Purchasing a guitar from the States (from overseas)

[homer]

Hi All
I live in Australia and am looking to buy my first Ric. I have been searching the net for a while (and have been lurking here for a while also !) and have noticed that the prices in the States are sooo much cheaper than here in oz.It would be great to get some tips/recommendations from people who have imported a guitar from the States. I am still deciding whether it is worth possibly saving thousands of $$ but ending up with a guitar that it not quite right as I didnt get a chance to play it first. I guess that is the catch.
Anyway some good or bad experiences would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Andrew

[jps]

As I understand it, many come here for vacation and go home with an instrument.

[jdogric12]

Shipping and tax and etc can run you up to $500 USD. I've shipped several guitars and a bass to Oz, but not since about 2008 or early 2009 maybe.

Of course, some people take a vacation to the states, bring a cheap guitar with them to declare upon leaving Oz, and then dump it in the states and take home a much more expensive axe, and pass it off as the same one.

I can not recommend this, of course, because it's completely unethical, illegal, lol

[homer]

thanks for th replies.

[8mileshigher]

You might want to check in with some RRF-ers in the Australian chapter
viewforum.php?f=61

Maybe Greg or Aitch or Trotty, etc. might be able to advise you on their purchase/shipping techniques....
Good luck !

[homer]

Thanks Rich, great suggestion.

[homer]

Thanks Rich, great suggestion.

[Chrome Aardvark]

I picked up a 1968 Gibson ES-335 12-String from the States a few years back by digging around online. It does feel weird to buy a guitar without knowing whether or not it will "feel" or "sound" right for you. The best advice I can give is to compare prices, see if the seller is willing to drop their price a little, ask a lot of questions, get enough pictures and, if possible, video of the guitar in question and make up your mind from there.

The guitar will cost you get it into the country via import duty, stamp duty, shipping and insurance, which you need to budget for. Then there's the anxious wait for it as it's shipped to you.

I'm glad I bought mine and went through all the drama above. I hope things work out for you if you decide to go through with this.

Cheers,

Rod

[gregga41]

Hi Andrew,
welcome to the forum.
I've been in the fortunate position of being able to bring a few Ricks into Australia ove the past few years. I've never had a problem with any of them
I find it good practice to ask LOTS of questions, get heaps of photos, and ask MORE questions, until you are 100% sure in yourself that it's for you.
With the Aussie dollar at record highs at this moment in time, it's a great way to get otherwise expensive(in Australia) guitars.
Also all of the guys here selling guitars on the forum have total trustworthiness, and i have dealt with many. It may be a sure-safe way to go.
I'm currently negotiating a 330 with Olivias Vintage Guitars in the US at the present.
Where in Australia are you based?
Cheers Greg

[antipodean]

G'day Andrew,

I echo Greg's comments, and add that if you stick to reputable sellers (e.g. one of a number of US Rick specialists who carry used guitars such as Pick of the Ricks or The Music Connection) you can't go too wrong. RIC quality control is excellent, so unless a guitar has been abused, it is extremely unlikely to have any issues. If in the end you find that a particular Rick isn't really your thing after all, you could probably flip it pretty quickly in Oz without taking a major hit.

Please be aware that you will be up for GST of 10% on just about any Rickenbacker as the price of the guitar plus shipping will exceed the AUD1,000 tax threshhold. Shipping can also be a bit painful - up to USD 500 - and some sellers will be unwilling to hunt down the best price. Depending upon who you ship with you may need to clear the guitar through customs yourself (this is the cheaper option if it is available). There's a bit of paperwork involved but I've generally found Australian customs to be pretty helpful.

All the best with your quest!

[homer]

Thanks Greg and Evan for the responses, much appreciated.
Greg I am in Perth. I still have a few more posts to go before i can access the marketplace here.
I am now heading to the states with the family in June for a holiday. Hopefuly i will be able to look at some guitars in LA and San Fran.
Just a few more question
- do you still have to pay GST on used insturments?
- is it better to ship or just take on the plane wih you?

[gellkeller]

GST is payable on used instruments if the landed cost exceeds $1000 AU. Landed cost includes purchase price, shipping and insurance. GST is payable on the landed cost.

I have had the odd guitar sail straight through Customs without encountering any GST. On each occasion, they were shipped by FEDEX. I wish I knew what they knew.

[homer]

Thanks Brett.

[grazioso]

it has been my experience that it is ALWAYS easier to board the plane with it - ...i have never paid any custom fees for the guitar that i took with me (usa to eu) another big + is that you don't have to deal with shipping company and the crazy cost of that.

[Dasher]

I've bought unseen from Guitar Resurrection in Austin Texas. I've been over and collected, and then brought back to the UK as carry-on. I've also had them ship to a US address and collected from this during a business trip -no problem at all. Having visited the store and played lots of stock there, I would be comfortable in recommending them. The best way to do this is to visit during SXSW and enjoy the music on offer over a short vacation!

Although it's nice to enjoy the pricing - my prime reason for shopping in the US is the choice on offer at any one time compared to the UK (and probably Australia).

On a recent trip I bought a Breedlove Columbia Mandolin, ordered from the UK and shipped to my hotel in Florida - beautiful instrument it is too!