Purchased a brand new Martin D45 Modern Deluxe from Willcutt and I am extremely happy with both the guitar and their service. I had asked them to put a VERY low setup on it before shipping and last time I did this with a different seller I was very disappointed but these guys delivered as requested! Beautiful setup and perfect guitar.... Fair price and overnight shipping was only $130 more! read more

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I was on the hunt for a RIC 660/12, actually bought one off eBay but the seller was deceased and it never shipped :-( Well near to giving up hope I took to the interwebz and had the good fortune to find the EXACT guitar was on offer from Willcutt Guitars. I made some arrangements and bought it. They got it from KY to CA in about 5 days; it arrived expertly packed, and once I tuned her up she is playing like the best dream ! They set it up for classic RIC- lowish action and halfwound strings, and I've been playing her non-stop since Wednesday when she arrived. THANKS Willcutt for a satisfying buying experience read more

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While the interior may not appear to be the most impressive, it is truly a fantastic little shop with some high quality stuff. A place to geek out about guitars a bit. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, resourceful, and helpful. I went to just grab some strings but did not know what exactly what I wanted. I was guided expertly, and had a great conversation where all my questions were answered thoroughly. Prices were also quite fair. Would highly recommend and will likely return read more

terrible online experience, purchased guitar online, it never came, UPS alleges it did. Willcutt refuses to help and their communication alleges that someone who is serving overseas was able to come sign for it cause that's what UPS put down. very unprofessional would recommend doing business with someone else. never had this problem with guitar center. now I have to file legal action against them. read more

Willcutt Guitar Shoppe - Guitar Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I found a rare limited edition Charvel SC1 here. It wasn't super expensive but it was a limited edition and it was about a year after it was released so I was giving up hope that I would ever find one. The guitar was brand new in the original Charvel box. Shortly after that I found a 2nd hand custom shop Strat on Reverb that was originally a custom order through Willcutt. Although I didn't purchase that guitar through Willcutt I had some questions about that guitar and they were happy to assist. Note: Some of the negative reviews sound valid, some sound extremely petty, and others sound like manufacturer issues. Overall it seams like a solid place to deal with. read more

First glance this place looks like the place to find that special guitar you're looking for. Don't be fooled... first, their customer service is unapologetic and nonexistent. I drove over an hour to find something that one guitar I've been eyeing for sometime. I am in the parking lot and a guy walks past carrying a guitar case and goes in the store. I walk to the door and it's locked. Thinking it's something else, I call the number on their website, a guy answers and says they're closed and by appointment only. I told him I had over an hour and he couldn't have cared less. I said that their advertising plus web said differently. He wanted to argue the fact... below are the pages, including Yelp. I dare say if something goes wrong with any purchase here... Odds say you are on your own. Also, I was there at 2:00 PM. read more

Willcutt Guitar Shoppe - Guitar Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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If you are in lexington and need guitar repair or you're looking to purchase this is the place! I recently bought a 2022 Gibson Les Paul Standard,and it's amazing,my dream guitar! Professional guitar techs and very nice people read more

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Only open on Saturday 11-3, they need to update their google hours so we don't waste our time. Guess it's back to guitar center.

One of the best guitar shops I've ever been to, next to Fanny's in Nashville. Staff is super helpful and the store is run by honest people. Got a great deal on a new guitar and a string change for my old acoustic electric. Skip out on that trip to Guitar Center and get a higher quality experience at Wilcutt, I can't recommend their services enough. read more

Willcutt Guitar Shoppe - Used electric on sale! - Guitar Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Just bought a "True '62" Custom Shop strat from Willcutt over the phone. They gave me a terrific price, delivered the guitar right away and -- most importantly given all the negative reviews -- it arrived perfectly set up. I've been a pro player for decades and bought countless guitars. This was far and away the best out-of-the-case set up I've ever had. And the guitar itself, part of Willcutt's private run of "true '62" Strats is just a beaut. Thanks guys! read more

I've ordered a bass and two acoustic guitars from Wilcutt Guitars. I have dealt with Eric and Brandon. Every time, it is the same - great service! They pack the guitars well and treat you like a friend. They package the receipt, business cards, and a Wilcutt Guitar cloth with your purchase. It all seems to be packaged with care - like a friend would do for you. I will definitely continue to purchase items from Wilcutt. To this point, they have never let me down. Thank you everybody at Wilcutt Guitars! BTW, I am in Southern California and have never met anyone at this store, That's why its so surprising that they treat me like a valued customer and a friend. Local shops could learn a lesson or two from Wilcutt. read more

