First of all, you're probably not going to pay "list price" for an instrument anywhere. It's kind of like buying a car. The price on the sticker isn't the actual price. Retailers throw the number out there so their actual price looks better. You're not really getting a 40 percent discount from what you'd get at any other store. Depending on where you live and what stores are around you, the online price could save you quite a bit of money or not much at all.

If you're more comfortable buying an instrument that you've played, you may want to price around at your local stores first. You might find that the price isn't that different from the online price.

Musician's Friend is a reliable dealer, and I've had really good luck with them. You're not going to get a fake from them, but bear in mind that you can get a defective guitar from any retailer. Lemons happen. It may be a little less likely that you'll get a defective one if you've held it in your hands, but most reputable online dealers have very good return policies.

I'd say shop around a little locally and see what kind of price you can get on it, then make up your mind. Musician's Friend isn't likely to sell out of them.