WHAT IS FRETTED AMERICANA?
Fretted Americana, Inc. is a corporation that buys and sells only the finest examples of American vintage electric guitars. We have many great rarities within our large inventory of superb Epiphone, Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Guild, and Rickenbacker instruments and amplifiers. Most importantly, condition has always been paramount to us. As a result, nearly all of our guitars are in the 8.00 to 9.50 range (there is no such thing as a 10 -- is there?)
WHO IS FRETTED AMERICANA?
President: David Brass
David is an internationally renowned antiquarian bookseller who has been dealing in rare and collectable books and original artwork for the past thirty-five years. He was President of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association in England from 1990-1992, a member of the British Antique Dealers Association, and President of the Southern California Chapter of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America from 2001-2003. Over the years, David has built many great investment-quality collections of rare books and original artwork for collectors worldwide, and feels that there is a marked correlation between these collecting and investment fields and that of American vintage guitars.
Vice President: Caroline Brass
In charge of our day to day operation, Caroline brings much energy and enthusiasm to the table. A collector in her own right, she has the experience necessary to make this business thrive.
Executive Director: Stephen J. Gertz
Steve is a former professional jazz drummer whose fervent interest in guitars and guitarists dates back to 1965 when he heard Mike Bloomfield play on the first Paul Butterfield Blues Band album and felt the earth shift on its axis. Allied with David Brass in the antiquarian book business where he has established an international reputation, Steve formerly worked in the TV/film, advertising, and video industries in various creative and marketing capacities. A pop-culture historian and journalist as well, his writing has been published by Feral House, The Disinformation Company, the Los Angeles Times, L.A. Review, and online magazines.
Photograher/Multi-Media Manager: Dustin Jack
Dustin is a respected talented and creative fine arts photographer and graphic designer fluent in digital technology who produces all visual manifestations of our business. Prior to joining us, he handled all photography and catalogue design & production at Heritage Book Shop. Earlier, he was an in-demand Fine Art Photographer specializing in photographing private art collections, Memorabilia/ Manuscripts and Jewelry collections at Butterfield & Butterfield (now Bonham’s & Butterfield) auction house. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines, on album art for Methods of Mayhem, Tommy Lee and Mix Master
Mike, production stills and LIVE Photography for Chris Daughtry, Tommy Lee, and No Doubt.
HOW WE WORK
We fully catalogue and photograph all of our Guitars and Amplifiers. We realize that every instrument has its own unique characteristics, so our catalogue descriptions not only give you a clear and precise explanation of condition, body style, history, years made, wood types used, electronics, number produced, etc., but also individual measurements of weight, nut width, scale length, body size, pickup output (where possible), etc. Our photographs are of the highest digital quality, and will give you the clearest idea of what the guitar or amplifier actually looks like. We believe that this detailed information will provide a greater sense of confidence to the discerning collector who is considering a purchase.
CONSIGNMENTS
Consignments are welcome. If you want to use our name and contacts to find a home for your instrument, ask us about our terms. We offer full security and insurance while we house your instrument.
DELIVERY
We will ship worldwide by FedEx, UPS and BAX Global. Please ask for details of insurance and freight.
RETURN POLICY
We will give you a 48-hour approval period on all instruments that are purchased sight unseen. If you are not completely satisfied with the instrument simply contact us within 48 hours after receipt, and then return it in the same condition you received it for a full refund, less freight charges, or any related costs including credit card transactions, taxes, and duties levied, especially when returning from other countries. The 48-hour approval period does not apply to amplifiers.
TRADE-UP POLICY
If you purchase an instrument from us and then decide to get a different one later, we will give you the full purchase price back towards any instrument in our inventory that costs twice as much (or more) as your original instrument, providing it is in the same condition as when originally purchased.
PRICING
If you purchase an instrument from us and then decide to get a different one later, we will give you the full purchase price back towards any instrument in our inventory that costs twice as much (or more) as your original instrument, providing it is in the same condition as when originally purchased.
CONDITION DESCRIPTIONS
9.50 -- MINT -- As good as it gets!
9.25 -- NEAR MINT -- In fine original condition, with minimal lacquer checking.
9.00 -- EXCEPTIONALLY FINE -- In fine original condition, with minimal wear.
8.75 -- EXCELLENT PLUS -- Minor scratches and small chips.
8.50 -- EXCELLENT -- Light playing wear.
8.00 -- VERY GOOD PLUS -- Moderate playing wear.
7.50 -- VERY GOOD -- Played, but totally original.
7.00 -- GOOD -- Has had some professional repair or replaced parts.
We are always looking to invest in fine vintage guitars and amplifiers.
