1/5

posted Jan-28-2012

"I ordered 2 guitars from Rondo. A ~$225 Douglas Spad Pro that had bad frets. They were popping up and would not stay pressed in. It also had some pretty bad blemishes in the finish and the nut was cut too deep on 2 strings, it was ruined. Because I noticed even the Pro version had junk bridge, nut, and electronics on it I got a refund on that one and ordered the less expensive ~$149 Douglas Spad (non-pro) intending to replace all the cheap parts.

This one came with frets popping up in the middle (frets were bent or curved too much for the fret board radius), a warped/twisted (set) neck, and a cracked/split fretboard (caused from the twisting neck) from the nut, all the way to the second fret. The black paint was coming off the bridge badly. Everything past the 12th fret was completely dead. Totally unplayable guitar.

I put in for a replacement, shipped it back, and after the return arrived at Rondo, he refused to send me a replacement, saying I would not be happy with anything he could send me, as if I was being too picky. He did refund the money but basically said if I won't accept a broken, completely unplayable and un-fixable guitar, he did not want my business. Fair enough, but be warned. I was not expecting good harware on a cheap guitar, but I did expect undamaged wood and frets so I could fix it up myself. you can't level frets that won't stay pressed in and you can't fix or replace a warped, set neck or cracked fretboard.

Both guitars came shipped poorly in a foam bag inside a single layer cardboard guitar box. The price would be good on these guitars considering the super cheap electronics on them if the wood and frets were usable. Neither of mine were. It would have cost 3-7 times the price of the guitars to have them repaired to a playable state. It is painfully obvious Rondo does not even open the box and glance at these guitars for quality control before shipping them out. I saw the flaws before I even got the foam bag completely off."

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Jan-14-2012

"I stumbled upon Rondo's web-page & bought one of their mid range guitars. It arrived packaged well & in a short time.
The guitar was a 12 string Les Paul body. This instrument is 3 to 4 times the value for the price. My guitar experience covers over 40 years & maybe as many guitars. This 12 string is as playable and quality sounding as ANYTHING
I have ever owned."

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

2/5

posted Dec-09-2011

"Ordered SX Hawk MN P90, less case (had one already). Nice looking guitar(though meagerly packed)and was eager to set up and start playing. After closer inspection found two cracks at either side of the neck pocket! Couldn't tell if it was just a finish crack or something more structural. In any case, the rigors of transit must have done this. Returned it, and asked if they could pack the next one with more protection as I notice the first guitar had sparse protection from even moderate handling. The second guitar came in and had no extra packing and had the crack at the neck pocket. Returned it for a replacement but got a refund instead. I can't say this was entirely Rondo's fault, maybe they can't modify the package the guitar comes in. Back to shopping."

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Dec-04-2011

"Rondo Music ROCKS!!! Just bought a crappy guitar for my 8 year old daughter for Christmas. Not only did I get her an okay guitar, but I got a case, AMP and a bunch of accessories for 109 bucks....free shipping too!

Ordered at 10:20 AM Friday morning, got an email at 10:30 saying the order was ready to be shipped...Got the guitar Saturday morning at 11AM. Can't beat that!

Thanks Rondo Music!"

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Nov-18-2011

"I have just received another excellent guitar from Rondo Music. Once again, an excellent service. It took 5 days from ordering to delivery. That's great considering it was from USA to New Zealand, door to door.
This time I bought a Douglas Classic 2TS (kind of a Les Paul Jnr).
It came well set up, and ready to go after tuning it.
It's a well made guitar, nicely finished, and very nice sounding with the two P90 pickups. I'm very pleased with it, and think it is a bargain!
What I am particularly pleased about, is that it came well boxed, and in a solid case.
This time it looked like a fork lift or similar kind of device had punctured a hole in the box. If it hadn't been in a case, the guitar would have been destroyed for sure. As it was, it and the case, were in good shape.
I admit to not being that happy about having to buy a case - to have Kurt ship the guitar outside the USA. Having had this experience - I am VERY happy to have paid for a case, and will view future guitar buying in that light. Essentially - be happy that Kurt requires a hard case for exporting guitars. He's smart to do so IMHO.
Thanks for another great deal. "

