Returns & Warranty
House of Musical Traditions Return Policy
We offer an unconditional 7-day return/exchange option on almost every item (exceptions noted below). As long as the item is in its original condition, you may return it within 7 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price, or for store credit (your choice). In-store customers, please bring your original receipt. Mail order customers, see below for details about return shipping.
Purchases made by credit card and Paypal will be refunded by the same method. Cash purchases may have to be refunded by check, depending on the amount of cash we have on hand. Purchases made by check will be refunded by check. In the case of a check refund, you may be mailed a check if a store manager is not present at the time of return.
If returning/exchanging an item within the 7 day window, you can also choose a store credit instead of a refund. If you do not use the credit immediately, we will issue you a gift card, which can be redeemed at any time.
The following items are non-returnable:
Books and Recordings -- We are always happy to replace damaged or defective merchandise. However, in the interest of copyright protection, we do not accept preferential returns on any books or recordings.
Accordions - all sales on shipped accordions are final. Despite careful packing, rough handling during shipping can cause issues that were not previously present - often without visible damage to the instrument or package (meaning we cannot generally file a damage claim with the shipper). For accordions purchased in our store, or through our website with local pickup, our 7-day return policy applies, unless otherwise indicated.
Harmonicas and Melodicas -- If defective, we can only accept returns on Hohner harmonicas for the first 14 days - and only for exchange - after the first 14 days returns must be executed through Hohner. All other harmonicas and all melodicas and non-returnable due to sanitation/health reasons.
Vocal Microphones -- Due to health/sanitary reasons, vocal mics cannot be returned, unless the item is defective.
"As Is" items (will be stated on website description or in store)
Certain special order/custom items -- You will be informed at the time of order if the item has a more restrictive return policy (may include restocking fee).
House of Musical Traditions is a relaxed place and items may be returnable after the initial seven days at a manager’s discretion for store credit. Gift items are returnable up to 7 days after “the day they are gifted”.
Mail Order Returns
You may ship an item back to us (provided it is not one of the restricted items above) as long as you notify us within 7 days of receiving it, and ship it back to us in a timely manner (see our return shipping guidelines). Once we receive the item back in its original condition, we will refund you the purchase price of the item.
If the item appears to have been damaged in shipping, you must notify us immediately so that we can file a damage claim with the shipper. Save all packing material in case the item needs to be inspected by the shipper. You will not be held liable for merchandise or shipping costs if damage occurs in shipping. The claim process does take several days, so we appreciate your patience during the claim period.
If we made a mistake on your order, or if the item is not as described or appears to be defective, we will refund your original shipping cost, as well as your cost to ship it back to us. Other situations fall under what we call "Preferential Returns". Perhaps a vintage mandolin doesn't quite have the "chop" you were hoping for, or those shoulder straps aren't the best fit for your squeezebox. We do our best to describe items as thoroughly as possible on our website so you can make an informed purchasing decision. We also welcome questions by email or phone about any item you're unsure of. But in these return situations, we will ask you to pay for return shipping, and we will not refund your original shipping cost. If free outgoing shipping was offered and you are doing a preferential return, we may opt to deduct our cost of outgoing shipping from your refund.
To return an item you purchased through mail order, please follow these steps:
Contact us at 301-270-9090 or by email so we can authorize the return.
Pack the item well, using our guidelines (use our original box/packing material if still in sturdy condition). Include a note with your full contact information and your order number, if applicable.
Use an insured carrier to ship the item back to us. We prefer UPS because we get a reliable daily delivery, but you may also use FedEx or USPS with insurance. Insure the package for the price you paid for the item (UPS automatically insures up to $100 without additional cost). If you do not send your return via an insured method, HMT cannot be held liable if the package is lost or damaged in transit.
Send to this address:
House of Musical Traditions
attn: Mail Order Returns
7010 Westmoreland Ave.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
When we receive the item, we will notify you and issue you a refund.
House of Musical Traditions Warranty
We offer a 7-day ANY REASON warranty for items returned in salable condition.
We offer a 30-day repair or replace warranty against defects on new items that are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Used and consigned instruments do not carry this warranty, but are returnable within 7 days.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Many of the instrument manufacturers we deal with offer a warranty on their products. See listing below.
Since our product list is pretty broad this list MAY be incomplete. Please consult the manufacturer's website.
Access Bags & Cases: Limited Lifetime
Alvarez: Limited Lifetime
Register online at alvarezgtr.com
Breedlove: Limited Lifetime.
Register online at breedlovemusic.com
Deering: Goodtimes 6 years, all others Limited Lifetime
Dusty Strings: Ravenna Harps -- 2 years, all other instruments 5 years
Fluke & Flea Ukuleles: 3 years
Gold Tone
CC Model banjos: 5 years to original owner, 1 year to 2nd owner
All other banjos: lifetime to original owner, 5 years to 2nd owner
Wood body instruments: 5 years
Weissenborns: 1 year
Register online at goldtone.com
Goodall Guitars: 5 years
Hohner
- Harmonicas: 14 days return to HMT for replacement / exchange, 15 - 90 days return to Hohner (KHS) for repair
- Melodicas: 30 days.
- Accordions: 2 years
See hohnerusa.com for more detailed information including how to ship to Hohner for service.
Luna: Limited Lifetime
Kala Ukuleles: 1 year
Paracho Elite: Limited Lifetime
Recording King: Limited Lifetime
Savannah: 2 years
Weber: Limited Lifetime
If your brand was purchased new at House of Musical Traditions but is not listed here, please consult the manufacturer's website.
If your instrument requires servicing that may be covered under warranty, contact HMT first. In most cases the manufacturer will require us to ship your instrument back to them for servicing/replacement.