Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

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Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by Delayman »

Hi. Going to the States and UK over Christmas. Not likely to get loads of time in music stores (family trip), but if I do, what is likely to be worth looking at? Big price differences between NZ and there etc. Anybody have any advice?

Going to London, Manchester, Florida, New Jersey.

Thanks
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by Kev77 »

Denmark at London, get off at tottenham court tube station. Bring wet wipes.
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by KentNZ »

Denmark Street in London is definately worth a look. There's also a couple of large music shops on Tottenham Court Road too. London has a few great Museums and bookshops too. ;)

The stores, generally, aren't always the great bargains - but for ogling rare gear, or a large range of gear, but while in Europe, perhaps look at online sources (Thomann, GAK, Andertons, etc) and get local delivery. Power supply in UK and Europe is compatible for NZ, so, good for gadgets and tech.

As for the US, thats where you look for guitars. And thats a whole journey I dont know too much about - but again, looking online and then arranging US delivery for items that dont need to be tried out (pedals?!) will be cheap as.

Guitars generally need to be played, so, visit lots of shops.

My 2c, anyway.
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by rickenbackerkid »

I hear it’s bloody expensive to buy gear in the UK with NZD. A friend of mine bought a few things recently and they were bloody dear.

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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by higainer »

bbrunskill wrote:I hear it’s bloody expensive to buy gear in the UK with NZD. A friend of mine bought a few things recently and they were bloody dear.
That'd be right.
The limey's get pounded severely with imported stuff, just look at Mesa prices over there :crazy:
If you can find a UK made product, the prices shouldn't make you wince......hopefully.
Just factor in the exchange rate to see if it's worth it.

Smartest thing to do is research online before you go.

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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by jeremyb »

Don't shout "ALLAH ACKBAR MUHAMMED JIHAD" when you go thru security, otherwise you'll be fine :)
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by handsoffmatt »

UK prices are, generally speaking, more expensive than NZ when all currency/tax is taken into account.

USA is where the deals are to be had, though I've never been to Florida or NJ so can't recommend any particular stores.
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by KentNZ »

higainer wrote:
bbrunskill wrote:I hear it’s bloody expensive to buy gear in the UK with NZD. A friend of mine bought a few things recently and they were bloody dear.
That'd be right.
The limey's get pounded severely with imported stuff, just look at Mesa prices over there :crazy:
If you can find a UK made product, the prices shouldn't make you wince......hopefully.
Just factor in the exchange rate to see if it's worth it.

Smartest thing to do is research online before you go.
Actually, fair point, NZ prices are very favourable to the UK ones now - rather different than when I lived there 5 years ago. Always check online. But locallay produced product, anything heavier or larger, then perhaps. But as Matt says, generally deals to be had are Stateside.
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by Delayman »

Thanks for the advice guys, might have to look at some US deliveries to family. Especially helpful to know my JIHAD call won't be welcomed at airports. Who knew? :lol:
They keep telling me tone is in the fingers, but I have yet to see a "look at my fingers" thread.
Lawrence wrote: Every orchestra that comes thru here is a covers band as are most of the jazz bands...

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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by Kev77 »

If you get in a bind just say
"Wah Mohamed El Han see ah" and that should get you a nice spot of attention
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by Rog »

We used to speak in Maori NZ place names to confuse the poms & yanks.
He hit a chord that rocked the spinet and disappeared into the infinite ...

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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by sizzlingbadger »

I would advise a good hot curry and a pint of Fullers finest ale whilst in London.
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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by Delayman »

sizzlingbadger wrote:I would advise a good hot curry and a pint of Fullers finest ale whilst in London.
Sounds more realistic than nabbing an amazing deal in the music shop micro-visits I might fit in.
They keep telling me tone is in the fingers, but I have yet to see a "look at my fingers" thread.
Lawrence wrote: Every orchestra that comes thru here is a covers band as are most of the jazz bands...

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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by StrummersOfThunder »

im heading to the US for December. definitely be checking out some guitar stores.
regional guitar centres look like a good option. but fun to check out boutique and vintage shops.

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Re: Going to the States and UK over Christmas...advice?

Post by alanp »

higainer wrote: The limey's get pounded severely with imported stuff, just look at Mesa prices over there :crazy:
If you can find a UK made product, the prices shouldn't make you wince......hopefully.
Just factor in the exchange rate to see if it's worth it.
The import limit is something like 15 pounds, something insanely low. It's a regular complaint from UK members on the Madbean forum -- to the point where there's a thread on there asking for a good UK source for prebonded WIRE! Beyond that limit, it's customs and VAT time for them. The guy from Serbia complains about sourcing parts less.
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