in every respect! Softness is greeted by warmth and gentleness, energy is rewarded with full spectrum response that does not sound forced. I feel as if I am falling into the depths of the resonance of the lower registers. I am delighted to hear my chord releases, from the wound metal strings, amplified and wandering around deep inside the body. The quality of workmanship is excellent, with just a trace or two of subtle touches that indicate "real hands have worked on this". The matching of the wood grains on the left and right portions of the face and back is without flaw, in fact the left and right edges of the piece of wood that holds the strings to the top face are perfectly aligned with the same wood-ring (mirror image). I am also impressed with the Hiscox case and your packing job. As I recall, you shipped this to me on the very day of the disaster in New York, USA. The box arrived in Pennsylvania only 2 business days late (4 incl. the weekend). It arrived with a JFK airport (New York) sticker on it. I found the box with no rip or tear, the case -- unmarred, the guitar -- safe and sound. I really appreciate the four small pillows that Hiscox uses to provide a perfect no-jostle fit with respect to horizontal movement and the two pillows on the lid that secure it vertically. Most of all I appreciate the endless patience on the part of Adrian in promptly answering each and every one of my numerous and detailed questions. I am the sort who normally does not "do" mail order. I have an innate need to touch, smell, see and listen. However, I have literally been looking for a new classic guitar all of my life, always coming up disappointed when confronted with the usual music shop that purveys everything from grand pianos to kazoos and, if you're lucky, one or maybe two dusty classics in the corner. It is a scary thing to put yourself completely in the hands of a stranger. My usual sales experience invariable involves the salesman saying, at some point, "You know, I bought the exact same one for myself" (no matter which one you pointed at), or getting the fast shuffle towards whatever the guy is making the fattest profit margin on. I truly felt that Adrian and Selina dealt with me honestly. Thanks for rewarding my trust in you. I wish you the best in your future endeavors. Bob Stephen Higson. Keswick. England. Cashimira 105. Just a few words to say thanks for the service you provided in obtaining my Flamenco Guitar, its just what I wanted. The finish and sound quality is great, and the Hiscox Case is spot on. Stephen Higson. John Fitz-Charles. Ontario. Canada. Rodriguez C3 Hi Adrian... At first I was sceptical about buying a guitar that I have never seen, heard or played. I decided to take the risk after reading what your customers have to say. My Rodriguez C3 arrived on Thursday and it is a real beauty. The sound is great. It is the best of it's kind that I have seen or played. I think you really care about your customers. I would like to recommend your goods and service to the world. Sincerely. John Maury Wahler. Maryland. USA. Admira Teresa. Adrian... Just a quick note to let you know my Admira Teresa arrived on Saturday morning! I was absolutely thrilled! I knew you would send me the perfect guitar. I love it. Will write more later. I'm going to play some more right now. Thanks again. Maury Leslie Bailey. UK. Rodriguez CG. I just want to thank you for supplying my new guitar this week. It looks and plays beautifully and I am really pleased with it. I was a little bit doubtful about ordering a guitar that I had not first tried but clearly I had nothing to worry about as this is a very nice instrument and I am very happy with it. Thank you once again and when I move on to my next guitar it will definitely be one from yourselves. Regards Les. Neil Muir. Thailand. Rodriguez FG. Dear Adrian, I received the guitar safely yesterday - after it had been with Thai customs since last Wednesday !!! They have not seen one before and were not sure what duty to impose on it !! I played it last night and am delighted ! The sound is delicious. Thank you so much for taking the time to do all your pre-checks and send this lovely instrument to me here. Kindest regards, Neil Mike Beard. Devon, UK. Admira Teresa. Admira Teresa: I'm frankly astounded at how much the sound of this instrument has changed now it has settled down. I wouldn't have believed an instrument could be so 'organic' in nature, but the depth and clarity of sound which has now developed is wonderful. I've been able to listen to someone who can play, play it - so the judgement is not just based on my hesitant forays! I've really appreciated the care and attention you've taken and you may be assured of my present (and future) custom; high standards and good customer service are rare commodities, and I know when I'm on to a good thing! Best Wishes. Mike. Stefan Schyga. El Paso, Texas. USA. Arm n Track I just wanted to let you know that I was very impressed with your service. I ordered the Arm n Track last week and it got hear today. You never know when you order stuff from overseas. By the way this is a fantastic unit. Sincerely Stefan. Hector Perez. Puerto Rico, USA Admira Espana. Hi! Is to let you know that I received the Admira guitar Monday, great service and great guitar. Thanks Again. Hector. Gary Ralph. Michigan, USA. Kevin Aram Guitar. Hi Adrian: 
This guitar is stunning!I have played a number of Kevin Aram's guitars in the past and they consistently have a magical quality that is somewhat hard to define. This one is certainly no exception. I touch a string and the note blooms from the soundboard with a clear, ringing tone. The sound is at once delicate and sustaining in its presence, with a very pleasant smoothness. My thanks to both you and Selina for a very enjoyable buying experience, and my eternal gratitude to Kevin Aram for creating this wonderful instrument. Ashwin Reghunandanan Thanks so much for your wonderful site. Well, I am a computer guy and guitar/music is a passion for me and let me tell you that your site is just great. I got these wonderful links to some lovely Spanish guitars. Hoping to own one of those guitars some day! Thanks again, Ashwin Linda Webster. Texas, USA Alhambra 5P. Adrian, I received the guitar today. Everything looks good. It does have a beautiful, deep tone. This is my first classical guitar. I have played the acoustic guitar, and the classical does have a very different sound and feel. I think I will really enjoy it. Thanks for all the information and for your good service. I am impressed with the pod case also. John Wade. Honolulu, USA Hiscox Case Hello Adrian, I received the case on May 30. The Guisanni guitar fits perfectly into the case. I am very pleased with your customer service and the overall experience of purchasing merchandise on your web site. Thank You very much. Keith Larsen. Tariffville, CT, USA. Arm n Track Thank you for your prompt service. The Arm N Track is fantastic! I believe it's the best guitar support ever developed. It even improved my tone. Thank you again. Angela, UK Dear Selina, Thanks so much for your response. This is how I usually put those strings on, but it seems like the last few times I've done it, I didn't feel sure. I really enjoyed visiting your web site. Keep up the good work! Robert Gutierrez. Los Angeles, USA To: Adrian Copley, Hi, it's me Robert. Thank you for the sound advice, and I look forward to (within the next 2-3 years) buying my "great left-handed Guitar" from your business. With the advice you give, I can see that you will always be a well respected and secure business. As always, Robert "the left-handed guitarist" Gutierrez (In three years from now, I'll be giving you my mailing address to finish what we started.) Take Care.... |