demonhellcat

So, I want a new guitar... and I think I know what I want. The only problem is I can't find one in any guitar store nearby, neither Guitar Center (there are two near me) or any local place has it. So what is it you ask? I so want the Ibanez FRM100 TR but I'm just going on what I've read, seen, heard on the interwebz. Has anybody here purchased a guitar without ever playing it (or even a guitar like it)? If so can anybody recommend the best online retailer when it comes to returns (if it were to come to that)?

Other that that, does anyone know what more common guitar might have a comparable neck thickness/width? As that's the part that seems VERY different from my Les Paul I already own and am comfortable with.

JAHellraiser

Guitar Center give you 30 days to return something.

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jeleopard

I JUST bought an Ibanez RGD7. I've only played 2 7s in my life before, and both were for short amounts of time. I have never played a baritone guitar either, but went ahead and bought it willingly.

I enjoy it, but I do believe GC does 2 week return policy.

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Legion!
Original 1969 Fender Jazzmaster
Jackson JS32R Dinky with EMG-ALX "Curry"
Ibanez RGD7421 "Stella"
Ibanez S470 "Haley"
MiM Fender Jazz Bass "Pancho"
Schecter Stiletto Elite "Kimmy"
Peavey 6505+ 112
Line 6 POD HD500

stepchildusmc

i've purchased a few acoustics online without any trouble. all were in excellent condition without flaws and sounded like i thought they would. acoustics are much harder to buy online though. sound veries greatly form one to the next even with same exact models.
after i get xmas for my family out of the way( if santa doesnt get it for me first..hint..hint "the Blonde" if your reading this), i plan on getting an epiphone Ultra III les paul from ZZsounds. i've gotten quite a bit of stuff from them without any problems, customer service even calls about a month afterward and makes sure i'm still happy with my purchase. i have no hesitaions about electrics online.

dannyalcatraz

Most of my guitars have been bought without trying them first.

As long as you're working with a reputable seller, there shouldn't be a problem. Most of the big guys will give you a couple of weeks to a month to try something out. Smaller retailers and direct sales from the guitar maker vary from place to place.

My only qualm has been not with the sellers, but the delivery companies. In all but one purchase, I had the guitars delivered to a music store (the one I ordered the guitars through), or a mail box center, where I keep a box of just such purposes. That way, there is always a live person there to accept, sign for and secure the package during business hours, and I don't have to sit around waiting for it.

The one time I did not, I didn't have a choice in the matter- the guitar had to be delivered to my home/billing address because it was my initial order with that company.

The deliveryman put it on my doorstep, rang the bell, and left. Fortunately, I happened to be home waiting for a repairman.

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Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: “Ninety percent of everything is crap.”

Why, yes, I am a lawyer- thanks for asking!

demonhellcat

So, it's not a crazy idea after all. Musiciansfriend.com and guitarcenter.com both have it in stock. I'm guessing it's a good idea to call and order so I can ask questions and such, as opposed to blindly clicking "check-out".

JackalUK

Both of mine were bought blindly. They both rock though, so there we go. No problems.

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dannyalcatraz

Also check Sweetwater.com if you're buying new.

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Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: “Ninety percent of everything is crap.”

Why, yes, I am a lawyer- thanks for asking!

J_W

I seriously cannot say enough good things about sweetwater's customer service. Sweetwater rocks!

dannyalcatraz

I haven't bought anything of note from them yet- its only a matter or time before I buy more than music strands or task lights for our church choir- but I was introduced to them by a professional musician whose opinion I trust.

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Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: “Ninety percent of everything is crap.”

Why, yes, I am a lawyer- thanks for asking!

JELIFISH19

I bought some pickups from them and they were still calling me 3 years later about them haha. They seem to really care about the customers.

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Currently Own:
Ibanez Prestige RG2550Z (Galaxy White)
Fender American Deluxe Strat (Chrome/Silver Maple)
Boss GT-10
GAS list:
Evil Robot C30