It is my opinion that the Willcutt Guitar Shoppe purposely, knowingly sold me a defective Santa Cruz Brazilian rosewood/European spruce OM guitar. The 2014 SCGC instrument was sold AS BRAND NEW, although it came with multiple cracks on the front and back of the body. Richard Hoover personally wrote that the guitar had "checking" (lacquer cracks) all around the body. Additionally, the guitar was setup and "gone over with a fine tooth comb". That's when they pointed their fingers at UPS. On the one hand SCGC Guitars travel all around the world with the best musicians. On the other, it's wood. I think 3 years of negligence and a month worth of lies is more accurate. This is also the opinion of other SCGC owners as well as a former top distributor. According to Eric, the sales associate, this was a once in 40 years occurrence. After a refund was made, I was asked not to contact the shop by Eric. I was deceived to the tune of $12,000! Fortunately, writing this initial review resulted in a refund for the instrument, but not a cent for the trip the purchase was bought and coordinated for. Everyone is on your side until money is exchanged. A report with the Better Business Bureau will be filed. The manager Jason told me personally that the SCGC WILL NOT place the repair or the issue on the serial number. I hope that's not the outcome. Whoever buys this instrument should know, be aware of this potential, and any possible costs it could create, as well as the time for its repair. I have NOT addressed this with Richard Hoover. Anyone who is, should. I will never purchase from Willcutt Guitar Shoppe again. If you are considering a purchase from them, locally or via the internet, beware! After the candy coating dissolves in your mouth, it ain't chocolate or nut you're tasting read more

Willcutt Guitar Shoppe - Where the ivoroid binding appears "ragged" was all over the top and back of this instrument. - Guitar Stores Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I purchased a Duesenberg Fairlytale online from Willcutt. Everything went extremely smooth. they had the best price for a hard to find guitar, I called them the first time, my call went to voicemail, and they called me back in 15 minutes. They were courteous and helpful. The guitar was packed extremely well, it shipped right away, and I got it in less than a week. read more

Bought a Collings C100 Deluxe from Willcutt. Incredible guitar in pristine condition that reflects the pictures, great prices, strong communications and service and excellent packaging for the shipping. Buy with confidence. Great guys at Willcutt. Michael Dezso read more

Several years ago I purchased a new Taylor 614ce guitar from Willcutts. It arrived in perfect condition, well set up and still has great sound. Recently I was in the market for an ES-335 style guitar with a limited budget so Willcutt was the first place I thought of to buy one. After a conversation with a (namless) rep I placed the order for an Ibanez AS93FM s/n ...0118. A week later it arrived and after an a period for the guitar to acclimate to my house I opened it. Much to my surprise the guitar was in awful shape for a new guitar that I was told was set to factory standards. The strings had completely oxidized and dyed my fingers a metallic gray tone. The pick ups were set up way too low, only two strings were intonated correctly, almost every fret had fret buzz, and lastly the fret board was not flat. I played a 10 y/o Ibanez AS80 at a local guitar shop that played like butter.. pretty sad if you ask me. It's sad that they don't represent themselves accurately or honestly and I am really sad to say that I won't be buying from them again. Needless to say the guitar went back to its original owner... read more

On 4/17/18 I purchased a Martin 00-28 acoustic guitar from Stan Nickell at Willcutt Guitars. At the time of purchase the guitar was sold to me with a leather concert case that I did not want. I wanted the heavy duty molded Martin case that most Martins come with. I was told by Stan and another employee (who I believe was a manager) that they would switch the case out for me free of charge, no problem. They both gave me their business cards and told me to call them during the next business day. And so I did. At first Stan responded to one of my calls and some of my text messages. But now after leaving nearly a dozen voicemails on their work phones, I have received no contact from them and feel as if I have been deliberately ignored. At the end of the day I got a great deal on a great guitar but am still unsatisfied due to the case. I might be wrong but I think they only told me they would switch it out in order to make a sale. It's not everyday you spend $2500 on a guitar... at least for me it isn't. So of course I want to be happy with what my purchase and get what I paid for. In the end, what is most important to me is the principle of the matter. When you tell someone you are going to do something for them, when you give them your word and say "We can switch that out for you, no problem", I expect it to be done. So that is why I'm disappointed in this transaction. I am posting this review in hopes that they will change their mind, return my calls, and make the situation right by switching the case out. If that is done I will gladly remove this review. Thank you. -Matthew read more

