Question/Help. Epiphone/Gibson store?

[Rocknroller4]

Hi everyone. I am wanting to order an Epiphone bass guitar and not sure whether to go through Sweetwater or the actual Epiphone store on their website. Has anyone had any experience ordering directly from Epiphone/Gibson's online store? I wanted to go that route due to them having a soft case as well. I've heard good and bad about Sweetwater.

Thanks everyone.

[Navy Vet.]

Your best bet is to find a dealer who has one in inventory and play it first before buying. Failing that, I would take the risk and buy directly from Epiphone. 

[Rocknroller4]

It was the Tobias bass and sort of got a look at one (over a grand) at my local Guitar Center but I'm just going for the Deluxe for $299. I just wasn't sure if anyone has had experience ordering direct from Gibson/Epiphone and how their shipping and boxing is like?

 

Sweetwater get a lot of good reviews but I'm not so sure about them to be honest. I'd rather cut out the middle man and deal directly with the company that makes them.

 

[Larsongs]

If Price matters buy from Sweetwater or one of the many other Online or Brick & Mortar Stores.

I've purchased Guitars from most all the Online Retailers. I don't work for any of them & receive no compensation of any kind.

In my experience Sweetwater is the most Professional & has the best Customer Service before & after the Sale.  They post Pics of the actual Guitar with Serial number & Weight in most cases.   They have a Mod Shop too.  I have had them add Vibramates & Bigsby's on a couple Guitars. 

The Guitars come pretty well Set up & are brand new in the wrapper unplayed by others.. 

They also have Tech Support which has come in handy on several occasions..

[Rocknroller4]

Guess will go with Sweetwater and take a chance. Just didn't want the phone calls and emails (I know they push a lot with their service). I could just order the case from Epiphone direct.