Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: Von Beerhofen on June 26, 2012, 11:59:01 AM
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Hi there,
I'm new and I'm old and I'll introduce myself a little later, but this question is very important for me now at the moment, and I don't really have much time.
I'm the owner of a 2011 Fall Limited Koa, but appearently the guitar has been sold twice before and returned, the emails I got before the buy seem to verify that now.
I wasn't informed about this and bought the guitar in good faith from an official Taylor dealer in my country, paying the full price, it was the last one I could find and I bought it without even trying it out (please don't try this at home unless you're very sure of what you're about to risc).
I didn't get any papers whatsoever upon delivery, except all the Taylor stuff, but was promised it would be send by mail later this week.
After 5 days nothing has arrived yet and now I'm not even sure if I'm the first registered owner of this guitar or not.
I need the warranty promised by Taylor as the guitar does have a minor production flaw. A tiny piece of ebony between the inlay has come away and I'm afraid that more may go if it's not repaired.
Otherwise the guitar is a beauty and so is it's sound, may post some pictures at a later date, that is if all goes well.
Perhaps someone has the means to find out who has registered the guitar before me, if at all, or a link where I can check would do fine too.
There's no reason to believe there's something wrong here, I believe I'm the first to hang on to the guitar though and therefore the true first owner who has the right to get a minor manufacturer flaw fixed at no further expense. After what I paid I simply can't afford more expenses, it's all I have. I also would hate it if what should become my final musical revival in the fall of my life, would turn out to be more of a downfall.
Thx in advance,
Ludwig Von Beerhofen
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Hmmm...I would contact Taylor, give them the serial number and see what info they have. They should be able to let you know if anyone else has registered it, and if it is still considered new w/warranty...and if not, why not? (between the dealer and Taylor at that point)
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Just a suggestion ... Couldn't he just go ahead and try to register the guitar himself and see what reaction he gets from Taylor. If it's not already registered by someone else, then once it's registered in his name, he should be eligible for all warranty rights & privileges. And if a problem surfaces during the registration process, then he'll know and can react accordingly.
Hmmm...I would contact Taylor, give them the serial number and see what info they have. They should be able to let you know if anyone else has registered it, and if it is still considered new w/warranty...and if not, why not? (between the dealer and Taylor at that point)
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Just a suggestion ... Couldn't he just go ahead and try to register the guitar himself and see what reaction he gets from Taylor. If it's not already registered by someone else, then once it's registered in his name, he should be eligible for all warranty rights & privileges. And if a problem surfaces during the registration process, then he'll know and can react accordingly.
The guitar was registered properly but when you do there's no other response then 'Welcome to the taylor family'.
Ofcourse I selected the first ownership option but that doesn't mean I'm truely the 1st owner who registered it.
I doubt if the automatic response from the Taylor website will tell you that you can not register as 1st owner because someone else allready did.
Also I can not contact Taylor by email, I can only phone to the US which is pretty expensive from where I am.
Von Beerhofen
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Just a suggestion ... Couldn't he just go ahead and try to register the guitar himself and see what reaction he gets from Taylor.
Not sure - I don't get much reply at all from Taylor when registering, atleast till Wood & Steel shows up a few weeks later! :)).
If it was me I would want to KNOW for sure. He bought it from a dealer as new, so SHOULD be good, but...
Edit:
There is a European contact directory which may help:
http://www.taylorguitars.com/dealers/international
Good news - apparently Taylor is offering 12 years on used guitars too!
http://www.taylorguitars.com/legal/warranty-europe
http://www.taylorguitars.com/legal/warranty-europe/EU-warranty-offer-2012
What country?
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I don't know what country you're in, so your specific laws may be different from ours. In general, when a product is sold and then returned, it is still considered new. You mentioned that the guitar had been sold and returned twice. That's different from the guitar being sold twice and then SOLD BACK to the dealer, which would make it a used (not new) item.
Yes, a call to the U.S. is pricy, not to mention the inconvenience of having to negotiate the time difference. If you're in Europe, you might consider calling the Amsterdam location of Taylor Europe at +31 (0) 20 667 6030.
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I'm in Holland. Wood and steel probably won't come to my home, being an American issue.
It's reassuring to know the warranty extends to later owners too, however I still would like to know wether I'm the first owner or not.
