Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Night Owl
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 11:38 AM

thanks for the info Whistle Stop. Was going to recommend Sandy's until I realized how long its been since I've been there. I agree...too bad!!

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 09:14 AM

Night Owl, I haven't been to Sandy's in a couple of years. Last time I was there, they didn't seem to have much of an inventory, and the place looked like it was falling apart. I don't get into Cambridge much these days, so I don't know if they're still there. I wouldn't be surprised if they've succumbed to economic forces larger than they are by this point. Too bad.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Knappo
Date: 14 Aug 00 - 01:19 AM

DWDITTY, I thought I was a member. At least I used to be. I'll check and bake a new cookie or whatever it is I have to do. Tom

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: dwditty
Date: 13 Aug 00 - 12:58 PM

Tom, you need to sign up as a member so you can receive personal messages. I have info on George, but would rather not post in a thread.

dw

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Knappo
Date: 13 Aug 00 - 11:45 AM

Dwditty, I don't think Youngbloods is in business, not here at least. I tried to get a hold of him a few months back and got no answer; not even a recordin and the house looks empty. Anyone have info on Youngbloods whereabouts? Tom

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Shanti
Date: 13 Aug 00 - 09:16 AM

Sometimes I would agree with those who talk about the level of service at Sam Ashe. Think the one in Manhattan has to be a little better, most of the time, just because of their location in the music/theater district.

If you're looking for classical guitars, there's a site on the web simply called Classical Guitars...but it's based in St. Louis. Have found they're very helpful with questions though.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Night Owl
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 04:27 PM

Whistle Stop...you know anything about "Sandy's Music" in Cambridge (Sandy Sheehan)??? TomK...thanks for the thread....I'm shopping for instruments as well. Music Emporium also sells Taylor guitars.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: GUEST,Liam's Brother
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 04:10 PM

Denny Ryan at Mandolin Brothers is a very pleasant and helpful guy... not even the slightest bit pushy. He's off on Thursdays.

All the best
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: dwditty
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 08:40 AM

Tom, I avoid NH's Sam Ash as much as possible. If your not interested in playing Stairway to Heaven as loud as possible on a cheap electric, they want you to get out. My favorite local shop has been Youngblood's in Guilford - not sure if he's still selling or just making instruments now, but I have bought several guitars from George. Not the least expensive, for sure, but he stands behind everything he sells and is meticulous about set up.

The Fretted Instrument Workshop in Amherst used to have a great selection. Haven't been up there in four or five years, so call first. I suggect taking some time in selecting your instrument. Hey, it's a great excuse to just go off and play some great guitars - plus you'll meet plenty of nice folks in some of the shops.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Knappo
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 07:34 AM

I agree with the comments about Sam Ash, we have one here in New Haven and the "help" is terrible. The acoustics are all out of tune and I think I found actual rust on some of the strings. I sat on a stool they had and it damn near fell apart, almost dropping me and the guitar to the floor. The main feeling I get is; quick, buy an electric guitar or get outta here. Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I'll need to break out the 'ol atlas. Tom

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 01:53 PM

The super stores have their advantages (large inventory, good prices) and their disadvantages (the sales people don't know much or care much, and the atmosphere is not conducive to taking your time and listening to different instruments). If you're in Massachusetts and interested in something other than a musical Wal Mart, I suggest you check out the Music Emporium in Lexington, a suburb northwest of Boston. I have patronized them for years, including purchases of Martin, Larrivee and Lowden guitars, and a fair amount of maintenance/repair work. Nice people, know what they're doing (the shop was originally opened by Eric Shoenberg, and although he's no longer there, the level of expertise is still high), lots of really good instruments, and -- best of all -- they let you take your time and play lots of instruments without a salesperson breathing down your neck and pressuring you to buy. If you want to call them, the number is [phone]. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: DonMeixner
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 12:31 PM

Bernie Lehmann, Elton Ave , Rochester, NY Beautiful handmade and used instruments.

