Where to buy a Nice Acoustic guitar Online

[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

[arob16]

I bought a beautiful 000-42 from Down Home Guitars near Chicago. They had a nice selection of guitars online. Shipping was a non-event, even in the middle of winter.

Adam

[jacot23]

I've had great experiences with Maury's Music, Dave's Guitars, Eldery Instruments, Music Emporium, Gryphon Strings, and Sweetwater with all kinds of instruments. Maury's is arguably the best for Martin Guitars.

[JayBee1404]

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?

You don’t say where you live or whether you plan to buy new or used. Bear in mind that if you’re resident outside the US, you won’t be able to purchase a new Martin from a US on-line dealer, because CFM put a stop to that practice several years ago.

[mischultz]

Good suggestions will abound. I’ll be the cranky pragmatist and say that it’ll depend almost entirely on who has what in stock when you’re ready to act. Reverb can be an excellent resource for locating a specific model, finish, or weight, regardless of whether you complete the transaction there or deal with the shop directly.

[slimey]

Bought a guitar from Down Home Guitars last fall, seamless transaction with no whoopes or broken promises. Second recommendation for those guys.

[Mr. Jelly]

If I were in your shoes, I would make a list of the outlets mentioned here, grab my magic plastic card and start calling. No emails. I would state in the discussion that you want to buy a D-18 and have your card in your hand and are calling different stores to get the best deal. No matter what happens you can always call back as I'm sure they will sell you a guitar no matter what the initial answer was. I have bought a bunch of new guitars online and I don't look for a relationship or lovefest I just want them to expediently take care of business.

[Boozehound]

Maury's and Reno's Guitar Hotline seem to be the recent favorites for new Martins. Reno's also does some really cool customs. They have kind of filled the void left by MyFavoriteGuitars, IMO.

[owenje]

I had a great experience with Acoustic Music Works. Great selection and customer service.

[ewalling]

Ordering online is always a bit of a gamble. I once ended up with an expensive model from one of the dealers recommended here that, had I been in an actual store and had the chance to try it, I never would have bought.

[6L6]

Gryphon Stringed Instruments. Best acoustic guitar shop on planet earth!

https://www.gryphonstrings.com

[J Patrick]

….an AGF sponsor like Eddies or CME would be a good choice….

[nostatic]

Recently I've had good luck with Manchester Music Mill and Music Villa as well as Maury's. I've also spent a lot of money at Sweetwater over the years, they are a great operation.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

My first impulse is any AGF sponsor.

[b1j]

You’ll get better-informed advice from others; I’ve bought exactly two guitars since 1978. But those two were from Gryphon and Music Villa. Both buying experiences were of the same top-level quality as the instruments themselves.

For infrequent buyers like me, the “lovefest” actually does matter. Both shops took great care to answer all my questions with a sincere desire to ensure that they were answered to my satisfaction.

To me it felt like a relationship was established. I trust their knowledge, ethics, fairness, and even generosity when it came to ringing up the sale (pleasant surprise at the cash register).

I’m sure there are many other excellent shops led by great people. Just stay with someone whose existence and longevity depend on total customer satisfaction. Avoid third-party clearing houses and talk live with the guy or gal making the sale.

And forget about playing a new guitar before you buy. Those days are gone and you’ll just go through many gas tanks. Used is a different story: I was able to play the 0-18 at Gryphon.