What is B-stock?

On the website of The Fellowship of Acoustics, you often see B-stock guitars. But what does B-stock mean? Where do we find these guitars and lots more you need to know about B-stock guitars.
March 21, 2024 by
Erik Bogaards
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What are B-stock guitars and gear?  

B-stock refers to products that, according to our standards for conditions can no longer be sold as new, even though they are new. In any case, they are NOT second-hand. They just do not meet the quality standards that a manufacturer or we set for them. They may have minor cosmetic damage because a guitar has been scratched in the store. Sometimes something goes wrong during transport or some of the original packaging is missing. In short: something is not quite as it should be, but it's never really a big deal. B-Stock products are fully functional and offer the same sound quality and they have an important advantage: we offer them at a lower price

Where do B-stock guitars and gear come from?

We have an extensive network with lots of guitar makers, importers and other dealers. All the major guitarbrands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor: we've got them in stock! In that respect we are lucky in the Netherlands, because many international companies have placed the transshipment of their products in the Netherlands. Simply, thanks to the strategic location with Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam. Some of them do (part of) the product control 'behind the border' and sometimes guitars do not pass this quality inspection. So yes, we have been in a destruction room with a band saw looking at rejected tonewood with an bleeding heart. But that's not how it always goes. Some of those guitars, are not destroyed, do not go back to the makers either, but manage to find their way to happy customers as B-stock. And as said before, sometimes something goes wrong during transport or in the store, so we don't want to sell a guitar or a piece of gear 'as new' anymore, because it doesn't meet our standards.

Do I get warranty on B-stock guitars and gear?

Yes, you are entitled to warranty on B-stock guitars as well. The exact warranty period may vary by manufacturer or seller, and we are sometimes bound by that. If this is important to you, always ask about it before making a purchase, we are happy to help. 

Can I return B-stock guitars and gear?  

Yes, in most cases you can return B-stock guitars if they don't meet your expectations. They are covered by our generous 30-day return policy. Very occasionally there is an exception to this, but we'll make sure you know before you order the guitar..

Are there any disadvantages to buying a B-stock guitar or gear?

Only if you like an immaculate guitar. If you can stand a dent or other imperfection, B-stock is not a bad choice. And remember our motto: Life is too short to play a shitty guitar! So if B-stock were really shitty, we wouldn't sell them!!

Where can I buy B-Stock guitars and gear?

The Fellowship of Acoustics is not the only provider of B-Stock guitars and gear, but we are one of the largest guitar shops in Europe with a very wide range of acoustic and electric guitars. So the bar in our own shop is high, because we like nothing better than to see guitarists happy with a dream guitar. If a scratch makes it possible for you to buy that guitar you've been saving for for a long time, that's just a bonus. So if you want to know more about one of our B-Stock guitars, feel free to contact us. Our Fellows are happy to help.

Click here to see our B-Stock products

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