DOes anyone know of any US music stores (with a website) that ship to the uk, with the pound being so strong at the moment shopping in the states seems a very good idea!!
Bear in mind there's always import duties on anything over £18 aswell as a handling charge from the post office, then VAT on top of all that. Just something to consider before you buy ... does it really work out cheaper when you've added all that on? I've bought stuff from the USA before and had this happen ... luckily it wasn't an expensive item but it all adds onto the price of shipping from the USA.
jrrshop.com does, but I haven't tried yet because am worried about getting stung too. Think I might get someone on here to buy for me and have them ship as a gift. If you cast around you may be able to get someone to do that for you.
I have found it useful when the order is worth more than $1000 (and the pound is at least $1.80). I bought an electric guitar and saved over £250 (including Vat and Duty charges and DHL shipping). Incidently DHL and similar couriers take care of the VAT and Duty charges for you too. The item arrived within 5 days safe and sound.
However, I'd be interested to know what types of equipment you would be buying as all electrical stuff will be at 120V. Do you plan on using Transformers all the time for such equipment ?
A lot of gear has switchable power supplies, some of them automatic. For example, I'm sure I read on my Behringer UB mixer that it has an internal switching supply, so it should be fine whichever voltage it's connected to.
My hope was to get some mics cheap but it looks like it may not be worth it now.
I bought a DMP3 from the states and had to buy a UK psu from maudio which was about £20. It still worked out marginally cheaper than buying it here but we're talking a few pounds. Also the unit and then the psu took a long time to arrive.
Nik and when8, it's probably still worth having a look around, just make sure you take into account all of the extras. Europe's worth a look too. I bought my 1010LT for about £150 (inc. delivery) from a german ebay seller (the card was brand new). This was when they retailed at £200 over here, I think there's been a price cut recently.
Thanks guys ... I may yet end up getting some mics from Thomanns but my burning desire for a new guitar amp has shoved them down the pecking order somewhat!!