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Since years I am getting my strings nowhere else but from this source. I love this company They have a huge catalouge, are very flexible (you can buy EVERY string also in a "single" "bass" or "trebles"pack) and quick and competent with service, if you have any questions.
That's where I get all my strings. Actually, I don't know another place where I can get each individual string sold separately without buying the entire pack. I messed up my order a few times and they were very helpful in making changes on my order without any problems. Fast shipping too! I get my strings in 3 days from where they are in the midwest to California using their USPS First class mail shipping for 4 bucks (even though they say it'll take 4-10 days). Very good service.
i have been buying from them from almost day one--back when richard cyr started it. he then sold it to a guy named scott who i believe has since sold it to another person or persons--this may be the 3rd generation of ownership. the prices and service remain top notch. richard cyr's spirit lives one.
They haven't given me any reason to buy anywhere else. I met some of the folks who run the company when the GFA convention was held in San Francisco. Very nice people!
They have a foro that you can join so you can ask questions. Of course, they've been happy to answer my questions by email too.
I really like that you can order single strings but to Europe shipping costs are between $10 and $70 (!), does anyone know if there's some sort of shop based in europe?
Whats wrong with shipping costs of 10$-16$? Remember the distance, and its air mail. Some companies in germany take 8 EURO for shipping to germany.... Yes there are some in Europe (Google), but as i have proven via intensive calculations in past ( , there should be an excessive post of me somewhere), any other shop will result in at least double total costs.
A couple of years ago i ordered from them and i choose the cheapest shipping option...the strings never arrived in my mailbox!
I have never ordered from them until a few months ago. I choose an expensive option and hopefully the strings arrived. I ordered a lot of items coz with the shipement price is not a good deal if you buy only a couple of set. I think now i'm quiet for over 1 year (maybe 2) with my order
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"The most important part of Flamenco is not in knowing how to interpret it. The higher art is in knowing how to listen." (Luis Agujetas)
Yes if you order a lot its definitely worth it (how many strings did you order?) But I still don't get why shipping cost are that high, the most expensive option for one set is on SBM is $75 !!! (if I send a letter with regular mail to Spain or US it will probably cost no more then €5) If you choose one of the basic shipping options, they explicit say they're not responsible for any lost or damage packages...so that probably what happened with mezzo's shipment.
I ordered a bunch of d'addario bass set. And some others brand full set to try them.
When the incident occured, i said never in my life i'll deal with them again. But you know...Never say never Indeed the reason why i changed my mind is coz i could not find an european dealer who sell only bass set.
My total order was 115$ items + 35$ shipment =150$ I was anxious until i received the package.
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"The most important part of Flamenco is not in knowing how to interpret it. The higher art is in knowing how to listen." (Luis Agujetas)
ORIGINAL: yohan If you choose one of the basic shipping options, they explicit say they're not responsible for any lost or damage packages...so that probably what happened with mezzo's shipment.
The sender is NEVER responsible for loss or damage, unless it can be proven. The more expensive shipping options probably include faster delivery and/or insurance (=loss or damage).
According to my calculations, any order that contains more than 2-5 sets of strings makes Stringsbymail still cheaper (shipping included) compared to any other shop i have seen.
Btw i doubt you can send strings in a regular "thin" letter
According to my calculations, any order that contains more than 2-5 sets of strings makes Stringsbymail still cheaper (shipping included) compared to any other shop i have seen.
Have you included the customs taxes in your calculs? I know someone who reiceved the strings and an extra little paper with the vat etc... Not always but it can happen.
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"The most important part of Flamenco is not in knowing how to interpret it. The higher art is in knowing how to listen." (Luis Agujetas)
I've been ordering from Strings by Mail for several years with excellent results. Their prices are some of, if not the best, around and the service is great. I always receive my order accurately and promptly.
They don't seem to be the best choice for Canadian orders. I placed on order that shipped on 2/1 and it hasn't arrived yet. I placed an order with juststrings.com less than a week ago and it just arrived today! They both use the same USPS shipping service, so I'm not sure what the problem is. Likely a customs delay, I guess.
I always get a handwritten thank you note when I receive the order which makes me feel more than a just a customer number in their system. I once left them a message to inquire about a back order and they called me back multiple times till they were able to reach me and gave me more details and offered workarounds. So they definitely have my loyalty so far.
D.
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Captain Esteban: Caballeros! I believe you all know each other? Don Diego from San Fernando. Don Francisco from San Jose. Don Fernando from San Diego. Don Jose from San Bernardino. Luis Obispo from Bakersfield.
I did end up finally receiving the order yesterday, which means it was in transit for just over 3 weeks. I got a hand written note as well which was nice, and the ability to buy luthier singles is a major bonus. I would use them again.
I just recieved my second order from them. Really fast, and great service. I choose USPS to deliver, they've sent it as a mail, not a pack, so I didn't have to pay any taxes or Vat on them (to Hungay)
How ironic is it that i who started this thread so enthusiastically am waiting since one month for my delivery. I know Stringsbymail is not responsible for that but yet according to a reply i got per mail, they seem to know very well about this issue with "First Class shipping" orders getting lost and they are doing nothing against it. Some people on the foro mentioned that they never got a delivery either.