UK online retailers: in stock/guaranteed delivery date?

I am looking to buy a Yamaha RBX170 bass guitar from one of the UK companies who sell via the web, for example:
www.gak.co.uk www.soundslive.co.uk

also a few others are 'in the frame'.

Anyone recommend a good firm? I want:

* A low price (the two firms listed are lowest) * Prompt delivery

I hope your boss hasn't got usenet access

I would say the 2 company's you have listed are about the best out there.. Thomann may be a bit cheaper but delivery would take longer, and they couldn't guarantee what day the bass would arrive..

Try www.coda-music.com. I've ordered stuff from them in the past and they have been very reliable. I'd avoid Sounds Live - the only time I've used them, I placed an order online and eventually had to cancel it and order from Coda instead because Sounds Live were out of stock and wanted to mess me about whilst they tried to get hold of new stock.

Not wanting to piss on your chips and that but I think this is probably over optimistic.

Cheers, Steve W

actually Bruce, I find it best to order over the phone, that way you can check that they actually have the item in stock... check the net prices by all means, but order by phone, you can also do a spot of haggling as well..

Web site prices are often lower than 'phone up' prices. I think it says this on the www.gak.co.uk site. They should be able to inform buyers by email when the product is being shipped, I would have thought.

Speaking as a mail order supplier, there seems to be a small, but important, point you are overlooking.

The shop does not control the carrier company who delivers the goods. It is perfectly possible, and often frequent, that a carrier does not deliver per the contracted period.

However, you can have 'timed' deliveries made at a stipulated time of the day. Like: Before 12.00, Before 10.00 or By 09.00... but it will cost you a lot extra. If the carrier fails, then you can get the shop to claim back your carriage fee. Many carriers offer a refund in such circumstances.

But please, don't blame the shop if it's the carriers fault. And if it is the carrier who cocks it up... then please let the world know it was not the shops fault!!

Good luck.