It's unfair

[mick hearn]

I saw a lovely National D8 for sale on the american forum and started to drool. Now I am lying on the floor having a tantrum. Why?
The cost of the instrument was £633 so thought that wont break the bank. Then I enquired about shipping, import charges, VAT. The cheapest including insurance was £1027.40. Nearly double the cost of the guitar.

I hope Trump comes up with a good deal with the UK - we are being penalised.

Anyone else out there as annoyed as I am?

[Ken Byng]

Mick - do you know anyone in the States who is going to the Dallas Show next month. You could get it delivered to them and then see if anyone from the UK who is going to the show would bring it back for you.

[mick hearn]

Unfortunately Ken in the years that I was playing steel I never really met up with anyone as it was near enough a passing phase. My deep interest in the steel has been since 2014 so never really met up with anyone else. I think I am going to have to put this down to experience. It was certainly an eye opener. I have already contacted the seller to turn him down. I still have my other National D8 which is now starting to sing for me.

I dont know if you remember but it was 2015 when I asked the question on this forum about playing C6 and western swing and you kindly answered. Still have not met many steel players even since then apart from a couple of meets. All my contact has been via the forums.

Never mind - I will keep my eyes open for steels for sale in this country.

[Ken Byng]

Mick - it is very unfair how shipping charges for heavyish instruments from the USA to the UK virtually makes it prohibitive to ship. In some cases it is more economical to fly over and pick it up in person. I have changed my plans this year and have decided to go to Nashville in September instead of Dallas next month. Otherwise I would have made the necessary arrangements for you to have the guitar sent to a friend in Texas and then brought it back to the UK myself.