buying sight unseen(and unplayed)

rufus21 · February 24th, 2008, 04:27 PM

If you were to buy a tele without having the opportunity to play it and inspect it first, which online dealer would you look to?

I'm wanting a candy cola American Standard, a color most don't usually carry, so I'm thinking about maybe using my government stimulus bribe, and buying from either Elderly or Sweetwater.

rhinocaster · February 24th, 2008, 04:30 PM

I wouldn't really focus on a dealer, I'd focus on the product. There are only a handful of guitars that I would buy without being able to play them.

Collings
Suhr
Glendale
Rice
Callaham

Maybe a VOS Gibson

Those come to mind right now. I really want a GE Smith Tele, but I wont buy a Fender without playing it first. I've played too many that I wouldn't be happy with.

Fendrcaster · February 24th, 2008, 04:34 PM

I've had nothing but good luck with Sweetwater. Joel Gragg is my sales tech and he's given me great deals and made sure my guitars were well set up when they arrived.

martino · February 24th, 2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fendrcaster

I've had nothing but good luck with Sweetwater. Joel Gragg is my sales tech and he's given me great deals and made sure my guitars were well set up when they arrived.

the way that Sweetwater works I would go with them!!!

Havent got a guitar from them yet but got loads of other stuff.
I deal with Scott Bradley but everone there is cool!!!

91xlntS-3 · February 24th, 2008, 05:31 PM

I've bought so many guitars online, it's not worth talking about. If you buy NEW, most online dealers give you 30-45 days to try it out. If you don't like it, or there is a problem, you just send it back. Buying "used" is a crapshoot, but if the seller has good feedback, then usually things will be okay.

I've only sent a few guitars back to online dealers, usually because of damage to the instrument.

Last summer I bought my new Fender American Ash Tele from M.F. without ever playing one at a store. It's my best Tele ever! Very little tweaking out of the box. Plays like a dream. Sounds incredible.

I would "prefer" to play before I buy, but, unless there's something wrong/damaged; I can usually set-up any guitar to my specs.; otherwise, it can go back.

rhinocaster · February 24th, 2008, 05:36 PM

My problem with returning things is that you're still stuck will shipping each way. It IS good have a dealer in your corner that would only send you a "Good one." That would help quite a bit.

erikro · February 24th, 2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martino

the way that Sweetwater works I would go with them!!!

Havent got a guitar from them yet but got loads of other stuff.
I deal with Scott Bradley but everone there is cool!!!

What would they quote me on a new American deluxe? Would they actually knock something off the listed price?

rhinocaster · February 24th, 2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erikro

What would they quote me on a new American deluxe? Would they actually knock something off the listed price?

The price they advertise for an American Standard Telecaster works out to be about 30% off list once you factor in free shipping. That's a very competitive price.

boris bubbanov · February 24th, 2008, 06:04 PM

I am guilty of just buying 2 guitars sight unseen, but the price was low enough, slashed enough I took the chance. I think I'm alright, too soon to know.

I can't shake this concern that many or all of the very first 2008 Am Standards were cherry picked, light, super nice ones. This could help frame the image or reputation of this guitar line until it gets redone again some day.

But by now all the introductory quality guitars have been grabbed, and we don't know really how good the run of the mill (that IS the right term) Am Standards will be. 30 percent off sounds good, except that even the government gets that deal. A thousand bucks is to me a lot to spend without playing the guitar yourself or having a trusted friend do it for you.

rufus21 · February 24th, 2008, 06:05 PM

yeah, the reason I'm thinking Sweetwater or Elderly, is that they both have a pretty intensive checklist they run through their instruments before shipping them out. Plus, free shipping.

I know it might come down that the guitar just doesn't feel right for me, but I figure with them, I won't get stuck with something that's defective or set up wrong from the get-go.

AjayTele · February 24th, 2008, 10:24 PM

I've only ever bought three brand new guitars in my life and two have been sight unseen from Sweetwater. (Yes, I've had them shipped to me in OZ).

They are very professional and my most recent purchase (an AM Standard) came setup up perfectly.

