You guys have been great. Happy that I found your shop.

Chicago 4/3/24

Bill- the guitar arrived- it's so beautiful! I have been enjoying getting to know it over the last few days. Thank you again so much for your help through the purchase!

NEW YORK 8/25/22

The Picado arrived safely Wednesday afternoon and it is beautiful!

I'm in love! It is the first solid wood, hand made guitar I have played, and the difference from my beginner instrument is stunning! I had no idea what I was missing. The basses are so much deeper and richer, and it is a much louder guitar, and the trebles are clear and full. I didn't understand how one guitar could be easier to play than another, but it is!  WOW!

Thank you for your help and kind patience with all of my questions.

Florida 8/17/22 

About a year ago, a guitar that you helped me select (sight unseen, & unheard, except for photos & recordings), arrived at my house. The Esteve 11 exceeded anything I could have hoped for in sight, sound or feel. A truly beautiful instrument. I was looking at both the 8 and the 11. You said that the 8 was an excellent instrument, but the 11 is outstanding. You’re right!

Maryland 1/20/22

Just a quick note of thanks and appreciation for your help in providing a wonderful guitar for my student and their parents.  I finally had a chance to see and hear the instrument this past weekend.  The student’s appreciation, approval, and satisfaction of the instrument is evident. Thanks for sending the detailed pictures and requested specifications of each available instrument.  Your professionalism in “The Classical Guitar Store” experience again was greatly appreciated.  And though not requested, a new set of strings was provided with the instrument.  A nice touch not over looked by me.

Michigan   1/4/22

Hi Bill, just a brief note to say thank you for a wonderful buying experience and helping find the instrument of my dreams. I love how it feels, plays, and the sound...so rich... it’s perfect. 

 Over the 5o years of playing guitar, I’ve owned and sold many but my experience at The Classical Guitar Store is by far the experience I will remember fondly the rest of my life.  It was one week ago today when I met you and selected the marvelous instrument and I’m still smiling and still reflecting on the experience you provided. The Classical Guitar Store is so much more beyond a “Music Store”.... 

 With Gratitude,

New Jersey  3/27/21

Well, as you may have guessed, I like the Esteve 8 very much: comfortable to play with a full Spanish sound. Beautiful too. 

Thank you very much. I hope to get years of pleasure from it.

Virginia  3/19/21

I can't say that I've ever been 100% satisfied with any guitar before.  The Picado 54 is everything I hoped it would be and more.  The fit and finish is impeccable and the sound is a tremendous value.  I was a bit wary of buying a guitar I've never heard of, heard, or played, but your informative website with honest, balanced descriptions of the instruments as well as your phone consultations led to a perfect match. Many thanks.

Pennsylvania     3/6/21

Bill,

The guitar arrived in perfect shape.  The pictures did not do it justice.  I love the looks and sound, and I hope to one day play music deserving of this instrument.  I appreciate all the accessories and all of your time and help.

Louisiana     3/5/21

Hi, Bill

The Picado Model 49 guitar arrived safe and sound.  I appreciate your packing it carefully.  It is wonderful- exactly what I was wanting!  The setup and action is perfect, I am really impressed with the instrument, the build quality is outstanding.  I will gladly recommend your shop to everyone.  Thanks, again!

Kentucky

12/01/2019

Dear Bill,

I had a wonderful time in your terrific shop. You were impressively skillful in guiding me through the taxonomy of sound and the exotic forest of so many instruments. It turns out I had a very clear idea of what sound I was looking for even though I didn't realize it.

The Esteve is home with me and I look forward to pleasurable hours together.

With many thanks, JC

Rhode Island

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Bill,

 I want to thank you and Jeff for your help with my recent purchase of the Esteve model 8 guitar.  For the last month I have been enjoying the sound produced by this fine guitar.  I’m amazed at the difference between the bass strings of this guitar and my last instrument.  You were both very patient and informative in helping me to decide which guitar to select.  Without a doubt it was worth the 125 mile trip to your store.

Thanks again,

D.D. JULY 2018

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A must stop for anyone interested in classical guitar. I found this little shop whilst searching for a store with a good selection and knowledgeable staff. It was a two hour drive from where I live, but was well worth the time. I was looking to semi-retire an old family heirloom, and my parents had offered to purchase me a new student guitar as a birthday gift. Our host, Jeff, spent 2+ hours helping me find the perfect instrument, and was extremely patient. We ended up settling on a beautiful spruce topped Hanika which just sounds and plays like a dream. Will gladly make the effort to come out here again if I’m searching for another instrument. A+ guys!

