The Dread-Not
Guarantee
No competitor matches it. Not Sweetwater. Not Guitar Center. Not anyone. Every qualifying instrument over $1,000 ships with the most complete purchase protection in acoustic retail.
Five things that come with every qualifying purchase
We're the Chapman brothers — three professional touring bluegrass musicians who opened The Acoustic Shoppe because we knew what it felt like to buy the wrong instrument. The Dread-Not Guarantee is how we took that risk off your plate.
30-day home trial
Most stores give you 14 days. We give you 30 — enough time to play it at home, bring it to your lesson, try it at a jam session, and really know whether it's the one. If it's not, return it in original condition. Only return shipping is on you. No restocking fee.
Why 30 days? Because bonding with an instrument takes more than a weekend. We want you to know — really know — before you decide.
23-point professional setup — on every instrument
Every instrument we ship has been personally inspected and set up by our team. Neck relief, fret levelness, action height, intonation, nut and saddle fit, hardware, finish — all 23 points checked, adjusted, and certified before we close the case.
You open the box and it's already play-ready. Most online retailers ship straight from the manufacturer's box. We don't.
See all 23 points →Your string preference — installed before we ship
Before your instrument ships, one of our team members will reach out to discuss your string preferences — gauge, brand, feel — and install a fresh set to your specifications before we close the case.
It's the kind of detail you'd expect from a private luthier, not an online retailer. Not sure what you want? We'll make a recommendation based on the instrument and your playing style.
Free AcoustiCare Bluetooth humidity tracker
We place a Bluetooth temperature and humidity sensor inside the case before shipping. Download the SensorPro app and monitor your instrument's environment in real time — it tells you exactly when it's safe to unbox after transit.
Humidity is the silent enemy of acoustic instruments. Too dry and wood cracks. Too humid and it swells. This is how we protect your investment from the moment it leaves our shop.
1-year trade-in guarantee at 90% value
For a full year after your purchase, if the instrument isn't right for you, return it in like-new condition for up to 90% of the original purchase price as store credit. No questions. No judgment.
We're musicians ourselves. We know sometimes the one you thought was perfect turns out to be a stepping stone. We'd rather you come back and find the right instrument than feel stuck with the wrong one.
| Condition | Trade-in value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Like New / Mint | 90% − shipping | Instrument and case are exactly as received. No nicks, scratches, or finish imperfections. |
| Excellent | 75% − shipping | Very clean, near-new. Minor cosmetic marks only — 4 or fewer small nicks or light scratches. |
| Good | 20–50% − shipping | Player wear visible. May include light fret wear, finish checking, or moderate dings. Value determined on evaluation. |
| Poor | Not returnable | Broken or non-playable condition. Restoration cost exceeds resale value. |
How we pack it matters as much as what's inside
Custom shipping boxes, AERIS inflatable packaging, D'Addario Humidipak starter kit in every case — and every package is shake-tested before it leaves the shop. We've shipped thousands of instruments. Our damage rate is as close to zero as it gets.
Who qualifies for the Dread-Not Guarantee?
The Dread-Not Guarantee applies to new instruments over $1,000 purchased online or in our Springfield, Missouri store. Simple as that.
Frequently asked questions
The Dread-Not Guarantee is The Acoustic Shoppe's comprehensive buyer protection program included with every qualifying new instrument over $1,000. It covers a 30-day home trial, 23-point professional setup, your string preference installed before shipping, a free AcoustiCare Bluetooth humidity sensor, and a One-Year Trade-In Guarantee at up to 90% of the original purchase price.
You have 30 days from delivery to play the instrument and decide if it's right for you. Return it in original, like-new condition within that window and we'll issue a full refund of the purchase price. Shipping costs are your responsibility. No restocking fee.
Within one year of purchase, return a qualifying instrument in like-new condition for up to 90% of the original purchase price as store credit. This is a one-time trade — the instrument you purchase with trade credit is not eligible for a second One-Year Trade. Final condition assessment is at our discretion. Shipping charges are non-refundable. See the condition table under Benefit 05 above for the full trade-in value breakdown by condition.
Every instrument goes through a full professional setup: neck relief and straightness, fret condition and levelness, action height at the 12th fret, nut and saddle fit and lubrication, intonation check, tuning stability, finish quality, all hardware, electronics if applicable, and proper packaging with humidity control. The instrument is played and certified play-ready before it ships. See the full 23-point checklist →
We place an AcoustiCare Bluetooth sensor inside the case before shipping. Download the free SensorPro app (iOS or Android), pair it with the sensor, and monitor real-time temperature and humidity inside the case during and after transit. The app tells you when it's safe to open — preventing any damage from sudden environmental changes.
Yes. All qualifying purchases — online and in our Springfield, Missouri store — are covered by the full Dread-Not Guarantee.
Within the 30-day window, return for a full refund and purchase a different instrument. Within the One-Year Trade window, you'll receive up to 90% as store credit toward a replacement. Our team is also happy to help you find the right instrument before you commit — book a Virtual Consult and we'll walk through your options together.
“We spent 26 years on tour as professional bluegrass musicians. We know what it means to find the right instrument — and how hard it is to do that online without being able to play it first. The Dread-Not Guarantee is our commitment that you don't have to take that risk alone.”
1. Qualifying purchases
The Dread-Not Guarantee applies to new instruments with a total pre-tax sales price of $1,000 or more, purchased from The Acoustic Shoppe online or in-store.
2. 30-day trial period
Qualifying instruments may be returned in original, like-new condition within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Shipping charges are non-refundable and the customer's responsibility.
3. One-year trade-in guarantee
Within one year of purchase, qualifying instruments may be returned for store credit based on condition at time of return: Like New / Mint — 90% minus shipping; Excellent — 75% minus shipping; Good — 20–50% minus shipping based on evaluation; Poor condition instruments are not eligible for return. Valid for one trade only. Instruments purchased with trade-in credit are not eligible for another One-Year Trade. Final condition evaluation is at the sole discretion of The Acoustic Shoppe.
4. Exclusions
Used, consignment, and custom-order instruments with personalized design features do not qualify. Instruments under $1,000 pre-tax do not qualify.
5. Shipping charges
Shipping charges are non-refundable and will be deducted from all return and trade-in credits.
6. Gift cards and rewards
Gift cards or rewards received in a promotion will be voided if the original purchase is returned within 30 days. If used, their value will be deducted from the return credit.
7. Changes to terms
All terms are subject to change at The Acoustic Shoppe's discretion. Terms in effect at time of purchase apply.