So a big

from me regarding Sweetwater. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

bender-freak · February 25th, 2008, 01:24 AM

i bought an E-bay "brand new" jazz box disaster a couple years ago that i really thought was a good buy from the auction description and would be a modding platform...wrong...!!!!, the guitar was SO bad, i didn't even try and it sits in the garage....i wouldn't wish the guitar on anyone....nothing on the guitar was even worth "salvaging" for emergency parts .....seller strangely did not answer emails about my complaints and was quickly "gone" from Ebay after he nailed several others like me with the same piece of crap....left a "neg" but, as i said, he was gone, so it was all a waste of money/time.......

then...again...i bought a Jay Turser JTLT tele style guitar off the bay about the same time, different seller, of course...double bound, cherry sunburst, natural fingerboard, neck humbucker, free shipping for $179.00....i changed the pups on it cause i wanted to; they didn't need it at all....i hear/read posts about Turser being crap and hear them called "Turdsters" and such..but the one i got is great in every way..lucky..???, dunno, but it's a keeper...one of my favorite players and never fails to get compliments on the rare occaisions i play out and use it...

i won't buy a "hi end" guitar without seeing and playing first.....stuff for tinkering around/modding...different story..yes, i would still take a chance on a cheepie...

Mark Davis · February 25th, 2008, 01:41 AM

I only buy new Fenders from 1 dealer I trust.

bendecaster · February 25th, 2008, 01:58 AM

You are obviously aware that anything you buy sight unseen is somewhat of a risk. I've had very good luck with www.wichitaband.com
Their guitar dept is EM Shorts guitars. Yes it does stand for "eat my"

Mark Davis · February 25th, 2008, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendecaster

You are obviously aware that anything you buy sight unseen is somewhat of a risk. I've had very good luck with www.wichitaband.com
Their guitar dept is EM Shorts guitars. Yes it does stand for "eat my"

Those guys do it right. Definatly a good place.

geddins · February 25th, 2008, 12:26 PM

Concentrate on a great dealer and you'll be fine. I've bought sight unseen/unplayed Gibsons, Fenders, and my K-Line. All from reputable dealers that have a return policy that I can live with.

Wildwood and Daves are 2 dealers I can think of that I'd not be afraid to buy from.....I bought a used '52AVRI from Wildwood and it was exactly as described and a great guitar.....anyone who poopoos buying sight unseen isn't doing it right, IMO.

Sarge · February 25th, 2008, 02:05 PM

Anything I've bought from Sweetwater has been exactly what I expected..or it would have been sent back. To date nothing that I purchased there has been returned. Enough said.

Twangmeister · February 25th, 2008, 03:27 PM

+1 for E.M. Shorts (a/k/a Wichita Band). Call 'em up and discuss what you're looking for and what you want to the action to feel like. I got great customer service on a Gretsch I purchased from them.

As far as sight unseen and used, the very first time I did that I found the guitar love of my life, a '93 CS gold sparkle with the perfect neck for me. I was nervous as hell about the purchase, and emailed the seller about 20 times, but it turned out to be my soul mate axe.

As for shipping costs for guitars I sent back, I just think of them as rental fees. IMHO, there has to be a real bond between the player and the instrument for the magic to happen. Good luck in your search!

Jellecaster · February 25th, 2008, 03:47 PM

I bought my American Standard from Sweetwater because they have NEVER let me down. I've actually had very good luck buying sight-unseen from MF, AMS, Sweetwater, Music 123, eBay, etc. But Sweetwater has the best service of any company I've ever dealt with. I actually had to ask them to stop calling me because they want to stay in constant touch with you throughout the order process! They weren't tele-marketing (no pun intended), they just REALLY want to make sure you're happy!

You'll love that guitar. I have thirty Teles and the new Am Std is one of my favorites.

superchicken_VI · February 25th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bender-freak

i bought an E-bay "brand new" jazz box disaster a couple years ago that i really thought was a good buy from the auction description and would be a modding platform...wrong...!!!!, the guitar was SO bad, i didn't even try and it sits in the garage....i wouldn't wish the guitar on anyone....nothing on the guitar was even worth "salvaging" for emergency parts .....seller strangely did not answer emails about my complaints and was quickly "gone" from Ebay after he nailed several others like me with the same piece of crap....left a "neg" but, as i said, he was gone, so it was all a waste of money/time.........

