Originally Posted by: maggior That's why I will never buy and instrument or an amp sight unseen online.

Who can argue that playing a guitar or amp prior to purchase is always best? Similarly, who can argue that beginners may not be able to hear the difference -- especially between gear of the same make and model. While differences in fit and feel might be detectable for a beginner it's not so easy when it comes to sound, IMO.

But I agree...it's important to play before pay. [U]However[/U];

Slavish adherence to the rule of thumb can be costly. From Sweetwater through an EBay listing I bought a [U]new[/U] Ovation 12-string for $1000 to $1200 under what any other retailer has the model listed. Likewise, I gained a used but unmarked Gibson 336 for several hundred dollars under what other retailers/EBay listings were selling.

The key to my 'luck' I believe is patience while in the market for such guitars and reliance on high quality models of high quality brands.

Oh...one more thing. Not everybody has access to what they're looking for. In my community there are no Guitar Centers. More to the point, there are no Ovations, there are no Gibson 336's...