Online Music Stores

[Kaye]

Hi softies!

What are your views on online music stores? Will it be cheaper compared to getting it in local stores?

I'm looking at websites such as
- Sweetwater
- Musicfriend

Where they sell a whole bunch of music stuff. Any of you guys have had experience with these stores? Any more recommendation?

Cheers!

 

[AzNjT]

What products are you looking to purchase?
You can try GearHounds as well.

I've shopped there as well as Sweetwater

 

[Kaye]

AzNjT: hello! I'm mainly looking at recording interfaces.

 

[AzNjT]

Like compact ones or rack type units?

 

[Kaye]

Compact units! and mics as well!

 

[carboxymoron]

I've ordered from Musiciansfriend through Blackwood/Ebenex. They may be able to bring in cheaper than if you shipped it yourself, depending on the size/weight and type of product. And of course, order during Musiciansfriend sales, which is significantly better than any sales in any local stores.

The other good online store I've dealt with is Proguitarshop, but I don't think they have recording gear.

 

[AzNjT]

I would recommend buying them here for such products, unless for instruments of a special run or product that we can't purchase here.
so like, the POD UX for instance? or?

 

[Kaye]

I'm kinda looking for something along the line of Saffire pro 24 or pro 14. And also Audio Technica AT2020. I know Hungbros bring them in as well. But I'm just trying to compare prices to see if there's any huge difference, else I might as well just purchase them here.

 

[superpotato_30]

Hmm theres always ebay? I've bought several stuff from there. Can try themadape.com also/ Samash

 

[ankursamtaney]

I'm kinda looking for something along the line of Saffire pro 24 or pro 14. And also Audio Technica AT2020. I know Hungbros bring them in as well. But I'm just trying to compare prices to see if there's any huge difference, else I might as well just purchase them here.

I bought a Saffire Pro 40 from an Amazon for US$419, but Musician's Friend just announced a sale 2 days later for the unit at US$399. In any case, I ordered my Saffire through hopshopgo.com and it cost me a total of about 700 - 720 SGD door-to-door. This was about 130 - 150 bucks cheaper than what Sinamex (Focusrite's local distributor / dealer) was charging me for it. You may save even more on shipping if you order the pro 14 or the pro 24. Look out for deals on ebay too, coz you get awesome ones sometimes.

Now the problem -- you do not have local warranty, and as luck would have it, my unit had a slight glitch. The volume knob of headphone 1 controlled headphone 2's output, and vice versa. Thankfully it was an easy fix; just needed to open up the unit and flip 2 ribbon cables from one point to another (NOTE that I didn't know this myself, but the guys over at Focusrite UK told me how to go about it. Very helpful!). All in all, it was worth the gamble and I'm pretty sure I'll order from the US again if I need to. I am completely against the idea of local distributors / dealers charging 50% - 70% premiums just because they're the only ones selling those models in the country! It's almost like monopoly, and hence exploitation.

To any dealers who may read this -- I mean no offence to you. This is just my opinion of NOT all, but many dealers here. I have also come across some which sell at a 20 - 25% markup over US MAP, which I think is very fair; but I refuse to pay an over-40% premium for a product here than I would in the US!

 

[Kaye]

Hey guys! Thanks for the valuable comments. I shall start calculating on the cost I can save on!