So what was this guitar? I'll trade you a handful of cigars for it, sight unseen.

jwells393 · February 25th, 2008, 04:15 PM

I've bought numerous guitars on eBay based only on the written description and pictures............... and I do mean numerous. I've only had one or two disappointments where the seller was either mistaken on what the guitar was or failed to mention flaws. In those cases I contacted the seller and gave them the choice of taking the guitar back at their expense or giving me a monetary adjustment. They chose the monetary adjustment.

martino · February 25th, 2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhinocaster

The price they advertise for an American Standard Telecaster works out to be about 30% off list once you factor in free shipping. That's a very competitive price.

So far as I have ben told ever guitar (all gear) gets run through a check list then
as much set up as needed here in Los Angeles a guitar setup runs
$50 to $100 + the hassel of down time.

Fender American Deluxe tele candy cola
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TeleAMMCCO
SAME price at one of Guitar Centers oneline stores
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Standard-Telecaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=515750
I would pay more for piece of mind.

Just give them a call email or you can do a online chat if you dont want
your boss (wife) to here ya talking about guitars

I have had a "Sweetwater Sales Engineer" for over a year and they NEVER
bug me or send me stupid emails,
I did Not get on any list, they never call. . .

Good Luck!

RumorsofsurF · February 25th, 2008, 05:14 PM

Of the 9 Fenders I own, I've bought 6 online. The only problems I've had were with a Strat I bought from Musician's Friend, and a Strat I bought from a local dealer.

The MF Strat had finish damage, and the S-1 switch was inoperative. I returned it for a refund, and bought a Jazzmaster.

The Strat from the local dealer had wiring problems. The mid-boost circuit started smoking when plugged in!

I have bought 3 guitars off Ebay, and all have been great...*knocks wood
(1 Jazzmaster, 1 Bigsby Tele, and a CIJ Jag)

I have bought 2 guitars sight-unseen from forum members at another forum, and have had no probs. They were both people whom I trusted, though...

I even special-ordered one Jazzmaster from Japan, because the model was unavailable in the States.

I think that with today's manufacturing processes, Fender pretty reliably produces a quality product. This includes the Mexican models. That's not to say you couldn't wind up with a neck profile you don't like, or a damaged guitar. I sold the Jag I bought on Ebay, due to a neck profile I couldn't get along with.

bender-freak · February 26th, 2008, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superchicken_VI

So what was this guitar? I'll trade you a handful of cigars for it, sight unseen.

nice deep finish, not quite full size body, really nice and distinctive THICK pearl-look binding around the body front and back....bridge looks, feels to be made of recycled beer cans; same with the tailpiece, pups sound like my mother-in-law, sound is worse acoustically...tuning machines are simply the worst i've ever seen...ever...neck and fingerboard/fret-work are horrible, frets are the tiniest, skinniest monstrosities i have ever run accross, not even worth fooling with and i like to tinker with guitars and do my own fret work...

my plan was to put a Bigsby or a clone on it, use some GFS pups of which i have several sets laying around, and change the pots...but quickly figgered out it would be a waste of time and money...the ONLY redeeming factor of this guitar is the really nice finish and binding/trim.....maybe someday i'll give it a go, but very, very doubtful....this guitar beyond a doubt proves the saying "you get what you pay for"....my experience with my Turser teleclone is totally the opposite, it's a great guitar and needed nothing other than what i chose to change...

as far as the cigars in trade, sorry

.....hate cigars....i oughta quit cigarettes.....

February 24th, 2008, 04:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
rufus21 TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 66	buying sight unseen(and unplayed) If you were to buy a tele without having the opportunity to play it and inspect it first, which online dealer would you look to? I'm wanting a candy cola American Standard, a color most don't usually carry, so I'm thinking about maybe using my government stimulus bribe, and buying from either Elderly or Sweetwater.

February 24th, 2008, 04:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
rhinocaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oregon Age: 44 Posts: 1,370	I wouldn't really focus on a dealer, I'd focus on the product. There are only a handful of guitars that I would buy without being able to play them. Collings Suhr Glendale Rice Callaham Maybe a VOS Gibson Those come to mind right now. I really want a GE Smith Tele, but I wont buy a Fender without playing it first. I've played too many that I wouldn't be happy with. __________________ Just because I "Don't" get it doesn't mean I "Won't" get it!

