Testimonials
If you have enjoyed your experience dealing with Great Guitars, help others to decide. Feel welcome to contribute comments to this page by emailing directly through any of the Great Guitars email links.
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Thanks again Michael.
John T Sunshine Coast , Qld January 2021
I have discovered your greatguitars.com.au is indeed a great place to do business . Excellent friendly service and communication.
Great product. honestly described and well packed for delivery. I recommend you highly.
Regards
Hi Michael, Have just received the Maton and very happy with it as I have been with my other purchases/sales over the years. The action is as requested and the condition is as accurately described on your website. Your communication is superb as always – it’s a pleasure to deal with someone who enjoys what they do – and do very well. I have learnt over the years to completely trust your knowledge, integrity and honesty! I don’t say that too often – actually NEVER before! A pleasure to deal with you & no doubt we’ll talk again, as I check your Website every few days to see what’s happening… Too many goodies, too little time!
Ken Stien Campwin Beach Qld December 2020
Just a quick note to those who may be considering buying or selling through Michael at Great Guitars. Over the years I’ve purchased two guitars from Michael, both guitars were described accurately, set up perfectly and packaged for transport exceptionally.I received the guitars within 2-3 days. Recently I contacted Michael regarding selling a guitar. We agreed on a price, which was the price I was asking. The guitar sold very quickly and I had the funds in my account 2 days after the buyers funds had cleared Michaels account.Communication and integrity are evident when dealing with Michael, I would without hesitation recommend Michael whether it’s buying, selling and using his set up or appraisal services. Thanks again mate for a smooth transaction, I will certainly be keeping an eye on the Great Guitars website for any future used equipment acquisitions.
Regards Craig Bonett Sydney N.S.W JULY 2017
I recently had both pickups rewired for my old Beatle Bass by Michael. Since then, I’ve attended a few blues club jams , where all the other bass players were amazed at the great sound I got out of an old Hofner Bass. I’d thoroughly recommend Michael for any rewinds you may need. His charge is also very reasonable. Thanks Michael. Cheers
Leigh Bunbury W.A. March 2017
I don’t normally send a mail of appreciation to sellers but I feel I need to make an exception to Michael of Great Guitars. I have had a couple of dealings with him in the last year and he has been incredibly helpful with his assistance to the point of going out of his way to get the right information to assist in my purchases. If more sellers were as knowledgeable and as helpful as Michael they would have returning customers like he does and I can not recommend him enough.
Please check out his contact page and read his own introduction to himself and his site “it does exactly what it says on the tin” to use a quote that for once does fit the bill.
Mark Ford (Philippines) March 2017
It was an Irish musician, Liam O’Maonlai (Hot House Flowers), who has toured extensively across Australia, who recommended Maton guitars.
I started researching online, found a shop here in Dublin, Ireland that sold them but, as they only ever imported a small batch and they are expensive in Dublin, they were snapped up quickly. The second-hand market for Maton here is virtually non-existent, even in the UK.
I turned my attention toward Australia and luckily came across Michael Skehan’s Great Guitars website who had a Maton 325c for sale.
From the time I first made contact the whole process seemed effortless. Michael was a joy to do business with. His communications/emails to me were always immediate, swift and to the point – providing assurances and guiding me through the process – shipping, insurance etc… For some reason, from first contact, I felt I was dealing with a person of the utmost integrity. And remember, I was taking a big gamble here.
The guitar, which I was able to track along its journey from Bargara, Queensland to Dublin, Ireland, arrived (approx 10 days) in perfect condition and is a joy to play.
I could not recommend Michael Skehan and Great Guitars highly enough.A damned good experience all round. Thank you.
Steve Rawson. Dublin, Ireland. .July 2014.
Hi Mick, I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful guitar….1937 Gibson L-00.It plays and sounds magnificent…looks wonderful as well… I am very happy with the guitar and of course your customer service is second to none.
