First Quality Music

**sglett** · Mar-20-2006, 7:06pm

I'm probably going to get my very first mandolin from First Quality Music. They seem to have fair prices from what I've compaired so far. Has anyone made a purchase here? Are the reputable? Do they do any setup? Thanks!

- SL

**mr51** · Mar-20-2006, 7:16pm

I have never used them myself, but I know some people who have ordered instruments from them in the past. From all that I've been told, and have read on other forums about them, they are a first class company. I think that any instrument that you ordered from them would be set-up when you receive it.

**Gail Hester** · Mar-20-2006, 7:38pm

First Quality Music is first quality; I've had very good transactions with them. They are a sponsor here on the cafe and you can usually bet that Scott (your site owner) only deals with fair and honest businesses. BTW, their prices are terrific on most things.

**Scotti Adams** · Mar-20-2006, 7:42pm

Theres no need to ask that question twice....FQ is A-1...Top Shelf.

**red7flag** · Mar-20-2006, 7:56pm

Very fair, very knowledgeable, great customer service. I have received strings a day after I have ordered them.
Tony

**Stephen Perry** · Mar-20-2006, 7:58pm

They've referred people to me when they were out of stuff, and I don't even know them personally. Quite an unusual thing these days. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I've looked at their catalogs for a long time. A good place to visit if you're nearby, I'm sure.

**mandopete** · Mar-20-2006, 8:47pm

Great service IMHO!

Mar-20-2006, 8:48pm

Dito, ditto, ditto, ditto, and more ditto as everyone has said....

BTW, you did not mention what type of mando you are looking for/at or thinking of. HAve you checked out the classified section here? Some really good mandos and some equally good folks selling them.

...just my .02 worth tonight
~x (shayne)

**j-hill** · Mar-20-2006, 9:04pm

I bought a custom Martin from them at Christmas. Placing a large order with them on an instrument that was sight-unseen was definitely out of my comfort zone but they were excellent to deal with throughout the transaction. Set-up was exactly to my request and they walked me through the process.

Seemed like good people.

Jason

**aries753** · Mar-20-2006, 9:51pm

FQM also has my vote.
If you are in the area it is a great place to visit and work on your finger callusus.

**Dena Haselwander** · Mar-20-2006, 10:04pm

Another positive vote--ultra-fast service.

**Big Joe** · Mar-20-2006, 11:36pm

FQMS and the Sullivans are as good as it gets. Great friends and great people to do business with. You just can't do any better. First Quality says it all!

**sglett** · Mar-21-2006, 12:13am

If they will setup the mando to my preferences, what should I ask for (as a beginner)? I'm probably going to get the Epiphone MM30E, until I can upgrade next year.

**Greenmando** · Mar-21-2006, 1:45am

Originally Posted by (sglett @ Mar. 20 2006, 22:13)

If they will setup the mando to my preferences, what should I ask for (as a beginner)? I'm probably going to get the Epiphone MM30E, until I can upgrade next year.

Hi Steve
I have a nice MM-30E if you are interested.
I can send you some pics if you like.
Tom
ferretkona@comcast.net

**Jerry Byers** · Mar-21-2006, 2:16am

They have yet to respond to any of my emails. I called on a Ratliff and was told they had two in inventory - I ask for pictures and they never responded to that request. I called to order a truss rod cover and was told they couldn't sell it to me because there was a Gibson copyright infringement issue going on - they never bothered to ask where I was going to be using the cover. Sorry guys.

**Markelberry** · Mar-21-2006, 2:36am

I have made no major purchases but would not hesitate! M first experience was a visit there a ccouple months ago and it was one of the friendliest helpful staff I ever ran into. I would definately purchase from them.

**fatt-dad** · Mar-21-2006, 7:28am

O.K. maybe somewhat off topic, but you may want to also click around at www.elderly.com to see what they have for mandolins in your price range. They are another excellent choice for mail order (in my opinion).

f-d

**Kevin K** · Mar-21-2006, 7:32am

First Quality will take care of you. It's a good experience dealing with them.

**Mike McCoy** · Mar-21-2006, 7:40am

I have dealt with many "music stores" through the years and none of them came close to First Quality. I've gotten everything from instruments to strings from FQMS and they've been great on phone orders as well as walk ins.

**Ken Berner** · Mar-21-2006, 8:58am

Just another echo, here! FQMS is the ultimate in great service; their name says it all.

**Eric F.** · Mar-21-2006, 9:25am

I was going to keep silent because the question was about whether FQMS was a good place to buy an entry-level mando. But it's turned into a lovefest on FQMS customer service in general, so I will speak my piece. I've had the opposite experience from most here with them. They were very accommodating to me when I visited and tried out several high-end mandolins, but a fairly small purchase I made went bad and they refused to make it good - not just the saleswoman but the manager. I certainly would have put FQMS on my short list for a mandolin purchase (I've bought several since then) but now I wouldn't buy a pick from them. I don't understand companies that are willing to lose customers that way - they kept my $50 but lost me forever as a customer. However, I am sure they will do a fine job with your instrument and that 90 percent of the time their service is excellent. I think there is probably no company that does it right 100 percent of the time, but I'm through with this one.

**fpaxton** · Mar-23-2006, 6:53am

After many smooth transactions, I had one that went bad and they chose not to make good. Not a major loss, but enough to lose a customer. .... and I never miss an opportunity to pass along my experience to anyone willing to listen.