Guitars and Gear
Feb 24th, 2008 by guitarnews
Buying a guitar is an exciting prospect for most guitar players. However, once the decision has been made to purchase, the available options can be confusing to say the least.
There are really only two options for buying a guitar and they are self explanatory:
- Visit a music store and buy a guitar in person
- Buy your guitar from an online guitar store
Each method has its pros and cons. The prospective guitar buyer should know the strengths and weakness of each method, and settle for the one which best suits the individual preference and circumstances.
Many musicians and guitarists, particularly those just beginning, prefer to visit a music store in order to personally inspect a potential new guitar. Here are the pros and cons:
Advantages of Buying A Guitar From a Music Store
- The ability to physically inspect, touch and feel the guitar.
- Being able to speak with a technical expert and ask any questions.
- Facts and claims made in advertising material can also be checked out in person.
- There is generally no shipping charge.
- Price is often negotiable
Disadvantages of Buying A Guitar From a Music Store
- The resident “technical expert” may not have the knowledge, judgement and expertise you require
- After sales service is often not as good as that provided with many online music stores
- Sales tax and other local taxes usually apply.
- Returns policy is often not as clearly stated and transparent as buying online
With the advent of the internet, buying guitars online has become more and more common. There are many reputable online music stores to choose from. Here are the pros and cons:
Advantages of Buying From An online guitar store
- The ability to research much more thoroughly, comparing prices and models without lifting a finger.
- Most online music stores provide product reviews from experts, and comments and reviews from customers who have bought from a particular site before.
- Purchasing is done from the comfort of your own home, expending much less time and energy.
- Very often there is no sales tax or other local taxes to pay when buying online.
- A much greater variety of brands, products and discount deals available to peruse online.
- Returns policy is usually very clearly stated.
- Support forums and technical help available via chat, email and discussion forums.
Disadvantages of Buying From An online guitar store
- Buying online can be impersonal.
- Shipping costs usually apply, and should be carefully checked before ordering (read the fine print).
- Payment for the product is required before your guitar is shipped.
If you have weighed up the pros and cons outlined above, and would like to check out the availability of guitars online, we can highly recommend the folks at Musicians Friend. As one of the most respected online music stores, you can browse guitar gear and accessories, hi fi audio gear, DJ & lighting gear, recording gear as well as merchandise and gifts. You can also access the official websites for all gear manufacturers in order to access additional support for the technical aspects of your equipment.
Click here to visit Musicians Friend for buying guitars online.
