Double Bass I was told it's best to buy AI amps directly from them...your input?

[Basschair]

I guy I know mentioned that it's a good idea to buy directly from AI, as you can get a better price from them than you could from a dealer, as the dealer is bound by a minimum sales cost. Does anyone know if this is so?

 

[reedo35]

I didn't know you could order direct from them, as there is no mention of it on their website, but there is a directory of dealers.
I got all my AI stuff from (all Hail!) Bob G. and I think I got a very fair price.

 

[Basschair]

I didn't know you could order direct from them, as there is no mention of it on their website, but there is a directory of dealers.
I got all my AI stuff from (all Hail!) Bob G. and I think I got a very fair price.

I checked their site, and agree with your impression. I may email/call to check, but I'm just not sure...

 

[fish slapper]

I didn't know you could order direct from them, as there is no mention of it on their website, but there is a directory of dealers.
I got all my AI stuff from (all Hail!) Bob G. and I think I got a very fair price.

Bob had my Clarus 1 (series III) in stock when no one else did. Decent price, immediate shipping, answered all my questions. What more would you want in a transaction?

 

[Freddels]

I don't know. Most will not undercut their dealers b/c they don't want to alienate them. The dealers advertise for them and talk up their products.

 

[Bob Gollihur]

I guy I know mentioned that it's a good idea to buy directly from AI, as you can get a better price from them than you could from a dealer, as the dealer is bound by a minimum sales cost. Does anyone know if this is so?

That is not the case.

Manufacturers who undersell their dealers would not have dealers for very long.

 

[bolo]

I guy I know mentioned that it's a good idea to buy directly from AI, as you can get a better price from them than you could from a dealer, as the dealer is bound by a minimum sales cost. Does anyone know if this is so?

I actually live about 30 minutes away from AI headquarters. I bought my Contra Series I there in 1999 as a walk-in. I bought my Contra extension cab there in person too after they had moved to a larger shop. I'm 99% sure in both cases they were the exact same price as listed anywhere else to be honest. (Sorry Bob.)

I think I have to agree w/ Freddels comments. What he said makes good business sense to me.

I agree w/ reedo35 and fish slapper too. I've bought a lot of stuff from Bob G., and I have always received outstanding customer service, thoughtful answers to my questions, and personal attention. And once you buy AI gear, you will get the same outstanding level of service from those folks as well.

 

[Freddels]

I've bought a lot of stuff from Bob G., and I have always received outstanding customer service, thoughtful answers to my questions, and personal attention.

I ordered an iAmp from Bob. I think it was a Wednesday afternoon that I called and I had the amp at my door on Friday.

 

[Basschair]

That is not the case.

Manufacturers who undersell their dealers would not have dealers for very long.

And that's why I had to ask, because I just sounded odd .

Thanks for straightening this out for me guys: now, to get the money together...

 

[mchildree]

Another vote for Bob! Best service in the business.

 

[flatback]

Another vote for Bob! Best service in the business.

Seriously this cat (Bob G) is a bassists dealer. He will sell you the goods for as little as he can and he has the best customer service around.
piro

 

[Basschair]

No doubt about that, guys: If/when this happens, I'll definitely go to him

 

[Steve Sundstrom]

I bought a Focus II (last series, great close-out price) from BassEmporium in Austin. Also good guys to deal with.