For musicians and audio engineers, finding the right equipment is crucial. Two of the top online retailers for musical instruments, recording gear, PA systems, and more are Kraft Music and Sweetwater. Both offer a wide selection of products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.
This article will compare the key factors to consider when deciding between Kraft Music and Sweetwater for your next music gear purchase.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Kraft Music | Sweetwater |
| Product Selection | Wide selection of top brands | Deeper inventory with more options within brands |
| Pricing | Competitive pricing with price match guarantee | “No haggle” pricing but can be higher on some items |
| Shipping | Free shipping over $99, quick processing | Free 2-day shipping over $499, quick processing |
| Returns | Free returns within 45 days | Free returns within 365 days |
| Customer Service | Phone, chat, email. Very helpful | Phone, chat, email, video calls. Legendary support |
| Financing | PayPal Credit only | 3, 6 or 12 month financing options |
| Warranties | Manufacturer warranties | Extended year warranties available |
| Used Gear Marketplace | Yes | No |
| Rewards Program | No | Yes, earn points to redeem |
Overview of Kraft Music
Kraft Music got its start in 1972 as a small music store in Nashville, TN. Now with headquarters in Chanhassen, MN, Kraft Music has grown into one of the largest online retailers of musical instruments and pro audio equipment in the U.S.
Kraft Music carries over 100 top music gear brands including Yamaha, Shure, Fender, Gibson, Taylor Guitars, Roland, AKG, PreSonus, and more.
They offer competitive pricing, fast shipping, easy returns, and excellent customer service. Kraft Music has a price match guarantee, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’ll get the best deal.
Overview of Sweetwater
Sweetwater Sound began as a small music instrument store in Fort Wayne, IN in 1979. Now a leading online retailer, Sweetwater offers a wide selection of music gear from big brands like Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Shure, and more. Sweetwater is known for its excellent pre- and post-purchase customer service.
Sweetwater has a 55-point inspection process to ensure that instruments are set up properly before shipping out. Large inventory and fast processing means quick shipping too.
Sweetwater also provides financing options, extended warranties, and free technical support even after the sale.
Here Are The Key Differences Between Kraft Music And Sweetwater:
The Sweetwater and Kraft Music Both produce top notch quality musical instruments. But there has some differences between their products. Here we’ll explore some key differences between them:
- Product Selection
Both Kraft Music and Sweetwater have an extensive catalog of music equipment. Sweetwater claims to carry more brands than any other U.S. retailer in its 400,000 sq. ft. warehouse.
Kraft Music also has a large warehouse and carries all the major music brands. The main difference is the depth of selection within brands.
For example, if you search “Fender guitars” on Kraft Music, you’ll get about 350 results covering Fender’s main guitar models.
Search “Fender” on Sweetwater, and you get over 1,600 results covering every Fender guitar down to the smallest details of wood type, color options, etc.
So while Kraft Music has all the major products you’d expect, Sweetwater goes deeper into the catalog and offers more customization options. Sweetwater also frequently gets exclusive limited editions of instruments and gear.
- Prices
Kraft Music and Sweetwater are typically comparable on pricing for most items. Both run frequent sales and discounts. Kraft Music offers a lowest price guarantee, while Sweetwater has a “No Haggle, No Hassle” policy promising the best prices upfront.
Sweetwater does charge sales tax in many states, which Kraft Music does not. So Kraft Music can sometimes come out slightly cheaper, but check both when comparison shopping.
One advantage with Sweetwater is that they offer financing plans to split your purchase into monthly payments. This can make high-ticket items more affordable. Kraft Music does not currently offer financing.
- Customer Service
Excellent customer service is the biggest distinction for both retailers. Kraft Music prides itself on providing “thorough, thoughtful guidance” to help you find the right gear. Sweetwater is legendary for its pre- and post-purchase support.
Kraft Music has live chat, email support, and phone support 6 days a week. Their sales engineers are very knowledgeable about products and will patiently answer any questions.
Sweetwater takes customer service to another level. Their team ofgear experts provide advice over the phone, through online chat, email, and even one-on-one video calls to help you pick the perfect equipment.
Sweetwater stays in touch after the sale for any technical support needs. They are available 7 days a week by various contact methods.
Both Kraft Music and Sweetwater customers rave about the quality of service received. Support reps at both stores are actual musicians themselves, not just salespeople reading off spec sheets. You can’t go wrong with either for knowledgeable advice.
- Shipping and Returns
Kraft Music and Sweetwater both offer fast, affordable shipping and hassle-free returns.
Kraft Music provides free shipping on most orders over $99 shipped within the contiguous U.S. Returns are free within 45 days of purchase. Their warehouse processes orders quickly for prompt shipping.
Sweetwater provides free shipping on most orders, and orders over $499 ship free via 2-day delivery. They have a massive inventory so most items ship right away. Returns are accepted within 365 days with some exceptions.
The bottom line is that most customers receive their orders from Kraft or Sweetwater within just a few business days. Shipping large items like guitars, drum kits, keyboards, etc. often costs extra at checkout with both retailers. Returns are easy if needed as long as you comply with the return period policies.
- Additional Perks
Aside from great service and fast shipping, Kraft Music and Sweetwater offer a few other nice perks:
Sweetwater Rewards – Sweetwater’s rewards program lets you earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for discounts on future orders. Kraft Music does not currently have a rewards program.
Warranties – Both Kraft and Sweetwater provide manufacturer warranties where applicable, but Sweetwater goes further by offering extended year warranties for purchase on most items.
Financing – Sweetwater provides financing options to split payments over 3, 6, or 12 months with quick approval. Kraft Music currently only accepts PayPal Credit financing.
Used Gear Marketplace – Kraft Music has a used gear marketplace that allows you to buy and sell used equipment. Sweetwater does not currently offer a used gear marketplace.
FAQ About Kraft Music and Sweetwater
Yes, Kraft Music is a very reputable retailer that has been in business for over 40 years. They are an authorized dealer for all the major music brands and have an Aand rating from the Better Business Bureau. Kraft Music is widely praised for their excellent customer service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
No, Sweetwater is not owned by Guitar Center. Sweetwater remains independently owned and operated. The founder and CEO is Chuck Surack who started the company in 1979.
Kraft Music’s toll-free customer service number is 800-969-4772. Representatives are available to take calls and answer questions Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM Central Time.
For most musicians, buying from Sweetwater is absolutely worth it. Their deep selection, flexible financing options, best-in-class service and support, speedy shipping, and extra perks like warranties make Sweetwater a top choice. Higher prices on some items can be a drawback, but their Total Confidence Guarantee ensures you get the right gear at the best prices.
Final Thought
For most musicians and audio engineers, you can’t go wrong purchasing from either Kraft Music or Sweetwater. Both deliver an excellent shopping experience. Here are a few key factors to consider when deciding which to purchase from:
- Selection – If you need an obscure piece of gear or want the max customization options, Sweetwater’s deeper inventory has you covered.
- Prices/Financing – Kraft Music can occasionally have lower prices, but compare both. Sweetwater financing makes big purchases more accessible.
- Support – You’ll get top-notch service from either retailer. Pick based on preferred contact channels.
- Used Gear – Kraft Music is better if you want access to a used gear marketplace.
- Free 2-Day Shipping – Order over $499 at Sweetwater for free 2-day delivery perk.
- Rewards Program – Earn points at Sweetwater to redeem for future discounts.
For most people, either retailer will satisfy your needs for competitive pricing, excellent service, and fast shipping. Read plenty of customer reviews to decide which purchasing experience resonates with you. It’s hard to go wrong with two great options like Kraft Music and Sweetwater.