Never... never... never.

I won't buy something unless I have had a sufficient opportunity to try it out at leisure. If that means I miss a chance to get something great, so be it. It also means the store misses an opportunity to sell me something (I only buy from local dealers).

Sometimes, you can get the store to contact the rep for the manufacturer, and see if he can bring one next visit. If not, and the store is unwilling to stock the keyboard on spec, just walk away (vocally!).

Also, don't count on the store having a decent demonstrator... if they don't stock it, how is some poor salesman likely to know how to work it? If you can't figure out the basics yourself (by reading up in advance, talking to owners here, downloading the manual, etc.), then perhaps something as complex as a TOTL arranger might not be the best thing for you...

And if you look to members here for advice, go back a LONG time reading their posts. Some here have a VERY uncritical approach to their purchases, which is fine, but it doesn't help you find the 'gotchas' and not so perfect aspects of operation.

I'm sorry that things have got so messed up, but perhaps a letter to the head office, pointing out your inability to make a purchase due to nothing to try might get a bit of action. These guys make their living on units sold. Rub their noses in your decision to NOT buy until you try, and they MIGHT go the extra mile...