As a rule of thumb, I really try to buy locally where I can see a persons face and hand someone cash in person after I physically inspect my potential purchase. No offense meant to anyone here, but I don't know you guys and gals from Adam. If I ran into some VDF members at a show, I would likely never know nor would they. That's not my reason for not buying from forum members, my main reason is I am dirt broke!! Having said that, I do believe there is a member section where they post their information and ebay account name so you can view buyer feedback. Aside from that, as always when buying used gear it's BUYER BEWARE.
I hate eBay.
Aside from all of the above stuff, I scour forums for information and ideas mainly...and there is an abundance here. The things that make this forum great to me are the people who actually share their opinions, experiances, and views to those of us who will likely spend hundreds of dollars and months of time to learn on our own. Many of you have played long enough that you enjoyed the heyday of "vintage" instruments when they were new...people like me can only experiance that through stories cause I wasn't even a twinkle in my Dad's eye back then and I am jealous for that.
I am on 3 forums regularly, and one more off and on. VDF, two hot rod related forums, and I sometimes stop in at Peavey for information on my Classic 50. All of those forums are really great places which is why I go there. If any of them were sh!t holes full of pricks I would silently leave...not make a huge deal out of it...obviously trying to rock the boat. Like my Dad always said, "Nothin like kickin the front door down and complaining about the draft."