Brandon and the awesome staff helped guide me through my last new fender custom shop bass purchase. Bass arrive well pack with slight damage to the case in transit and the case was immediately replaced and I have a beautiful setup instrument at a great price. If I ever get to Kentucky this will be a definite stop. Brandon was polite, professional and easy to work with over the phone and by email. The only thing is I wish I had more money to buy more guitars here!! Down home family shoppe with a pro vibe! Thanks again!!!! read more

After over 50 years of doing business with retail guitar shops and chains, I have never experienced such instrumental knowledge and above and beyond customer service. I purchased a 00-28 from them, after they did everything possible to accommodate me (James to be specific). There are always two sides to a story regarding reviews, being in the business so long, I have been privy to (too many) of them, some plus and some minus. Quoting an old saying, I finally concluded that "the world is full of critics, yet there are very few authors". These folks are authors, so judge for yourself, I did, and they have earned my very "difficult to obtain" trust, no need to say more.... Michael Rosandich Musician's and Composers Network, ASCAP, and so on, Mission Viejo, CA. read more

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Just a quick note to say that Wilcutt Guitars in Lexington, KY has the worst service for internet customers in my opinion. In today's shopping online should be a pleasant one and the selling party should work harder to make sure the buying party feels respected. Not in my case. I was going ahead with the buy which was over 6K for the guitar. My (non) salesman was put out with all my questions and I felt that he was not interested in making an easy sale over the phone. Hey if you don't like your job, find something else! I told him if superior customer service was included in the 6K potential sale and if not I would pay an extra 50 bucks to receive it! He couldn't see that he lacked in his ability to talk to someone over the phone with respect. He really didn't care about this little 6K sale. I did read these reviews about Wilcutt Guitars and thought surely I would receive great service for an easy sale. Nope. Going to the next place. I would not recommend Wilcutt Guitars for your first or next guitar!!!! read more

Hey Bob,     Just wanted to say thanks for the great setup on my Epiphone Joe Pass. After 2 setups at another guitar shop, I had pretty much decided that it was an inexpensive guitar so it isn't supposed to sound all that great. After picking it up in your shop and taking it home, I was blown away by how great it sounds and plays now. Your shop will definitely be my go-to place for guitar setups from now on. read more

Just received a Fender American 52 Hot Rod Telecaster that was my first purchase from Willcutt guitars. Buying a guitar site un-seen is an act of faith, and often a difficult transaction based On gut judgement. The seller is your virtual eyes, ears, and hands. Their online reputation is critical......and hopefully ultimately earned. Having said that, I've bought and sold nearly 300 guitars. This transaction with Willcutts guitar was excellent. My guitar is custom shop "quality" and Willcutts made me an extremely fair deal. I really didn't have any expectations other than the honest evaluation "James" had shared with me prior to my purchase. He sent pictures via txt and a very true detailed evaluation of the guitar. But what really surprised me after it arrived was the setup. I know this sounds like a canned testimony.....but the setup was the absolute best I've had on a new online guitar purchase. After dealing and playing guitars for 40+ years, the excitement level wanes. Trust me. But this experience was a stand out. So, never before have I left a testimony for a guitar purchase, but today my expectations were exceeded and I'm stoked about the whole buying experience from Willcutts. Thank you guys. I'm really happy with my new Telecaster. No, I love it, Curtis Ogle read more

Willcutt Guitar Shoppe is truly one of America's last great guitar stores, one among so rare a breed that my girlfriend and I took the road trip of a lifetime from DC to KY to visit the place and fetch the guitar of my dreams. I wanted to reward myself with a new Tele when I was waiting for my first book deal (which did come through). But to numb the pain, we drove out to Willcutt to snag a gem of a Custom Shop 67 New Old Stock tele I found on their website, which features hi-res photos of the instruments from various angles. Not only did the wonderful staff there drop the price on the instrument for me, they sent me a video clip of the instrument being played through an amp comparable to the one I had at home. Our visit to the store was incredible, and worth the 1,100-mile drive. We spent all morning checking out instruments. I played a CBS-era tele and a '51 NOS Nocaster through a bright and crackly Vibrolux Reverb just for kicks. When it was time to check out, Bob Willcutt, the owner and a master luthier himself, engaged in a long chat with us about his old DC haunts before he personally checked the intonation of each string and set the action for me. Where will you get service like that these days? If Willcutt was closer, I'd go every couple of months. The selection of high end Fenders, other guitars, and both classic/vintage and new boutique amps is unreal. It might be a long drive through the Appalachians from the East Coast out to Kentucky. But you've got to drive through clouds to reach Guitar Heaven. read more

