[BlueRocker]

They're doing it again. I've been thinking of trying out a Vox AC15 for a while, at $25 for a month rental it seems like a no-brainer to take one for an extended tryout without the guilt of the "30 day return". I was actually quite surprised the amount of guitar stuff they rent, although the selection is probably limited in the smaller stores.

Anyone rent gear before they buy it, or just to cope with the GAS for a while?

(PS apologies if this is in the wrong forum)

 

[bw66]

For the last couple of years, I've rented something pretty much every time half-price rental day comes around. In the last year and a bit I've added a couple of guitars to the stable, so I'm a bit less inclined to try something new these days but it really is a great way to find out what you like. I've never bought any of the guitars that I've rented, though an Epiphone Casino and Wildkat have both tempted me in the past.

 

[SteveS]

I bought an ES335 that had been an L&M rental a few years ago. I ended up returning it because it was so banged up I didn't feel it was worth the price.
I'll be honest that one kind of haunts me a bit.
It was a great, great sounding 335 and I thought I could replace it easily for an equally great sounding one that wasn't banged up.
I've had two others since then (one a 59 reissue) and I don't think either of them sounded as good as that one.
I kick my ass a bit for that one...

 

[zontar]

Before I bought my Mandobird I kept thinking I would rent a mandolin on a half price rental day/week.

But every time one rolled around something else came up and I couldn't get there.

Then I found a used Mandobird for a great price before a half price rental sale--so I just bought the mMandobird.

Maybe one time I'll rent an acoustic mandolin.

 

[HighNoon]

Trying gear, especially bass bottoms in the store, never quite cut's it. So, it's rent it (or them), use 'em on a gig, and you get a quick understanding on whether or not they can handle live engagements. Then you can, if it's part of the rental stock, negotiate a price, or go for new, knowing what you're getting in advance.

 

[DaddyDog]

Anyone rent gear before they buy it

Yes, it's a great opportunity to try it first. Who cares if it's a little scuffed? Before last summer, I rented a Neumann TLM103 mic, and a Fender Deluxe Tone Master for a month. With my band, we have rented a powered sub woofer. I now know which venues it is good for. And have decided it's not worth my while to buy.

 

[fretzel]

I rented the 68 princeton today. Just got to check it out for a bit. Unfortunately can't turn it up right now.

Was a/b'ing it against my SCX2 just out of curiosity. The princeton seems to have a lot more bass response. Running them together with the trem on the 68 and chorus on the X2 almost makes me want to use modulation more. Sounded amazing.