As several previous posters on this thread have said, there's no problem with buying a guitar online. I have bought most of my new guitars online and most of my used guitars in the store. I'm more concerned with used guitars having issues than new guitars.

What's more of a hassle? Sending an online purchased guitar back and waiting for a replacement or doing the 60-mile round-trip when you have trouble with a guitar you bought (and played) at a store?

I find it amusing that you should "play as many guitars as you can until you find the one you love" and then buy that one. If people would put that much effort into finding the right marriage partner, we wouldn't have so many divorced musicians...

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Dennis in CR
Rockin' since 1963

You really need to play it first as a MIM could play better than a USA model.

I think buying online is a pig in a poke if they don't have a good return policy just in case it's damaged of you just don't like the feel of it. Regardless of where the guitar was made or what model it is, if it doesn't feel right for you then pass it by. Spend the extra few bucks and buy one you've played and feel comfortable with, it might save a lot of heartache down the road. Good luck.

I did that too. 21 years and counting.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Got a Tele under 'Used Gear' on the Guitar Center site. It was 10 years old than it said it was online. They took it back locally at the store w/out any problem. I'd have no problem buying another item from them again. If you get the item shipped to the store it's only $10 no matter how far away it's shipped from.