Any experience with Smoky Mountain Guitars?

[dchernack]

Scouring the internet this morning for good acoustic music shops to visit (either online or in person), and seemed to recall a high-end shop in east Tennessee -- a Google maps search jogged my memory and I recalled it was Smoky Mountain Guitars in Pigeon Forge. However, something surprised me after my search: out of 17 reviews, the shop had accrued a 2.5 out of five star rating, with many people complaining that the owner is all sorts of rude and dismissive. For comparison, Carter has 4.8 stars, Gruhn's 4.4, and the Music Emporium 4.9. Anyone have any experience with the shop up-close and personal? I'm curious to hear since their low rating seems to be an anomaly within the clade of high-pedigree stores.

[Chunky But Funky]

I visited Smokey Mountain Guitars when my wife and I went to Gatlinburg for our 20th anniversary. The owner was very nice when I was there and pulled out some Altmans for me to try (as a Bourgeois owner) just for comparison sake. He knew I wasn't buying that day. Also had me try out the 1934 F7 that had come in recently (and appears to still be available). I would definitely stop back in again if given a chance. How close did the fires come to that shop? I really don't know.

Doug

[Machschnell]

Smokey Mountain Guitars is still there; the fires got fairly close to that area but all the stores and tourist attractions in that area are fine.

I visited Smokey Mountain Guitars when my wife and I went to Gatlinburg for our 20th anniversary. The owner was very nice when I was there and pulled out some Altmans for me to try (as a Bourgeois owner) just for comparison sake. He knew I wasn't buying that day. Also had me try out the 1934 F7 that had come in recently (and appears to still be available). I would definitely stop back in again if given a chance. How close did the fires come to that shop? I really don't know.

Doug

- - - Updated - - -

Scouring the internet this morning for good acoustic music shops to visit (either online or in person), and seemed to recall a high-end shop in east Tennessee -- a Google maps search jogged my memory and I recalled it was Smoky Mountain Guitars in Pigeon Forge. However, something surprised me after my search: out of 17 reviews, the shop had accrued a 2.5 out of five star rating, with many people complaining that the owner is all sorts of rude and dismissive. For comparison, Carter has 4.8 stars, Gruhn's 4.4, and the Music Emporium 4.9. Anyone have any experience with the shop up-close and personal? I'm curious to hear since their low rating seems to be an anomaly within the clade of high-pedigree stores.

I've only been in a couple of times, but my experiences were positive.

[Crowder]

I bought my Passernig mandolin there and enjoyed working with the owner. No complaints. It's not a huge store like Carter's or Gruhn's.

[jaycat]

"An anomaly within the clade" . . . you're raising the bar for us other poor posters around here.

[Cary Fagan]

I also bought my Passernig there, ten years ago next month. They were very nice. I bought it before it was finished and gave them my credit card but they didn't charge me until they sent it and seemed very easy about returns (which didn't happen). A few years later I had lost my invoice and needed it to insure the mandolin and they emailed me a copy. Thumbs up from me.

[Doug Freeman]

Bought my new Ellis F5 from SMG in March 2015. The emails and several phone conversations I had with Dan were nothing but pleasant. Haven't had the opportunity to visit in person.

[Upis Land]

I spoke with the owner on the phone about a mandolin a year or so ago. I found him to be very enthusiastic. I'd stop in for sure if I were in the area.

[Timbofood]

"An anomaly within the clade" . . . you're raising the bar for us other poor posters around here.

"Tell me about Capt. Reynaud"
"He's just like any other man except a little more so."

That aside, after being in the retail business for most of my life, I understand someone having a bad day or two, right up until it comes to dealing with me!
Everyone has bad days, I have mellowed (slightly) over the years. The place has pretty obviously had a rough run for the last few months. What is the impetus for your query?

So, Jaycat, is it time to embark on another "Bogey "quote down""?

[jaycat]

"I gave up drinking once -- it was the worst afternoon of my entire life."

Not to hijack the thread or anything . . .

[dchernack]

Huh. Thanks for the input everyone! I guess now more than ever we should think twice before believing what we see on the internet. Cary, is yours the one with pictures still up on the site? Looks gorgeous! The only Passernig I've played was an A-style mandola and I loved it. http://www.smokymountainguitars.com/...rch_highlight1

Also, a quote-down sounds like quite the contest... I'd be interested to see how that turns out!

[Rooster59]

Bought a banjo from them a few years ago. They were great to deal with.

[Stephen Perry]

Good guy. Suspect does not tolerate fools well. I am better at that myself after more law practicing!!

Well worth a visit, and don't be in a hurry. He's just down the road, I should go visit!

[Timbofood]

"Well, drinking in the afternoon, now you're beginning to act like a Frenchman!"

"French 75's, beginning here and ending...here!"

[dreadhead]

I bought a used Martin D-18 Authentic from them back in 2010. I live in France and arranged it so that my sister that lives in Knoxville, TN could pick it up. They charged me an extra $50 for the amount of an empty guitar box they said they'd ship to another sister that lives out of state, but didn't. That was a little sketchy, but I love the guitar & would buy from them again. When you're spending that much on a guitar, an extra $50 is pocket change.

[josh a]

I have been to the shop many times, and have come across the owners at festivals and such. Agree with everyone that has posted; extremely nice folks and I would imagine they would be wonderful to deal with. The only thing I have noticed is that they tend to really 'push' whatever hot builder they have at the moment. Merrill, Hooper, Altman, and Preston Thompson have all been represented by the shop for varying lengths of time. 'Flavor of the month' sort of thing. But hey, it is retail after all.