Pre-beginner question: where to buy?

[Annarose15]

Thanks, Don. Sounds like good common sense to me! I didn't know if the expos would have a big selection or not. Are prices usually comparable at expo vs. online?

Prices are usually pretty close. Sometimes you can get a better deal at a show, but more importantly, you save the extra $50 shipping cost that you would have spent buying on-line. I've bought about a third of mine on-line, and the rest from shows or friends. It's definitely fun getting to handle it before buying so you know exactly what you're getting.