Col Evans, Brisbane , April, 2014
Cheers to Mick and to Great Guitars.
I live in the United States and was looking for a Heritage Super Kenny Burrell. I had just missed one on Ebay, so I did a google search. I found a listing in Australia in the exact finish I was looking for. I e-mailed Michael at Great Guitars, and he made me a good deal. Exchanging money several thousand miles away is a little nerve wracking. What if? You don’t have to worry about that here. The guitar shipped right away and I had it within about a week. Nearly the same as if I had gotten it right here in the States. I would highly recommend Michael and Great Guitars for anyone, regardless of where they live.
Oliver James December 18, 2013
I’m writing to say that I have bought several guitars over the years from Great Guitars and they have all been excellent and as described, never a disappointment. The guitar tech / service set-up work was always so good and I eventually found out that all the work is done by Mick. So nowadays, Mick Skehan services all of my guitar purchases, Whether I buy a guitar on Ebay or anywhere else, the guitar goes straight to Mick for assessment concerning what it might need, whether fretwork or neck or electric’s , anything needed, top service. He will quote before proceeding and then once the job is ready, repackaged and sent to me in WA. Another mate who is a collector and lives in outback mining in Qld now uses Great Guitars for same. All of his repair and set-up work is spot on and taking car or freight is such a bonus. Everyone should know that he does repair work because I don’t think he advertises that fact. Thanks Mick, I really mean that.
Kev WA. Australia – Feb 2012
I’d like to thank you once again Michael, this is the second guitar I’ve purchased from Great Guitars in just over 12 months. The description on the Great Guitars website was very accurate and the set up once again was very professionally done. I’d been looking for a Gibson mahogany slope shoulder dreadnaught for a couple of months and the J 35 LTD’s , an exceptional guitar. As a second time buyer from Great Guitars i was given a great discount and an excellent deal. The packaging for transport was exceptional and once again i had the guitar in my hands in two days. I would without hesitation and have done via forums recommend Michael and Great Guitars for set up work and vintage guitars and will continue to check out his website regularly. 1995 Gibson J 5 Ltd.
C. Bonett- Sydney-January 2010
I’d like to thank you for your professional approach and the way you conduct your business. It was an absolute pleasure dealing with you and the whole transaction went through very smoothly. Especially considering I made the initial contact during the Christmas and new year break, to get the guitar in less than a week is a true testament to your integrity. I’ve always been a little hesitant to buy sight unseen but your accurate description and follow up emails along with photo’s made the whole process a lot easier on a first time internet buyer. Your expertise in the set up of the guitar was evident from the first strum and the effort in the packaging was also very much appreciated. I would without hesitation recommend Great Guitars to anyone and will most certainly be keeping my eye on your website in the future. 1995 Gibson BB KING 355 LUCILLE in excellent condition.
Craig Bonett – Sydney. , Jan, 2009
Michael was a pleasure to deal with. Communication was prompt and thorough, even from half a world away. I highly recommend Great Guitars Australia to any US buyers who may be hesitant about ordering from so far away. Item was shipped on a Monday and arrived on Saturday. Easy transaction. Thanks!
J. Finney – United States , April , 2008
I have just received a beautiful American Custom Shop Custom Player Strat. I am a trillion percent happy with my purchase. This is the fourth guitar I have bought from Mick, and I am extremely happy . Thanks again Mick for your top rate service.
Cheers Terry – Sale , Vic Australia, April 2007
Just to let you know how much I’m loving my 500/1. Smooth, resonant, a joy to play. Worth every penny, and a great deal to boot! Thanks for making it all happen.
Brad Shepherd – Hoodoo Gurus Australia February, 2007
As a first time customer I found Michael gave me as much attention, respect and quality of service as the local music shop I’ve dealt with for nearly 40 years. His communications before, during and after sale were quick and excellent, even over the new year break, and he supplied me with all the information I needed to make an informed choice on the instrument I desired. It arrived quickly and was extremely well packed. I look forward to doing business with him again in the future.
