Cougar Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 So I'm idly checking out new guitar prices for a particular model at all the usual big internet distributors. I'm not affiliated with any of these stores, but in this case, zZounds happened to have what I was looking for at $100 less than the others. Then I noticed this finer print: "...or 8 payments of $xx.xx - details." OK, I'll click the link. This turns out to be an interest-free loan for 8 months! They just charge 1/8 of the purchase price to your credit card each of those months. I can't afford to shell out the full price right now, but heck, 1/8 of that I can handle! And of course, I think I can handle 1/8 of that every month for the next 7 months after that. They're making it too easy for us with the affliction! But the problem with buying new off the web is not just that you're unable to play before you pay, I'm thinking you're unlikely to even be able to see photos of the guitar you're buying. I'd prefer a guitar with a little character, a modicum of figuring on the back and top, a good bookmatch... Do you just have to take your chances buying new? I doubt many places would unpackage a guitar and take photos for you. But I love what one site is doing, I forget which it is. They show four new guitars, lots of photos for each, and you can pick which one you want. I'm not sure how they get the photos (preferably before packaging), but I'd like to see that become the standard with these big web stores. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErickC Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 I dunno. Guitars all feel pretty much the same to me, and I hate bursts, so figure is pretty irrelevant in my case. So I guess I don't really have any of those issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan H Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 Sweetwater has their "Guitar Gallery" where they tell you which serial number you're looking at, and you can compare photos of however many they've photographed, and buy exactly the one in the photos that you like. -Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted December 21, 2014 Share Posted December 21, 2014 At Sweetwater, you can search their guitar gallery by serial # and request a specific guitar. They also do a "55 point" checklist where they actually go over and setup the guitar. They also will offer "interest free" financing, although on another forum it's been brought up that there are two "plans"; first is 24 months interest free, pay off as you want, the other is 36 month, you must pay this amount monthly over 36 months. I've taken advantage of the 24 month plan several times, and can vouch for their checklist. When I special ordered my Casino, they found a ding on the back and sent photo's, etc. and gave me a choice of what to do. Always free shipping (and candy included in the box!) They're my #1 online retailer. Downside is they don't have as great a selection as some others do, and I've heard various opinions on your "personal sales rep". It's nice having a one stop shop but not if he/she isn't for you. I like mine. Hope this helps. Edit: Ryan beat me by a few minutes on the SW recommendation, LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted December 21, 2014 Author Share Posted December 21, 2014 Edit: Ryan beat me by a few minutes on the SW recommendation, LOL Right, that's the one. They do have the guitar I'm thinking about. And like you say, the photos are of the actual guitar I would get. What you see is what you get, which is great. And the serial # verifies that it's a new 2014, not a 'new' 2013 (which I got recently. I couldn't send it back, though, and demand a 2014 because.... it was a good one. :) ) In the case of the one I'm thinking about, there's only one guitar showing. I guess at least I can decide to take it or leave it until the next one comes up. But their price is higher. Do they have a low price guarantee? Do you normally get a pretty good discount on higher-priced items - without getting stuck for sales tax? And it looks like their installment plan requires you to get their credit card - you can't just use your own. That's not a major deal, but I just want a guitar, not their credit card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edlo Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 So I'm idly checking out new guitar prices for a particular model at all the usual big internet distributors. I'm not affiliated with any of these stores, but in this case, zZounds happened to have what I was looking for at $100 less than the others. Then I noticed this finer print: "...or 8 payments of $xx.xx - details." OK, I'll click the link. This turns out to be an interest-free loan for 8 months! They just charge 1/8 of the purchase price to your credit card each of those months. I can't afford to shell out the full price right now, but heck, 1/8 of that I can handle! And of course, I think I can handle 1/8 of that every month for the next 7 months after that. They're making it too easy for us with the affliction! But the problem with buying new off the web is not just that you're unable to play before you pay, I'm thinking you're unlikely to even be able to see photos of the guitar you're buying. I'd prefer a guitar with a little character, a modicum of figuring on the back and top, a good bookmatch... Do you just have to take your chances buying new? I doubt many places would unpackage a guitar and take photos for you. But I love what one site is doing, I forget which it is. They show four new guitars, lots of photos for each, and you can pick which one you want. I'm not sure how they get the photos (preferably before packaging), but I'd like to see that become the standard with these