Don

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Jed at Work
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 10:21 AM

a common complaint I have about the big music stores is the type of staff they very often recruit. Of course there are some notable exceptions, but they often seem to get the 'rock star wanna be's' whose self interest and self importance gets in the way of their ability to understand customer service ... I hate to generalize like that, but there seems to exist a stereotypical personality type that is attracted to work in these places ... and it doesn't equate to quality customer service.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: GUEST,Sailor Dan at work
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 10:06 AM

Sinsull,

It must be an epidemic at Sam Ashe's, The one here in Miami is no better. It appears they could use an attitude adjustment in that chain.

Sure as heck not good for business.

Sailor Dan.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Midchuck
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 09:57 AM

If you're willing to drive to VT, you may want to PM bigchuck.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 09:33 AM

The service level at Sam Ashe has hit rock bottom. I waited at their Service Desk for ten minutes at their Queens Blvd. store after being sent to three different locations in the store by sales people who didn't give a crap. The service people were out on the street chatting with a guy in a car who was blocking traffic.I left along with two other irate customers. I got more attention from Elderly ON LINE than in person at Sam Ashe.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: JedMarum
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 09:31 AM

Tom - friends of friends, best way to the best deals! If you take Pete's advice and drive up to VT you may enjoy seeing a bit of the VT countryside. Beautiful place!! Wish I coud go, right about now, get outta this dam* Texas heat!!

;-)

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson at work
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 09:26 AM

My friend Kate Spencer runs Maple Leaf Music in Brattleboro VT, about five minutes off I-91 and about an hour and a half from Hartford CT. She's been in business since 1980 so she must be doing something right. Dealer for all the big brands, and gets vintage instruments every now and then & resells them at a price much lower than the Mandolin Brothers. Lots of good advice about guitar care, construction and buying, too. For the Best Deal Possible Guitar Barn will probably beat her price by a little, but the extra knowledge and help available once you've got it is worth it IMHO. Sandy Paton, I hope, will also have some nice things to say about Kate.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: JedMarum
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 09:15 AM

... and ya know, if yer willing to look in CT, I would not be surprised if Sandy Paton has a favorite store to recommend, being a long time resident of the area and a knowledgeable, experienced "folky." You might send him a PM.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: JedMarum
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 09:05 AM

Guitar Center has an amazing selection of great (new) acoustic guitars. I never used to like tese mega-stores, and they have their drawbacks (less personal attention, more emphasis on "you need to buy what we got" sort of stuff) BUT they have an amazing variety and quantity of great instruments, trained (sometimes knowledgeable) sales people, great prices and good service. Check out the stores in MA or CT. Good luck!

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 07:00 AM

Guitar Center in Manchester, Ct.. and they are having a Sale..

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Shanti
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 05:44 AM

How about Sam Ashe in Manhattan? They have a huge selection of every kind of guitar. And it's right in the middle of the music district...they have a web site too. Actually, there are MANY places in the music district for guitars...

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Knappo
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 11:21 PM

Spaw, I was proudly born and bred in that Great Lake State and if it wasn't 15 hours now to get there, Elderly is the first place I would go. Thanks for the info and links! Tom

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 11:14 PM

Tom....You can also search for dealers at this website:

Guitar Mall

Its a fun site......No promises on any dealers though, but you can check them out in the state listings and then see for yourself.....and report back here and let US know!!!!(:<))

Spaw

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 11:06 PM

Yep Sailor....Sure are.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 11:04 PM

Well, that's two for the Mando boys....It really is a great place. Now if you want to come on over here to the Great Lakes states, the only place to go is Elderly.

I should have given you hot links to both. Here ya' go...

MANDOLIN BROTHERS--click

ELDERLY INSTRUMENTS--click

Spaw

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Sailor Dan
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 10:59 PM

Spaw, arent they on Staten Island?? There is a big one on Staten Island, I think?

Sailor Dan

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 10:59 PM

BTW, I'm in CT, too.

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 10:58 PM

Mandolin Brothers - NYC - www.mandoweb.com

Subject: RE: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 10:48 PM

Mandolin Brothers in NYC.

Spaw

Subject: Looking for guitar stores in CT,NY,MA
From: Knappo
Date: 10 Aug 00 - 10:46 PM

It's time to upgrade my guitar. Can anyone recommend a dealer that has a good selection of acoustic guitars. I live in Connecticut but I don't mind driving a ways if it would be worth my time. Thanks an awful lot.