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Post by bloozeman on Sept 17, 2014 11:21:01 GMT -7
anybody here buy a guitar online instead of actually holding the guitar and feeling it out and playing it etc?? Im in the market for another eric johnson strat and can either travel 3 hours to a major city that I know has one that Ive played on, or I can just order one online at zzounds and have it shipped. Im kind of skeptical though on online ordering a guitar that I havent physically touched or played. how do you mostly do purchases?
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Sept 17, 2014 11:27:40 GMT -7
I have done it and it worked out great 3 of 4 times. The only one that did not really work was a PRS McCarty. It just did not sound alive. So if the return policy is good could be worth a shot. The 59 Strat reissue I am selling was one I never touched before acquisition. I am just not a strat guy.
Sent from my SM-N900V using proboards
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Post by kustom250 on Sept 17, 2014 11:28:46 GMT -7
I've become VERY picky about my instruments and pretty much always want to have it in hand before buying these days.
You just never know. I've spent too many visits to shops pulling down 4 or more of the exact same model and finding one of them stands out compared to the rest. That's the one I want. You can't really know that without it in hand. Much less the one that stands out to me might not be the one that you really like.
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Post by doctorice on Sept 17, 2014 11:46:57 GMT -7
I've done it with a couple inexpensive guitars. Got a Squier CVC Tele from Sweetwater and an Epi 335 Pro from Musicians Friend. Very happy with both guitars. They were decently set up and packed well. Both companies have good return policies. (Btw, both guitars confirm that you can get good tone with a less expensive guitar played through a fine amp I would probably be less inclined to purchase a high-end guitar from a large mail-order house, but I wouldn't rule it out.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 11:49:17 GMT -7
I've done it twice and would do it again. My next guitar will most likely be purchased online. The selection in Vancouver is so poor if you want something really specific which is one reason I buy guitars online. Just make sure the dealer has a good return policy and the manufacturer has a reputation is excellent quality control.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 11:50:58 GMT -7
I have done it and it worked out great 3 of 4 times. The only one that did not really work was a PRS McCarty. It just did not sound alive. So if the return policy is good could be worth a shot. The 59 Strat reissue I am selling was one I never touched before acquisition. I am just not a strat guy. Sent from my SM-N900V using proboards Is it one of the new American Vintage series? I think that whole series is excellent. Too bad you're not a strat guy.
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Sept 17, 2014 11:55:10 GMT -7
Yep. 2013 Fender 59 AVRI in Sonic Blue. What can I say. I am a humbucker and P90 guy. I like strats but the sound I hear in my head is a Les Paul through a brit flavored amp. The strat sits in the case and that is a shame really.
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Post by scottc on Sept 17, 2014 12:12:36 GMT -7
I've done it and been lucky for the most part.
With that said, only two of the more than half-dozen that I purchased on-line are still in the stable. But that is more likely because many of the things I buy on-line are more unusual. Meaning, it is hard to find a NR Firebird or an old USA Schecter locally, etc.
If you buy from a reputable person/dealer/etc who has a return policy or if you buy at the right price from a person/dealer who doesn't have a return policy, you should be fine.
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Post by simpleton on Sept 17, 2014 12:20:37 GMT -7
a recent poll that applies to this very question link
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Post by BritInvasion on Sept 17, 2014 12:45:26 GMT -7
Like a lot of others said , as long as they have a strong return policy. I have bought maybe a dozen guitars over the last 4 years on line and all worked out great. OTH , my brother recently ordered a used Martin D-41 and it was a disaster , not as described , a lot of finish damage , etc. But , it was from a Guitar Center in Florida , and they made returning it a breeze , so it ended up OK.
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Matteo
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Guitar Player | Freelance Musician | Tone Obsessed | Gear Enthusiast
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Post by Matteo on Sept 17, 2014 13:59:44 GMT -7
I did it only once, and luckily everything went fine. But when I get asked about it I always tell to buy guitars online only from trusty shops that offer a good return policy, as many of you wrote. If you're gonna buy a used guitar that has no warranty or whatsoever you should always play it first so you can see yourself if something's wrong with it.
