Testimonials

It’s here, safe and sound. I’m supposed to be working but clearly I’ve had a little play. Magnificent, you’re an artist! I can’t quite believe it’s passive, those pickups sing and that neck!

Praise for Limelight basses
I have received the bass and genuinely blown away… I’ve owned many custom shops and old Fenders and I don’t know how you have done it. I’ve currently got the real deal ’63 and it stands up against that side by side. It’s like two old Fenders from the same era….

I sold a bass to Mark at Classic and Cool Guitars and the experience was faultless. Excellent communication from start to finish and payment within an hour of him receiving the bass. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark and Classic and Cool Guitars

Bass is here… wow! Very great condition, a killer bass and very well packed. Excellent! Will make a little setup the next days. And then make a lot of noise in the rehearsal room!

The bass is even better than I thought – amazing condition, and a real thumper. I had one some years back, a glossy – TBH I think the satin finish is a nicer feel as it’s less sticky. It’s going to be gigged, so it’s to be used as intended! Thanks again Mark, and I look forward to dealing with you again soon

The Bass arrived well an hour ago. Only two days from GB to Germany, unbelievable! The bass is really really great and sounds fantastic. The aging is so nice and “true” — made with so many details… great job! On Sunday I have a gig and I am looking forward to play it. I bought many, many basses in the last 30 years, and I owned some Fender CustomShop ones. Your Limelight basses are in the same level, even better, and that for 35% of the price! But please don’t increase the price after this mail!

The Musicman Sterling has to be my new favourite! After years of solely using MM Stingrays I thought I would get a used Sterling to test it out and wow I am a fan of the thin satin-finished neck. I will be using this bass at my next gig. The bass was packed like a tank, so nothing could damage it in transit, and for that I am grateful. Aside from the bass I can recommend Classic and Cool Guitars just because Mark is a great seller and cares about getting the bass to you despite any issues that may arise in transit. 5 Stars! Can’t fault the guy!

Buying a custom build instrument for the first time, when you are not certain how it will turn out, can be a scary (and expensive if you get it wrong) experience. However, from my first correspondence with Mark, I was confident that choosing a Limelight custom build was the right option for me. Mark was always prompt in replying to my many queries. His friendly, helpful, patient and polite attitude helped me tremendously through those early decision making days. At no point did he pressure me into anything. This first class customer experience was one of the reasons I knew I would buy from him. A lot of retailers could learn a thing or ten from him! The bass was actually built earlier than I expected and somehow he had captured everything I imagined the bass to be. I was initially nervous someone could build the look I had in my head, but from all the communication I had from Mark, I just trusted he would get it right and he did. The actual bass, a ’76 style P bass, feels great and is very comfortable to play. Some basses have contours that are a bit too sharp for my liking, but this bass is just right. Mark, also has the attention to detail to get all the subtleties of the bass period correctly done. If you want some vintage cool, that’s not only affordable, but a quality product, then buy with confidence from Classic and Cool Guitars.

Mark was a pleasure to deal with. I sold my Jaydee Roadie Active to him and found him to be polite and helpful at every stage, he offered me a fair price on the strength of images sent to him… He was true to his word and when he had chance to see the bass following delivery he did not attempt to lower his offer. The money was transferred into my bank very quickly. I get the feeling that he is not only a good businessman but more importantly passionate about guitars and a true gentleman. I would not hesitate to deal with him again and fully recommend him.

The bass arrived perfectly yesterday. Looks and sounds wonderful. Thank you very much for your over professional and kind service. Sure that I will make other deals with Classic and Cool Guitars. I will send you a pic of my little Fender Bass family soon, best regards.

I really love it!! The feeling is absolutely wonderful and you can feel its 32 years of age; it’s a bass who tells you many stories while you play it! Many thanks to Mark for the special custom, he always answered quickly to my questions and the shipment was perfect and quick as all the rest

I admit to a little trepidation in ordering a bass built to my own spec. from an unknown (to me) luthier but you got it right. As you know I am not in the first flush of youth. I have played and gigged many basses in my life from ancient Fenders, through 70s Stingrays to modern boutique basses and this one is the best I’ve experienced yet. I have dropped the action a gnat’s and have gigged it – perfection is the word. Not only playability but full of tone too – it also does a fair fist of a Slab 66 on steroids. Thank you for the bass, your time, patience and for being an absolute gent through the whole process. This old ‘un is a very happy man.

Purchasing a bass at distance without seeing it is never easy but Mark made the whole process very painless. From initial suggestions of instruments that he thought would be appropriate for my needs, to detailed info/pictures on instruments when required, combined with quick responses throughout to all my little question/queries this was a smooth transaction. The bass I finally settled on (an 83 P bass) is sweet and entirely as described by Mark – I look forward to playing it in the weeks and months to come. I highly recommend Mark to anyone considering purchasing a bass from him.

