Well I've had my Bartolex Alto for 3 weeks now--it certainly does take a lot to get used to the extended range.
I must say though, that I am severely disappointed in the intrument. The overall construction seems good, but the frets need to be filed down at the base of the fretboard. What is terrible though is the finish.
This is absolutely the worst finish I've ever seen on any guitar at any price. It is applied unevenly on the top sound board resulting in a large spot of non-uniform color. Furthermore there are fingerprints on the base and back of the guitar.
For a custom shop instrument from a small operation there is no excuse, for anyone thinking about getting a Bartolex I would suggest not to.

Later,
nick

Nick,
i´m very sorry about your guitar. Maybe you can ask for a quick job that fix those problems (as a guarantee from Bartolex or to other luthier).
Thanks for sharing your experience.

Hi Nick,

I'. sorry about what happened with your altoguitar and thanks for sharing and for the advice. I personally dont like the design of Bartolex and I also think that at that price you can buy a altoguitar in a Swedish luthier (for exemple www.gitarrmakare.se) or even a good second hand altoguitar.

Regards
Bruma

Hello Nick,
Your experience is very unfortunate. However, what does it sound like? If sound and action are good, the surface blemishes could be removed by a competent luthier, for which, hopefully, Bartolex would be prepared to pay. Even if Bartolex for some reason declined, it should not be too expensive to carry out the corrections. If sound and action are not good, then I suggest returning the guitar against a refund.
I have not noticed any complaints about the quality of the work of Swedish makers ... .
James.

Nick,

I am sorry about your bad experience.

It is tough when you get disappointed like that. But when you gather your strength again, the best thing is to act to improve the situation.

I agree with James that it is important how you feel about the sound of the instrument. If it is good, then you may want to keep it, after its finish has been amended.

Have you contacted Bartolex and complained? Perhaps they let a new guy apply the finish, and did not check the result? They should agree to either letting you return the instrument and pay back your money, or fixing the problems themselves (if you trust them to do so), or paying if you let a local luthier do the job which should not be very costly as James said.