Don Gadd of the Smokin’ Elmores Launceston Tasmania January, 2007
I have just purchased an American Chrome Blue Strat from Mick and I couldn’t be happier. It is a fantastic guitar and this is the second guitar I have purchased from Mick and all I can say is that the transaction went so smooth. Mick is honest and fair, something which is rare these days. Again great service,
Terry – Sale, Victoria, Australia, October, 2006
I sent an original Weissenborn to Mick that was in desperate need of repair — and boy did he deliver! The Weiss is now sounding absolutely beautiful thanks to Mick’s skill, attention to detail and knowledge of the instrument. Mick updated me throughout the repair process with a description and photos of the repairs to date. Brilliant! Thanks Mick
Tim Grice – Brisbane, Australia November, 2005
I’m onto my third Hofner from Great Guitars and couldn’t be happier. My latest purchase has rounded out my collection nicely. Mick is always helpful and his post purchase follow-ups are second to none. I recommend Michael personally to anyone wishing to purchase a top quality vintage instrument!!
Jason Williams – Brisbane, Australia (ex-Beatnix 1988-1989) July, 2005
Many thanks Mick for the superb repair and set-up job on my much loved and much played Maton acoustic. It now plays heaps better than it did after its factory and original set-up and is a glowing testament to your high level of skill in fine tuning a guitar to sound and play at its absolute best. Very prompt, friendly and professional service- I highly recommend Great Guitars and I am certain that everyone else that has the pleasure of dealing with Mick will appreciate his real expertise. Great stuff mate, I now just have to upgrade my playing skills to match… which I think may take a little longer than your repair job did!!!
T. Scriven Bundaberg (Rum capital of the world) June , 2005
I have just purchased a 1981 “Kinman” Hardtailed Strat. This was the first time I have ever purchased anything over the net. I was a little sceptical, but I have to say “Mick” at great guitars made everything super easy. He was honest and easy to talk to. The bottom line;”Great Guitars; great service ; great bloke”.
T. Staker . Wednesday , Feb 9, 2005
I have been searching for a very particular strat for over 15 years. Mick at “Great Guitars” not only found the guitar for me but gave me a very reasonable trade price for my old strat. I would not hesitate to deal with “Great Guitars” again and I thoroughly recommend their services. I am in blue strat heaven.
M G Gentry Wednesday, Apr 28, 2004
Thanks again Mick.
Cheers
I recently bought a small, inexpensive tube amp from Great Guitars. It was a very positive experience. Michael was specific in his description of the item, precise in his costs and transported to me an amp in exactly the condition he said, with safety documentation and invoice, in three days. His communication was excellent and he kept in contact throughout the purchasing and transporting process. It seemed just as important to him that I got a product I wanted as that he received payment. I found buying from this site a very positive experience and can recommend to other purchasers that they are dealing with a professional and capable retailer.
“MICHAEL BOX” <mbox@…………….> Vic Australia – Monday, Nov 10, 2003
I recently bought an Elite teardrop bass from Michael ( don’t ask.. you have to be into old Italian built stuff from the 60’s). Mick’s description was honest and accurate so was everything else about the transaction. He did some repair work for me and this too was high quality work. I have no hesitation in recommending Mick. Prospective buyers you can buy with confidence.
Ken P <……..-…………> Qld Australia – Wednesday, Sept 10, 2003
Outstanding + excellent + perfect custom made work. Searched all over the world to find finally GREAT GUITARS. Highest recommended, a pleasure to deal with , excellent and trustworthy person, you won´t find a better one; Top + 6 stars , would every time deal with again; Thanks Michael
Dr.Dave <tigtag7-yahoo.*****
Munich, Bavaria Germany – Monday, July 14, 2003 at 07:02:45 (CDT)
I’ve purchased two guitars from Michael so far,one a Kramer Ferrington the other a Jap Strat and to be honest with you all I’d give up my wife before the guitars.Thanks Mick and keep up the good work.