June 2018

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Bill, thanks for everything.  The J. Castelluccia G6 arrived in excellent condition Thursday.  I've been playing it quite a bit, and it sounds amazing.  It produces a good amount of volume, the bass is smooth and mellow, and the high notes are clear and pristine.  The guitar is a dream come true! 

JB, Indiana    June 2018

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Dear Bill,

I couldn't be happier with my new Esteve classical guitar. It sounds great even with my limited abilities. Trust me, I have a good reason to increase my practice time. Hopefully in the future I will have another chance to visit your awesome store. Thanks so much!

DM, Oklahoma

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Hi Bill,

 

I wanted to let you know that I received the guitar today (Friday). It arrived in perfect shape, not even a scuff on the shipper box...you did a great job packaging the guitar.

 

So, what can I say....just WOW. What an amazing instrument. It is actually more then I expected...amazing tone, projection, clarity, intonation, and playability. And to top it off, it looks great....such a great combination of woods.

 

I know you deal with some super high end guitars, so I'm not sure how the Picado compares to them. But compared to my guitar, it's just on another level. I just can't wipe the smile off my face when I play it.

 

I wanted to thank you for your patience and your great service. You've brought this amateur musician much happiness. Thank you again...

 

Regards,

 

Ed (California) 11/4/17

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Another satisfied customer! 10/4/17

           

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Hi,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for selling me such a wonderful instrument.

I purchased an Esteve 9 B/C back in mid-July and had it shipped to Ohio.

The instrument produces a very "Spanish sound" (just like your website says) and the sound projects very well. My teacher can't believe how good it sounds and how loud it is.

I am in love with this instrument and it is a joy to play

I couldn't be more happy with the guitar and the customer service I received from the Classical Guitar Store.

Best Regards,

K.G. Ohio

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I just recently purchased an Esteve model 8 from you. I just wanted to thank you for the excellent service. The guitar arrived as promised, in excellent condition. I couldn't be happier with this guitar. It sounds amazing and it's everything I hoped it would be. I will definitely recommend your shop to anyone looking for a great guitar.

L.P. Ohio

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Bill,

    I want to thank you both for showing me all of those wonderful guitars. I could tell that you have a lot of experience helping musicians find an instrument.

     This week playing the Hanika has been fantastic. The sound is so clear, and I can hear so many details, it's just been great. Playing Bach on the guitar is like playing in a dream. The voices in the pieces come out so clear.

     Thank you again for all your help and your courtesy. The experience of buying an instrument from your shop was truly first rate. Without a doubt, yours is one of the best shops in the country.

     Thanks again, and I'll keep in touch.

N.M. Pennsylvania

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Hello Bill,

Just wanted to let you know that I've been playing and enjoying the guitar a lot over the weekend.  

It plays particularly beautifully and easier than I'm used to with a classical, probably because of the 640 scale and the reduced string tension.

I'm definitely glad that I went with the 640 scale and I think this guitar will serve me well for a long time.

Thanks again,

S.F. Rhode Island

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Bill,

I was in The Classical Guitar Store on Saturday and had the chance to sit with you and Nicole and play guitars for a long, unhurried time.

Your advice and help were wonderful (instrumental?) and I purchased the Picado 60.  It arrived, as scheduled, this past Thursday in great shape, and I just can't tell you how much I enjoy playing it.  I have told my friends that the instrument is so good, that it even makes me sound good!  The only problem is that I plan on just working on scales for 15 minutes and then I look at the time and 45 minutes have flown by!

It was a long trip getting to you and so worth it.  I can't thank you enough for the time you took, your support of an old neophyte, and your professionalism.  I would encourage anyone who can make the trip to come see you.

Thanks so much, again, and in a few years, you may see me again.  In the meantime, I'm really thrilled with my Picado.

M.F.

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A gem of a shop. Bill spent time with me, helping me to find a guitar best suited for my needs. No pressure to buy. He filed the saddle down to make my selected guitar more comfortable to play. Well worth the drive from Detroit to Philly to buy from him. My looking/buying experience was very pleasant, unlike some other stores I have encountered. I highly recommend The Classical Guitar Store.

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I just received my Picado 60. It is wonderful beyond expectations. So I'm very pleased with the purchase. I think it's a terrific value. It was just the thing for me. It is a beautiful sounding, and beautiful looking instrument.

V.E. California, phone message.

