After seeing plenty of good reviews from Thomann and their Harley Benton guitars, as their new instruments were out of stock, I decided to buy a B-Stock which was ?17 cheaper than new. Again seeing good experiences and that minor and usually unnoticeable issues were on the instruments but they were packed well, I was confident and expecting a slight issue.However, I wasn't expecting to receive a guitar that only had a plastic bag as protection with nothing keeping it secure. When assessing the guitar it looked like someone had attacked it with sandpaper on the bottom, sides and back. This was not acceptable to their policy of a B-Stock and unfortunately they don't show photos.The instrument played well but I had instruments I'd had for almost 20 years in better condition, I was happy to try and get it looking good again but it would need professional attention, it was that bad.I contacted Thomann and they didn't seem interested at all. They offered me ?30 off or a refund. After enquiring with several shops, they were quoting me ?25- ?50ph for the work. I explained this to Thomann and they said the most they could refund is ?40 and if I return it, any damage is my responsibility. I told them that I'm sending it back the way it came and that I'm not buying extra packaging and that if I didn't get a refund, I'd have my bank get my money back as I bought it with a credit card. They're preferred option was to have the money put on my account so I could spend it with them which I was not impressed enough to do.Thinking of getting a Harley Benton? I'd get one with a credit card or go to a shop selling one in person.
