Going to America

Zangetsu

Heading to Vegas in 2 weeks, was wondering with the dollar climbing its way back would it be worth buying a guitar over there? Ya reckon it would end up much cheaper? Think its time to get my Casino (pun partially intended!).

Sergio

grab one while your over there as its much cheaper.my buddy bought one recently and brought it home with him and saved €1500 from european prices.

Zangetsu

On a casino? They only cost 1500/2000 here

Vim Fuego

Stuff like G&L is well cheaper over there. They're way too expensive in shops here.

In all likelihood, you'll get it back without having to play tax/duty on it either.

Zangetsu

Thats the plan!

Quattroste

No you won't!. They'll pull you over because you have a guitar case and they'll question you.

Zangetsu

But how can they prove I bought it there? They can question me all they like I ain't gonna declare ****!

Alanstrainor

Zangetsu wrote: »

But how can they prove I bought it there? They can question me all they like I ain't gonna declare ****!

They'll just ask yo for proof of purchase in the EU. And if you can't provide any...chances are you'll get stung

Zangetsu

lol... so when you travel with a guitar ya have to carry the reciept? And if you don't they'll charge you based on what they think the item is worth?

Thats put me on a downer...

Quattroste

They will ask you to prove that you didn't buy the guitar in the US if they suspect that you did. Then it's up to you. They can hold the guitar at customs until you supply them with evidence.

Zangetsu

Guantanamo for guitars ey? What about second hand instruments... Or my clothes for that matter, I'm getting worried about this whole America buzz...

Alanstrainor

Just dont come back with the the tags still on the guitar, infact rough it up a bit, maybe go hendrix on it's ass and set it on fire for a bit.
Actually, that's probably a bit extreme....just a tad...

Quattroste

I'd cut out the advice on how to avoid it. It's the law.

Now its up to you whether you risk it or not.

Vim Fuego

I'm not offering advice on how to get around the law but I have brought back a number of guitars from the states and never been stopped once. And we're talking about walking through customs with a guitar on my back and one on the trolley. I would have happily paid the tax if the customs agents were doing their job of course. The last time this happened was in April.

DeadSkin

fish-head

Voodu Child

Quattroste wrote: »

I'd cut out the advice on how to avoid it. It's the law.

Now its up to you whether you risk it or not.

Yep. You can do whatever you want yourself in terms of bringing guitars back, but you can't be asking for or giving advice on how to break the law on the forum, its just not good for boards.ie and is against the instruments charter.

68 lost souls

It would also be adviseable to declare any items at the moment since there is a crack down on bringing stuff back at the moment and anyone caught trying to avoid paying tax can be landed with a fine on top of paying almos 40% of whatever they think its worth so when they compare it to irish prices not US you will get killed with tax.

Zangetsu

Yup I know that, I've read it. Was just wondering if the same taxes apply to second hand instruments. I wouldn't mind getting myself a second had rick or something over there if the opportunity presents its self.

Cheers for the thoughts so far!

Johnny Storm

Quattroste wrote: »

They will ask you to prove that you didn't buy the guitar in the US if they suspect that you did. Then it's up to you. They can hold the guitar at customs until you supply them with evidence.

If I recall correctly Quattroste is speaking from personal experience here.

Now its up to you whether you risk it or not.

Yep!

Johnny Storm

DeadSkin wrote: »

Those were the days!

unclebill98

Was just in the US back in Nov. Prices are not that much different on Fenders/Gisbons etc. MM basses yes or anything high end ie $4k etc and your going to save money.

Guitar Centre's have lost there ability to reduce on floor prices due to a change in store policy so I'd avoid them and look for the independant stores.

But after paying duty and taxes your not saving that much of anything at all.

It really depends on what your looking for.

Dord

IMO, the only reason I'd buy something in the US is if its used and unusual/odd and not easy to get here.

unclebill98

Dord wrote: »

IMO, the only reason I'd buy something in the US is if its used and unusual/odd and not easy to get here.

+1

Or if its a massive savings after all tax's/customs charges have been paid. But tbh I went through everything in 3/4 guitar shops from PA, recording, drums, guitars, acoustics etc. Not a saving of anything worth while to bring back.

Even the ipods are almost the same price. I was shopping with $ i got for $1.5 to a euro, and still nothing