Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

[WV Mike]

I'll considering purchasing a used instrument from this shop. I'm looking at a 1916 Gibson A model.

I would appreciate any comments from those with experience dealing with this shop, particularly regarding used instruments. I am going to call them tomorrow to inquire about a 48-hour approval period to enable me to play the instrument.

If this is a forum violation, please email me off this thread at michael.plumley@occ.treas.gov.

Thanks, Mike

[MikeB]

MIchael, I don't think this is a forum violation, so I'll jump in and say, I've bought 4 instruments from Greg Boyd (only one was used). # I cannot say enough good things about Greg and his shop. # Call him, if you haven't, but be sure to have a cup of coffee with you--it could be a long conversation. #He will probably play that mandolin for you over the phone ( probably a pointless exercise, but he does it do me all the time, and I laugh). #

If you are wondering about his reliability, integrity, knowledge, forget it. #He's easily among the best. #I'm sure others here will say the same. #Good luck.:laugh:

[kuti]

Truly none finer than the fine one at the House of Fine Instruments.

Proceed with utmost confidence.

[John Rosett]

mike-
it is my curse to live within walking distance of greg boyd's place. i've bought alot of stuff from greg over the years(3 mandolins, 1 mandola, 1 electric guitar, and 1 fender amp so far). greg is a great guy to deal with, and so are the other folks that work there.
i have played the mando that you're thinking about, and i think it's one of the best sounding gibson a's that i've played. luckily, i already have one, or i'd be trying to get it.
john

[phynie]

I have never bought an instrument from Greg but I have bought a bunch of accessories and the sort things from him. He is a GREAT guy. He offers informative service and is a real pleasure to deal with. I would definitley give him a ring.

[Russ(String-Alley)]

He got my Weber custom order and handled it with care. Very good to talk tone with, great follow up too. He took the extra time out to get me exactly what I was looking for. Give him a call and talk some shop, see for yourself. I don't think you will be disappointed in any way.
cheers!
Russ

[Hubert Angaiak]

I have dealt and talked with Greg from time to time and as everyone says, he is a good guy to deal with. It's always good to talk to him.

[John Goodin]

Let me add my voice to the list of satisfied customers. I recently purchased a new mando from Greg and he was great to work with. Definitely a guy who is not just in it for the money.

John Goodin

[Mike Bunting]

Just another "me-too" in the praise of Greg Boyd as a dealer, just be prepared to drink coffee and pick and hang out.
Mike

[Pete Martin]

I have to agree with John, that is very nice Gibson A. i'VE BOUGHT TWO VINTAGE GUITARS FROM gREG AND i KNOW i'LL BUY SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE. GOOD GUY TO DEal with! sORRY ABOUT THE CAPS...

[bud]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I purchased a Givens A3 from Greg last year. I was concerned buying a used instrument from the other side of the country, but Greg was great to work with. A pleasure to talk to also.

[WV Mike]

Gosh, I love this place! That you so much for the feedback, even form those who have played this specific mando. I'll let you know the rest of the story.

Thanks again, Mike

[WV Mike]

I spoke with Greg this afternoon. He played it (or maybe it was a Dude or Gil.)over the phone for me. That did it for me.

It looks like the 1916 Gibson will be making a flight to WV this week.

I just need to do some banking (out of my slush fund) in the morning and buy my wife some flowers or something..maybe tell her I won it in a sweepstakes or something http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

It's probably a good thing I'm back on the road for the next six weeks.

Thanks again for all your help. I'll post after I get it.

Mike

[garyblanchard]

Mike -

First, congratulations!

Now, as to what to tell your wife, refer to the following threads:

I May Be In Trouble (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=14501)

and

My Wife Is Mad (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=12;t=14339)

Read them carefully, then disregard nearly all of it. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Good luck and enjoy!

