Is it rude?

[Staccato]

A few things I've learned about the quest for a different bass...

It's partly about what people like about that model, and partly about what other people consider negative characteristics of that model from a demo or owning one.

Research what's not to like about it with as much objectivity as possible while considering the positives.

 

[cnltb]

Hello TBers, I have GAS for a Rickenbacker, but I don't know if I'll like it or not (Neck profile, comfort etc). I have no plans on buying one for at least a year maybe, so is it rude to go into my guitar shop and ask to try one out, despite not having the intent to buy one for a while?

I don't think so.

 

[kcole4001]

Unfortunately, a lot of younger people get that attitude when looking at and trying more expensive gear.
The store staff don't think you're serious because you're young.

It's not right, but it is common.

I would explain to them that you're looking at getting into a Rick in the next year and need to try one out.
If they have one in stock, insist that you need to try it before you buy, because you simply can't know if you'll like it or not until you do try one.

If they have a problem with that, tell them they just lost a potential sale (and maybe more), because you'll just go elsewhere.

If they're worth dealing with, they'll apologize and give you the chance to test the gear you may want to buy, which is perfectly normal behavior as long as you're respectful of their property, and I see no reason to doubt that.

If they still don't want to let you try it out, then you really should be shopping somewhere else.

 

[sissy kathy]

If the store's price is far too high it's worth giving them a chance to get a bit closer to an online price, but a bricks and mortar store has higher overheads. I am aware that if they have to match online prices they'll go bust, and then there will be no resource locally to try things out at.

The music store near me does in fact match most on line prices, they are very friendly and have no problem letting customers try equipment.