Musician's Friend is offering flat shipping rate of USD30 on orders over USD300 until 30 Sept 2014. Major brands like Fender and Martin don't allow direct sale to Australia on new items but there is no restriction on used items. Shipping rate to Australia for big items like guitars is usually fairly expensive, over $100, so this is some saving especially for lower priced items. I've bought a couple of guitars from MF in mint condition and have been very impressed, pretty much brand new. Given the limited choice and inflated price of musical instruments in Australia this is a pretty nice deal I reckon.
Some examples:
- PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar - Mint Condition - AUD 721.60 (+Shipping: AUD 23.10 Handling: AUD 13.10) Total: AUD 757.80
- Taylor Big Baby Taylor Acoustic Guitar - Mint Cond. - AUD 424.10 (+Shipping: AUD 29.60 Handling:AUD 6.60) Total:AUD 460.30
- Martin X Series 000X1AE Acoustic Guitar - Mint Cond. - AUD 583.50 (+Shipping: AUD 28.20 Handling:AUD 8.00) Total: AUD 619.70
- Blueridge BR-43 Contemporary Series 000 Acoustic Guitar - New - AUD 489.10 (+Shipping:AUD 28.40 Handling:AUD 7.80) Total: AUD 525.30
This is awesome, goodbye wallet. However be aware there is apparently a weight limit - they won't ship a tuba to Australia :(