Nigel, I was getting frustrated on my little project to provide equipment to an elementary school in Louisville.

I found out that all schools in the state used either a small 1/2 size Yamaha or a Honer.

The Yamaha dealer closed after I got the first two samples, and the Hohner dealer hasn't been able to get the 1/2 size Hohner.

So far, I had only delivered 2 of the Yamaha's, with only 2 more guaranteed.

Then, I remembered buying, at your suggestion, a Django style acoustic from the people you know at Rondo. I was trying to replace a Saga copy of a Selmer McAfee...the Django guitar. The Saga had a defective neck.

The SX version of the Selmer came in at $200.00. The case looked like it was worth more than that. Even though I eventually got a Coronado with a pe-amp, I still keep the little SX out in my home office.

Desperate for something for the kids, I ordered two small 1/2 size Valencia's from Rondo to assess the quality. They were delivered in two days and are of better quality than the little Yamaha's. On top of that, they are less than 1/2 the cost of the Yamaha's ($128.00 plus a padded bag at $32.00 on the Yamaha's; $49.95 plus shipping on the Valencia's).

Today, when I tried to order 4 more from Rondo, they were temporarily out of stock, so I ordered 2 black 2/3 size nylon strings. I figure that would work for some of the bigger kids (grades 1 thru 5).

When I go to Louisville this week to record, (and deliver these little "jewels"), I'll let Amanda choose to get the remaining ones we need in either 1/2 or 3/4 size.

Another program has asked to merge with Amanda's, and, because these Rondo's are so inexpensive, I'll be able to buy 10 more and still stay on budget.

Thanks, Nigel, for the Rondo connection. And, if anyone here needs a really good, VERY LOW-PRICED guitar, take a serious look at Rondo. I'm pretty picky (I imagine Nigel is, too) and the Rondo instruments are remarkable for the price.


Russ

That's great Russ. And Rondo were originally a family brick and mortar store that was established in 1959, and although they have found it more cost effective nowadays to become an Internet store only they still have those old school values towards their customers. If there is any problem with an instrument they will pay for shipping to return it and will promptly ship a replacement.

So pleased they were able to supply you with quality but cheap instruments for this valuable music education program you are supporting.

A number of years ago they were recommended to me by a close friend and since then I have passed on the recommendation to a number of friends. Everyone I know that has dealt with them have nothing but praise for their service and low budget instruments. And that includes myself. And one guitar I bought did have a problem which they resolved extremely promptly at no cost to me. It is very refreshing to find an Internet dealer that is dedicated to providing good customer service.