Nowadays, savvy buyers are heading to the Internet when they want to purchase every conceivable variety of goods and services - anything from groceries to floral deliveries. Even musical instruments. If you're looking to buy an instrument for yourself or a loved one - or as a gift for someone special, there are a few things you should know before you plunk down your hard-earned money.

Know your instruments - If you can't tell a Stradivarius from a Stratocaster, maybe you should do some research before you buy. A working knowledge of what you're getting is an important first step to making an informed purchase. You'll want to learn all you can - like which features you can expect to find in each instrument you're considering.

If you're getting a guitar, do you want to buy an acoustic or an electric guitar? Six strings or twelve? With or without a whammy bar? The options go on and on. Know what you want before you buy.

Know your brands - When you're researching prospective musical instruments, know what it is you want; or, when buying an instrument as a gift, know what the intended recipient has in mind. You also should be fully aware of what you're getting.

Maybe Junior's been wishing for a simple Walden D351 acoustic guitar. If so, you don't want to assume he'd be just as happy with the Schecter Hellraiser C1 electric. That puppy might be more guitar than he can handle. It's best to know beforehand what Junior really wants - to avoid the hassle of having to return the unwanted item and then order the one he wanted all along not to mention disappointing the little tyke on his big day.

Perhaps a guitar isn't on your wish list. Maybe you're looking for a banjo, harp, mandolin or ukulele or maybe a more-uncommon instrument - like a crystal piccolo or flute or even hand drums. The same rules still apply: Know which brands of instruments are on the market, as well as which features each offers - and know who's going to be playing the instrument.

Find a dealer you can trust - When purchasing a musical instrument online, you should work with a dealer you can trust especially when you don't know a Schmidt from a Schecter - or anything in between. It's always safest to work with a dealer whose reputation you know and trust - and who won't try to talk you into buying more instrument than you need, just to pad his sales figures for the month.

Reliable merchants know a few dollars' profit isn't worth jeopardizing a potential long-term relationship with someone who might end up being a repeat customer. Find yourself a knowledgeable and reputable dealer who'll help you find just what you're looking for.

And remember: if you've got questions about a particular brand or model of instrument, ask. A responsible dealer will welcome the opportunity to educate and inform you about the different options available to you. Even if you think it might be a stupid question, ask it anyway. The truth is, there are no stupid questions, only unasked ones. And unasked questions don't ever get answered. And that doesn't help anybody.

When buying a musical instrument online, remember Fortuna Music Mart carries a range of stringed instruments (bass, banjos, guitars, mandolins and ukuleles), plus the Kustom line of amplifiers and an eclectic selection of crystal flutes and hand drums. For more information about Fortuna Music Mart, visit www.FortunaMusicMart.com.