Buying a Guild From an Internet Dealer

[cc_mac]

I am lifting my post from another thread to get it out there for a little more opinion. THX Chris


I have been trolling around the Internet looking for just the right X-150D or X-170. Both models are generally available but not within an easy driving distance from me in NC to do inspect before purchase. I've been contemplating buying one and having it shipped to me. I'd be a little reluctant to do this from a private e-bay seller or a craigslist seller but haven't totally ruled it out. I feel a little more comfortable (in theory that is) buying from a retailer that has an established Internet presence. Elderly Instruments would be an example as would archtop.com. While trolling using google.com I realized that many retailers use gbase.com as a place to display their inventory.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has experience buying from any of the retailers that are using gbase.com. as a source and any thoughts on shops have a presence on that site such as

East Coast

Main Street Vintage - Baltimore, MD
Lark Street Music - Teaneck, NJ
9 South Guitars - Freehold, NJ
Guitar Exchange - Catonsville, MD
Barking Dog Guitars, Torrington, CT
Mr C's Music Marlboro, MA
Guitars Etc Pittsburgh, PA
DIPinto Guitars, Philadelphia, PA
New Hope Traders, TN (already heard nice things )
Landau Guitar Co. Harrisburg (outside of Charlotte) NC

West Coast

Guitar Crazy
New Hope Traders
California Vintage Guitar and Amp
Timewarp Music

Thanks,
Chris

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Chris; I don't know whether GBase vets its vendors or not. I bought an F-48 from a GBase individual dealer/broker; accurate description, well-priced and packaged, and promptly shipped. He was in CA, I'm in FL. Good luck on your search. CJ

 

[matsickma]

Many of the ebay dealers your listed sell on ebay at a price 20 to 30 % below the listed gbase price. I bought 3 guitars in the last month from these delers on ebay and saved a total of over $700 from the gbase list price.

When I first started to buy guitars on ebay around 6 years ago I was apprehensive. However that quickly faded. I have bought over 100 guitars from ebay, 10 from gbase and 2 from craigs list. I had a workable issue with 3 transactions and all worked out. I have had more issues when I sell because a Buyer may be unusually picky. I have always resolved the issue in the mode of "the buyer is always right" and so far have 100% perfect feedback. Most sellers will treat you well.

So...I recommend you do your home work to know a good price and just buy it on line. It will offer you better prices and a much greater diversity of instruments. If you don't like your instrument just turn it around and sell it. Be fair and honest in the transaction and you will be able to enjoy GAS without all the hastle of going to music stores to try out the instrument.

Also every once in a while a closet classic guitar will appear at a low Buy it Now and you can get a great deal. That never happens with the dealers.

Good Luck.

M

 

[bdeclee]

CC,
Anything you buy from Buzzy at Lark Street Music will be a fine instrument. Buzzy has a very good reputation around these parts and I can vouch for that personally. I live about 2 miles from the store and frequent it often.

Good luck!

Barbara

 

[Default]

I can drop by DiPinto on my day off if need be. Until I get my old house sold, living vicariously through others is going to be the rule.

 

[AlohaJoe]

Elderly has a nice X-150 here:
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/40U-4518.htm
And years of shipping experience. Good luck on your search, I love mine!

 

[cc_mac]

Thanks for the online buying advice and the offers to visit dealers locally. I may take you up on that. You folks all very helpful and supportive.

C

 

[jte]

I've done business with New Hope Guitar Traders (a/k/a GuildGuy.com) several times and have only good things to say about Jay. The products were in better shape than he descirbed both times,, shipping times were good, and he's pretty easy to get a hold of if you have questions.

BTW, I wouldn't call Tennessee "west coast"

jte

 

[cc_mac]

[quote="j

BTW, I wouldn't call Tennessee "west coast"

/quote]

Anything on the other side of the Blue Ridge Parkway is west coast.

Seriously, I don't know how I got that mixed up but I now know he's in TN and several folks have commented on what good dealing they've had with him.

 

[Frosty]

The only one on your list with which I am familiar is Lark Street. I agree with Barbara. Buzzy has built a solid reputation in the business over a number of years. I have purchased guitars from him, all on approval via mail order, and returned some for a full no-hassle refund.