I did purchase a guitar few months ago and the experience was ok. Came back because I needed a second guitar and was treated very bad, there was an old gentleman there very rude,not willing to help, and at the end could not find anybody to help with my second purchase. I guess buying there or buying online is the same , except that online you avoid dealing with people with no manners or any idea what customer service is. I'm giving 2 stars because they do have a good range of instruments. read more

i was looking to trade my Suhr classic s that I bought this a month ago for a fender custom shop. after talking to them they asked me to send and email with pictures. it took a week for them to give me a price for trade after I called multiple times Only to be low balled. Might of made the decision to go for it if it wasn't for laziness. read more

My brother and I have used this shop for years! They have always been courteous and very knowledgeable. I'm so glad that this place is still open and so personable. Way better than guitar center could ever think about being. read more

Just purchased an acoustic guitar online from Willcutt...a totally great experience!! Particularly since I'm in Southern Calif - remote purchase of a guitar is always challenging since you can't be there to play it and check out the details. Zach and Eric handled the sales side and answered all my questions and provided documentation of the specs as I requested. Ben called me to ask how I wanted it set up, and he delivered a perfect job with a straight neck, new 11 gauge strings and killer action. Fair pricing, friendly and expert service, quality shipping. Overall, an awesome place to buy a guitar and I highly recommend these guys. read more

I purchased a guitar from Willcutt Guitar Shoppe and noticed the hardshell case it came in was warped and did not close cleanly leaving a gap. I brought it to their attention and they asked if I could bring it as I purchased it onsite. Upon looking they immediately replaced it...awesome customer service not found often these days. Extremely friendly knowledgeable staff make it a great place to shop for guitars! read more

These guys are the absolute best. I've bought three guitars from them and would not consider buying from anyone else. Brandon is the man.

They took my guild guitar in to straiten the neck. When I got it back my finish was all scarred up. No charge. Guitar top ruined. I could have left it at a daycare for better results. Mark H read more

Buyer beware: You think you're getting the Best price on a guitar - not true. I thoroughly researched Willcutt guitars, reading reviews and watching videos on YouTube. I was convinced the Owner (Bob Willcutt) and his sales employees were people of integrity. I recently purchased a Brand New Rickenbacker 660, negotiating for the Best possible price. I'm a Senior, Military Veteran and a Retired First Responded on a fixed income. After a couple of price adjustments, I made the purchase. I was promised (by email) that Bob Willcutt himself would be doing a professional setup on my new guitar. A day later I wanted to reassure myself of the great deal I had received, discovering "Dave's Guitar.com" and "Wildwood Guitars" had the same guitar in stock, $270.00 cheaper than the "Best" price I received from Willcutt Guitars. I immediately called Willcutt Guitars and vented my frustration to the Sales Manager. He was short and rude to my wife and I, stating my only option was to return the guitar - being responsible for paying the shipping costs both ways. This Sales Manager refused to match the cheaper price or to allow me to speak to the owner (Bob Willcutt) or anyone else at his store with authority. The Sales Manager stated he would have someone in authority call me, which never happened. I sent several emails to the company, which were ignored. I really wanted to keep the guitar (in transit to my residence) if some type of price adjustment could be made. I returned the guitar the same day it arrived, without even opening the box. I sent a final email to Willcutt Guitars today, as the guitar arrived at their store. I again asked that the shipping charges be waived. I received a response to my email from the same Sales Manger, denying his extremely poor quality of customer service, refusing to waived the shipping fees, that he "Passed Along" my concerns to his employers. Please learn from my experience. If you're in the market of purchasing a new guitar "On Line", take your business to "Dave's Guitars.com" or "Wildwood Guitars" where you will received the Best price and be treated as a valued customer. read more

They may have a great guitar at one time but right if you're trying to buy online using Affirm Financing BUYER BEWARE! You'll likely get approved for most of the amount - the difference you'll have to pay for with your own credit card. You'll go through Affirm's process, set terms, etc at which point they'll congratulate you and send you back to Willcutt's site to choose the guitar you want and go checkout. And which point they'll ask for your credit or debit card info. You'll think part of its being financed by Affirm But what they do is directly charge the entire amount to your card. (I called my back ahead of time and told them what I intended to charge. Otherwise, the entire amount would have charge wholly to MY card.) If it goes through, you'll have a guitar and an empty bank account. If you want to return the guitar or item - you'll pay a 20% restocking fee. If you call a Willcutt service rep - they "don't know anything because the company doesn't deal with their own finance company Affirm and has no way to contact them. They have some nice gear, But I wouldn't buy from them online, read more

