Try first or buy sight unseen?

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by DCCougar

Well, the wording is rather biased. I'd bet that everyone would prefer to play before paying, and that's what the poll asks.

Unbiased wording would ask "Do you usually play before you pay, or do you usually buy off the web?"

I didn't vote because of this problem.

I saw no bias, just a straightforward question. Your version is different and your personal preference. I think the poll revealed the lack of due diligence in guitar buying in general, so I think it was well posed.

[Bridgepin]

I have done both, the most I spent sight unseen was $2000.00 and it ended up being so with it. I felt that I had to act fast or it was going to be gone. That guitar is my Martin D-41. I also bought this Taylor sight unseen for $1400.00 and it turned out great. A gamble for sure.

[Basalt Beach]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

I think the poll revealed the lack of due diligence in guitar buying in general

I do not believe there was anything in the poll which might reveal decision process or due diligence for those who purchased guitars via either poll option. The poll revealed a small sample of AGF members (96 responses as of this evening), or approximately .09% of AGF membership, chose to share their preferred approach to buying a guitar.

When I received the five acoustic keepers we purchased sight unseen, I researched the guitars and the wood combinations. We had 48 to 72 hours to demo the guitars in the comfort of home before making a decision. The one guitar we returned was a luthier made guitar, and it was returned so we could order a custom. I suppose our due diligence might be suspect to some, however everyone has their own comfort level for reaching a decision.

[ezra1]

I have been VERY lucky buying used guitars online.
But a ton of research was put into each purchase.
The only time a shop lured me in was Resurrection Guitars in Austin when I wanted a Gibson R9.
I tried 6 and still had to ask their opinions on the last 3.
And I tried a Bedell 64 Dreadnought that haunted me at Action Sound.
It woke me up a week later and I went back.
Alas....that guitar was gone but I tried 5 others and they even put my strings of choice on the final 2.
I put money down on the one I loved and took her home 2 weeks later.

[sayheyjeff]

I am in a very fortunate position in that there a more than enough opportunities to find an incredible number and variety of new and used guitars of all types within an acceptable distance from me. Coupled with being retired and having more control of my time than most, I find no compelling reason to buy a guitar without playing it first. I have bought 1 guitar without trying it first but played one and then ordered that guitar used for a more favorable price from a dealer recommended by forum participants. Since then, played every guitar I have purchased and made the transaction in person. Purchased guitars in person locally, in Mass., Va., and NJ, and passed on others I tried in Va, Pa, De, and Md. all been part of the fun.

Jeff