[WV Mike]

Gary, it's good to hear from you. #Those posts are a hoot! #I think I'll survive my better half. #I just compromised and told her I wouldn't go on the fishing/camping/jamming trip this weekend with the guys. #Man, but I could be playing my new mando there http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

You won't believe this..I also bought a real old fiddle for $50 about a month ago while on the road. #It's a homemade older than dirt thing from the Hampton, VA area. She's ok about it. #I just got it out of the shop on Friday. #Let's just say that my cost basis kinda doubled plus some with the repair work, strings, new bow, etc. #I had a good fiddle play it this weekend and it's sounds pretty darn good.

One of the benefits of all my business travel is the funding of a slush fund from eating cheap versus getting reimbursed $31 or more per day for meals plus milage money. #The family isn't missing any meals and the bills are still being paid despite my recent MAS http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I guess I'm a fortunate guy.

Take care, Mike

[Scotti Adams]

..two thumbs up for Greg and his crew...nothing but great service and professionalism.....

[WV Mike]

Well, I did it and followed through on the MAS. #Thanks for the help. #

The old Gibson should me making the trip from Montana to WV next week. #It should be home by the time I get back from my assignment in Kentucky on Thursday. #I have a feeling MK Firefly Custom will be feeling lonely soon.

Mike

[WV Mike]

"The Rest of the Story"

The 1916 Gibson A arrived via air mail to Charleston, WV on Friday afternoon. She's a beauty and sounds real sweet. My fingers are sore. The mandolin is exactly as represented by Greg Boyd. They did a great job on getting it to me quick and in good condition.

I highly recommend Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments.

Don't look for this one to be on in the classified section. The Lord's willing, we will be playing Old Time music for a long, long, time.

Thanks again to all the Cafe members who made, even me, feel comfortable doing an Internet deal. I appreciate it!

Mike Plumley, One Happy Camper

[Mandolin Guy]

Hey Mike, Happy to hear you got your Gibson. I haven't played an A style Gibson in a Long time. A friend of mine played one on the record we made and it sounded Great. The Weber is sounding better everyday. Got mine from Lanning Music in PA. Great people. Well again, Glad your happy with the new mandolin. Keep Pickin' OL'MG http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[frets1]

i NEVER BOUGHT AN INSTRUMENT FROM THEM BUT I HAVE BOUGHT SEVERAL OTHER THINGS FROM THEM. THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE TO BUSINESS WITH AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++ http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[neal]

Sorry to ressurect this thread, lot's of you think the world of him, so I have to ask, has his email been down for about a month? I've emailed a few times within the last month and have not recieved a reply. He's got some nice stuff there. If anyone knows, please let me know. The last email I sent I had to ask if something I may have written offended, because I get the auto-replies, but no answers. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[grandmainger]

Use antiquated means of communication! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Telephone: (406) 327 9925
Fax: (406) 327 9916

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Scott Tichenor]

Here's a novel idea: talk to a human.

The store: 406-327-9916

Always surprised how many people I tell this that email me because someone didn't answer their classified inquiry. "I never thought of that!"

Plus, if everyone thinks email is a 100% sure way to communicate to someone with no chance of technical failure these days, then I'd like to sell you Bill Monroe's mandolin. It's for sale, sitting in my office and I'll take $5,000 for it! I had someone tell me my email giving away CDs got caught in their spam filter because I'd used the word "free" in the subject line. I could go on, but you've heard enough.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[grandmainger]

Here's a novel idea: talk to a human.
The store: 406-327-9916
Always surprised how many people I tell this that email me because someone didn't answer their classified inquiry. "I never thought of that!"

Now Scott, if you manage to understand human language on the FAX number, you are the king of the new world. All I can get is BEEEEEEEEEP !!! (might be really strong language!)

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[neal]

Sorry Scott, not a complaint, but the question was "has his email been down" Not "I need to get in touch with him and I'm crying to you guys 'cause he's not answering me". I know he has a phone. If I'm in dire need, I'll use it. And it is a novel idea, thanx fer the tip, I should call HIM and ask if his email's down.

