Official Luthiers Forum!

I debated posting this material but feel it is in the best interest of the lutherie community. I have been a long time supporter of Keith Robson handmade tuners; however, my last order with Keith Robson took an unfortunate turn.

I simply want to be factual and not slanderous or emotional. Here are the facts:

• I placed a $4k order for tuners back in September 2011.
• Received about $450 of product and then nothing more.
• Despite my being incredibly patient and amicable, Keith stopped communicating towards the end of 2012.
• I asked Keith for either product or a refund in November 2012. He said he would issue a refund.
• I've tried to contact him every couple weeks since then. I received a response in early 2013 saying that he "was having financial problems and that he apologized and that there was simply no excuse for his behavior and lack of communication" (paraphrasing). The comment gave me hope that there would be resolution. Sadly, there has been absolutely no communication from Robson since then.
• It has become apparent that there will be no resolution (no product and no refund) and that I have lost my money.

I take reputation seriously and hate to post anything online that isn't positive and encouraging. However, I know that a couple other luthiers have also paid and not received their order and I feel that due to the nature of this situation, some sort of public announcement is needed and in the best interest of the community. To clarify, I am not saying that you shouldn't work with Keith Robson - perhaps your experience would be better than mine.

I want to conclude by saying that although I am disappointed, I have no hard feelings and truly wish Keith a promising future.

I also want to say that I'm offering my customers Nicolo Alessi handmade tuners in place of the Robson handmade tuners (Keith also sold a Gotoh made product that was not made to the same standards as his handmade product). I actually think the engineering of the Alessi tuners might just be the best on the market due to the unique way he attaches the string post to the base of his tuners. The Alessi are also the easiest and smoothest tuning machines I have ever used. Every order I have placed with Nicolo has been sent out within 1 week and he has a well-established reputation. The Alessi tuners are definitely a step above Waverlys in my opinion and a nice option to give customers who want something special.

Best Regards,
Simon

That is an unfortunate situation. Sorry to hear about it.

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http://www.CostaGuitars.com
PMoMC

My bud, James Condino, swears by Alessi -- they're standard on all his mandos, and I would agree they're the smoothest in the land. Nicolo's engraving is also of a very high quality. Shame to hear about Robson, though.

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Mountain Song Guitars www.mountainsongguitars.com

Sorry to hear about your troubles, Simon. But thanks for bringing it up so that we may be a little more cautious in our purchases.