Amps are different. Even though a guitar is cosmetically and functionally ok, it's a very personal instrument and it might non suit your hands, or you might not like the way it sounds. Given the fact that no 2 guitars - even of the same model and specs on the sheet - sound exactly the same (because of wood, etc..).
Just my 2 cents.. hope you get what I'm trying to say.
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Post by strat59 on Sept 17, 2014 14:09:13 GMT -7
I've done it many times with great results. Check return policy as others have already stated. I can recall only one problem. My Rickenbacker 360 arrived with the nut slotted just right but way too tall and strings so high off the fretboard that it felt like a Dobro. I took a piece of wood and placed it against the nut and tapped it break the glue. Hand sanded bottom of the nut until it was just right. Tweaked the two truss rods and the bridge height. It now plays like a dream. My two other Rics arrived set up almost perfect. I have found that (IMO) one of the biggest difference in many guitars of the same make and model is the setup. Sure some guitars just have a special something extra but I think you can take a guitar you consider a dog to the right guy for a pro setup and it won't even seem like the same guitar when you get it back. Just my 2 cents.
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Post by markT on Sept 17, 2014 15:07:06 GMT -7
I have never bought a new guitar on-line, but have bought several used instruments online. eBay & forums.
Probably much safer to buy from a big online store as long as the return policy is good.
I bought my first EJ Strat new from a local store. I bought my second on eBay, used, but it was from an actual small brick & mortar store somewhere in the mid-west.
Good luck!
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Post by meanslide on Sept 17, 2014 15:16:00 GMT -7
I've dealt with ZZounds on other expensive stuff (recording equip.) and they are great with returns. FYI
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Post by bloozeman on Sept 17, 2014 17:29:38 GMT -7
I have never bought a new guitar on-line, but have bought several used instruments online. eBay & forums. Probably much safer to buy from a big online store as long as the return policy is good. I bought my first EJ Strat new from a local store. I bought my second on eBay, used, but it was from an actual small brick & mortar store somewhere in the mid-west. Good luck! I'm buying another ej strat. My first I bought on eBay used and after a set up from my tech it's my main guitar. I want another and am contemplating buying at a store where I actually played the other guitar or at sounds and have them ship one. I think for ease of mind I'm more than likely going to make the 3 hour drive to Pittsburgh and buy the one I've actually played.
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Post by digs57 on Sept 17, 2014 18:02:03 GMT -7
had only one bad experience...majority I have turned to make them players...most expensive was the les paul...
There has to be a number of them to choose from...which hardly ever is the case...maybe the places you guys go has loads of choices?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 19:16:19 GMT -7
I've dealt with ZZounds on other expensive stuff (recording equip.) and they are great with returns. FYI I've had a few dealings with Zzounds, and they have been great. Of course, Sweetwater is also phenomenal! FWIW, I bought a B-stock amp from Zzounds...saved 25% off MSRP and still can't find one flaw! May be an option for a git-fiddle, too?!
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Sept 17, 2014 21:04:20 GMT -7
I've been tempted to buy online, but never have because a guitar is so individual and personal. I've picked up too many guitars at various stores only to put them back because they don't feel right, or don't sound quite right. You can return with a good reputable retailer retailer, but then you have top foot the return freight etc. For me that's more effort than than I want to expend. I am spoiled because I live in Chicago and there are plenty of shops to visit.
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Post by muZician on Sept 17, 2014 22:12:39 GMT -7
my personal experience is that even CS guitars sound all feel all different...so at least for a high end guitar I would never order online
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Post by greenblues58 on Sept 18, 2014 3:24:41 GMT -7
I thought I would never buy a guitar online but because of the logistics being in the UK I took the plunge with my Corsa Manalishi. The pull of watching all his finished build videos and picture gallery along with rave reviews proved just too much to resist in the finish. At the end of the day a completely hand built Les Paul style guitar where I get to pick the top and body and weight range, colour and finish, spec hardware and wiring requirements ,choose neck profile with brazillian board for over a grand less than the price of an R8 where its pot luck . Fortunately Larry Corsa keeps you well informed during every stage of the build,I even changed the colour slightly, so risks were minimal in my view. All my other guitars were purchased as a result of trying many of the same type so don,t think I would buy a stock of the shelf Fender or Gibson online especially as we don,t appear to have the return policy,s this side of the water if you just don,t like it.
