A Guitar And Gear Support Forum

Just this example.

Same ibanez AR325QA Dark Brown Sunburst

Sweetwater $599
Thomman $479

Not sure how much the shipping will add to the final bill, though. But that´s a very good price for a guitar that is a good competition for an AD3200 for $595, imho. I would get that ibby in a sec.

sabasgr68 wrote:Just this example.

Same ibanez AR325QA Dark Brown Sunburst

Sweetwater $599
Thomman $479

Not sure how the shipping will add to the final bill, though. But that´s a very good price for a guitar that is a good competition for an AD3200 for $595, imho. I would get that ibby in a sec.

sw i325.png

th i325.png

Shipping to me is $70. US one doesn't pay tax on smaller purchases from Thomann, so if the tax and base price are not less (example my new Gator Jaguar case), all things equal I buy from Thomann since I get 2nd day Air instead of ground service and know my package will be at my door in 3 days (2 business days when the time difference is accounted for) where it takes as much as a week to get the same package in the US from Sweetwater (case in point my Yamaha Revstar feom Sweetwater that shipped Tuesday and won't arrive until next Tuesday).

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honyock wrote: ↑Fri Jul 15, 2022 7:46 pm

sabasgr68 wrote:Just this example.

Same ibanez AR325QA Dark Brown Sunburst

Sweetwater $599
Thomman $479

Not sure how the shipping will add to the final bill, though. But that´s a very good price for a guitar that is a good competition for an AD3200 for $595, imho. I would get that ibby in a sec.


sw i325.png


th i325.png

Shipping to me is $70. US one doesn't pay tax on smaller purchases from Thomann, so if the tax and base price are not less (example my new Gator Jaguar case), all things equal I buy from Thomann since I get 2nd day Air instead of ground service and know my package will be at my door in 3 days (2 business days when the time difference is accounted for) where it takes as much as a week to get the same package in the US from Sweetwater (case in point my Yamaha Revstar feom Sweetwater that shipped Tuesday and won't arrive until next Tuesday).

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Seems like, in the case of this Ibanez, with $70 shipping in your case, you´re getting a good price, still below from Sweetwater´s.

I tried to do the experiment with my venezuelan address, but Venezuela is not in their country list; wonder why...

Sweetwater has been great about possible returns with me. Thomann made a return an absolute nightmare. So you take your chances.

Unless Sweetwater has changed they used to price match an advertised competitors price.

My best buying experiences have always been through Sweetwater. I have even returned a guitar to Sweetwater - no questions asked. If they have several of the same model guitar (over $300) they show each one front and back and they list the weight. You get to pick the exact guitar you want.

I was one of the huge early Thomann advocates, but as time wore on - there were real problems with communication, shipping, instrument damage, and now the shipping price has doubled. My final opinion was and is - If Thomann has a unique body style then it’s worth considering. Otherwise give them a pass. It gives me no joy to write this - but there have been some real horror stories from the guys and gals on this forum.

BTW - get yourself a sales rep at Sweetwater, never just buy online. My guy usually delivers a 15-20% discount on guitars over $300. How good is he? I just ordered a set of strings online. He called ME on the phone to say hi and see what I’ve been doing and let me know the strings were on their way. Who does that?

My Sweetwater Reps name is - Andy Rice.

Thanks everyone for sharing.

Yes, most of times it not only goes by the price alone. The before and after purchase attention and attitude might be just as important as price, or even more.

BatUtilityBelt wrote: ↑Fri Jul 15, 2022 9:37 pm Sweetwater has been great about possible returns with me. Thomann made a return an absolute nightmare. So you take your chances.

Thats my big fear. I guess im even lazier than i am cheap?

sabasgr68 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 12:00 pm Thanks everyone for sharing.

Yes, most of times it not only goes by the price alone. The before and after purchase attention and attitude might be just as important as price, or even more.

More important than price? Whoa. Dont get carried away.

nomadh wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 2:04 pm

sabasgr68 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 16, 2022 12:00 pm Thanks everyone for sharing.

Yes, most of times it not only goes by the price alone. The before and after purchase attention and attitude might be just as important as price, or even more.

More important than price? Whoa. Dont get carried away.

LOL. I still lack what it takes to get carried away, so it won´t happen haha.