I have bought 5 guitars from Classic and Cool Guitars and all of them purely on the strength of the website and discussions over Skype with Mark. I have been really happy with all the purchases and found Mark to be really helpful and easy to deal with. He has a knack of finding instruments in great condition and sells them at competitive prices. I live in France and he has sent all 5 guitars, well packed and without problem. I would recommend Classic and Cool to anyone.

Mark was extremely helpful in answering my questions and explained in depth about his Limelight basses. With regards to the bass itself. Wow, what a truly great instrument. Not only does it look fantastic, the tone is amazing and the playability is second to none of all the basses I’ve owned over the years. The only problem I have now is saving up for one of your jazz basses.

The Limelight Burgundy Mist ’63 J Bass with matching headstock has arrived safely, and I must say I am really, really delighted. It looks perfect – you have got it just right. And it plays beautifully too, better IMHO than the Road Worn, and rivalling my CS 1964 NOS Jazz. It’s just perfect for gigging. Thanks very much for a great service.

I would like to thank Mark for his superb service. Took the train along the coast (picturesque!) to sunny Teignmouth to collect the instrument with just a day’s notice and he was kind enough to pick me up at the station and take me to his home. The bass is AWESOME, in immaculate unplayed condition, exactly as described and he did me a great deal on it; couldn’t be happier! He even gave me a couple of bottles of water to take away for the journey back! Would thoroughly recommend and would not hesitate to do business with him again.

Praise for Limelight Custom Guitars… Really impressed with the bass and having owned a Nash previously it is every bit as good if not better! Thanks again.

Last month has been a very busy one (good) and I haven’t had much time to write, although I wanted to. After a month heavily playing the jazz bass these are my opinons… This Limelight jb63 plays and feels just great! I put some flatwound strings on it and the tone is just as classic as you can get… right weight, fine neck touch, all the sounds I need and expect from a jazz bass are there. Thanks Mark, and my respects to the man who assembled and created this instrument… I’ll send you some things i recorded with it asap…

Guitar arrived perfectly; I’ve yet to test in anger but she looks great! Thanks for another perfect transaction, been a pleasure as usual. Look forward to catching up in the future for my next purchase! All the best

A YouTube clip of a Limelight P bass being played at a gig in Denmark

Praise for Limelight Custom Guitars: Thanks Mark, good service and above all a bass of the highest quality that matched the Classic and Cool Guitars description. I will buy more basses off Mark;)

If you have a quality instrument to sell, I would highly recommend dealing with Mark and Classic and Cool Guitars. I had two vintage instruments, both of which had been well looked after but were no longer being played. I emailed Mark and sent some photos and we had a few conversations. We negotiated a price and Mark gave my valuable assistance transporting these instruments safely, packaging them correctly and choosing a courier. We spoke regularly throughout the process and payment was sent immediately after they arrived. Mark is a truly genuine guy and a pleasure to do business with.

Thank you very much Mark, I have bought many guitars over the past 30 years but I must say that I have never bought from anyone as honest and reliable as yourself and also for the RIGHT money! Stevie Ray Vaughan 1998 was exactly as described. FANTASTIC!

Today my NEW GUITAR has arrived and I’m so happy! Everything was perfect and the condition of the instrument is totally new! Thanks again for all!

Just to let you jnow the bass arrived fine. As you said, it’s in really good condition – well looked-after by its previous owner. Had a brief play last night and it feels nice, with a great tone. All in all, just the kind of p-bass I was looking for. Thanks again.

Thanks for getting that Ovation bass to me in double quick time.The bass is superb and a great player, better than I thought even. A brill service, Mark, and a gent to deal with. Ta.

Thanks again for the ’71 Precision. It is every bit as good as you described and a very welcome addition to my stock of basses you have supplied – the Aerodyne Precision is a particularly lovely bass. Both were perfectly set up and used straight from the packaging. The ’71 will be sharing the stage with me when I play the Isle of Wight Festival in June for sure. Keep up the good work and I have a distinct hunch we will meet again!

The bass arrived today. Wonderful, special bass with lots of attitude. I think I will use it a lot. I have used it on a rehearsal today and I’ll bring it to a gig tomorrow. I like it lot. It looks amazing too 🙂 Thanks a lot for superb custom!!

The Rickenbacker has arrived safely and was just how you had described. Was a great pleasure doing business with you, and will be definitely be doing business with you again. Top Man.

Thanks Mark, great sevice from an honest man. The bass is everything you said it was: TOP CLASS.

