Where do you buy most of your gear?

[mimaz]

OK, we all know there are hundreds, even thousands of choices when it comes to finding gear, but "in general", where do you turn most often to fuel your latest G.A.S.?

[barthanatos]

I honestly can't single one source out. I'm pretty balanced. I've bought a ton of stuff from local shops - my local Ted Brown is very good about matching online prices, and the manager knows gear like no one I've ever met.
I got a killer deal on my Taylor guitar when a good friend worked at a local shop.
I've bought my Fender MIA Jazz on eBay NOS.
Moog pedals on eBay.
Drum kit custom ordered from small builder.
Other drum kit from eBay.
Rob Allen bass straight from the man.
Compressor, tuner, power-conditioner from major online retailer.
Strings from smaller online retailer.
Guitar amp and guitar from major chain store.
SVT (used) and Ampeg cab (new) from BassNW.
Ovation guitar from pawn shop.
Takamine 12 string from eBay.
Accugroove cab from a TB member.
Avalon U5 from TB member.
Accugroove cab from local distributor (if Oregon is local).

[joelb79]

my local dealer sells alot of stuff that MF sells, and sells it to me for MUCH less than them. I average around 25% discount from MF prices.

Just tonight I bought a gator hardshell bass guitar case for $55 out the door.

But they dont sell the stuff I really G.A.S. over. I usually find that here on TB or on Ebay

[steve21]

Both basses at Hollywood GC
Amp at GC
Metal Muff, Nano Small Stone, and Planet Waves Tuner - Hollywood Sherman Oaks
Weeping Demon - Ultimate-Guitar.com
Morley PWB in the mail - Ebay
Fatfinger - TB

From now on, most of my shopping will likely be at TB or the Guitar Center in Sherman Oaks. Some eBay. If GC can't do it for me, I'll have to order my Lakland later this year from Mesa Boogie, I guess.

[Mudfuzz]

All but on TB so far.

[AxtoOx]

I get most of my stuff from Bass Central, some Guitars stuff from AMS or ProSound. GC still gets some. Used to get more, but I finally have a good hook up out here thanks to a fellow TB'er.

[JanusZarate]

I've acquired most of my stuff, surprisingly, from great eBay deals. Coming in close second is TalkBass, followed by Guitar Center, then craigslist. Occasionally, I'll get something from another source.

[Bruce Lindfield]

I've bought all my gear from good independent retailers in my home town and in London - Bass Centre. I've bought a few bits and pieces from internet retailers and an amp/cab from Overwater in Carlisle, by mail order.

[Salicete]

Atomic Music
Ebay-though that is getting to be a crapshoot these days-IMO.
GC- If I need a specific item quickly.

[tplyons]

A lot comes from talkbass. My Miller came from Bassgear. My fretless P came from eBay. My Jaguar came from eBay. My GK Neo cabs came from eBay. My head came from Guitar Center. My rack case came from a place I found via eBay.

Shall I continue?

[Matthew Bryson]

Used - I've bought from Talkbass, friends, family, and Craig's List.

I also buy a fair amount of stuff at Guitar Center and online from Musicians Friend. I'd rather support mom and pop stores, but they seldom have what I want.

[mimaz]

I'm wondering if I should have made the poll "pick all that apply", because as of yet, nobody is willing to admit to shopping at GC! (at least not by voting)

[SteveC]

In the past I have done a lot of ebay and online specialty buying. That was because I was into high end stuff that just wasn't available here. Everything I use right now - with the exception of my Radial JDI - was purchased at a local store. I think that is important.

We need local shops. Where do you go in an emergency? I know price is a consideration, but Musicians Friend won't let you use an amp for the big gig tonight because yours just crapped out on you.

I try to buy local whenever I can. If it's only a few bucks more I pay it because I know if I need a favor I can ask and probably get some help.

[rob2966]

Most of my bass, studio, and PA gear comes from chain retailers (Long&McQuade, Guitar Center (if I feel like a drive down to Seattle)).

My Pedulla bass was bought used from the local Buy&Sell.

My NYC Sadowsky straight from the source.

Very little purchased on Ebay. Haven't used TB yet but if I was to sell a higher end bass I would likely go that route. Seems a better, more serious audience, than eBay.

Later
Rob

[The Owl]

Depends on what I need, but my main sources these days:

1) Local, Earthshaking Music

2) Online: Musicians Friend or Sweetwater

Pretty much had it with Guitar Center

[Tony G]

Almost all of my gear purchases and trades in the last year have come from fellow TB members.

[thehurlatron]

I usually go where it's the cheapest and quickest to get. If MF has it for a ton cheaper than the mom and pop store....sorry pops. (the best thing my local stores have is an ibanez starter pack)

I like buying from TB the best. I just like the idea of recycling out gear through each other and all saving a buck or two in the process.

Otherwise it's theperfectbass, sweetwater (my recording and PA needs), bass central, or direct from the manufacturer.

[pointbass]

The huge majority of my stuff comes from smaller, non-national retailers. I try really hard to support the local guys as much as possible. My custom basses are all ordered direct from the builder(s) ....

I buy almost nothing from the national chains, next to nothing from on-line retailers. I have had good success buying through the TB classifieds on those occasions where I've found what I needed here ....

[rekesbass]

I'm a firm believer in supporting my local economy..I have a local store that takes pretty good care of me here and their selection is pretty good,they have pretty much everything I need and if they don't,they will get it .In the past they have"bent over backwards" for me..I really don't like GC too much although I will go if I have to. I like to try before I buy so the on-line retailers and e-bay are not an option..

[BuffaloMO]

It would be nice to buy local, but the closest retail store here is about 30 miles away and you will pay double price.

Most stuff I buy is from Musician's Friend and American Musical Supply.