I think it's a bit of a bummer not being able to contact Taylor by email directly, is 5000$ paid not enough to have an electronic helpdesk, as you can find with practically every known company in the world? I think even our local milkman and baker have one.
Von Beerhofen
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Thx I'll give that phonenumber a try, it's not too far from here but too late in the evening to try it now.
Will keep you posted
Von Beerhofen
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Just FYI ... I registered my new Taylor online just last week and received a complete e-mail confirmation of the registration in only a couple of days. You can register your guitar online through the official Taylor website.
I'm in Holland. Wood and steel probably won't come to my home, being an American issue.
It's reassuring to know the warranty extends to later owners too, however I still would like to know wether I'm the first owner or not.
I think it's a bit of a bummer not being able to contact Taylor by email directly, is 5000$ paid not enough to have an electronic helpdesk, as you can find with practically every known company in the world? I think even our local milkman and baker have one.
Von Beerhofen
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Just FYI ... I registered my new Taylor online just last week and received a complete e-mail confirmation of the registration in only a couple of days. Here's what I got ... I guess it doesn't really "confirm" that I'm the original owner, but it certainly "implies" this IMHO.
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXX,
Congratulations on becoming a Taylor guitar owner and welcome to the Taylor family!
We have registered your guitar as follows:
Serial Number XXXXXXXXXXXX
My name
My address
My city, state, and zip code
United States
Registered owners who live in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia receive a free subscription to Taylor's quarterly print publication, Wood&Steel, which will be mailed to the address you provided.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us in North America at 1-800-943-6782, or in Europe at +31 (0) 20 667 6030. Toll free numbers for Europe and contact information for other countries can be found at: http://www.taylorguitars.com/dealers/international/
We wish you many years of enjoyment with your guitar, and thank you for choosing Taylor!
Sincerely,
Taylor Guitars
For access to maintenance, repair and other useful information, visit our Owner Resource page: http://www.taylorguitars.com/owners/resources/
For the latest TaylorWare clothing and accessories, visit: http://www.taylorguitars.com/taylorware/
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This e-mail is being sent automatically as requested when your guitar was registered.
If you require assistance, believe this e-mail is in error, or need to update your information, please call the numbers listed above or visit http://www.taylorguitars.com/contact/.
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I'm in Holland. Wood and steel probably won't come to my home, being an American issue.
It's reassuring to know the warranty extends to later owners too, however I still would like to know wether I'm the first owner or not.
I think it's a bit of a bummer not being able to contact Taylor by email directly, is 5000$ paid not enough to have an electronic helpdesk, as you can find with practically every known company in the world? I think even our local milkman and baker have one.
Von Beerhofen
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Nothing received sofar but I'll keep an eye out for it.
Von Beerhofen
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Just FYI ... I registered my new Taylor online just last week and received a complete e-mail confirmation of the registration in only a couple of days. Here's what I got ... I guess it doesn't really "confirm" that I'm the original owner, but it certainly "implies" this IMHO.
That's cool! I didn't get anything on my 1st, will have to keep an eye out on the 2nd.
I know Martin will send you a warranty card and a letter - like clockwork.
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Hi, just for your info Taylor's European HQ is in Amsterdam.
I have dealt with them a few times from the UK, they are very helpful.
I would contact them. Their email and telephone number are on the Taylor website.
Eddie
PS Wood and Steel gets to me in the UK. They also do versions in French, Spanish and German now.
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When you buy a guitar brand new, the most important document seems to be the receipt from the dealer, not the warranty card or registration. I would think that Taylor could not challenge your warranty if you could produce a copy of your receipt, including your payment details, which proved that you were the original owner.
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When you buy a guitar brand new, the most important document seems to be the receipt from the dealer, not the warranty card or registration. I would think that Taylor could not challenge your warranty if you could produce a copy of your receipt, including your payment details, which proved that you were the original owner.
What is on a receipt that proves he's the original owner?
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When you buy a guitar brand new, the most important document seems to be the receipt from the dealer, not the warranty card or registration. I would think that Taylor could not challenge your warranty if you could produce a copy of your receipt, including your payment details, which proved that you were the original owner.
What is on a receipt that proves he's the original owner?
