Hello and a quick question!

[tom]

Firstly, hello!

I've been learning from Pat and Patrick for a couple of years and am finally getting to the point where I can justify replacing my aluminium bottlecap banjo.

I have been drooling over the Somerset models and was wondering if anyone had any idea about customs charges, etc for importing one? I know a couple have come to England. Don't think I can resist any longer, I may have to hide for the festive period though when no-one gets any presents!

[Danny]

Hi Tom, welcome aboard.

I don't have a Somerset myself, but I looked into having a guitar shipped over a year or so ago, and from what I understand the process is this.

Once you've paid for the banjo and the shipping you have to add VAT (17.5%) and import duty (5% I think, but i'm not sure)

Hopefully someone will know more than me tho

As for Xmas, you could give your family a secondhand banjo to share ;D

[tom]

Cheers Danny, still mulling it over. I am quite tempted by a Deering Goodtime 2 as well but would like to support the Costello family as they've taught me so much.

Do you reckon the 'rents would appreciate a battered, rubbish banjo?

I'm actually based in Sheffield, not far from Whirlow is their any provisions for waifs and strays at the UK retreat?

[Danny]

I'm sure the parents would love it, and as for the retreat, get in touch with father keith, I imagine it'll be fine tho

[craftsman]

Welcome Tom,

I would LOVE one of those walnut dream machines too!

I was hoping that at some point a few might be shipped out to a UK seller (Eagle music, Andy banjo etc..) and we could get our little stickys on one that way!

Hmmm...

Cheers,


Andrew

[Fingers n thumbs]

Sorry, i don't want to rain on your parade- a word to the wise on this - i believe you will have to pay import duty & Vat on the banjo + the shipping charge, so make sure you budget for that.

So if the banjo was $400 and it cost $100 to ship, the tax would be another $112. $212 (shipping + tax) is nearly half the original cost of the banjo.

I buy stuff from the US stewmac web site and am always surprised at the amount of tax i have to pay.

Also i believe the pound is at 1.5 USD now.

Then again where else could you buy a somerset, and you could be confident it was shipped 100% set up and ready to go.

Cheers

Roj