Hmmm, is there a mutual friend you guys could use as an intermediary? Like the moderator of a forum that you're both in, or something?
I collect original comic art and have some friends who are pretty serious collectors...don't mean to scare you, but one guy I know got screwed out of 10 grand by sending a fellow in France payment for art which the guy never sent him.
With this is mind, another friend was doing an art trade with a guy in England that was probably also worth about 10 grand. They worked out a deal where they both sent their stuff to a well known art dealer that they had both dealt with...when he recieved the two packages, he sent them on and everything worked out great.
I know it sounds like a pain to do this, bu maybe there is someone you both know and trust enough to do this....just an idea anyway.
Dino1013, I used to feel that way too about not wanting to buy a guitar I hadn't played. Finally took the plunge and ordered a guitar online last year and was glad I did. Ordered several since...haven't completely loved every guitar I got this way, but I've got no regrets. Even in a big city, I have trouble finding certain things I'm looking for, which are easy to find online...also the prices are usually a lot better online.