Howard McWaters <hmcwaters-********>
Gladstone, Qld Australia –
Nice site indeed.
Marcus Peeples <mt143-********>
Newcastle, NSW Australia –
A lovely guitar, great service and advice, (what more can you ask for?). Thanks Michael, hope to do business with you again.
P.J. Sellers <sllptr-*******>
Red Hill, Vic Australia –
I like the accolades and therefor want to know if you have any more 64 beatles with low mileage? G’day Mick, keep up the good work.
denimoore34 <denismoore34********>
melb, vv Australia –
We purchased a 1964 Beatle Bass from Michael,we have never had a better experience buying anything!Michael is honest,honorable and fair.He helped us pick our guitar and he described the cond. perfectly.He packed it with great care and watched the shipping everyday of its journey.Michael is one of the most knowledgeable guitar people we ever came across.Its hard to buy sight unseen across the ocean but if we wanted another guitar we would have Michael find it for us. R&R
Richie Palmer /Raquel Welch
Los Angeles , Ca Usa –
I bought a US Stratplus’89 from Michael five years ago. I simply explained my tastes & guitar styles to Michael and virtually purchased the first guitar suggested. Love my guitar.
Mario Smarrelli <marsmate-*******>
Melbourne, Vic Australia –
After a frustrating experience at a local guitar shop trying to order some parts from a very disinterested, unhelpful youth, I decided to turn elsewhere, and this is where I ended up. Mick had the parts, photos, advice and great prices. The parts arrived the day after I paid. What more could you want! Thanks for the service Mick.
Pat Walsh <pmjw1-*********>
Melbourne, VIC Aus. –
I’ve just received a guitar case from Michael that i am very happy with. there were no delays from michael as he sent it the day after i had made the deal! i highly recommed him to anyone who wishs to buy off him and i would buy off him in the future…cheers michael!
shaun rose <shaunrose ********>
Geraldton, WA Aus. –
I regularly check the “Great guitars” site, as the gear is always well priced, and has excellent detail. Mike is one of the rare breed these days that you can trust. I have made a number of purchases from him now and they have all been excellent.
David Sparks
Aus. –
Michael went to great lengths, providing pictures and describing in detail the features and flaws of the instrument. He was patient while I asked numerous questions and agreed to hold the guitar while I gathered funds. He even played the guitar over the phone for me (he’s a good player, too!). Guitar arrived packed perfectly and was as described. I am very happy with the service he provided to me and will happily buy from him again.
Mark Cadle <mcadle-*********>
Melbourne, Vic Aus. –
I recently purchased a Fender Acoustic guitar from Michael on ebay.I have been greatly impressed with the trouble he has gone to describe the instrument his method of packing and assistance to buy a case to suit.When the guitar was received it was pakaged brilliantly and arrived in pristine condition EXACTLY as described.I can only highly recommend Michael as a caring and honest trader…quick to respond and pleasant to deal with .I will be doing more business.
Steve Brown <cool-*********>
Fremantle, wa Aus. –
I have bought some small items from Mick as well as a Hofner solid body guitar. The level of service, support and genuine interest leading up to and following the purchase was amazing to say the least. Supportive!! This guy goes out of his way to help. I have picked his brains on many occasions for information and while we haven’t met I feel as if I’m talking to a mate! Thanks Mick, great service as well as great guitars!!
Dan McGonigal <danm-***********>
Blaxland, nsw Aus. –
Michael walked me through the process of shipping and receiving an instrument. My experience was great and I feel I received fair trade value on my instrument. This was a bit crazy making for me as I was dealing with Michael from central Canada. It all turned out well. He kept in touch and I always knew what was happening up until shipping. Tracking was easy as he uses DHL. I would certainly deal with Michael in the future.
