The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-08-04 16:51
I'm thinking of buying something from this website, www.musicarts.com. I've never used it before, though, and I'm naturally mistrustful about online shopping. Has anyone used it before and can verify that it's fine? I'm sure it is, but I'd like to check before I give them credit card info.
Thanks!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2009-08-04 17:02
100% legit, but I really hate them.
They to me are like the Walmart of the Music Industry - buying up mom and pop stores and supplying them with crap - such as the cheap $1 swabs made of brown imitation chamois with the metal tip end.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-08-04 17:11
Ah. Well, they have the best price on a Hercules clarinet, flute and picc combo stand that I've seen, so I guess I'll go with them. Thanks!
( I'll feel guilty, though... )
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-08-04 17:31
The stand and a korg tuner/metronome come to $54 on Music and Arts (free shipping and a 20% sale price) and the same order comes to $78 on Muncy. I do prefer Muncy, but I'm a poor student, so any savings looks good to me!
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Author: llgusa
Date: 2009-08-04 17:38
Another way to check out online businesses is to google the Online Better Business Bureau. I use that website any time I order online from a new company.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2009-08-04 17:56
I agree with David's evaluation of Music and Arts. They have bought out many stores in my area. I have found that they also don't have much of anything in stock, but will tell me that they can order it. It is a shame, as they replaced some really good stores.
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-08-05 00:35
When going through the order, when it comes time to put in the credit card number, the site doesn't appear to be "secure." There's no padlock icon, and no "s" signifying secure. Are you sure it's okay?
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Author: crsbryan
Date: 2009-08-06 14:41
They are fine. I'm showing it is secure. They are part of the monster that is Guitar Center. Along with Woodwind and Brasswind, Giardinelli, Music123, Musician's Friend, and a few other names. It is worth checking the other brands, to see if one has a better deal, sometimes one will offer free shipping, and another will offer a discount, but usually they're about the same.
I once went to a Music & Arts near me looking for an item. They didn't have it in stock, so checked their "catalog." I caught a glimpse of what the clerk was looking at - musiciansfriend.com.
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Author: crsbryan
Date: 2009-08-06 14:44
You may need to check your browser. Mine shows a padlock.
Curinfinwe wrote:
>When going through the order, when it comes time to put in the credit card
>number, the site doesn't appear to be "secure." There's no padlock icon, and
>no "s" signifying secure. Are you sure it's okay?
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2009-08-06 16:00
Curinfinwe wrote:
> Huh. It's showing it now!
And most certainly last evening it was unencrypted - I checked when I saw the note right away. They must have had a bad link in their cart.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-08-06 16:01
As a quick reference, you can check many online vendors of various stuff at Reseller Ratings. Their site is http://www.resellerratings.com. I know they list many general and specialty resellers, and there may be music stores among them. They are a lifesaver when it comes to photo and electronic gear, especially with some of the crooks in that market, based in or around NYC.
OK, I see they aren't listed yet. If you have an experience, good or bad, go to the site and post a review of the transaction, so others can benefit from your experience.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2009-08-06 16:32)
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