i've only ever bought from music stores or pawn shops. like others have said, i'd much rather be able to try it out and inspect the gear before money changes hands. i know you can return online purchases if you're not satisfied but that's a pretty big hassle in my book.

I think musician's friend is the best honestly! The deals are almost unbeatable!

Alright! Here we go...

eBay's the sh*t, but it's also addictive as sh*t. Some fun sites to peruse and maybe buy are...

Music Machine Home :: 1-888-NICE-GTR
Inventory of fine vintage and used Fender Stratocasters, Telecasters, Gibsons, and other makes - Strat Collector
Wildwood Guitars | (303) 665-7733 | Our New Arrivals Page is Updated Daily!

And my favorite...
The Music Zoo - Great guitars, amps, effects, and more

They sell some rare, exclusive, and high-end guitars, but if nothing else, it's just fun to dream...

Not unless you can't find that brand of guitar anywhere else......and I usally ask for all the details on a guitar from sellers on ebay...If it has a small bow you could get it fixed easily anyway.

yeah i suppose that would be the only situation where i'd turn to an online vendor. but if that were the case i'd obviously be looking for a specific name or model rather than a new instrument, like a melodic piece of furniture i might hopefully be able to rock out on.

for example, the old sears silvertone's. in the 60s they were originally made by national, harmony, danelectro then rebranded for catalog sale. you might end up with something really cool, or you might end up with leftover plywood from a cabinet painted like a guitar (which ironically enough is what the early danelectro's were if memory serves me correctly). but when vintage sites are asking $799 for something that may or may not be leftover furniture with a funky paint job i'm thinking i'd rather just go to the pawn shop and see what they have on the cheap wall.

Guitar Center
American Musical Supply (online)
Sam Ash

I like to use American Music Supply. Never had a bad expericence through them. Plus they have an excellent buying feature where you can do payments for 3 months or 5 months depending on what your grand total is. It is not a credit card you apply for. No interest. It is more like a layaway plan but you don't wait to get your gear. You get it right away. Then every month or so, they debit the next payment from your account. This has been a lifesaver on gear that I needed to buy.

Exactly why I use them :thumb:

My burns Brian May model guitar was from them, had a chip on it so the price went from $800 to $600. After it arrived I had it setup... plays great.

I try to support my local music stores as much as possible.

Has anyone here ever heard of or ordered anything from Rondo Music? I heard they make quality knock offs for a great price.