buying equpitment online

[charlesthegreat]

im planning on buying a behringer ub2222fx mixer ($250), behringer b1 condensor mic ($100) and nady 7-piece drum mic kit ($160), which comes to about $510. i was planning on purchasing them on zzounds. is there a better website that i should check out? ive been to musicians friend, and their prices are a little higher than zzounds, plus theres no tax or shipping costs on zzounds. just wondering if there's anywhere else i should check out before i buy. also if you have a suggestion on a better mic kit to buy than nady, please say so, but im already exceeding my budget to buy this stuff.

[Phyl]

Try sweetwater, 8th street music, music 123, muscians friend...

Sweetwater rules as far as customer service is concerned, great catalogs too.

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Magnificent Charles:

I might add Full Compass. I've found their prices, usually, are the lowest on an item. Not always, but usually.

Sweetwater does give good customer service. Long ago I had a problem with a rep. So, I sat down and sent a letter, my forte, to Chuck S., the president. About three days later, he called me personally and in five minutes the problem was resolved. Lots of power at the top.

If you call FC, as for Heather and mention, Ben said to call.

I just returned an item to FC; they had UPS pick it up, take it back, and no return charge and no "restocking" fee. I did lose a couple of bucks on the initial shipping and insurance but that's expected.

Good luck shopping and Merry Christmas

Green Hornet

[ChristopherDawn]

Originally posted by The Green Hornet
Yo Magnificent Charles:

I might add Full Compass. I've found their prices, usually, are the lowest on an item. Not always, but usually.

If you call FC, as for Heather and mention, Ben said to call.

Or Joel. I've worked with him a few times. 800-356-5844 x1116

[cellardweller]

I've never ordered from FC, but have heard good things...

[charlesthegreat]

thanks for all of your replies. im going to check out all these sites now

[distortedrumble]

www.americanmusical.com AND YOU CAN MAKE THREE EASY PAYMENTS TO GET YOUR SHIT INSTEAD OF SHELLING IT ALL OUT AT ONCE! 0% financing i love that

[charlesthegreat]

Originally posted by distortedrumble
www.americanmusical.com AND YOU CAN MAKE THREE EASY PAYMENTS TO GET YOUR SHIT INSTEAD OF SHELLING IT ALL OUT AT ONCE! 0% financing i love that

this is the best site ive seen, primarily cause they have everything i want. i've also decided to go with a MXLV67G instead of the Behringer B1. But i guess i have one more question: is it a good idea to buy equiptment online at all? is it too risky? can i find the same prices at some stores?

[distortedrumble]

stores are catching on to how online sites sell and they're starting to match prices more and more...some stores still dig their head in the sand and wont deal but its possible. but the one thing you cant find is that 0% financing and 3 payments and get your stuff right away....plus unless something isnt in stock..everything is shipped the same day at americanmusical.com if you place the order before 4 pm est i buy equipment online when stores around here cant beat the price or dont have it....i know of 2 stores that sell some behringer products but not as many as american musical I'll be buying another compressor, headphone amp and a power conditioner from them and 3 payments is like 116 each....better than buying them all piece by piece i think

[blacksummerrain]

You might want to try this on-line retailer as they have free shipping on everything with no minimum purchase.

http://www.instrumentpro.com/page/MUO/SFNT

Because they list their prices and free shipping on-line, you can then ask the other on-line retailers if they will beat the deal at Instrument Pro. If so, you'll be able to knock a few more dollars off of your purchase price.

Good luck.

[distortedrumble]

i would put the whole buyer beware on computer parts like audio cards cause i think its one of those policies that once its been taken out of the package, there are no refunds if it doesnt work...i would definitely be cautious about the computer parts but everything else is cool....and a really good idea if you dont already know is to try something out in the store and if you like it and its online for cheaper then get it online....try before you buy if at all possible....and read up on anything you want to get anyways

[dwillis45]

I've ordered alot of stuff from Zzounds and I've never had a problem. They are lighting fast and upfront about what's in stock. Full Compass has a great catalog but as far as I know they are not set up for on-line ordering--You have to call and although they may have low prices, their catalog primarily shows list prices. Sweetwater also ranks high in the catalog department and personal service (they assign you a service rep), but they are often out of stock and you end up waiting. This is only my limited personal experience, but a sales rep did tell me that the web page was not linked with a current inventory database. I can also recommend Bhphotovideo in New York for professional and prosumer equipment, although they don't sell things like instruments. For that I would definitely check out Elderly.com, particularly for anything acoustic.

[Calwood]

I've been ordering from Americanmusical for the past 5 years.
Awesome customer service
Great prices
Great selection
Great policies.
What the fuck,..I sound like a commercial.

Well,...I like buyin' there anyway.

Take 'er easy,....
Calwood

[charlesthegreat]

thanks for all the replies, i think i just needed this assurance before i spent 600+ dollars on equiptment. looks like im going with zzounds, for the free shipping, no tax, and they were the only place that had everything i wanted. i looked at americanmusical, and i love the idea of 3 payments, so i'll definatly keep that in mind next time i purchase something.

[pennylink]

Musicians Friend offers a credit card that lets you split your payment over 3, 6 or 12 months at no interest (based on minimum sales of $199, $499 or $699). They also offer free shipping over $199.

I'm not saying they're the best on-line vendor, but I've had good luck with them, and 12 months to pay off a larger purchase is pretty awesome.

I've also ordered from Zzounds and like their prices, speed and service.

I would definitely consider Sweetwater though for anything that I think I might need after-sales tech support with, they excel at that.