Don't the price paid, the date, payment details and the dealer's information verify this? I remember buying one guitar once online - a Godin from a dealer called Music Power - which came without the warranty card. I called to tell them about this, and they said that if I ever needed any warranty work doing, all I would ultimately need would be the receipt. On another occasion, I needed work doing on a Martin I'd bought brand new 6 months or so previously from Maury - a 000-42. I hadn't filled out a warranty card or registered online. When the authorized repairman contacted Martin, they, of course, told him that the guitar with my serial number hadn't been registered; however, using the information on the receipt, I was able to complete the warranty registration online and the repair work went ahead.
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@Von Beerhoven: did you buy it at Kees Dee? I'd always go to the dealer first and only directly to Taylor if you can't work things out with the dealer.
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@Von Beerhoven: did you buy it at Kees Dee? I'd always go to the dealer first and only directly to Taylor if you can't work things out with the dealer.
Hi Knutmo,
Yes, I did. Today's phonecall confirmed that the bill would be send ASAP, but then again that's what I've been told 5 days ago too.
The general return policy in my country is 7 days, this is day 6 and I'm still none the wiser if not someone else claimed first ownership on this guitar.
I do not want to return it because I will never find another, but when I'm not the first owner and with the flaw I mentioned and the possibillaty to have it taken care of properly by Taylor themselves, the guitar simply isn't worth this ammount of money to me. The K26 is an option and readily available here.
A flaw like the one I mentioned would easily deduct about 500 to 1000 $ off it's price, especially if it's been in the hands of others.
I have one more day to decide wether to keep it or go for another.
The Cocobolo is also nice and about 500 less, and Kees also still has the Engelman topped version in his shop.
It kind of puts me in an awkward position, I like this guitar but not if I can't claim first ownership to have the flaw repaired.
This is the final guitar in my life and I can't afford to have an awkward feeling about it for the time I still have left. It'll mean I'll play the guitar with this feeling ever present and eventually may not touch it anymore.
I bought it to get away from these feelings and train my hands inspite of arthritis slowly taking over and dimminishing my skills.
I've spend all I have on this one and it needs to be right, if not then this is where it'll all stop.
I've played an Ibanez Artist 2609 untill now and my feeling is that after 50 years of play I want to go out in style as long as I can still play. This is what I've been saving for all my life, to hear the sound of a guitar like a Martin or a Taylor. I'm hoping that it'll keep me going inspite of arthritis and this is the main reason why it's so important to me.
I've heard the sound and it's awesome, the rest depends on what will happen in the next 24 hours.
Mind you, I've never been in this situation before and I wish I wasn't. It should never have come to this if you know what I mean. It's the wrong start of a relationship for which I paid 5000$.
Von Beerhofen
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Today's phonecall confirmed that the bill would be send ASAP, but then again that's what I've been told 5 days ago too.
They could send the bill to you online in an instant.
Good luck with whatever you ever you decide!
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Today's phonecall confirmed that the bill would be send ASAP, but then again that's what I've been told 5 days ago too.
They could send the bill to you online in an instant.
Good luck with whatever you ever you decide!
Well that's another worry, they didn't inspite of having my email adress by now.
Thx for the heads up anyway.
Thx for all your responses, if I didn't reply to em it was just because I was too busy investigating my options. Your feedback is truely appreciated and it did help!
Von Beerhofen
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Yes, I did. Today's phonecall confirmed that the bill would be send ASAP
Why not phone, or even better go over there and explain exactly what your concerns are. I'm sure Kees Dee will help you out.
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So - what did Taylor have to say?
Not sure why the dealer isn't cooperating more...I understand now that they did NOT issue/send you a receipt with the guitar(?)? THAT is weird, as you will obviously need that 1st for any claim. FAX, email, post...how hard could it be to get one to you now?
Well - keep us posted!
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@von beerhofen, is it this one? http://www.keesdee.nl/producten/taylor/4073/koa-ga-ltd-fall-2011-sitka-top-grand-auditorium-acoustic-electric/
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Wow - that is a beaut!
OP- CALL TAYLOR and make that a keeper! :)
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@von beerhofen, is it this one?
http://www.keesdee.nl/producten/taylor/4073/koa-ga-ltd-fall-2011-sitka-top-grand-auditorium-acoustic-electric/
:o
that's the only one i've seen with a sitka top ... cool 8)
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No that one is still available and it's cheaper then the list price. The top is Engelman and 300$ more expensive in the list if I'm correct .
