Mail Order

At one time, most towns had a music store with a good selection of guitars on hand. Nowadays you may have to travel miles to find a well-stocked outlet. There are, however, several mail order dealers that specialize in guitars, often at discounted prices.

Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with mail order:

• Make sure you’ve played the instrument—in a local music shop or at a friend’s house— before ordering one.
• Make sure you have a reasonable “trial” period during which you can return the instrument for a refund (not just a credit).
• Pay for a reputable shipping service such as UPS or Federal Express, and insure the shipment.
• Determine who handles warranty repairs and adjustments.
• Examine the instrument carefully for damage when you receive it.