February 24th, 2008, 05:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
rhinocaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Oregon Age: 44 Posts: 1,370	My problem with returning things is that you're still stuck will shipping each way. It IS good have a dealer in your corner that would only send you a "Good one." That would help quite a bit. __________________ Just because I "Don't" get it doesn't mean I "Won't" get it!

February 24th, 2008, 06:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 8,574	I am guilty of just buying 2 guitars sight unseen, but the price was low enough, slashed enough I took the chance. I think I'm alright, too soon to know. I can't shake this concern that many or all of the very first 2008 Am Standards were cherry picked, light, super nice ones. This could help frame the image or reputation of this guitar line until it gets redone again some day. But by now all the introductory quality guitars have been grabbed, and we don't know really how good the run of the mill (that IS the right term) Am Standards will be. 30 percent off sounds good, except that even the government gets that deal. A thousand bucks is to me a lot to spend without playing the guitar yourself or having a trusted friend do it for you. __________________ Bubban0v

February 25th, 2008, 01:24 AM	#12 (permalink)
bender-freak Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: springfield, missouri Posts: 1,398	i bought an E-bay "brand new" jazz box disaster a couple years ago that i really thought was a good buy from the auction description and would be a modding platform...wrong...!!!!, the guitar was SO bad, i didn't even try and it sits in the garage....i wouldn't wish the guitar on anyone....nothing on the guitar was even worth "salvaging" for emergency parts .....seller strangely did not answer emails about my complaints and was quickly "gone" from Ebay after he nailed several others like me with the same piece of crap....left a "neg" but, as i said, he was gone, so it was all a waste of money/time....... then...again...i bought a Jay Turser JTLT tele style guitar off the bay about the same time, different seller, of course...double bound, cherry sunburst, natural fingerboard, neck humbucker, free shipping for $179.00....i changed the pups on it cause i wanted to; they didn't need it at all....i hear/read posts about Turser being crap and hear them called "Turdsters" and such..but the one i got is great in every way..lucky..???, dunno, but it's a keeper...one of my favorite players and never fails to get compliments on the rare occaisions i play out and use it... i won't buy a "hi end" guitar without seeing and playing first.....stuff for tinkering around/modding...different story..yes, i would still take a chance on a cheepie... __________________ bender-freak

February 24th, 2008, 04:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Fendrcaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Frederick, Maryland Age: 58 Posts: 464	I've had nothing but good luck with Sweetwater. Joel Gragg is my sales tech and he's given me great deals and made sure my guitars were well set up when they arrived.

February 24th, 2008, 05:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
91xlntS-3 Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 730	I've bought so many guitars online, it's not worth talking about. If you buy NEW, most online dealers give you 30-45 days to try it out. If you don't like it, or there is a problem, you just send it back. Buying "used" is a crapshoot, but if the seller has good feedback, then usually things will be okay. I've only sent a few guitars back to online dealers, usually because of damage to the instrument. Last summer I bought my new Fender American Ash Tele from M.F. without ever playing one at a store. It's my best Tele ever! Very little tweaking out of the box. Plays like a dream. Sounds incredible. I would "prefer" to play before I buy, but, unless there's something wrong/damaged; I can usually set-up any guitar to my specs.; otherwise, it can go back.

February 24th, 2008, 06:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
rufus21 TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 66	yeah, the reason I'm thinking Sweetwater or Elderly, is that they both have a pretty intensive checklist they run through their instruments before shipping them out. Plus, free shipping. I know it might come down that the guitar just doesn't feel right for me, but I figure with them, I won't get stuck with something that's defective or set up wrong from the get-go.

February 24th, 2008, 10:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
AjayTele Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Age: 47 Posts: 1,000 12 Photos	I've only ever bought three brand new guitars in my life and two have been sight unseen from Sweetwater. (Yes, I've had them shipped to me in OZ). They are very professional and my most recent purchase (an AM Standard) came setup up perfectly. So a big from me regarding Sweetwater. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

February 25th, 2008, 01:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
Mark Davis Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bakersfield Ca. Age: 58 Posts: 12,866	I only buy new Fenders from 1 dealer I trust. __________________ I'm so blind my seeing eye dog needs glasses. Last edited by Mark Davis; February 25th, 2008 at 02:25 AM.