big web stores. [/quo, te] Check out MF right now for Christmas they are giving 17% off when you spend $199.00, free shipping and no sales tax. I have purchased several guitars and they do a great job on the setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis G Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 But their price is higher. Do they have a low price guarantee? Do you normally get a pretty good discount on higher-priced items - without getting stuck for sales tax? And it looks like their installment plan requires you to get their credit card - you can't just use your own. That's not a major deal, but I just want a guitar, not their credit card. My guy has price matched on several things over the years. As for their CC, it's a 3rd party finance company. I use SW's card for SW purchsses only, as I do with the GC, etc. I understand the thing with numerous credit inquiries, et al, but my "approval" was instantanteos as I recall. As for MF's job on setup's, my experience is that anything I've bought from MF has come in the mfgr's box, unopened and off the shelf at MF's warehouse. YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy2 Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 So I'm idly checking out new guitar prices for a particular model at all the usual big internet distributors. I'm not affiliated with any of these stores, but in this case, zZounds happened to have what I was looking for at $100 less than the others. Then I noticed this finer print: "...or 8 payments of $xx.xx - details." OK, I'll click the link. This turns out to be an interest-free loan for 8 months! They just charge 1/8 of the purchase price to your credit card each of those months. I can't afford to shell out the full price right now, but heck, 1/8 of that I can handle! And of course, I think I can handle 1/8 of that every month for the next 7 months after that. They're making it too easy for us with the affliction! But the problem with buying new off the web is not just that you're unable to play before you pay, I'm thinking you're unlikely to even be able to see photos of the guitar you're buying. I'd prefer a guitar with a little character, a modicum of figuring on the back and top, a good bookmatch... Do you just have to take your chances buying new? I doubt many places would unpackage a guitar and take photos for you. But I love what one site is doing, I forget which it is. They show four new guitars, lots of photos for each, and you can pick which one you want. I'm not sure how they get the photos (preferably before packaging), but I'd like to see that become the standard with these big web stores. What's the interest rate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 There's no such thing as easy payments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 Check out MF right now for Christmas they are giving 17% off when you spend $199.00, free shipping and no sales tax. I have purchased several guitars and they do a great job on the setup. I might as well say what I'm looking at. It's a Martin OMCPA4. It's $200 more at MF than at zZounds, but minus 17% brings it to $50 less. I've emailed zZounds to see what they can give me. I'd still like to at least see photos of the guitar I'd be getting rather than a stock photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 There's no such thing as easy payments. Right. Income is required. Which always seems to turn into outgo. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 What's the interest rate? Well, for 8 months, it's zero. They just auto-charge the payments to your credit card each month. The total paid equals the current price of the guitar, nothing extra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fumblefingers Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I might as well say what I'm looking at. It's a Martin OMCPA4. It's $200 more at MF than at zZounds, but minus 17% brings it to $50 less. I've emailed zZounds to see what they can give me. I'd still like to at least see photos of the guitar I'd be getting rather than a stock photo. If you are buying a high dollar guitar, Musician's Friend has a place called "Private Reserve" which is where all of the expensive guitars are handled. They send you pictures of the exact guitar, with serial number. You aren't just getting something off the shelf based upon a stock photo. They will send you pictures of every guitar of that model which they have in stock, and will also tell you if/when they have more coming in. I was leery of buying over the internet initially, but have since realized it is actually the best way for somebody like me to get what I want. No stores anywhere near me had any models that I was even interested in. One thing I will add to this thread- we still live in a world of cheap, easy credit. After the housing bubble burst you would have thought things would change. Not so. We are in the midst of the biggest sub-prime new car loan bubble ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Scales Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 The store/group might not even have ordered it until they get your order so would not have photos. Much easier to offer low price if you don't have to hold any inventory and pay the working capital and on-costs that go with that. Just get an order from you - place an order to manufacturer/distributor - get the shipment added to their nightly delivery - send straight on to you. Money saved and passed on to you in low price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueblooded Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 ...One thing I will add to this thread- we still live in a world of cheap, easy credit. After the housing bubble burst you would have thought things would