Is it safe to order a guitar online?

Question

There are just sooo many savings with instuments online... but is it safe, Do They take care of your purchase?

Answer 1

Guitars are shipped all the time.  That's how they get to the stores.  The only problem is, if there is something wrong with the guitar, now you're responsible for packing, and return shipping.  Guitar stores have sales all the time, and you will be able to check the guitar before you buy it.

Answer 2

I bought a guitar from these guys and they did me good. I called to order and talked to "Jesse" and my guitar was at my house within a week.

http://www.worldmusicsupply.com/

Answer 3

Ive ordered quite a few instruments online in the past year.  Have had no problem yet.  But.. one of the things I do before I purchase online is to go into a local store that has a good selection and play as MANY of the "Make and Model" of the guitar im interested in buying to see how consistent each one is.  I also examine the guitar for fit and finish, fretwork, (if applicable, as I have bought a few fretless basses in the past year).   From my experience, once you reach a certain price point on an instrument, the things that I look for are going to be pretty consistent.  Quality is very consistent with higher end instruments.  I will say though.. that over the last 20 years or so... the lower end instruments have come a LONG way from what they used to be.

By the way.. the local store im referring to is Guitar Center.  I refuse to give them my business.  Had a problem a couple of years ago.... had purchased an item.. it became defective, almost immediately, (so still under FULL warranty) and when I went to return it,.. they would not swap it out or service it.  They wanted ME to pay to have it shipped out to the manufacturer.  No way... after dumping a huge amount of cash on this.  (Yamaha Motiff Keyboard)

    A couple of online stores ive dealt with have been: American Musical Supply, and Sweetwater Music. Ive only had to return a total of 3 items, and they were electronics, not instruments.  Both of these companies had a very very fast turnaround as to how long I went without what I had paid for. They also sent me prepaid shippers that I received I day later.  The total turnaround was under 5 days.

Hope this has helped.

Answer 4

i went to Bowling Green State University, lived in the dorms.

I had two buddies that both ordered an acoustic ibanez guitar (different models) from different companies.

one guy got it from

www.musiciansfriend.com

the other got his from

www.music123.com

both guys loved their guitar. no problems.

i don't think you should order if you live in an apartment though...

Answer 5

There are reputable websites, but go with caution, and before you order anything online check them out with the better business bureau, or talk to people who have used them.  

When all's said and done, it's best to try out guitars in person, to see which guitar responds to you.  This sounds trite but there has to be that magic, or that chemistry.  

I don't think that Amazon would try to rip you off, but they are so well-known that everyone would know if they were unsafe. It's best to try guitars out, though... but the danger there is falling in love with too many, lol.

Answer 6

be very cautious.

ive seen people buy guitars online and found them looking better then some in stores.

just be careful.

Answer 7

Well, I recommend people to order their guitars in store, especially if you are a first time guitar owner.

If you buy your guitar online, there may be some defects, it might be out of tune and you can't fix it, etc etc.

Nothing beats buying your stuff at Guitar Center! =]

Good luck with your guitar.

~dramaqueen