Brubaker Return Policy & Warranty

At Brubaker Guitars, we want you to love your instrument. These are our general guidelines for returns, cancellations, and warranty service... and if you ever have a question, just reach out. We're real people and we're happy to talk.

Returns on In-Stock Instruments

If you purchase an in-stock instrument and are not completely satisfied, please contact us at info@sunsmithmanufacturing.com within seven days of receiving it.

All in-stock returns are subject to a 10% restocking fee, which covers inspection, setup verification, and restocking. Shipping is the customer's responsibility in both directions... if your original order included free or promotional shipping, the actual outbound shipping cost will be deducted from your refund, and return shipping arrangements and costs are on you. We strongly recommend insuring the return shipment for the full value of the instrument.

Your refund will be processed after the instrument arrives back at Brubaker and passes inspection. Any damage at all, even a minor scrape, scratch, or ding, will be assessed during inspection and deducted from the final refund amount. The instrument must be returned in as-shipped condition with all original packaging, case, and case candy (including BOB modules and any included accessories). Refunds can take 7-10 days to reflect in your account once processed.

Only original customers who purchase directly from Brubaker Guitars are eligible for returns. Instruments purchased from an authorized Brubaker dealer are subject to that dealer's return policy.

Custom Orders

Custom orders are exactly that... instruments designed with you, built for you, and personal to you. Custom orders require a 50% deposit to begin, and at the time of invoicing you will be notified of the estimated build time-frame, which varies depending on our current backlog.

Custom orders are not refundable. Because these instruments are built to your personal specifications, we cannot guarantee they would be saleable to anyone else. If you choose to cancel a custom order at any point, your deposit will not be refunded. Likewise, if the remaining balance is not paid when your instrument is completed, the deposit is forfeited and the instrument will not be delivered. So please... be certain before placing a custom order.

That said, we stand behind every instrument we build. If there is ever anything wrong with your instrument, we will warranty it through our RMA process... contact us, we'll issue an RMA, inspect the instrument, and make it right. Warranty service is always available; refunds are not.

Pre-Orders for New Models

If you wish to cancel a pre-ordered instrument that is in production, whether it is a full payment or a deposit, a 10% deduction will apply to your refund. While we offer a no-questions-asked refund policy on pre-orders, please understand that Brubaker incurs non-recoupable fees with each funds transfer (including e-commerce, PayPal, and banking fees). We recognize that circumstances can change and refunds may be necessary, but these fees are the buyer's responsibility. Thank you for your understanding.

Once your pre-ordered instrument has been delivered, it is covered under our standard limited warranty below.

In-Person Sales & Goodwill Discounts

Sometimes a customer falls in love with an instrument that has a minor cosmetic flaw, and we'll offer a discount to reflect it. Other times we extend a goodwill discount above and beyond our published pricing.

Any instrument inspected in person before purchase, and any instrument sold with an additional discount beyond standard pricing, is not eligible for return or refund. When you inspect an instrument in person, you've had the opportunity to evaluate it firsthand, so please take your time before completing the purchase. Once the sale is complete, it is final.

Instruments sold with a goodwill or condition-based discount are additionally sold as-is and are not eligible for warranty service... the discount you received already reflects the instrument's condition and takes the place of any future warranty work. Instruments purchased in person at full standard pricing remain fully covered under our standard limited warranty.

Talk to Us First

We encourage you to reach out to us before making a return. We value the opportunity to connect with our customers and will do our best to make things right.

BRUBAKER GUITARS LIMITED WARRANTY

Coverage

Brubaker Guitars warrants each new instrument to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. This warranty covers the instrument itself (body, neck, fretwork, and finish as delivered), as well as hardware, electronics, and BOB preamp modules included with your instrument at the time of purchase.

This warranty applies to new instruments purchased directly from Brubaker Guitars or from an authorized Brubaker dealer, and extends to the original purchaser only, with proof of purchase. It is non-transferable.

Every instrument that leaves our shop is inspected and stands behind the Brubaker name, including builds that were in progress at our facility prior to completion and delivery.

What's Not Covered

This warranty does not cover:

Normal wear and tear, including fret wear, strings, batteries, and finish wear from regular playing. Damage resulting from misuse, accident, neglect, or improper storage. Damage caused by exposure to extreme temperature or humidity from improper climate conditions, including finish checking, wood movement, warping, and shrinkage. This includes sharp fret ends, which occur when wood shrinks in dry conditions more quickly than the metal frets. Any instrument that has been modified, altered, or repaired by anyone other than Brubaker Guitars or an authorized repair facility. Instruments purchased second-hand, through private sale, or from any seller other than Brubaker Guitars or an authorized Brubaker dealer. Instruments sold as-is with a goodwill or condition-based discount, whether by Brubaker or by a dealer (B-stock, blemished, or as-is instruments)... the discounted price reflects the instrument's condition and is provided in lieu of warranty coverage.

How Warranty Service Works

If you purchased directly from Brubaker Guitars: contact us at info@sunsmithmanufacturing.com to begin the RMA process.

If you purchased from an authorized Brubaker dealer: contact your dealer first. Your dealer will verify your purchase and reach out to Brubaker on your behalf to begin the RMA process. Warranty claims on dealer-purchased instruments must come through the dealer.

Do not ship an instrument to us without an RMA number. Once your RMA is issued, you are responsible for shipping the instrument to Brubaker Guitars, packed securely (original packaging strongly recommended) and insured for its full value. We will inspect the instrument, and if the issue is covered under this warranty, we will repair or replace it at our sole discretion and cover return shipping back to you. If a replacement is necessary and the original model is no longer available, we may replace it with a model of equivalent value and specification. Of course, we will communicate with you before any decision like that is made.

If our inspection determines the issue is not covered under warranty, we will contact you with a repair estimate before performing any work, and return shipping will be at your expense.

A Note From Us

We build these instruments to be played hard and played for years. If something isn't right, reach out... we'd much rather hear from you early than have you live with a problem. We will always do our best to make things right.