Craig Buckboro <justkiddin-shaw.ca>
Winnipeg, Mb. Canada –
I would just like to say what a friendly and professional service Michael has here, I bought a classic guitar from him and it was delivered half way around the world, it was exactly as Mich had said, a very nice guitar. Thankyou Mick.
Robert Marlin <robmarlin-yahoo.com>
San Jose, Costa Rica –
I had been out of the music game for about 10 years and decided I wanted to give it another go. Having no gear I set out to find a vintage Strat..I wanted something a bit special. I came across Mick’s site and found a ’79 anniversary Strat. After many emails and additional photos from Mick I placed an order. One comment Mick made was that this guitar sounded great. Boy was he on the money. The guitar arrived well packed and promptly. It turns out that his description of it was accurate and I am completely satisfied with my purchase (Heck I love this axe). Mick is a super nice guy and it is a pleasure to deal with him..I appreciate his integrity and professionalism. I also believe I have made a new friend and this will not be the last time I will be dealing with Mick. Keep up the great work buddy..great site,great stock,great advice.
Peter Alexander <alexanderiron-hotmail.com>
Narrabri, NSW Aus. –
Just purchased a vintage Mosrite from Mike — he was absolutely the best to work with — very reasonable on price and took great care in shipping the guitar half way around the world to me. Wherever you might be located on the planet, I would recommend Mike as a great guitar source.
Jim Rosenow <jrosenow-gdinet.com>
Milwaukee, WI USA –
I bought my first “online” guitar (a Hofner)from Great Guitars a couple of years ago and have bought parts a few times too. From time to time I’ve called to ask about sourcing parts or about the guitars which are for sale. (I regularly visit the site). I absolutely agree with the other comments about Michael’s great personalised, professional and friendly service. He obviously loves what he does – and it shows. I’d have no hestitation in doing business with him again or recommending others to do the same.
Jerome Brownlow <jbrownlow-amadeus.net>
Sydney, NSW Aus. –
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT.. This is all I could say .. Michael was super helpful and assisted where I needed help. The Guitar came just as promised and exactly as he said. I look forward to doing more business with him.
<Stececlar-rcn.com>
annandale, nj usa –
i made a fairly small purchase from micheal recently and couldn’t be happier with the results. the item was in the exact condition reported ( and as shown in the provided pictures) and everything worked fine. micheal was very prompt and comprehensive on replying to any of my queries about the item , even though it was just a small item. i am looking forward with micheal again and would not hesitate to recommend this website.
ben moore <bencanvas-hotmail.com>
brisbane, qld Aus. –
USA –
Hi Michael, you have got a real nice collection of beautiful guitars on your Web Site. It is good to see that the Vintage Guitar business is sometime done by people who do it by heart. Good luck for the future and I bet there will be many more people who’ll be glad to be able to trade with you.
<aschoeneberg-mediensalat.de>
Minden, Germany –
Michael, I am extremely happy with the guitar I bought from you recently and really appreciate the simple and efficient quality of the transaction. I hope we do business again. Very best regards.
Colin D. Scott <Lacertidae-aol.com>
New York, NY USA –
Great Guitars has been very helpful to me,..and has responded to every email I had sent in reguards to the part that I needed,..I hope to do business with them again. …John K.
<Johnkm-webtv.net>
Altamonte Springs , FL. USA –
I have been dealing with Mick for about two years now and have sold Mick a guitar and bought numerous pickups, guitar parts etc.from him. Quite often, I just pick his brain for information and nothing is ever a problem for Mick.I now regard Mick as a friend rather than a business associate. In this World of fast talking Salesmen, out for a quick buck, Mick puts honesty, value and after sales service to the fore of his business and is a pleasure to do business with. Living in the South Coast of NSW, dealing with Mick from another State is no problem due to his committment to Customer satisfaction.