I have bought two guitars from Willcutt in the last 3 years, a Fender American Standard Stratocaster was the first. Everything about the guitar and service was great, zero complaints. Came with the fancy, hand-signed card stating that the guitar had a complete setup by Bob Willcutt and mentioned all of his years experience dealing in precision setups, etc. It played nicely and I could tell the action and intonation were spot-on. Second guitar was a Fender Player Series Telecaster, came with the same hand-signed certificate stating that the instrument had underwent a thorough setup by Bob Willcutt himself to his exacting specifications. Upon opening the package, there is NO WAY that this guitar had ever been unboxed from the moment it left the Ensenada, Mexico plant to the second I unwrapped it. The taping, the way it was sealed, being covered in paper with some packing notes in Spanish, and everything else about it made me 100% positive that there is no way Bob or anyone else had touched this guitar. Bottom line is, after receiving a thorough setup to fix the action and correct the horrible intonation, the guitar is great and I love it! But, if someone puts their name in writing stating something that is simply untrue I will think twice about making a major purchase from Willcutt again. read more

I just purchased a PRS McCarty 594 from Willcutt. Their service is so good and very helpful. I have looking around many online guitar shop to provide an export service to HK, Willcutt help me to make my dream come true! They reply my questions on the next day with lots of professional knowledge. Also they use reliable DHL deliver service with tracking record to make sure deliver safe and on time. Willcutt shop was recommended by my friend who buying many guitars from them with good quality, they are a over 50 years history company that you can trust ! Certainly will buy more at Willcutt in near future. read more

I'm not sure why there are only 3 reviews here. This is the most incredible guitar shop ever. There is absolutely no better place to buy a PRS or fender guitar. Eric Cummings basically runs the place and he is so honest and helpful. They have a huge selection of guitars and best part is that the guitars are not on the demo floor for people to walk in and play. I am all the way in Southern California and every guitar I have purchased here has arrived flawless and expertly setup. Give this place a chance. You will not be disappointed and make sure you ask for Eric. He's the best!! read more

Went in for some banjo strings while in town. Friendly gentleman working on a mandolin helped out. Looked like a good selection and a nice place if you need some stringed-instrument supplies. read more

I ordered the Fender '57 Vintage P-Bass on a Wednesday and received my shipment within almost 48 hours on Friday before noon! I really appreciate their genuine customer service and providing the very detailed information about the product. I am more than just 'very satisfied!' My hats off to Eric for helping me out with the transaction. I look forward to the next purchase with Willcutt Guitar Shoppe and I hope to visit the store one day if I ever visit Lexington. Thanks again! read more

James personally went above and beyond to help me with a specialized set of circumstances I needed to accomplish in order to purchase a new guitar. The personalized service, execution and communication for my transaction far exceeded my expectations. Thank you James. read more

Online purchase via Willcutt's Mr. Eric Cummins: Received an American made PRS late on Friday, January 4, 2019. Over the weekend it became apparent it was not going to work for the sound I was looking for (the guitar was played for at most a half hour). Since Willcutt's website states that Customer Service is closed on Sundays, on Monday, January 7, I contacted Mr. Cummins, and asked about how to start the return/refund process. Mr. Cummins response was their return widow was 48 hours, and I was basically out of luck; so I guess because Willcutt's Customer Service department is closed on Sundays, I was stuck with the instrument. It appears that Willcutt cares only about the money, and very little about "customer service." Mr. Cummins was willing to make an exchange, but I'm not stupid enough to go that route. Let all buyers beware read more

Purchased Kamaka HF-3. Brandon helped me and answered all my questions. Setup was great! Incredible instrument, great customer service, thanks for all your help. read more

I can't tell you how pleased I am with the recent set up done on my Taylor guitar. The action was perfect, the frets smoothed and my entire guitar buffed out! Wow! Talk about service above and beyond. I give this store an A+++ in: Prompt Communication, Customer Service and a sincere concern for customer satisfaction. Brandon and Bob were awesome! Purchase with confidence. Nothing like supporting the local businesses and knowing you are in the best of hands! Sue Messina/Bradenton Florida read more