5 stars: perfect, definitely recommended
Positive
My experience with TFOA has been exceptional. They are a bit far away, but the range of their high quality instruments is really extensive. As a buyer, it is very valuable to be able to experience such instruments in your hands to refine what you are truly looking for. In my first visit to the shop (a 2 hour drive), I was rather positive I would go home with a guitar I had researched on line. I spent over an hour evaluating the guitar and its close cousins--having been given a room essentially to myself, and all the time I wanted/needed. With frequent checks to see if I needed any assistance or advice. And, let me say also: you will not go without coffee if desired. On this first visit, no guitar felt quite right, so after having taken all that time and attention, there was no pressure or a feeling that I had wasted or intruded on their time, when I left the shop empty handed. This made me confident on my second visit, again with a target in mind, but the need to compare to a number of other similarly valued and spec'd guitars to be sure. Again, the range of instruments available for comparison made it easy to make a decision-- to fall in love and go home with a guitar, resting easy about such a big decision. One of the staff even demo'd guitars, so I could get an audience impression of skilled playing. Without giving details, I'll also say that there was not any feel, at all, that they were trying to milk the customer out of as much money as possible. Great!