Mine is all Koa. Personally I think the all Koa version is nicer but there's definately not many around with sitka top.
Here's a picture of mine:
(http://rabartel.home.xs4all.nl/TaylorKoaGA2011Ltd.jpg)
Von Beerhofen
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The problem here is that the shop is about 100Km from my house and I do not have a car. At my age you don't go hiking anymore, especially not with a Taylor guitar + case.
To get the guitar the money had to be transferred first, this is basically proof of ownership of a guitar. But it doesn't proof which guitar, as at the time of purchase no details about serial number were known, only the model type.
I've contacted the service centre in Amsterdam who told me I can make an appointment at a later stage to have the problem fixed.
However I will need the receipt to proof I bought it from Kees Dee.
I've had no reply on an email I send to their gmail account, by phone however I was told that I would get the receipt later this week.
At this point I can't even return the guitar anymore, the 7 days have gone by and I have no papers whatsoever, not even an order confirmation.
BTW, I allready have an indian rosewood, sitka top on my vintage Ibanez and allthough not a Taylor it still sounds great.
I haven't compared Taylors because there's not many shops here who have more then one in this price range. Kees's shop is the only one I know of where you can try multiples.
I don't think the one I have sounds muffled, it's sound is characteristic for sure and well suited for my playing style. I'm more into latin and jazzrock then country western. The guitar can do all but may not really excell in any of these styles, but it's versatile for sure.
Von Beerhofen
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Just had a personal call from Kees Dee that the receipt will be send this evening and may arrive tomorrow.
For those interested here's a wave sample of the guitar's open strings recorded directly into my soundcard through the expression system (no EQ).
http://rabartel.home.xs4all.nl/TaylorSample.wav
Von Beerhofen
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To properly close this thread, this morning I received my receipt with the guitar's serial number and yesterday's date on it.
Attached is what appears to be a cashregister ticket and a stamp on it with the shop's name.
In effect this means that I have another 10 days (not 7) to decide what to do. More research showed that the shop's warranty allready applies when I can proof my purchase with a copy of my bank transfer.
I still haven't received an e-mail from Taylor after registering but the receipt should be enough to have my problem fixed at the Taylor Service Centre in Amsterdam at the shop's expense.
The whole situation resulted in the idea to immortelise it in new songs named 'My 5000$ Baby', 'Where's my effing receipt' and 'Almost lost my hair', so don't keep an eye out for it in your local record shop.
I think the forum may have put some weight on the scales too for which I'm very thankfull.
Von Beerhofen
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Von Beer,
I'm glad that your situation is finally wrapping up. But how does anything you received from the store address your initial question about whether or not you are the first owner of the guitar? Only Taylor can answer that question.
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Ludwig, I am really happy to hear this has resolved for you (at least the receipt part). Having the receipt will get you where you need to go.
Not sure how far you are from the repair facility but I sure hope the rest of this saga goes smoother all the way around.
And I fully expect you will give us a sample of your new song here on UTGF before it goes viral!
... dennis
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Ludwig, I am really happy to hear this has resolved for you (at least the receipt part). Having the receipt will get you where you need to go.
Yes! Getting the receipt is a big deal.
Now you can put aside all the worries and enjoy that amazing guitar! :)
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Dennis,
There doesn't appear to be a way to find out first ownership, I would say mainly because of the lack of an electronic helpdesk.
At the service centre I was told that they could check that but when the girl game back on the phone I was asked where I bought the guitar followed by the notice that with the receipt I could make an appointment there.
No answer from her on the first ownership though, other then when I bought it at Kees Dees I would be considered elegible for proper warranty.
I still feel having only a phonenumber to get in touch is a bit outdated in these modern times, e-mail through a membership at Taylors is so much more convenient and is considered proof of a deal too. Lots of things can go wrong as I read in this forum and e-mail is an easy way to get things sorted quickly.
Cigarfan, I'm app. 20 to 25 Km from the service centre, my brother works on Schiphol airfield and he might be willing to bring and take it there.
Von Beerhofen
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Dennis,
There doesn't appear to be a way to find out first ownership, I would say mainly because of the lack of an electronic helpdesk.
At the service centre I was told that they could check that but when the girl game back on the phone I was asked where I bought the guitar followed by the notice that with the receipt I could make an appointment there.