Yesterday the bass has come. Many thanks for it. I have seldom seen such an instrument what was after 20 years in such a perfect state. You have not promised too much. To these services one can only recommend. Everything was and is perfect. The sound of the bass is wonderful. I love him. Thank you for everything.

I have just received the guitar. All went well with the shipment, thank you. Well, what can I say. It is a very beautiful Sabre with a nice case, just as you described. It’s one of my all time favorites and I can hardly wait to plug it in and hear the sound of this fine example. I know it will be good because I have a Sabre 1 too but every guitar has its own sound so I’ll just have to find out this evening. It is a very nice experience for me and a pleasure to do business with you. Thank you!

The case arrived today, no problems to report during shipping. Really happy with the case, it’s in excellent condition for its age. I’ve been after a case for a while and have watched a few sell for a similar price on eBay but in much worse condition to the one I bought from you. So just wanted to say I thought you price was very good and the service second to none.

Received another fine quality instrument today (my third from Classic and Cool Guitars). Absolutely honestly described, delivered quickly [overnight], securely packed – delighted with Classic and Cool Guitars. Will visit the website regularly. Thanks Mark, all the best.

Just a quick note to thank you for the Aerodyne Precision. The bass arrived promptly and is an exceptional instrument. Thanks for the excellent service.

Just to let you know the bass has arrived safe and sound to me today! Have been playing it there – a superb bass – I am very very pleased with it! : – ) The action is great, and it is just a joy to play. Many thanks once again for your excellent service and communication,. it was a real pleasure doing business with you.

Good to meet with you today and a pleasure doing business with you. Museum quality was the phrase I was looking for by the way! Extremely happy with the 78 Precision bass. Your pre-sales service and knowledge was spot on too and I’ve been enjoying the bass since I got home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you or put more business your way if ever I get the chance. You have some amazing basses for sale.

The bass is incredible! It is in perfect condition and sounds great. I am wondering. Perfect packaging and perfect adjusted! Many thanks!

Today, before my work I have received the guitar, beautiful Strat 40th anniversary edition. I was admired to see 15 years old guitar in such perfect condition (small chip in rear bottom side of the neck is not so visible after some decoration). Thanks to all, great service, great legendary guitar. Nice to deal with you. In future I know the right place where I can buy good guitar for the best price!

Just to let you know the bass has arrived and I love it, set up spot on too for me, action great, sounds great. Very pleased so thanks.

I received the guitar this afternoon and I’m very pleased with it… I can see us becoming close friends over the coming weeks! Thanks for the great service, fair price and great communication.

I’d been looking for a vintage Precision to gig and record with for some time – then I saw the ’71 P bass on the Classic and Cool website and it pretty much ticked all the boxes. The prospect of spending a lot of money on a bass was a bit daunting to say the least, but the testimonials page gave me some reassurance, which is one of the reasons I would like to add my experience. As others have said, Mark is a very friendly and fair guy. He was completely understanding that it was a big decision for me and was very quick to reply to any queries I had. He also had a couple of similarly aged Precisions for me to try out to compare and was more than happy to take the bass apart for me so I could inspect serial numbers and the like for myself. I got the impression it was almost as important for him as it was for me that I was happy with the bass. As for the guitar itself, what can I say? I find it hard to put down – and even when I do it’s a struggle not to keep looking at it! It sounds great, plays beautifully and looks so cool. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark to anyone.

Just want to say again that I’m so pleased with the guitar, and could not thank you more for such a great instrument and service. I’m still quite taken aback at just how mint the condition of the instrument is, it really is a quality piece of kit, there is quite a sentimental aspect to this guitar too, a nice vintage vibe! I hope to buy from you again in the near future, I’m aiming towards getting a 70s strat, like the one you just added.

I am extremely happy to say that I met Mark and have now purchased two of the nicest guitars I have ever seen. My bass is outstanding and my son’s recently purchased guitar is just sheer quality. I would recommend Mark to anybody I know, and in fact have already done so. Great guy to do business with and generous too. Thanks again Mark, very happy customer.

Finally got the chance to plug it in! The Strat’s really nice and I’m very happy with it. Thanks for an excellent guitar and excellent service.

I had been looking for a Fender Jazz and Strat for years and when I saw both of them on the Classic and Cool Guitars site I was rapt. Several days of emails and calls to Mark helped allay any fears I had about the condition of the guitars – and about spending such a large sum of money on some bits of wood! The guitars arrived within days professionally boxed and whenever I had any question however small he was straight back to me with an email or call. They even arrived during the middle of the UK’s worst snow for 20 years! I would strongly recommend Mark as a reputable dealer and collector of guitars – he always has a great selection of guitars. If only I knew how he found them all! 😉

The bass arrived today, I just checked it and it sounds awesome! Thank you very much for the smooth transaction. I’ll be back to you from time to time depending on my budget… Best regards

I opened the box last night and am delighted with what was inside. The bass is completely safe and sound (thank you for packing it so well) and I am most impressed. A very satisfactory transaction – it has been a pleasure doing business with you!

