High End gear in the U.K.

[Gomez]

I had it with the cost of high end gear in the U.K.

I know - "high end" stuff is not meant to be cheap for a number of reasons, but I think prices here outrageous... even second hand stuff is quite expensive. (and yes I know that taxes here are quite high)

I had a look at the famous "funky junk" second hand gear prices and I though they weren't cheap either.

How are you guys getting your gear without breaking the bank (in the U.K.)? Any recommendations?

Ta!


Gomez

[Jules]

Why not call up Keith Malin at KMR and say this..

"Jule's said if I asked nicely you would do me a special Gearslutz.com, M8 rate price"

(I'm serious!)

KMR
http://www.kmraudio.com
Opening Hours: 10am - 7pm (Mon - Sat)
Email: sales@kmraudio.com
Telephone: 020 8445 2446
Address: 1375 High road
Whetstone
London, N20 9LN

As for Funky Junk, http://www.proaudioeurope.com/index2.htm when you start piling up the boxes ("I will take that, that, four of those and that as well") you can risk your arm by asking Mark for a discount on it all or tossing in a freebie, but dont expect him to hire you a brass band and throw you a parade for buying one item....(Why should he?)

I like this guy too http://www.mjq.co.uk/ again,. buy MANY items and he can come around to some discount or a free item suggestion.

Tell them all Jules from Gearslutz.com sent you and all your scratch cards will be winners!

[mac black]

I second that Jules,

Prices are double what they are overseas !!! Its a bloody Joke !

I've got a few bits from funkyjunk and Albert and Mark are good guys. Recently I've done bussiness with Malcolm Jackson (mjq) , he's a top guy and his partner is the ONLY person in the UK that can service Vinyl cutting machines.
Fully recommend both.

mac

[Geoff_T]

Originally Posted by mac black

I second that Jules,

Prices are double what they are overseas !!! Its a bloody Joke !

I've got a few bits from funkyjunk and Albert and Mark are good guys. Recently I've done bussiness with Malcolm Jackson (mjq) , he's a top guy and his partner is the ONLY person in the UK that can service Vinyl cutting machines.
Fully recommend both.

mac

Hi

Blimey... is MJ still around? I knew him from the Neve days 20 years ago... give him my regards!

The UK always scares me to death, price wise, it's pounds to dollars most of the time. Look how much a burger costs compared to the USA, or computer software, or as this thread contests, pro gear. I'm going to be back there for a few days next week as my family are having a big reunion with my brother's 40th wedding anniversary as the key event.

I concur with the comments re Mark at Funky Junk... also a good ol' boy who will try to help if he can.

[Tim Halligan]

If you think the UK is expensive, try buying high-end gear in Australia...


Cheers,
Tim

[entropy]

agreed with Tim. Having bought in both places, the UK's got nothing on Aussie when it comes to paying over the top. And it ain't the shops here that are the problem (of course, i would say that "cause I run one), it's the distributors. They are out of control here!!! There are a couple that run things properly with demo stock available and decent pricing but 90% are having a laugh. I was privy to a discussion where a RRP price was being set for a new product and you know how they reached the figure???? US RRP times 3!!!!

Back to the UK, KMR are the boys, Keith and Nicky know their stuff and will do you as good a deal as anyone else (if not better).

[NemoTracks]

Does anyone know a UK dealer that handles the GTQ2?
Is there a UK price?
Has anyone imported one yet?

Sorry if this is a touch off topic.

[StuartMac]

Originally Posted by NemoTracks

Does anyone know a UK dealer that handles the GTQ2?
Is there a UK price?
Has anyone imported one yet?

Sorry if this is a touch off topic.

I don't think anyone's bringing them into the country yet, but buying from the States will be cheaper anyway. The exchange rate is so low just now that it makes sense. Just remember the VAT and import duties (about 22% altogether) are based on the total price including shipping.

Check it runs at 220 - 240v as well (Geoff?)

I'm trying to persuade Keith to bring in the Great River stuff ASAP.

[Jules]

Terry Finn of Affinity Audio is also a super cool guy to deal with..

[Gomez]

Well well!

Thanks very much for all the advice. I will follow Jules word with the guys at KMR .

I have been looking on KMR's website quite a lot for a while and again is expensive - but competitive amongst the U.K. retailers lot. Do they deal with second hand stuff? It appears that they do (website) but they don't update very often (I think).

I was thinking on venturing myself in the Sounds Expo in april. There might be a few good deals (I expect). Or am I wrong?

Ta!

[Jules]

It would be a great idea to go to the Sounds Expo show, cause you can meet a whole bunch of us there and after for dinner!

http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php3?t=30068

[Riccardo]

The guys at KMR are exceptional.
Give them a call.

[Gomez]

Good stuff! I have only heard good things about KMR. So I will give them a ring when I finish saving up for what I want!

Now, does anyone know if KMR is going to have a stall at the sounds expo?

It would be cool to meet some of you guys there. Shall we line something up?

(Jules - your studio looks very cool! I work in a studio in north london too - sadly I don't own it!)

[Geoff_T]

Originally Posted by StuartMac

I don't think anyone's bringing them into the country yet, but buying from the States will be cheaper anyway. The exchange rate is so low just now that it makes sense. Just remember the VAT and import duties (about 22% altogether) are based on the total price including shipping.

Check it runs at 220 - 240v as well (Geoff?)

I'm trying to persuade Keith to bring in the Great River stuff ASAP.

Hi

Yes, it will run on 200v upwards because there's gobs of headroom in the power supply. It will also run on the 100v that you'll find in Japan.

[Jules]

Keep your eye's peeled for details of the meet up -

here http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php3?t=30068

[orange]

I've bought loads of stuff from the states (including some GR stuff) - far cheaper than buying it over here (including shipping and tax). I have no problems so far, maybe i've just been lucky.

Remember if you buy anwhere in the EU you won't be liable to tax/duty shipping back to the UK. I suggest that if price is the main factor (rather than service !) half an hour trawling round the internet for best prices would be beneficial.

si

[isa215]

Importing from states to UK is pretty easy. I've not had too many problems yet.
Duty is usu about 1 % - VAT is the killer - but of course if you are VAT registered, then provided you have the correct forms generated @ customs (?C37?) you can claim back the VAT.

Shipping of course varies from courier to courier. I've used Bax Global, Fedex, UPS and others in the past - none have caused any trouble.

As for UK vendors - FJ, sounds inc, mjq etc. are the obvious ones for used/'vintage' gear. - I've had mixed experiences with FJ but I know some of the techs that do work for FJ and they, at least, do an excellent job - that's not always been the case though. Got my plate reverb from malcolm - nice chap - pleasure to deal with. Also bought various items from Nick Ryan. He's not always the cheapest but he tends to have the goods! Also look at Gearonline (www.gearonline.co.uk) - they have some funky bits in occasionally. Andy and Alison are nice people.

[D.T. Jambor]

Lavry Engineering & Mastering Components



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