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This store was recommended to me by a classical guitarist who bought his instrument from here. I was pretty impressed by the authentic and no-pressure sale. The lady who helped me is actually working on making her second guitar. Impressive. The biggest help to me was the honest feedback I received while I was trying the various guitars. Because she didn't push me above my price range we were free to focus on the exact sound that I liked the best rather than her getting the biggest commission possible. In fact she was looking for ways to save me money. If I had any complaints I wouldn't be afraid of dropping a star or two. However my overall experience was so good I have to give it five.

S.A.

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The Hanika 54 PC arrived in excellent shape. I love the guitar. It's a beautiful instrument and sounds fantastic!

L.A. Virginia, phone message.

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Subject: Picado Model 49 Message: THANK YOU ! Nicole you were very patient and wonderful to work with. Thank you for helping me connect with my “Paloma”!

I love every note every timbre every thing about this guitar.

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I recieved the Esteve guitar Friday ( I talked to you about this).  the guitar is wonderful!!  I am very pleased with this guitar.
Thanks for you help and attention.
Jackson, LA

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Bill,
I received the Hanika on Thursday and must say that I am very happy with the instrument.  I find the volume to be sufficient for my needs, and the tonal range as well as sensitivity are excellent, far better than my current Cordoba PRO-R and my 1997 Larrivee 35.....It is by far the best classical I have owned since (the Kohno 30) and should serve me well in the years to come.  I am also quite pleased with the visual aesthetics of the instrument.  Thank you for your assistance in making my choice among the instruments that I was considering.  I know that the absolute best way to choose an instrument is to actually take the time to sit down, play and compare the instruments in order to find the one that speaks to you. Unfortunately that was not an option for me, but I did have the fortune of being able to get a general feel for what seemed like the best bet for me through working with you.  Thanks again.  I’m very happy with this guitar and your customer service.

Oak Park, IL

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Bill

I love the Esteve 12!

Craig  Philadelphia, PA.

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Hi Bill.  The guitar that you sent me arrived yesterday, Wednesday.  It arrived in perfect condition.  It sounds great and plays wonderfully.  I'm sure that the J. Castelluccia and I will have a long and happy relationship.  Thanks again for all your help.  I will certainly recommend The Classical Guitar Store in Philadelphia.  

Have fun,  B.

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Hello, Bill.
The guitar arrived in perfect condition and it's as light and beautiful as you described. I love the size, the neck shape, and most of all the sound. Thank you very much!
Regards,
K

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Hi Bill,

The package arrived about 2 hrs ago in great shape.  The case was slightly warm but in original condition so was the guitar.  I let it sit on the stand to acclimate for a while and then turned it up.  It sounded just like as it was in your store last week.  I already practiced on it for 1 hour now.  It sounded great and looked so handsome!!  I enjoyed very much the experience.  Thanks for your help.

Best Regards,

F

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S. LOVES his new Esteve

Thought you'd enjoy the attached video of my 11YO son playing his new Esteve. He and that guitar are inseparable. Shld you want to use this vid for PR/marketing/whatever, you have our permission, but mostly I just thought you'd enjoy seeing some of the fruits of your labor.

Glad you got it and could view it. He is very happy with the sound that his new Esteve generates. It is so much more amplified than his old guitar. I’m sure increasing the size has a little to do with it, but there is no doubt that the Esteve has a lot to do with it too. Thank YOU again, 

XO M.R. North Carolina

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Bill, the Hanika is amazing.  The sound is so rich and the action wonderful.  I cannot wait to get started!  Thank you so much for bringing such beauty back into my life.  Also, the case is so lightweight and strong.  Here is a quick shot of me just picking it up on my birthday.  Warmly, D. F. Georgia

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I received my Francisco Esteve Model 8 a few weeks ago. It arrived well packed and in perfect condition. I would like to thank you again for listening to me and helping me decide on this guitar. It is beautiful, well built, and has a wonderful pleasing tone. I play it every day and I find it hard to put down. My instructor is N.M. and he plays a David Pace Classical guitar which you sell also. You have a video of him playing Koyunbaba on his guitar on your web page. N. played my Esteve Model 8 when we meet for a lesson. He gave it high marks and congratulated me on making a very good decision. Thank you again for working with me and helping me decide on this excellent instrument.

 Happy Holidays,

 T.

Ashland VA

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A quick note to let you know that I absolutely love my new Castelluccia 60th Anniversary model. It is a beautiful instrument with great depth of tone and great projection, and it plays really nicely. This is the start of a long, beautiful friendship (if not love affair).

