Where do you buy your instruments
 

I have seen ads all over the internet advertising 'cheapest' instruments. Some of these sites are:

1) MusiciansFriend.com
2) GuitarCenter.com
3) zzsound.com
4) ebay.com
5) music123.com

I am not sure if they just have the largest advertising budget or if they really have the best prices. Give me feedback and share your experiences with these companies or add to this list if you have one that is better.

Well it depends what kind of instrument and what quality you want.

I only know about drums and percussion stuff so ill help you with that. ( although i assume its the same with everything else)

If your getting a starter kit then just go to your local store or any website and buy the basic setup because there almoost all the same. ( i started with Pearl Forum, was good set and lasted a few years)

If your going for a more expensive middle road or higher end kit look in the paper for used kits, or to your local music stores because they often sell many used kits or vintage kits for WAY less than a new one. And the beauty of this is that you pay a fraction of the price for the same quality, with maybe a few dings or scratches.

So id imagine for any instrument, look in the Classified section first, then try music stores for some nice used instruments.

I've had nothing but positive experiences ordering gear from Musician's Friend, and recommend them highly.

I buy my guitars on ebay and get pedals,amps and such from musicians friend (I only get guitars off ebay because you can't find vintage hagstroms anywhere else, except for my '72 tele which I got on musician's friend)

I also buy my guitars on ebay and have only experienced good sellers. Of course, check the history!

I like bestgibsons.com

musicians friend and ebay interchangibly.

i've bought most of my expensive stuff from ebay, because i needed it cheaper and as long as it worked, i didnt need it in pristine condition.

of course, with anything else on ebay, you need to make sure you're 100% positive that it is a good buy, and not a scam or anything like that.

overall, ebay is great for like beginners, younger players w.o that much money, or people on a budget.

I play guitar, and like to try the instrument out first. Make sure the neck is straight, and everything works properly. Purchasing direct from music store.

Me, and my family too, usually buy all of our music stuff (instruments, guitar strings, amps, tuners, picks, etc.) at a music store. When we do our music shopping, it's usually at Long & Mcquade, which is a chain of music stores. I don't think they have them in the states, though.

same, there or axe music.

I always buy my instruments second hand... I bought my Ibanez Silver Series bass for $382 NZ and recently picked up a Casio CTK495 keyboard for $85 NZ. I'm absolutely rapt with it!