Gaaaasssss!!!!!

[lefenton]

So,
I am in the Orlando area this week.

Made a quick trip into Bass Central today. Tried out a PDN Bongo HH.

Finally, I get what the HH Bongo is all about and want one, bad. Tone Monster!! You PDN owners are lucky fellows.

Other than my wife's thoughts, I'm trying to figure my way past 3 road blocks of going in Thursday to make this thing come home with me.

Hurdle 1) Do I dare allow the airline handle this thing, even though it will be in a box with fragile stickers and a case?

Hurdle 2) Do I want to pay the duty coming back home on such an item, because I really don't but after investigation of my customs allowances, that's the way it will have to be. Lame.

Hurdle 3) Do I really want to sell something in my stable to make room for it? I love all of my basses, but this thing is so sweet, but I have to make room to afford the purchase.

Alas, I'm gonna be preoccupied over the next day or so thinking about this dilemma. Thanks to Sterling and crew for making such a sweet instrument to cause this predicament. Just when you think you have all that you need, EBMM goes and makes something like the PDN Roasteds. Shame on me for trying it I guess. What to do?!?

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

As far as I know, there are no customs/duty charges on instruments made in the USA (NAFTA). You'll have to pay taxes, but you would anyway if you were to buy it at home in Canada. The Canadian dollar is at par with the US dollar, so you might have to take a minimal hit on the exchange rate that your credit card charges for the conversion.

So far, the Bongo and Big Al PDN's that I have seen seem the most impressive.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'm not quite sure how to read this, but you could take a look at it. Musical instruments are section XVIII (92).
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/tariff-tarif/2012/01-99/01-99-t2012-eng.pdf

 

[stu42]

Yeah...I'd agree with Smallmouth_Bass. There won't be any Duty charges on it since it's made in the USA. Like he said, you'll have to pay GST for sure - not sure if you'll have to pay Provincial sales tax.

Also...you could always have them ship it their usual way (likely USPS ground shipping) rather than taking it on the plane with you. You'd have to wait a couple of weeks to get it but that might be better than checking it in at the airport with your baggage. I believe Bass Central includes shipping in the purchase cost of a bass.

So, that just leaves you with #3. IDK man...what I do know is the PDN instruments are a limited edition...and very sweet! You have a couple of other limited edition models already...and one that isn't. Just saying.

 

[Soulkeeper]

Here's a plan: Buy the Bongo and a bag of KFC, make ugly greasy finger marks all over the Bongo, tell the custom officers that you've been out gigging, this is an old bass that you brought with you. When you come home you clean up your new duty free Bongo, and SUCCESS!!

The MusicMan cases are so sturdy, I think they can handle the abuse even from airport crew. And I know how bad that is: Once I looked out the window of the airport terminal and spotted my bass. The next second some knuckle-dragger throws it five meters through the air and onto a cart. The horror! When I arrived at my destination, I found that the bass was OK, but the case was not. Then again, it was not an original MM case. The airport company covered a part (!!!) of the cost of getting the case patched up.

 

[lefenton]

Smallmouth,
Thanks for this, a very good read. I saw this document last night, but must have missed that section, I had my heart broken with the customs allowances but missed the section about instruments.

I'm going to see what I can do with BC to work out not paying taxes on their end since I will inevitably have to pay them at home. Paying taxes twice will more than chap my ass, since in Ontario we have 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) which includes provincial and federal tax on all purchases.

Stu, you are bang on with #3, I am more than convinced the classic will have to go as I know I can find a replacement for that easily down the road. It's a sweet bass, but not limited.

Now to present these new findings to the wife.

Soulkeeper, I like where you're head is at, but there will be no chicken grease going near the Bongo, it's too gorgeous...and besides it may make the pickup smell.

 

[kamakazee]

How often do you see Bongo's in a natural finish, much less with figured woods all-round? Nothing against the standard production models, but you'll be able to buy them any time you'd like.

 

[tunaman4u2]

If I didn't have an awesome silver bongo 5HH I would absolutely pony up for this Bongo 5HH PDN

 

[tbonesullivan]

I feel your pain. I too have gas, but right now we've got the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to deal with, so there will not be any bass trading/buying until that is over with.

 

[cellkirk74]

Shipping by plane is not that bad at all. I had all of my EBMM basses but the first one shipped from the States with UPS and USPS and none of them was really damaged. The Small EQ Bongo came with a cracked case and a bent knob, but that was an easy fix.

If you like it and can afford it, go for it.

 

[tunaman4u2]

How about talking to Bass Central about shipping it & cutting you a deal as well to pay for the taxes etc.... their prices include shipping man

 

[lefenton]

T Bone- Sorry to hear. Best wishes for all of that.

On another note....she's mine. Went back for her today after a lengthy debate and a restless sleep of night terrors filled with what ifs had I left it behind. It's working within my luggage allowance and I have it in its box for some extra protection so I don't think the flight will be a problem. (I actually thought of some of your previous posts Celkirk about flights etc) I also got some help with invoicing to help out on the taxes. First rate crew over at Bass Central, I must say. I won't be snapping any pics until I get back home but will do so once I get home.

I do love the Classic, but I really love this Bongo....so, one in, one out and the Classic will be up for sale once I return. Can't wait to get to rehearsal with this beauty!!!

Another top notch product!! Thanks EBMM.

 

[stu42]

Very nice and congrats! That'll be a great addition to your already admirable lineup of basses.

 

[OldManMusic]

Way to go! Congrats

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I recently bought a bass from Bass Central and had to pay both the GST and PST, but no duty as it was a Canadian manufacturer.

Congrats on the new bass! I look forward to drooling over the extensive pictures that you'll be posting!

 

[laneline]

Congrats, great decision, now instead of what if's it will be a constant flow of superlatives every time you pick it up which will be often.