I want to especially thank you for your advice, patience, and professionalism in the process of putting me together with this great guitar.
Again, thank you for your advice,
N.
Colorado

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Hi Bill, 

Just wanted to write and let you know how thrilled I am with my new Castelluccia guitar. What a beautiful instrument. As you know, I had my trepidations about buying a guitar via mail order, but you helped to make it a very pleasant experience. Now all I have to do is become a better player so that I can do the guitar justice.

Thanks,

Bob

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Dear Bill,

Living in Juneau, Alaska, where we have no stores that deal in fine classical guitars, I found myself at the mercy of the internet in my search for a guitar.  My anxieties were continually allayed by your kind and professional advice.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your patiently answering all my questions as I searched for the right guitar.  I especially appreciated your not trying to "sell" me a guitar but simply helping me figure out answers to all my questions.  And once I did decide on the guitar and you arranged for shipping from Philadelphia to Alaska, I was gratified to find that you were tracking the guitar's progress as closely as I was.  

And I could not be more pleased with the Dupont guitar.  This is the first handmade guitar I have ever owned, and the sound is incredible.  You can actually hear the cedar ringing. I'm sure this is no news to you, as you deal everyday with guitars even more exquisite than this. 

Anyway, thanks so much for your professional knowledge and for your personal care as well.  It was a pleasure doing business with you.

J.H. Juneau, AK

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Bill,

Spent some time looking over the guitar with our instructor.  We are very pleased with the guitar.  It really does sound nice and it is in superb shape. Our instructor was impressed at how spotless it was (not one scratch, no marks or blemishes)  not to mention he thought for an entry level guitar it was well worth the money.  He figures my son has 5+ years of dedicated classical guitar work before he might begin to feel he needs to upgrade.Thanks for your help and flexibility – I was a little nervous doing this sized business via mail order but you made it about as painless as it could be.  Take care and Thanks again.

F. and B.

Virginia

Dear Classical Guitar Store: The Picado 49 arrived today undamaged. The outer box was a bit scuffed, but the packing materials proved adequate for the trip to Chicago. After tuning up the guitar and striking the first notes, I simply could not believe my ears! The warm full tone combined with the volume and projection make this, by far, the best acoustic guitar I have ever played, and much much better than anything I found in the local guitar stores. The case is nice, and well constructed for this guitar. I am keeping it! Sold! Your website is informative and helpful. I especially like the search feature based on price, and your editorials about each guitar are interesting and informative. The sound files that you sent are of excellent quality, played beautifully, and quietly influential in my decision to select the cedar soundboard Picado 49. Your objective discussion with me on the phone gave me confidence that I was dealing with an honest and experienced store. I would recommend you to anyone without hesitation. Thanks, R.K. Chicago, IL. 

 Dear Bill, Thank you for collecting such a wonderful selection of great classical guitars! And thank you for your very professional assistance in helping me choose my new Antonio Picado 60. I love this instrument! It has such a wonderful tonal quality, such brilliance of sound and great projection. Every single note has such beauty of tone! Superlatives don't do this instrument justice. My playing has never sounded so good. I am enchanted. Thank you. M.W. Clearwater, FL.

We made it home safely on Saturday with the new guitar, although the roads got a little treacherous with snow at one point. Thanks for helping me to pick out a guitar on Friday and Saturday morning. I love my Armin Hanika 58 spruce, .....the way it plays and sounds and looks.... Wonderful!

Thanks again for your help, and also for answering my many questions. It was a real treat to play so many outstanding guitars and to be able to compare them side by side. I learned a lot. What a great store!

Paul

Pennsylvania 

I received the A.R.Pardo Thursday morning. I tried it out that night and last night, and I just love it. It is very comfortable to play. I really appreciate what you do and wish you the very best.

Greg

Texas

Hi!

I just wanted to let you know how much I love my Esteve 8. Such wonderful tone and playability! I had my first lesson after receiving the guitar yesterday and my teacher loves it also!

Thanks so much for your help and a wonderful guitar.

Nikki

Idaho

Hello!

I just visited your shop a few weeks ago (Saturday, June 28th) and purchased an Armin Hanika (model 56) guitar. I just want to say how much I LOVE playing this beautiful instrument. I literally could write a novel about how perfect this guitar is for me. I really appreciate all the help you gave me during my visit, so thank you, thank you, thank you!

Bethany

Pennsylvania