Post by Tone on Mar 31, 2010 12:27:31 GMT
Hi everyone
I may be teaching grandmothers to suck eggs but a couple of recent threads here and elsewhere have prompted me to submit this post.
Since I joined this and other related sites my knowledge of guitars, amps, echo units etc has increased enormously, thanks to all the forums. I have also got to know lots of nice people, some personally and others simply through exchanging views on the sites. From time to time I have also been privileged to receive snippets of 'inside information.'
The other side of the coin is that there are some not so nice people out there who are waiting to take advantage of us enthusiasts. If you see just the guitar, amp or whatever that you've been waiting for advertised at what seems to be a bargain price it is so easy in your excitement to jump in and part with your cash without properly checking out the supplier or what is being sold. You may be lucky and get a genuine bargain but there is also the real risk of being ripped off, as many unfortunate people have found out to their cost, particularly since the rapid growth of Internet sales.
The safest way to purchase unusual or expensive equipment is from a reputable dealer or trader. They do still exist so try to find and get to know one. For example, whenever I can, I always deal with Oasis Music in Ringwood who commissioned the recent Shadows 50th Anniversary Strat. You might think this is a plug for Oasis and, in a way I suppose it is, but I've no connection with them whatsoever except as a satisfied customer for nearly ten years. I've always found Howard Gillespie there extremely helpful and knowledgeable (particularly as regards all things to do with The Shads) Moreover, their prices are competitive and their after sales service is first class.
If it's a dealer you've never heard of or haven't dealt with before then look at their "About Us" page, check customer feedback or do a Google search which can often bring up things that will put you off or put you on your guard. If you're dealing with an individual or online auction site, be careful to ask the right questions about the item you're interested in. If you don't have sufficient knowledge yourself, there are plenty of experts on the sites who will be only too pleased to help.
Finally, remember the old sayings, "If something seems too good to be true then it usually is" and "there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Sorry if all this seems obvious or old hat but it really does make me sad when I see so many examples of people forgetting the basics and suffering as a consequence.
Cheers.
Tony
I may be teaching grandmothers to suck eggs but a couple of recent threads here and elsewhere have prompted me to submit this post.
Since I joined this and other related sites my knowledge of guitars, amps, echo units etc has increased enormously, thanks to all the forums. I have also got to know lots of nice people, some personally and others simply through exchanging views on the sites. From time to time I have also been privileged to receive snippets of 'inside information.'
The other side of the coin is that there are some not so nice people out there who are waiting to take advantage of us enthusiasts. If you see just the guitar, amp or whatever that you've been waiting for advertised at what seems to be a bargain price it is so easy in your excitement to jump in and part with your cash without properly checking out the supplier or what is being sold. You may be lucky and get a genuine bargain but there is also the real risk of being ripped off, as many unfortunate people have found out to their cost, particularly since the rapid growth of Internet sales.
The safest way to purchase unusual or expensive equipment is from a reputable dealer or trader. They do still exist so try to find and get to know one. For example, whenever I can, I always deal with Oasis Music in Ringwood who commissioned the recent Shadows 50th Anniversary Strat. You might think this is a plug for Oasis and, in a way I suppose it is, but I've no connection with them whatsoever except as a satisfied customer for nearly ten years. I've always found Howard Gillespie there extremely helpful and knowledgeable (particularly as regards all things to do with The Shads) Moreover, their prices are competitive and their after sales service is first class.
If it's a dealer you've never heard of or haven't dealt with before then look at their "About Us" page, check customer feedback or do a Google search which can often bring up things that will put you off or put you on your guard. If you're dealing with an individual or online auction site, be careful to ask the right questions about the item you're interested in. If you don't have sufficient knowledge yourself, there are plenty of experts on the sites who will be only too pleased to help.
Finally, remember the old sayings, "If something seems too good to be true then it usually is" and "there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Sorry if all this seems obvious or old hat but it really does make me sad when I see so many examples of people forgetting the basics and suffering as a consequence.
Cheers.
Tony
