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Post by timryland on Apr 21, 2013 18:35:18 GMT
Hi All,
I was looking to get a Fender Classic 50s Strat in Fiesta Red. On ringing round my local shops (within 30-40 miles), no-one had one in stock.
I am now wondering whether to buy over the Internet from one of the reputable dealers (Dawsons, Andertons, GAK), who all have stock.
What have been your experiences of buying guitars on-line, good, bad or indifferent. Would you recommend it, or shall I hang on until local dealers have stock back in.
Thanks, Tim.
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Post by dakwah on Apr 21, 2013 19:06:39 GMT
Hi Tim
I have bought on line from the 3 companies mentioned and more besides. Never had a problem, most use overnight couriers and packaged well, even excessive so should be ok. I imagine some here may have had a bad experience.
Stan
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Post by Ed Cornish on Apr 21, 2013 19:44:58 GMT
Hi Tim, Sorry to be the harbinger of bad news, but the first guitar I bought online arrived damaged. Something really heavy had been dropped right on the front of the box and smashed the control knobs into the cavity. A Squire Showmaster set neck, it still played. Liked it so much I made an offer for it and then had it repaired cheaply by having a scratch plate fitted. Had a couple more without problems - probably because they were junk I had to get rid of later but had a near miss with the very nice Lag JV100 I bought. Something sharp and round - 5p size - had pierced the box right through to the other side - fortunately it missed the guitar by passing between the curve of the lower horn - phew! Is it just my luck or what! Don't know that I would trust any courier to be honest. They will get away with what they can. However probably wise to make sure whoever you are buying from takes returns! With a more expensive purchase would probably go to a dealer close to home! Perhaps looking for a dealer about an hour away (60 miles) may be worth it. Ed
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Post by nessmonst on Apr 21, 2013 20:25:48 GMT
Whilst we are this topic just a quick observation on the subject of shipping. I was very surprised to discover that when I was arranging the shipping of a guitar I was offered additional insurance @£xx for the replacement value of the instrument should it become damaged in transit. Upon further examination of t&c's it transpired that the shippers policy did not cover 'musical instruments'. Point is--- just because you pay for it doesn't mean you are covered!! Your premium will be gratefully received but woe betide you if you ever need to claim!! Moral--check check and then check again!! Regards David
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Post by bazmusicman on Apr 21, 2013 20:43:42 GMT
My saying is that "you are insured until you make a claim" then the goalposts move!
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Post by Roger... on Apr 22, 2013 7:43:50 GMT
I have only had one purchase over the internet for a guitar. That was from 'Andertons' in 2011. The guitar arrived very promptly and the guitar and packaging were both in perfect condition (well done Andertons).
Regards Roger
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Post by somebodyelseuk on Apr 22, 2013 9:38:48 GMT
99% of the time, what you buy over the 'net, especially guitars, is shipped from a warehouse/storage facility and has not even been opened, let alone setup, so the packaging is dependant on the UK distributor/manufacturer. The condition it arrives at your door is reliant on the courier used. Personally, I would ask one of your local shops to order in the guitar you want and get it set up. You'll see the goods before you hand over money. No grief with transit damage and returns and it will be playable. You also have access to people who will be able to answer any questions you have and you'll find they'll match any internet price and probably throw in a free set of strings or two. The Fender Classic 50 is plentiful, so they should be able to get one quickly in the colour you want. Cheers, Julian
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Post by noelford on Apr 22, 2013 10:25:55 GMT
I'd have thought buying over the Internet was almost the norm these days. I've bought quite a few guitars and other music gear that way, both from dealers and private sellers, some purchase well into four figures, and I've NEVER had the slightest problem.
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Post by fender7 on Apr 22, 2013 10:38:50 GMT
I mirror what julian said. i priced up a classic 50s strat, in fiesta red from one of the companies you mentioned. competitively priced..but after enquiring in a local shop down here in devon(a good 250 miles away, ) i actually got the guitar £10 cheaper, all set up,and after two months they said to bring it back and they would reset it up again. In this day and age of internet mail order, local music shops have to be competitive, or they would cut their own throats. Having said all that..i have took a chance and bought a lot of gear from thommon in germany. very good prices but if anything has to go back, you pay to send. I could only imagine what it would cost to send back your 4x18 yorkville sub etc to germany lol..............cheers steve
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Post by Darryl on Apr 22, 2013 19:26:54 GMT
Hi Tim,
I also have purchased several guitars via the internet, the latest a Burns Apache.
I have used GAK and Coda Music for new instruments. Based on my experience you can buy from either with confidence.
All arrived intact and undamaged. The point regarding insurance cover is valid. Most carriers cover up to £100 for damage & £1000 for loss (guitar has to be in a case) so buy from a reputable retailer.
Regards
Darryl
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Post by somebodyelseuk on Apr 23, 2013 7:43:14 GMT
Regarding insurance, don't bother with it. You're using a CREDIT card. That covers damage/loss anyway, regardless of what you're buying. Not sure if it's the case with debit cards and paypal, but I'd be surprised if they don't.
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Post by didier on Apr 23, 2013 8:14:19 GMT
Regarding insurance, don't bother with it. You're using a CREDIT card. That covers damage/loss anyway, regardless of what you're buying. Not sure if it's the case with debit cards and paypal, but I'd be surprised if they don't. I think there is a full insurance with Paypal. Didier
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Post by frankmarvin on Apr 23, 2013 9:48:41 GMT
I have had the same experience as Noel, I have bought guitars , amps , pedals etc etc both new and secondhand and never had a problem, maybe pure luck , dunno, I even bought my present car from e-bay , one of the best I ever had and at just under £10K it was £3K cheaper than the dealers wanted , fully serviced and delivered to the door:
Cheers, Frank:
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Post by timryland on Apr 23, 2013 11:13:15 GMT
Thanks for all the advice guys, after the 1st few replies I decided to bite the bullet and ordered online from Andertons.
I am now looking at a lovely Fiesta Red Strat. Came promptly, well packaged and lots of contact from Andertons.
Well that's 2 strats I have now, but only this one in Fiesta Red.
I'll have to get something different for my next purchase.
I've already mentioned to the better half that I really regret selling my Honeyburst Epiphone Les Paul last year.
Perhaps that will be next.
Was there ever a guitar you regretted getting rid of?
Many Thanks,
Tim.
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Post by kipper on Apr 23, 2013 19:49:00 GMT
tim you will be ok with Andertons i brought an amp from them it was not as good as i thought it would be. i contacted them and they picked it up and gave a full refund without any hassle. theres also a thing called long distance buying or very simliar to that, but it would appear to me you get more protection buying online than going to the shop it covers all postal transactions. its the law as i understand it. peter
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Post by frankmarvin on Apr 24, 2013 0:00:50 GMT
Was there ever a guitar you regretted getting rid of? ( from Tim) Where do I start? : Hofner verithin with Bigsby trem unit: 1969 Levin acoustic: Futurama 2 from around 1961/62 various others from Hofner to Burns A Japanese Classical Guitar that was fantastic and could fill a Hall: USA Fender Strat plus ( 1984) Thats all I can remember * off the cuff* but its enough to make my heart bleed, the stupidity of youth, I swapped some of these treasures for air rifles and one for a pair of boxing gloves, My wife tells me that I am now getting a bit more sensible, I'm not so sure, at almost 69 , I think I am just getting a bit more crafty: Hopeless case - Frank:
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