Just want to give a big thank you for the new bass. Good communication and advice, also plenty of information (and photos) supplied. Bass arrived in quick time and (as described) excellent quality, sounding and playing superb, much better than what I imagined. I’ve gigged with it already and am now looking forward to taking it in the studio.

The T-40 is already at home. It sounds fantastic and have lots of different tones (I’m still playing with the pickups). I have to say that the bass is in a great condition and arrived at home very well packed too. So, thanks very much. It was a pleasure to get this bass from you. I expect to use it for the next recordings with my bands.

A quick word of thanks for yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you very much also for making the purchase process so comfortable & relaxed. Having got it home, I am delighted with the bass, it looks great and as you know plays very well. It even sound goods through my son’s tiny Marshall guitar practice amp, although I’ll probably follow your example and get a Hartke A 100 just like yours. Thanks again

Thanks for an excellent transaction. The price was agreed to our mutual satisfaction, the guitar was delivered as described (and consistent with our telephone conversations), and the delivery took place on the date agreed. I am delighted with my purchase and the professional way in which the transaction was conducted. Thanks Mark.

I came across Classic and Cool Guitars by complete chance. After looking at the bass guitars i decided to phone Mark. After a very long discussion I decided to buy a Peavey T40 bass. I have been a player/collector for 35 years and I have never bought an instrument sight unseen, but being reassured by Mark, we did the deal. The instrument was dispatched by overnight courier. On arrival I was very impressed with the delivery (10am the next day) The packaging was absolutely BOMB PROOF and after unpacking the bass from its own case, I was very happy with the condition of the instrument itself. I plugged it in and everything worked as it should. I am a very very fussy person with regard to the condition of instruments that I collect. I am happy with my purchase and I will deal with Classic and Cool Guitars in the future. I have already spread the word to my friends who also collect guitars and basses.

Bought a Precision Bass the other day from Mark at C&CG. Being a musician himself, and I expect, knowing in advance all the questions that a potential buyer would ask, Mark actually gigged with the bass to check it out before offering it for sale on the web site. The bass was delivered as described, and from the discussions I had prior to the sale, I don’t honestly think that C&CG would actually offer any instrument for sale that Mark was not completely satisfied with. I was also given a fair price for a Fender Jap. strat. following an instantaneous valuation which was adhered to. I would recommend C&CG

I purchased a 1979 Fender Precision bass guitar from Classic and Cool Guitars. Firstly, I have seen many testimonials before and wonder if they are genuine or not or has the site owner made them up? Well, this one is genuine if you check out my web site address www.takenoteband.co.uk you will find many links to Classic and Cool Guitars that I have put on of my own free will as I was so pleased with the genuine, honest, honorable and reliable service I was given. Not being a mega rich bloke and not being prepared to travel to Mark’s location I was, initially, a bit dubious about sending a cheque for just over £1000 to someone I did not know for a product I had not seen apart from photos but, after a few conversations with the guy I felt comfortable doing this and am so glad I did! The guitar I got was in better condition than his description and photos implied. It sounds and plays better than I thought possible. It is amazing. So credit where credit is due I have no hesitation in recommending Classic and Cool Guitars to anyone who will listen. Next day delivery, friendly and trustworthy. Personally I would like to meet Mark and shake his hand. If you wish to contact me you can via my website and I hereby allow Mark to give prospective purchasers my mobile number if they want me to confirm any of the above. Thanks Mark at Classic and Cool Guitars for my purchase and I know you will enjoy yours.

I have received the guitar as you promised. I could hardly bear to put it down to reply to you. For once I have bought something which has exceeded my expectations. It is absolutely fantastic and is so versatile, and to top it all, it’s in mint condition.

Do I sound pleased? You bet I am. Thank you so much.

Just a few lines to say how absolutely delighted I am with the T40 bass. I have been looking for a good T40 for many months, I must say that I never expected to get such an excellent example of a 25 year old guitar! I congratulate you on your quality of service, quick response to all communications, and first class packing / delivery arrangements.

I look forward to dealing with you again, and would not hesitate to recommend Classic and Cool Guitars to all.

Thanks, the item arrived safely and my son is over the moon – he hasn’t put it down – fingers are blistered and so are my ear drums – do you do ear muffs too? He is thrilled and the item is in lovely condition – it will be well loved! Thanks for all the support and excellent communication.