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Post by JebusCrebus on Sept 18, 2014 5:16:13 GMT -7
Interesting question. Typically I like to hold em before I buy em I believe the guitar often finds you not the other way around. That being said I feel like most mass produced guitars today (especially from the big builders) are pretty consistent and if you like the first EJ Strat chances are the second should be real close (I know that statement could open a can of worms). Of course there will always be minor differences in feel and sound.
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Post by detuned on Sept 18, 2014 6:37:01 GMT -7
I like to hold 'em before I buy 'em, but unfortunately most of the shops anywhere near me are somewhat "under stacked", shall we say...
If I want an Epiphone or Squier, I'm all set, otherwise, its online I go...
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Sept 19, 2014 15:05:18 GMT -7
Done it twice ....... in the last two weeks!
First time, total disaster! Guitar arrived with broken neck and broken bits. Terrible packages and gorillas for delivery boys.
Second time was a joy! Guitar arrived (this time from John at Peach Guitars) packaged brilliantly, set up, new strings, in tune for goodness sake!
For me, I have learned my lesson - I'll only buy online from someone I trust who knows what they're doing.
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Post by Stephen on Sept 30, 2014 4:32:45 GMT -7
I've had good luck with Rainbow Guitars in Arizona and Guitar Resurrection in Texas and Sweetwater Sound in Indiana.
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Post by hymns on Sept 30, 2014 5:30:42 GMT -7
I bought a 64 avri tele from Sweetwater and they were great. Great price and service. New one cost $1500 and I thought that was good . It was better than some of the others B-stock. I think I would buy online again and I reckon it all depends on who you are buying from.
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Post by bloozeman on Sept 30, 2014 7:21:12 GMT -7
I ended up buying one directly through a music store and actually got it for $200 less than what the "discount" catalogues pricing was. Brand spankin new EJ strat out the door for $1700. smoking deal
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Post by Jefferson on Sept 30, 2014 7:58:32 GMT -7
i think the key to buying online is that you are buying from someone you know and trust to give you the unvarnished truth about a particular guitar.
Eric at Wilcutts and the folks at Wildwood come to mind...
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Post by markT on Oct 3, 2014 6:40:22 GMT -7
Just so happens I said earlier in this thread I had never bought a new guitar on line, I bought a rosewood board EJ Strat from Sweetwater last week and totally dig it. Dealing with them was a great experience because they have detailed photos and the actual weight of the instrument you are considering. BIG plus and something the other big stores don't do. Also the service and communication was most excellent.. They even sent me the high def photos after the sale. And told me if I was not completely satisfied, send it back for a refund, no questions ask.
Very smooth and comfortable guitar buying experience.
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Post by southmusic70 on Oct 3, 2014 6:48:06 GMT -7
Sweetwater is the only on-line seller I deal with any more. I got a guitar and a bass from them last year; excellent and consistent service.
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Post by bloozeman on Oct 3, 2014 6:50:59 GMT -7
Just so happens I said earlier in this thread I had never bought a new guitar on line, I bought a rosewood board EJ Strat from Sweetwater last week and totally dig it. Dealing with them was a great experience because they have detailed photos and the actual weight of the instrument you are considering. BIG plus and something the other big stores don't do. Also the service and communication was most excellent.. They even sent me the high def photos after the sale. And told me if I was not completely satisfied, send it back for a refund, no questions ask. Very smooth and comfortable guitar buying experience. I almost bought the same EJ strat from sweetwater myself but the local guitar shop in pittsburgh beat them on price by $200. I got the same EJ strat out the door for $1700. I couldnt pass that deal up
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