Originally Posted by: maggiorChoose the amp that you currently use in the store. If they don't have the exact amp, find one that is similar.

You are right that the amp has an impact.

You want to keep as much as you can familiar - play familiar songs on the guitar, hold it in a familiar way (if you normally stand, bring a guitar strap!), and plug it into familiar amp with familiar settings. This will minimize the "I brought the guitar home and it doesn't sound like it did in the store" scenario.

Bring a tuner with you so you can evaluate the tuners. Also not how stable the tuning is.

Make sure there is a good return policy and that you will have time to play the guitar at home to complete your evaluation. I can tell you that even when you do everything right in the store, you'll still find things you missed when you get home.

Great advice. Thanks.
Tom