• StewMac

StewMac

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Overview

StewMac has a rating of 3.08 stars from 13 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. StewMac ranks 19th among Instrument sites.

  • Service
    7
  • Value
    5
  • Shipping
    5
  • Returns
    5
  • Quality
    5
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
4
5
See all photos
How would you rate StewMac?
Top Positive Review

“Amazing Service and Quality tools. You absolutely get what you pay for.”

Richard B.
1/21/22

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!

Top Critical Review

“Stewmac sells rebranded items”

Jeff W.
7/10/23

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.

Reviews (13)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Thumbnail of user richardb3656
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 21st, 2022

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!

Products used:
Tone woods, Guitar parts, Tools

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user rayl262
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
October 6th, 2021

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.

Tip for consumers:
Look here first for guitar repair tools and tech tips and tricks of the pros.

Products used:
I purchase a lot of tools and supplies from StewMac because I work on musical instruments. Without StewMac I would not be able to do my job.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jazzgroovinjazz
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 10th, 2023

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.

Thumbnail of user rayeb
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
December 13th, 2020

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.

Thumbnail of user joshuab1227
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 28th, 2022
Verified purchase

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!

Tip for consumers:
Use Stew Mac ….it’s tested by real professionals and can be with used with absolute stunning results for anyone !

Products used:
I used the Paint Marker, scratch remover , and the sandpaper multipack.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user pauls5326
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 21st, 2023

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!

Tip for consumers:
WITHOUT NOTICE I WAS CHARGED AN AUTOMATIC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL THAT I WAS NOT AWARE WAS DISCLOSED WHEN i MADE i PURCHASES. UNETHICAL PRACTICE.

Products used:
VARIOUS PARTS LAST YEAR FOR A ONE TIME PROJECT

Service
Thumbnail of user joen860
1 review
2 helpful votes
January 8th, 2023
Verified purchase

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.

Tip for consumers:
Find another supply house. Amazon carries Stewmac stock. You'll pay more for it but if you have Prime, at least you'll get free shipping and returns.

Products used:
Router bits, 5th string capo spikes for banjo.

Thumbnail of user bobm1401
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 12th, 2022

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

Products used:
Tools and pedal kits

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user ronc418
3 reviews
9 helpful votes
August 11th, 2020

Products here are way over priced, and when you add in their ridiculous shipping charges you really feel taken advantage of at SteMac.

Thumbnail of user robertk688
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
May 30th, 2019

Great place for music parts. I have done some guitar repairs. All my replacement parts I get here.
They work. Plus repair videos help get the job done..

Thumbnail of user kristeng628
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 29th, 2023

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

Tip for consumers:
Don't waste your money on products that scratch what your trying to preserve

Products used:
Polishing pads and cream

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user bobr1077
1 review
2 helpful votes
July 24th, 2023

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.

Tip for consumers:
Inadequate customer service. Companies that do not service customers fail

Products used:
Membership

Service
Returns
Thumbnail of user drh40
4 reviews
0 helpful votes
November 13th, 2019

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.

Tip for consumers:
You can order through their website, by mail from their catalog, or by phone. The website can be a little quirky at times, so I mostly order by phone, and have had no major issues.

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