ordering from europe

[Proximus]

I live in Switzerland (Europe) and I'd like to buy a Fender Stratocaster. Now I thought it might get cheaper if I orderd the guitar directly from the USA.
Now I don't know if this is a great idea and I don't know if it would really be the cheapest method. Does anybody have any experience with ordering guitars overseas?

*Prox

P.S.: How much would the transport cost?

 

[pchorman]

no experience with overseas shipment here but you may have to call one of the big mail order houses to get that question answered properly. Try one of the places listed below. Their websites aren't set up for overseas delivery but the warehouses may do it all the time.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ex/ds/home/?

http://www.marsmusic.com/

 

[Proximus]

I just visited the Musician's Friend Site and saw that there exist many different model of Fender Stratocasters. Now I'm a little bit confused: Wich one should I buy? I want to play funk and some rock on it.

*Prox

 

[memo]

I live in Turkey and I have ordered numerous things from the states (both large and small). Customs tax and shipping fees are 2 things which you really must look out for because combined, they could add another couple of hundred bucks to your purchase.

I'd check with my local post office to see about customs regulations, how much would you have to pay for a guitar. (I think it's based on weight and value). When I ordered my drumset (bass, 2 toms, snare, hardware) I payed about $300 customs tax, which wasn't that bad considering that I got it cheaper than I would have buying here.

Once you are OK with the customs and shipping, you shouldn't really worry. If packaged and handled correctly (don't just choose regular airmail because it's cheap, choose FedEX or prirority mail if you can) you should be Ok.

 

[virtual.ray]

Save up some money,buy a plane ticket to N.Y.,and buy a few guitars at the stores on West 48th street and take 'em home as luggage.Sell the ones you don't want to keep to pay for the plane ticket.At least this way you will have played the guitar before buying it,plus you'll get to see my wonderful home town.Or,go to plan B,which is to look up Gary Levinson,an American who lives in Switzerland and makes Blade Guitars,which are for the most part Strat inspired and very good instruments.