StewMacReviews 15

My dad, 83 years of age ordered Heating Blanket. It burned the wood. Stewmac won't buy the product back. Don't buy from them.

I have been a Stew Mac Customer for 15 years. I've always thought they took advantage of newcomers who are learning the trade by trial and error. I learned on junk guitars because I was sick of being charged 200 dollars to have my saddle sanded down on a counter top. I recently got back into working on guitars for fun and friends. I'm a retired Marine I don't need the money but I love the work. I recently purchased a Stew Membership and have spent a lot of money on exorbitantly priced tools to get my shop up and running again. I lost my neck Jig before moving back east, so I recently decided to purchase the under string leveling beam.
I watched as the Fed Ex person threw the package on my back steps. The tool was rattling around out of its packaging when I opened it. I inspected with a straight edge and found it wasn't straight and couldn't be used on frets. I don't think that was from being tossed. I think it was a junk tool. Highly disgusted I began the return process. I will say its the first poorly packaged Stew Mac tool I have received. Stew Macs customer service is pathetic and I expect were I to remain a customer Id be soon talking to foreigners for stuff like this. As a paid member running a semi business I shouldn't have to fiddle around to get something returned. They advertise hassle free returns and that clearly is not happening. Instead of sending a return label I'm being asked to provide pictures as if I have nothing better to do than play games with stew Mac. Meanwhile I have an angry customer that has been made to wait because Stew Mac sent me a junk tool and is now jerking me around on the return. I'm done with this greedy company. I don't care what i have to do I will never again purchase a Stew Mac tool and I'm ashamed to have spent thousands with this company. This is why people hate capitalism because greed has consumed American Companies. Shame on you Stew Mac.

Won't return e-mails...they slip in an automatic membership charge without advance notice unethical! M Although they do mention it when you sign up, they fail to provide notification that the renewal charge will be be coming due. Unethical!

You would think StewMac putting his name on his products would test them before selling them way overpriced. Don't buy his polishing pads, they scratch up your guitar, the complete opposite of the reason to spend so much money on them. Trash

In my opinion, any company that insulates itself from its customers using the internet is foul. Stew Mac is one of those foul companies who refuse to pick up the phone.

Stewmac sells rebranded items on their site and marks up the prices significantly.

As an example, on their website look up in their search box "Luthier's Digital Caliper"

This digital caliper is a rebranded iGaging EZCal that can be purchased for $25 US online.

Look for yourself. Stewmac rebrands it and sells it currently for $54.99 US.

Stewmac prices are ridiculously marked up. Shop elsewhere you'll find a better deal.

I'm a hobbyist musician and craftsman of 50+ years.

In the past I've ordered supplies from Stewmac and shipping was very reasonable. Last week I started to order a $3 item, they were going to charge me $12+ shipping. Nowadays, in order to get free shipping they say, you have to purchase a membership for $54+. Really? Free?

I wanted to call and talk to someone. Used to be, you could call and speak to a representative. They were always friendly and cordial, and they could help you with the finer details of your order. That's gone now. You have to chat online with a customer service rep, send a message and wait for a reply via email.

They state on their website that returns are free. I received a wrong item. (If I'd been able to confer with a rep on the phone it all could've been avoided) When I contacted them about a return, they sent me a return authorization but no shipping label. When I asked them why, they told me that for a membership fee I can get free return shipping. I guess we have conflicting definitions of what's considered "free." They're going to get you coming AND going apparently. They said if I wanted to be refunded for the item then I would have to pay the return shipping fee. But therein lies the rub. The return shipping fee was the same price as the refund I am supposed to get. Nothing from nothing leaves nothing.

I am disgusted with my entire experience with Stewmac. New management perhaps? These guys are charlatans and I won't be back.

I have ordered multiple times from them and they have never let me down with both delivery and shipping times.

Used all his stuff from the cherry laqour to the wet sand paper…used his videos to learn how the process went…. Can't even feel the gouges anymore!

I have been purchasing tools, woods & parts from Stewmac for a while now and being from Canada it was well worth my while to get the yearly membership. I love the selection offered and the quality of their tools make them worth what they cost. I have had an issue with a product and there customer service was onto it promptly and could not have been more fair in dealing with the problem. The shipping times to get things is so short you'd think they were located in my area! Am I a fan of these guys? Hell Yeah!

Building and repairing guitars requires some special tool and StewMac is where you can get them. I get great service with StewMac and the tools are of great quality. Customer service at StewMac is great too. I was able to get my answers and problems solved fast. They will set in you the right direction to make a good guitar build great.

Finally I have arrived in my old age with some degree of wisdom. :) I have found that most always in my 71 years on this planet, I have pretty much got what I paid for everytime. Stewmac offers high quality products no junk or knock off copies. They also are wealth of how to do it projects from simple set ups to repairs of guitars, minor to major. Excellent video instructions are there. Everything I have bought from Stewmac has never disapointed. Customer service is the best anywhere, no hassle satisfaction guarantee. Just like Costco I love it. This is one of the few companies I can totally recommend for quality and price and no hassle returns.

As a player of guitar and many guitar-related instruments (banjo; mandolin; bass; charango; etc.) it has behooved me to learn to maintain, repair, and otherwise service my instruments. StewMac has been my go-to for string instrument tools and parts for a number of years. They have the right tools, and are continually innovating to develop new tools various luthier tasks which come up. Additionally, they have a phenomenal collection of free tips; how-to videos; and suggestions for instrument fixes.

Their service is impeccable, and on the few occasions I've needed to return something, or something got lost in the mail, they've made good immediately. Their tech support people are also great at answering questions by email, and suggesting the appropriate parts, tools, and procedures to make everything work.

I do have to say that their prices can be a bit high. Mostly I write this off as the cost of the overhead they maintain to keep a great selection, and to provide free tips. But occasionally some of the same tools can be found elsewhere for a lower price. On the other hand, thanks to their innovation, some tools can only be had from StewMac.

At any rate, whether you're a professional luthier, or just want to try your hand at making a new bridge saddle for your favorite guitar, this is the place to check out first.