Buying gear from USA / Canada

[imiddle132]

I've noticed a few comments on the American forum about some members' alacrity about sending guitars etc. to UK/Europe.

What experiences have British steelies had with importing guitars from the USA/Canada?

Any recommendations about methods of doing it?

[Ken Byng]

I am one of the lone voices on that thread who disagree that there is increased risk of selling to some foreign countries for US sellers. It is a myth, and very few of those who support the 'It isn't worth the hassle brigade' can provide irrefutable evidence of USA sellers where the exportation has gone badly wrong. However, that myth has now expanded to the point where very few private sellers will deal directly with buyers from Europe or the UK.

Here is the link to the thread concerned entitled "Why No International Shipping". http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=286053

While it is frustrating, at the end of the day it is the seller's decision whether they choose to sell within the USA or open up their catchment area and sell to selected countries abroad.I have bought a number of steel guitars direct in the USA whilst on holiday and brought them back home with me. It's pretty painless - provided that the instrument is packaged well - and it is up to the buyer how they deal with the customs side of things. I won't make any further comment on that as one or two on this site took exception to my previously voiced advice.

Finally I will just say this. The number of guitars for sale on the USA's steel forum that actually appear to get sold are very few. That's because buyers with disposable cash over there are a diminishing lot. If anyone over here is going to the States on holiday, especially to one of the steel guitar shows, that is a good time to make a deal and bring a guitar back home. Mainly depends on an attractive Dollar/Pound rate.