best online dealer?

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rogerwilco

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I'm planning to buy a digital multitrack recorder, a synthesizer, a condensor mic, and some monitors. I'm interested in balancing a low package price with the possibility of getting a unit serviced if something goes wrong. For price, I figure online is the best. For repairs/service, I would generally think a local dealer would offer more security. I've heard good things about Sweetwater in terms of being an online dealer that also offers repairs/service. Any feedback on them or other online dealers, or general advice on getting the best price for a package deal? Thanks.
 
Another great on-line company is Sam Ash.com They have been in business sence 1924 and unlike some of the others, they aren't just a warehouse. They also have aprox. 50 stores nation wide. There audio tech's are great. I have been dealing with Don over there for a while. He is Pro Tools ceritfied and a musician. He has really helped me out with prices and getting the right gear. His e-mail is... dtrimble@samash.com
 
Yo Roger-Wilco-& OVER:]

Hey Bubba -- you need to use ALL of the 800 numbers to all of the major vendors to find the "best" price. It's amazing how one 800 vendor will be 200 pezzutos lower than another.

But, the main things are: will the vendor return your cash minus a stocking fee if you are not satisfied with a piece of gear?

Always ask about the "restocking fee."

Are you getting NEW gear or class "B" gear, returned gear, or gearless gear?

Full Compass is a pretty good vendor -- I don't work for them but have bought much gear from them and they have returned $$ with a minimum of hassle -- I had to call them once and they immediately refunded the cash which I was billed.

Sweetwater has a spot in my heart because I had hassles with the lower folks on the phone -- I wrote a couple of letters and got a call directly from Chuck Serrack "de" President. He made things right immediately. But, when I asked for a different salesperson, Sweetwater did not respond -- got a note from a neoteny manager who contended his salesperson was right and I was wrong. I did not raise that question -- I just said I wanted another salesperson -- Sweetwater did not come through and I was tired of writing to Chuck. After all, my time is valuable too.

Musician's Friend has a lot of stuff, cables, plugs, etc., and cassettes, etc., and I have bought minor stuff from them but after they screwed a bunch of us on advertising Sony Data discs for the MD8 and shipping TKD discs, I just buy minor stuff from them.

I had some good luck with Grandma's, another vendor. Clear cut people and if they can't beat the price they tell you straight out.


But, that's what the 800 numbers are for -- call free but buyer beware -- it's your bread so make your own davenport.

Green Hornet























:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
 
My local store has been matching MF pricing on larger stuff whenever he can, and has a pretty hot web based business. Besides, he lends me a lot of stuff and I owe him one...

The link is

www.guitarsam.com
 
My vote would have to go to Sweetwater. Their techs spent a LOT of time with me when some software didnt work with the hardware. And instead of just telling me my problem was with MOTU, and I should call them, they put me through directly to the dude with the answers. As far as support, they seem to be a cut above the others. Of course the downside is that they dont have the lowest prices. If you are buying a product and dont care about support, do the 1-800 game and you will find dozens of guys who say they will "match or beat" the competitions.

And as it was mentioned above....yes I hate the assigning of a sales person to a customer. While Sweetwater denies it, I'm sure the more $$ you spend the more qualified the sales person will be.
 
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