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Nov-10-2011

"I just picked up an AL-3100 from Rondo Music and once again, I am blown away by how nice this guitar is! Mine is a cherry burst P-90 model with a maple neck. $299 for this guitar is just ridiculous! Mother of pearl inlays, Graphtech nut/bridge/tailpiece with stringsaver saddles, Grover 18-1s, multi-ply binding, beautiful sunburst top etc, etc, etc! I have several acoustic and electric guitars that cost much more than this AL-3100 and I would put this one right up there with any of them as far as build quality, finish, hardware is concerned. I have a USA Fender and a Taylor and this guitar doesn't have to make any apologies hanging next to those on my wall or plugged in. It truly is amazing how much guitar you get for the money, but again, the fact that this one cost $300 doesn't mean it is a budget guitar. I ordered it with a very nice brown hsc for $65 - ANOTHER great buy!

I should note that I am not a stranger to Rondo. I have bought an AL-2000 in the past as well as a SX Furrian and a J/P style short-scale bass for my kids and those are all a great value too.

In addition to providing great products, Kurt at Rondo provides service that is second to none. He's responsive to any questions I have had - always answers emails, etc. With my latest order - placed Monday morning, my guitar was delivered by the UPS man Wednesday evening!! Granted, I am in Connecticut - close by, but the bottom line is when you place an order, it is shipped FAST!!! I cannot say enough good things about my buying experiences from Rondo. I would buy another guitar from them in a heartbeat - you simply cannot find a better value than rondo and in particular the Agile line! "

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Nov-07-2011

"Kurt, I received my guitar (SX Deimos Amber) and wow it is fantastic. I have never said that
about any guitar before but I am now. the quality on a scale of 1 to 5 is a (7) and I am very satisfied with the guitar and for choosing your company and The shipping time was as specified and arrived in perfect condition. Be very proud of your products. You can be sure I will come to you for all my musical instruments from now on. Thanks again, Robert Pavelski (Bobby Bangg)"

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Nov-04-2011

"I just received my Agile 820 Guitar and must say the I am blown away! I own an Epi Dot and have been totally unsatisfied. I play mostly solid body instruments, but have been searching for an ES335 style instrument to round out my sound. The 820 not only BLOWS AWAY the "Dot", but holds its own against any of the 335s I have played while shopping (and for about 1/4 of the price)I cannot write enough about attention to detail. The finish and binding are immaculate, fret wires perfect (though the action came set too low for my taste, this is a personal choice)MOP inlays on the neck and headstock are gorgeous! Grover Tuners totally trump the cheesy hardware used on the "Dot".
Most importantly, this guitar sounds like a DREAM,stock p/ups surpass my expectations. I was expecting to have to swap them out honestly. But NO NEED!! The clean tones go from glassy (bridge p/up) to warm (neck p/up) and with 2 tone/volume (speed) knobs, I can dial in everything in between. I was pleasantly surprised at the CHUNKY tones I can get on the "LEAD" channel (overdrive) of my Peavy Classic 50 Amp.
This is the 3rd time I have done business with Kurt. One of my purchases arrived damaged and the customer service was prompt and professional. I cannot think of a reason I would buy a guitar elsewhere in the future. I own custom Fenders and Gibsons. For those of you who want to REALLY experience a BAD ATTITUDE, try dealing with either "Custom Shop"!! Its as if they are doing you a favor by taking your money! In closing, for those of you who what to "BUY AMERICAN" keep in mind that Rondo is an AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS, a dying breed! If you think Gibson and Fender don't import from China, I have a nice bridge here in NY that I'd like to sell you! "

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Nov-02-2011

"I purchased a guitar from Rondo Music through e-bay. The guitar is beautiful (better than expected) and shipped to my house in less than 48 hours. Customer service was great and the price was good too. I'm a happy customer. "

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review

5/5

posted Nov-01-2011

"I have been asking for a single 8 string guitar neck. Very friendly conversation with Rondo, easy ordering and at least fast and safe shipping to germany! Top quality, perfect deal. Thank you!"

comment on review | report?

Is this review?.. Helpful | Cool Share review