No answer from her on the first ownership though, other then when I bought it at Kees Dees I would be considered elegible for proper warranty.
I don't think they would provide info about whoever originally registered the guitar.
For warranty purposes *you* are original owner! :)
-Gary K
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Ludwig, if you would send me a PM (to keep the info private please) with the following info, I will see if I can find out about ownership for you. Please be sure to PM me your email address because I've done this for a couple of other people who are outside the US, and Taylor wouldn't give out any info to anyone other than the owner. I already know they will request your email so they can get in touch with you directly. I also won't keep your info or share it with anyone else. Let's see if this can be resolved completely. :)
--Your Name
--Your Email address
--serial number and model of the guitar
--store name where you bought it from
Taylor will be closing within 2 hours from now so if I don't have the info by then, I can get in touch with them on Monday.
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Nice one Cindy, P.M. send and thx a lot.
Von Beerhofen
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PM responded to...since this is Ludwig's story, everyone will have to stay tuned to find out the status of the guitar's ownership.
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PM responded to...since this is Ludwig's story, everyone will have to stay tuned to find out the status of the guitar's ownership.
Hurray, it's all mine, and mine only.
Cindy, I did register the guitar, twice actually as I forgot to enter the type and serialnr. at first. I then browsed back after submitting the form and filled in the missing details and submitted it again.
However this machine runs WinME and doesn't work very well on the web anymore. I'll re-submit ownership for the guitar again from another computer to make sure all details will be properly submitted. The supplier is in the official dealers list, this was also confirmed by Service Centre Amsterdam.
Thx a lot for the information Cindy, makes me feel a lot better and I can really start playing it now, no holding back anymore as this one isn't going back to the shop.
It's a bit like the BTO disappointment, I could perhaps have traded this one for the Sitka topped version and step into the same pit, but it's this one which really cried out to me 'I'm yours, if you really want me'. I investigated all dealers all over the world, compared pictures, listened to youtube and a few hundred taylors, made up my mind and robbed my own bankaccount (details unavailable). I don't want to do it all over again, I want to play this guitar and get back into things, so here we go.
Thx a lot all and Cindy in particular, your'e all kehwl dudes, oooooops, sorry Cindy!
Hope I can help someone someday in a simmilar way.
Von Beerhofen
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I'm glad to be able to help and thrilled this is the one for you! :)
During my discussion with a Taylor rep, there is some general info I think should be shared. Here in the US, each guitar that is shipped within this country has its serial number recorded along with the dealer where it will be shipped. Taylor US has the list of dealers in the United States so a guitar can be verified whether or not it was sold at a legitimate dealer.
However, the guitars that get shipped to the UK only have the serial numbers recorded as going to the UK...not to any specific dealer. Once the guitars arrive at the Taylor UK office, their serial numbers there are recorded and matched up with the name of the dealer where they will be shipped. The Taylor UK office has their own list of authorized Taylor dealers matched with their own serial numbers.
Fortunately this rep could tell that the guitar had not yet been registered, and since Ludwig confirmed his dealer is legit, his guitar shouldn't have any problems getting warranty service should it ever need it. :)
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Thx Cindy,
I understand now how this works and I believe that's what the girl at Cervice Centre Amsterdam also tried to say. They ship em to each shop after arrival from the US and keep track of the serialnumbers delivered to each dealer in Europe.
It's not clear to me if the one's for the European continent go through the UK first but I may still call em here, I have to anyway to have this minor flaw fixed. I may learn a bit more when I'm there, if so I'll report back.
Cheers,
Von Beerhofen
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Yipeeeeee!
One down, one to go. Let us know how the repair goes.
Play on!
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When you buy a guitar brand new, the most important document seems to be the receipt from the dealer, not the warranty card or registration. I would think that Taylor could not challenge your warranty if you could produce a copy of your receipt, including your payment details, which proved that you were the original owner.
What is on a receipt that proves he's the original owner?
This is SO very true. I would like to further suggest to all that it's a very good idea to scan your receipt and any other paper work that goes along with your guitars. It seems to me that the print out ink that is used on the purchase receipts we get at stores the days usually fades quite quickly and becomes unreadable. I scan everything now and just stick everything in a folder on my computer. And whatever you do don't forget to back up your work!!! :)
;)
Willa