[flairbzzt]

I know Greg was very busy these last two weeks with Wintergrass and another show the following weekend in the midwest who's name escapes me at the moment. I'm sure he's got alot to catch up to. I spoke with Greg this afternoon and am getting my second mando from him (Prucha F matte)following my Weber bighorn and he is just the best. I had a questionable experience with another dealer in between these two purchases and Greg is helping to accommodate my needs as a result. I will not stray again...he has got to be one of the most respected dealers around. And yes, I used my entire lunch hour+ talking/listening to him. You can use your entire month's allotment of cell phone minutes in one conversation with Greg, but it's well worth it. And he did play 3 mandos over the phone as he is known for.

[Rick Schmidlin]

I also feel he is among the best with a great selection and #always honest.The Prucha he sold #me is admired my Gibson and Collings players and makes them drool for tone and workmanshop. I alway tell players in L.A. to check Gregs's sight out.He also has great selection of guitars.His Roy Nobles are to die for!

Rick http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Scotti Adams]

Greg is the best...hands down....so being that he is the best you just have to have patience..he will get back with you...guarenteed...

[Rob Wallace]

I just purchased and received my first mandolin from Greg this week and while it was somewhat nerve racking for me purchasing over the phone and from across the country, Greg was great. A wealth of information, he A/B'd the spruce and cedar top Yellowstones for me over the phone and came through big for me in every way. First class guy who I look forward to dealing with again sometime.

Rob

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

I haven't bought all that much from Greg, (Collings MT2, Collings MF5, Collings D-1S, Collings MF5 V-Deluxe) but I can say that they always answer my e-mails.

Sometimes I know it takes a little time when they are away at a festival since Chad is their internet guru and also goes with Greg to the events they attend.

#If you really need to get in touch, they also have an old-fashioned device known as a telephone, and believe me, I've used that medium too!

Greg Boyd's is a solid company and did I mention a great place to buy Collings instruments. (And, of course other brands, whatever they may be.)

[mandolooter]

good idea! plus if it is, ya still get a reply!

[DrewM]

Another endorsement can't hurt, so here it is...

I bought my first mandolin from Greg last year (a custom Koa Yellowstone from Weber), and his service, patience, and hospitality on the phone were second to none. Actually, it was a tie...with Paula Lewis at Weber!

I have since followed up my mandolin order with an order for one of the first archtop guitars produced by the Weber shop...ordered through Greg, of course.

[Kbone]

I did a trade with Greg for a Prucha A model and felt he was very fair..

[flairbzzt]

And when you call Greg, ask him where you can get 3 hotdogs for a dollar. Make sure you have a lot of time for that story.........

[Pete Martin]

My bet is he has been out of the shop for a few weeks. I know they show instruments at a number of places around the country during these weeks every year, Wintergrass, etc. He probably just hasn't been home.

[BlueMt.]

Another satisfied customer, here. I was real pleased with the service I recieved #from Greg when I bought my last mandolin.

[greg boyd]

Hello,

Thanks to all for very nice words of support and encouragement...

Regarding e-mails, specifically pertaining to timely answers:

On any given day we get a tremendous amount of e-mail.
Any e-mail that asks a specific question is usually answered immediately upon opening it.

Sometimes it is NOT... This is not because we want to portray ourselves as "above answering" any certain e-mail, it usually is just due to a mis-handled e-mail sent to a wrong folder, accidental deletion, OR... (and this is a big one), many times we reply directly to an e-mail only to find it is unable to be sent because wrong e-mail return address was typed in by original sender.

Another cause of failing to reply is when we start an e-mail, but get distracted while completing our reply. Sometimes these e-mails sit on computer for long enough time that they get lost when computer crashes, or is re-booted.

Sometimes we are on the road to festivals for 2 or 3 weeks at a time. During these times we are answering lots of e-mails by dictating over the phone. Some are left for "later", with good intentions to answer them...

Please keep things in perspective...
The way we receive e-mail is not much differently than opening a huge mailbox with piles of letters.
Almost 100% get timely replies... but some get dropped...

Please - if for some reason we have not replied to any e-mail sent by you at any time, just give us a quick call. We will call you up on "our dime" and work to erase any discomfort that a lost or forgotten email might have caused.

Thank you from now on...

Greg Boyd
"House of Fine Instruments"
311 Knowles St
Missoula, Montana #59801
406/327-9925