Graeme Osborne <gosborne-acr.net.au>
Narooma, NSW Australia Aus. –
Micheal, > > I really appreciate your professionalism and attention to detail and the > preservation of such a treasured work of art as the Hofner. This kind of > service and quality is seldom found these days, and for that I can truly say > that I do appreciate what you have done to make my Hofner 500/2 pickguard. You used original Hofner parts , materials to include 35 year old Hofner Pearlloid and an actual template from the factory. Thanks, I will be sending the picture. Maybe you can post it on the web page. > > Ken Schiro > Hofner Club Bass 500/2 > Washington, DC. USA
Ken <ken.schiro-cwusa.com>
Washington, DC USA –
In response to my vague inquiry about a ‘nice Tele’, Mick quickly found me an early ’52 RI in lovely condition at a very fair price. I have also enjoyed several smaller transactions since – always with the same fast, friendly and helpful service. It’s a pleasure to deal with Mick Skehan (and his chosen repairman, Mick Gentry, does beautiful work too).
Michael Blythe <blym-hotmail.com>
Kalgoorlie, WA Aus. –
Hello Michael, thank you very much for take my book to your web site. I´m glad to hear that there are Hofner fans all over the world best regards michael naglav
michael naglav <michael.naglav-web.de>
Gladbeck, Germany –
Well, here we are again- just having purchased what my son calls ‘an awesome, rockin’ vintage pedal’ 🙂 (Personally, I did think it would just be MORE noise, but this one is one ‘noise’ that I like!) It arrived in perfect order, wonderfully packed and again sent XtraFast, which for us, living on a rock in the middle of the Pacific, is just fantastic. Michael has again surpassed himself in giving us decent, old fashioned service, help and advice! You just do not get to see much of that anymore! Thanks so much, Michael!
Lynda <barnsley-norfolk.net.nf>
Norfolk Island, –
Michael: Your personal attention and rapid responses ensured that I wanted to make my purchases from you. I guess it also helped that you had everything I was looking for, for my Hofner Bass. Thanks for everything.
Chip Kramer
Ann Arbor, MI USA –
I’d been looking around for a 5 string bass for a while but could never commit to one as I wasn’t sure which one to get – there’s too much confusion. So, I sent Mick some basic specifications for what I wanted – no particular make/model. A couple of months passed and I got a call from Mick . . . “I’ve found what you’re looking for”. Mick shipped it down and there it was, the 5-stringer just made for me! It happened to be a make (don’t wanna mention makes) I probably wouldn’t have considered which made it the more ‘out-there’ for me. A couple of years have now passed and I wouldn’t part with it as it’s me. Thanks Mick. Hope to catch you soon.
Tony Fusella <tfusella.hotmail.com>
Melbourne, Vic Aus. –
Just sent you an email requesting Hofner parts
John Maselli <jmaselli-li.net>
East Moriches, NY USA –
Hi Mike, have had much pleasure dealing with you in the past, and look forward to dealing with you some more in the future. Your guitars are always as described, well priced and delivered quickly and safely. I think the new website design is great too. Much easier to navigate
<paul-pigout.freeserve.co.uk>
UK –
We bought a beautiful vintage Maton body from Michael recently for my son, who is a guitar ‘nutter’, to rebuild. It was exactly as described, arrived SUPERBLY and expertly packaged and XTraFAST! This guy is helpful, prompt on replying to emails and TOTALLY honest and reliable! Would not hesitate to buy again (in fact,we are!) Keep up the fantastic work, Michael- we need great sellers on the Net like you! 🙂
<barnsley-norfolk.net.nf>
Norfolk Island –
Hi mate looks good I agree, seeing comments from satisfied customers is a better way of having a positive comment about your business, much better than you bragging about how many gem guitars you have and how many and who you sold them too. I reckon the site is getting much better and easier to navigate. Have a good one Cheers The other Mick
<mgentry-bigpond.net.au>
Gold Coast, QLD Aus. –
