As the current trend goes, anything can be bought on the Internet. The same can be said about musical instruments but they are a different product. Clothes can be tried on, exchanged and even returned, can the same be done with musical instruments. They all serve the same purpose, to hit a certain key but it has to be right and it has to be tuned.

The musical instrument shopping experience is dominated by two websites: Guitar Center and Sam Ash. Along with those sites are perennial go-to sites like Ebay and Amazon. And last the retail sites mostly known for home electronics, Best Buy, also has it’s own department dedicated to instruments. With the exception of Ebay and Amazon, all these stores can be visited at multiple locations and online.

Starting with Guitar Center and Sam Ash. Both are extremely similar, catering to the musician and the music professional. There is a difference between the musician and the music professional. Musician is self-explanatory while the music professional is someone more behind the scenes -- a producer, recorder or set professional.

At Guitar Center, you will have your normal stock of instruments from strings to brass to percussions. At their locations, their salespeople are hardened musicians themselves so they will guide you and allow you to test their wares. Another interesting thing about Guitar Center is that they carry vintage instruments for collectors. So if you an extra $200K lying around, you can purchase that original Les Paul you’ve always wanted.

At Sam Ash, much is the same, but they offer it in their extremely clean and easy to navigate website. Their professional section carries more than enough recording equipment and it’s a great start for anyone trying to make their own music label. They also have something called “Sam Ash Disc Direct” that offers a service which will create custom CD’s, DVD’s and apparel for your musical group, band, act or even a special occasion. So if you ever wanted to star in your own music video, here’s a way you can package it for your fans.

Ebay and Amazon have their own great music section but you obviously cannot try out the instruments there. Select Best Buy stores have a modest but thorough music department with plenty of starter kits for those just learning how to play. Becoming a musician takes a certain degree of dedication, these stores are just a catalyst into your music hobby or career.

Image credit: Tony Chisum on Flickr