We all know that online shopping is a huge part of everyday life. Convenience, variety and price are often the reasons for deserting our local High Street and indulging in some retail therapy from the comfort of your sofa. However, this is not without it’s pitfalls.
The problem with buying instruments on line is that every instrument,especially stringed instruments, is different. This can be as simple as a subtle difference in colour to a much more personal neck profile on a guitar. Instruments are essentially handmade, they cannot be made entirely by machine therefore, there is always a human element. Complete consistency cannot be guarunteed. Even the same model could have subtle differences. So you can’t really be sure what you’re getting.
Personal experience has taught me this. Whilst trying out two identical high end guitars on an enjoyable trip to Denmark Street, I discovered that one of them caused me pain in my thumb after some hard playing. I tried the other and it felt like I’d been playing it years! Inevitable expensive purchase ensued!
Another issue with online purchases is that guitars are never set up perfectly out of the box. Guitars that are sold in store are normally checked over and setup by their technician, and if they can’t be setup to play properly are sent straight back. When you buy a guitar online the chances are it’s not going to play at its best, frustrating when you have just invested in your forever guitar.
If the instrument is damaged, the convenience of buying it without leaving the house soon becomes a hassle, as its down to the customer to sort getting it returned.
There is no nicer feeling for a musician than walking into a music shop, talking to like-minded people, trying an instrument and then walking out with something that will serve you for many years of playing. So please support your local High Street and Independent Retailers, we can’t survive without you.
Roberts Instrument Repairs and Accessories 