trying out accessories

[Chris04]

What is the best way to try out new sax-related accessories (mouthpieces, necks, ligatures, even saxes themselves)? Do you order online, or go to a local music store, and why do you choose this option over the other? Just curious, because I've noticed while reading posts lately that a lot of you mention trying out new equipment, and I have a hard time finding ways to do this, as the local music store selection is limited, and ordering online seems to be a huge hassle (at least in my experiences). Thanks for the opinions!

[Dave Dolson]

Chris04: I agree that many music retailers have poor selections, geared mostly toward public-school students. But, a few will have some of the interesting items. I have a few stores in a 40-mile radius of my home that stock interesting items and where I can test them before buying.

However, some items are rare on the retail scene (alternative soprano necks, for example). So, if I'm really hot to buy, I'll order those items on the Internet, fully prepared to eat the cost should they not work as well as what I already have (ligatures, necks, mouthpieces), although some Internet discounters allow returns. Even then, returning is sometimes more hassle than just accepting the item and putting it away. I've even found that after revisiting some items in my box of unused accesories, I actually like them. DAVE