Where to buy a Nice Acoustic guitar Online

[LakewoodM32Fan]

Third recommendation for Down Home Guitars (even flew there from SoCal, but would not hesitate to do a blind buy after meeting Steve and the wonderful folks in his shop).

Also can recommend a local (to me) shop, LA Guitar Sales.

[TwangGang]

For on-line guitar purchases I like Sweetwater.com. Although I haven't bought one since their management changed?

[reeve21]

If you are buying on line sight unseen a good return policy is important.

I'll put on my flame retardant suit and suggest that at 45 days, no questions asked, and maybe free shipping (last time I made a return) Guitar Center and Musician's Friend might be worth comparing to the return policies of some the other excellent outlets mentioned up thread. I've done business with several of them, returned a few, never had an issue.

[Pura Vida]

I've purchased nearly all of my guitars online. Sweetwater, Elderly, Sky Guitars, Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, The Acoustic Shoppe, Dave's Guitars, and LA Guitar Sales.

As mentioned, the best thing to do is call around and see what price and selection is available, plus understand the return policy from each. Martin guitars are carried by dealers across the planet, so you have a better chance on finding a deal, if you're willing to call more places.

[RogerPease]

Please consider buying from one of the AG Forum sponsors. And it helps support this community.
You’ll get as good a deal from them as anywhere and you can be sure of what you’re getting.
You’ll also get top notch advice, help and customer service and an excellent return policy.
(But be sure to ask about the return policy so you are clear on the details.)
Play before buying is good advice but not all of us can do that.

Happy hunting! _Roger

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by reeve21

If you are buying on line sight unseen a good return policy is important.

One issue with this in these inflationary times is that we'll likely pay through the nose for returning an instrument unless it's clearly faulty in some way. We'll take a big hit in shipping costs if a guitar bought online does not float our boat.

[Gchord]

Yup, 30 or 45 days return, no questions asked, is what I would be looking for. Also, if playability/ adjustability is important to you, ask them to measure action at 12th fret, and height of visible saddle, string height above top. If it's toouch trouble for them, well that might tell you something.

[llew]

Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn

My first impulse is any AGF sponsor.

I have to agree. Support those who support us. Plenty of Martin authorized dealers on this forum.

[aeisen93]

Originally Posted by VintageToneGuy

I am planning on buying a Martin Guitar sometime soon and plan on trying to find what I want locally as I feel that's always the best way. However, if I cannot find it locally when I am ready to buy, what is the preferred online retailer to buy from?

I'm wanting a Martin D-18

Thanks

Musician’s Friend.

[DBW]

Chicago Music Exchange has some really great used and demo guitars. I've purchased a couple of guitars from them and have been pleased. I've purchased most of my new guitars from Sweetwater- great people to do business with.

[Nicky Parrish]

Not sure of your local.
I live in Louisiana and ordered my 000 15 SM from Fuller Guitars in Houston on a Sunday night and was playing it noon Tuesday.
Don’t think I could have driven there and back quicker.
And the guitar? I play it every day

[AZLiberty]

Due to MAP pricing, you will get the same price on any web based retailer.
What you want to do is pick up the phone, and actually call places.

If I wanted a D-18, I'd probably just call up Ted at LA Guitar Sales.
Maury's would also be a good choice.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Gchord

Yup, 30 or 45 days return, no questions asked, is what I would be looking for. Also, if playability/ adjustability is important to you, ask them to measure action at 12th fret, and height of visible saddle, string height above top. If it's toouch trouble for them, well that might tell you something.

Martin has run all of their production guitars through a PLEK for a decade. There is no reason to expect any material variance from one guitar to another on the setup of a new Martin.

[Br1ck]

I'll always recommend a good local dealer if you have one. While QC and consistency has never been better, nothing beats playing a guitar. Then, it's nice to get after purchase support. Gryphon, with it's notable repair department, will give you the setup of your choice. Play a guitar a while, and decide you want a bit lower action, or different gauge strings, and it's done. Have a warranty issue? They will handle it for you. Tweak needed for a trussrod when the weather changes? Like as not they'll do it on the spot.

[garsurf]

In the past 2 years I have bought both a Martin Special 28 Adi VTS and Special 18 Adi VTS from MF on SDOTD. One day specials with $1000 off the 28 and $800 of the 18. Both are keepers but 18 especially is a dream. Return policies are generous but did not need them.

I highly advise checking SDOTD regularly for a Special 18 (or Standard or another variant). You will get a fine guitar which will always be worth than you paid for it.