February 25th, 2008, 01:58 AM	#14 (permalink)
bendecaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 1,042	You are obviously aware that anything you buy sight unseen is somewhat of a risk. I've had very good luck with www.wichitaband.com Their guitar dept is EM Shorts guitars. Yes it does stand for "eat my" __________________ The Demented 7th

February 25th, 2008, 12:26 PM	#16 (permalink)
geddins Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2005 Location: Texas Age: 46 Posts: 1,968	Concentrate on a great dealer and you'll be fine. I've bought sight unseen/unplayed Gibsons, Fenders, and my K-Line. All from reputable dealers that have a return policy that I can live with. Wildwood and Daves are 2 dealers I can think of that I'd not be afraid to buy from.....I bought a used '52AVRI from Wildwood and it was exactly as described and a great guitar.....anyone who poopoos buying sight unseen isn't doing it right, IMO. __________________ www.myspace.com/gregeddins

February 25th, 2008, 02:05 PM	#17 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	Anything I've bought from Sweetwater has been exactly what I expected..or it would have been sent back. To date nothing that I purchased there has been returned. Enough said. __________________ A coward dies many deaths, a Soldier once.

February 25th, 2008, 03:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
Twangmeister Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lost Angeles, CA Posts: 1,251	+1 for E.M. Shorts (a/k/a Wichita Band). Call 'em up and discuss what you're looking for and what you want to the action to feel like. I got great customer service on a Gretsch I purchased from them. As far as sight unseen and used, the very first time I did that I found the guitar love of my life, a '93 CS gold sparkle with the perfect neck for me. I was nervous as hell about the purchase, and emailed the seller about 20 times, but it turned out to be my soul mate axe. As for shipping costs for guitars I sent back, I just think of them as rental fees. IMHO, there has to be a real bond between the player and the instrument for the magic to happen. Good luck in your search! __________________ "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." http://www.myspace.com/jeremendelsohn

February 25th, 2008, 03:47 PM	#19 (permalink)
Jellecaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Hampshire, USA Age: 40 Posts: 2,149	I bought my American Standard from Sweetwater because they have NEVER let me down. I've actually had very good luck buying sight-unseen from MF, AMS, Sweetwater, Music 123, eBay, etc. But Sweetwater has the best service of any company I've ever dealt with. I actually had to ask them to stop calling me because they want to stay in constant touch with you throughout the order process! They weren't tele-marketing (no pun intended), they just REALLY want to make sure you're happy! You'll love that guitar. I have thirty Teles and the new Am Std is one of my favorites. __________________ It was born at the junction of form and function...

February 25th, 2008, 04:15 PM	#21 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,252 101 Photos	I've bought numerous guitars on eBay based only on the written description and pictures............... and I do mean numerous. I've only had one or two disappointments where the seller was either mistaken on what the guitar was or failed to mention flaws. In those cases I contacted the seller and gave them the choice of taking the guitar back at their expense or giving me a monetary adjustment. They chose the monetary adjustment. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

February 25th, 2008, 05:14 PM	#23 (permalink)
RumorsofsurF Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Independence, OR Age: 25 Posts: 416	Of the 9 Fenders I own, I've bought 6 online. The only problems I've had were with a Strat I bought from Musician's Friend, and a Strat I bought from a local dealer. The MF Strat had finish damage, and the S-1 switch was inoperative. I returned it for a refund, and bought a Jazzmaster. The Strat from the local dealer had wiring problems. The mid-boost circuit started smoking when plugged in! I have bought 3 guitars off Ebay, and all have been great...*knocks wood (1 Jazzmaster, 1 Bigsby Tele, and a CIJ Jag) I have bought 2 guitars sight-unseen from forum members at another forum, and have had no probs. They were both people whom I trusted, though... I even special-ordered one Jazzmaster from Japan, because the model was unavailable in the States. I think that with today's manufacturing processes, Fender pretty reliably produces a quality product. This includes the Mexican models. That's not to say you couldn't wind up with a neck profile you don't like, or a damaged guitar. I sold the Jag I bought on Ebay, due to a neck profile I couldn't get along with. __________________ Forever coming back to the Tele....

February 26th, 2008, 01:19 AM	#25 (permalink)
RumorsofsurF Tele-Meister