change. Not so. We are in the midst of the biggest sub-prime new car loan bubble ever. I think what is different is that the lenders aren't over-lending any more. Small ticket items and auto loans are easy to get if you have good credit ratings, but the days of the lenders handing over 150% of the value of a house are over. That was the part that got many people in trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 If you are buying a high dollar guitar, Musician's Friend has a place called "Private Reserve" which is where all of the expensive guitars are handled. They send you pictures of the exact guitar, with serial number. You aren't just getting something off the shelf based upon a stock photo. The OMCPA4 is probably medium dollar to them ($1250-1450). It's high dollar to me! There's a used, mint 2013 on ebay for about a grand, with photos of course (offered by a "private collector living in a small town in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas," haha), and I expect after the holidays there will be some nice ones for less than that. That's still a consideration. I'm in no hurry. But that no-hassle interest-free 8-month payment plan is just so enticing! It's quite the gimmick! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocdman Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I have used ZZounds payment plans before. I have had no problem with them. I had to return 1 guitar that had a crack in it but they took care of it fast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rct Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I'm going to go away from the payment plans and stuff, because you are prolly big enough to decide that stuff yourself, and ask why that particular Martin? rct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 I'm going to go away from the payment plans and stuff, because you are prolly big enough to decide that stuff yourself, and ask why that particular Martin? Semi affordable, solid woods, 1.75" nut, a/e. Is there a good Gibbie alternative in that range? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skilsaw Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I was looking at an L-5 CES from Long and Mcquade online and special order through the local Long and Mcquade (Canada's music store). Online, there was going to be $300 shipping! How do they ship? Armored car? Same base price through the local store, but no shipping charge. And the benefit of establishing a relationship with the local store. I chose to have the local store bring it in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Searcy Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 Well, for 8 months, it's zero. They just auto-charge the payments to your credit card each month. The total paid equals the current price of the guitar, nothing extra. If they're auto charging it to your credit card the interest-rate is not zero. The interest-rate is whatever your credit card is charging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fumblefingers Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 The store/group might not even have ordered it until they get your order so would not have photos. Much easier to offer low price if you don't have to hold any inventory and pay the working capital and on-costs that go with that. Just get an order from you - place an order to manufacturer/distributor - get the shipment added to their nightly delivery - send straight on to you. Money saved and passed on to you in low price. What company are you talking about? I would never order from someone who didn't have inventory and was simply drop-shipping from a manufacturer. In fact, I would never order an expensive guitar without seeing the actual photo and serial number. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fumblefingers Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I think what is different is that the lenders aren't over-lending any more. Small ticket items and auto loans are easy to get if you have good credit ratings, but the days of the lenders handing over 150% of the value of a house are over. That was the part that got many people in trouble. Sub-prime is sub-prime. Ford has been lending to people with credit scores in the 400's. That's not "good credit." We are still smack dab in the middle of a credit bubble. If you are interested Google "New debt crisis fear: Subprime auto loans" and read about how Wall St. is right back in the thick of things with "auto loan backed securities." These people are nothing more than financial terrorists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimi Mac Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 There's no such thing as easy payments. THAT!!! Although I will admit that Sweetwater makes it a little less painful by offering 36 Months interest free (or 24 or 18 depending upon the current promotional offering) if you sign-up for their Platinum store credit card. They divvy up the payments and charge you a minimum that will pay it off in that amount of time so there's no chance of not meeting the criteria in the payments... I pay extra to pay it down sooner and to save even more $... But it's a long time to be vigilant... They all offer some form of payment plans or credit accounts it depends on what you want to get yourself into... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stein Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 If they're auto charging it to your credit card the interest-rate is not zero. The interest-rate is whatever your credit card is charging. You are making far too much sense, When dealing with credit, everyone knows that isn't the issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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