Elderly Instruments.

Simple, really. In my mind they are the very best example of fair prices, combined with great selection, and superb service. When you buy an instrument from them you know it has been set up by luthiers that are the equal of anyone anywhere. Their reputation is what they care about, and they seek to make sure that it is a good one.

Case in point. About a year ago I was looking to purchase a new Freshwater Bouzouki. David Freshwater offered to sell it to me direct, but I wanted to purchase it through my shop as I knew they would stand behind it. Turns out that that was good intuition. I had had it less than 3 weeks when the shoulder strap broke and the 'zouk landed square on the endpin and split end to end on the top in several places. I called the maker and explained that the plastic D ring broke and it ruined my 'zouk. His response was that he felt no responsibility, and wouldn't discuss it. Stan Werbin, owner of Elderly, heard about this and contacted me. To make the long story short, he agreed to order me a new one, repair the old one for me to use in the interim (a wonderful repair I might add), and when the new one comes in I will give them the old one and take the new one. They will sell the old one as used. (BTW, keep your eyes open for this one when it comes up as it is a wonderful instrument and you would really have to look to find the damaged area.) In short, he took the time to seek me out, listened carefully to his customer, went out of his way to make it right, and left me even more devoted to this wonderful shop. If Freshwaters weren't such wonderful instruments, I wouldn't bother with them again. They seem very anxious to sell their wares, but not very interested once they have the money. But, they do make wonderful sounding and well built product. Classic "devil and the deep blue" sydrome with these folks.

Elderly. They simply combine all that is right. When you go to the showroom, you can play anything you lay your hands on without being bothered. And when you need assistance, the floor help is generally made up of VERY knowledgeable players anxious to share the knowledge. Their instructors are the best players in the area. Neil Woodward springs to mind. Steve Forgey AKA Frog on guitar.

I could go on, but you get the picture.

Mick