Where do you buy your gear?

[ProAudioX]

Lets compare notes on this very important topic. I usually go to the local Sam Ashe store, but have ordered online from Musicians Friend and eBay too. Where do you get yours, maybe I am missing some good places for purchases.

[Dusty Chalk]

I like zZounds and Daddy's Junky Music for online purchases, although it's been ages since I've bought anything from the latter. Mars (RIP), Veneman's (RIP) and Guitar Center for local stores.

[Centurion]

Heh? Yes, Veneman's music on/off Rockville Pike (355). Yes, I remember and then you must also be visiting The Wheaton Music Center or at least that is what is used to be called. LOL

[Dusty Chalk]

Oh, yeah, how could I have forgotten to mention Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center. Yes, I've bought things there, too.

[Centurion]

Yeeezzz. Long live!
Next me and you may talk about Phantasmagoria, or maybe not :)

[Dusty Chalk]

Spent hundreds of dollars there on used CD's mostly, saw a bunch of bands there (The Gathering, Gong, Porcupine Tree, et al). Was almost in a band that played there once (was hiding behind the stack of gear doing "live effects" -- I was sort of their Jeremy Ward).

[Centurion]

Oh man, so you know about that too? Sweet.
Man, we may have stood next to each other at the register or something in any one of those places. I still remember the thrill of finding that rare record and looking around to make sure that no one would take it from me as I went to pay for it. I still have them all :).

[Dusty Chalk]

Yeah, the first time I went into Phantas, I had been on the hunt for the at the time very limited Legendary Pink Dots disk, Four Days (initial pressing was only 1000? 500? I don't remember), and when I got to the Legendary Pink Dots section, there were only four disks. I thought to myself, there's no way they're going to have a copy. Lo and behold, there it was! I was so excited I nearly ran someone over. (You remember how much pedestrian traffic there is around there on Veirs Mill Rd and Georgia Ave?)

Did you ever stand in line for any of Veneman's's annual sales? I stayed up all night for a pair of Mackie HR824's and...something else, I don't remember -- it was mostly to keep my bandmates and friends company.

[Centurion]

OMG, yes the Veneman's sales. Sure did, that was the big annual chance to get some real bargains. Also, saw some of the musician clinics that were held there, like one with Al di Meola for example. I was in there once and a guy standing next to me checking out the synths started talking to me and when I asked him if he was in a band, he said yea, Bruce Springstein - it was Little Steven, anyway just some of the old Veneman's tales.

[Dusty Chalk]

Then yes, it's quite possible we've stood next to each other (or elbowed each other "accidentally"). Rock on.

[robotrock]

As far as online/ mail order goes, I have had excellent experiences with Sweetwater. They definitely run things different than other online/ mail order outfits that I have dealt with.

[Centurion]

Sweetwater has lots of nice stuff. I had bought plenty of gear from them. Once I established a relationship there with a sales guy and I bought enough stuff, I was able to negotiate and quote other sources and just have them give me the best price. Lots of knowledgeable guys there too so it is also a good place to call and just try to talk about the gear and what you may need. I definetely recommend that place too.

[localhost8080]

I get some gear form ebay - you can always get cracking deals on things, i also get stuff from my local music shop =) but mostly ebay =)

[Trentreant]

I do not buy gear or anything like that, but eBay has burned me more than once. Gots to be real careful when buying anything from there that has a high dollar ticket.

[localhost8080]

true, but i usually buy form the same buyers, and i usually go for buy it now stuff - stuff thats new and in a box, and most importantly comes with warranty =)
saying that ive bought a lot of cool things for very cheap from auctions

[ProAudioX]

I have seen some really good stuff on eBay like high-end Neumann mics, but was too scared to act on it. Just too weird sending large cash to some unknowns regardless of the feedback count. :)