I deal with...(music shop) because....

Subject: I deal with........., because........
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 03:44 PM

This thread is intended to be a place where folks can relate the reasons they deal with music shops. I am not looking for negatives here, but rather the reasons that we buy our instruments where we do.

Mick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 03:57 PM

Elderly Instruments.

Simple, really. In my mind they are the very best example of fair prices, combined with great selection, and superb service. When you buy an instrument from them you know it has been set up by luthiers that are the equal of anyone anywhere. Their reputation is what they care about, and they seek to make sure that it is a good one.

Case in point. About a year ago I was looking to purchase a new Freshwater Bouzouki. David Freshwater offered to sell it to me direct, but I wanted to purchase it through my shop as I knew they would stand behind it. Turns out that that was good intuition. I had had it less than 3 weeks when the shoulder strap broke and the 'zouk landed square on the endpin and split end to end on the top in several places. I called the maker and explained that the plastic D ring broke and it ruined my 'zouk. His response was that he felt no responsibility, and wouldn't discuss it. Stan Werbin, owner of Elderly, heard about this and contacted me. To make the long story short, he agreed to order me a new one, repair the old one for me to use in the interim (a wonderful repair I might add), and when the new one comes in I will give them the old one and take the new one. They will sell the old one as used. (BTW, keep your eyes open for this one when it comes up as it is a wonderful instrument and you would really have to look to find the damaged area.) In short, he took the time to seek me out, listened carefully to his customer, went out of his way to make it right, and left me even more devoted to this wonderful shop. If Freshwaters weren't such wonderful instruments, I wouldn't bother with them again. They seem very anxious to sell their wares, but not very interested once they have the money. But, they do make wonderful sounding and well built product. Classic "devil and the deep blue" sydrome with these folks.

Elderly. They simply combine all that is right. When you go to the showroom, you can play anything you lay your hands on without being bothered. And when you need assistance, the floor help is generally made up of VERY knowledgeable players anxious to share the knowledge. Their instructors are the best players in the area. Neil Woodward springs to mind. Steve Forgey AKA Frog on guitar.

I could go on, but you get the picture.

Mick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 04:02 PM

I deal with Yale Music of Sayre PA because they know what they are doing in sales and service, and because their whole business is for acoustic musicians, working and wanna be working. They charge a fair price and give great value.

They have great senses of humor over there too, and they give as good as they get.

One day I had to drive a lady to the hospital that is near the shop, an hour from our home. Hardi had taken the car I had planned on taking-- the one with the full tank of gas. I had my little Geo Metro. Great mileage, but it's mountainy from here to there and back again. By the time I got to Sayre I knew I would not be able to get this lady home, and I didn't have a dime on me (why would make this TOO long a tale), and neither did the lady, who I'd be driving home from same-day surgery.

Well, in the country you look after each other, and I knew that the folks at Yale would be so tickled by my plight and my solution that I coud not fail.

I went in and asked if I could charge somthing, as I had often been able to do in the past. "Sure!" they said, "Whaddaya need this time?"

"Two dollars."

"You want to charge MONEY?" Laughter started from this point. I explained.

"And you only want two bucks to get all that way home? Are you nuts?"

"Well, it IS a Geo Metro."

"Here, take five, we'll worry otherwise."

We still joke about the day they paid a customer just to come into the place, and we still do most of our business there.

So, if you're ever in the area... but don't tell them Susan sent you! *G*

~Susan

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Sorcha
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 04:03 PM

Barbour Music (Scottsbluff, NE) because it is the ONLY one within 3+ hrs of driving and I somhow hate mail order.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 04:09 PM

Cotten Music. Folks, these people have always had a great reputation. It is deserved. Recently, when dealing with a touchy situation involving the ownership of a guitar that they were selling on consignment, these good folks got involved in a very real way. Their doing "the right thing" cost them a commission of around $200.00. I want to emphasize that they could very easily have blown off the aggrieved person and sold this wonderful instrument with nary a problem. But they didn't. They made a judgement based on a system of values.

I have since checked them out. In fact, the folks at Elderly tell me that these people are simply as good as it gets. Based on what I saw, I concur. Further, I will absolutely do business with them in the future because they stand for something that is rare...........and precious.

Mick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 05:16 PM

Where, Mick?

~S~

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: kendall
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 05:28 PM

Buckdancers Choice. They give me a ration of s**t everytime I go there. Oh, and they also treat me fair on all deals. The owner's name is Martin, but, he likes Taylor guitars.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 05:50 PM

I'm fickle. If I develop a craving for a particular instrument, as in "I've just gotta have a Collings D2H!", I'll usually order it from Elderly. I've done so seven or eight times through the years and have been well pleased. But, more often I just unexpectedly fall in love with something hanging on the wall of any one of several local music stores. I don't really have a favorite among them. It's usually a matter of which one's most convenient when I'm in town on other business. Hey, I said I was fickle, didn't I?

Bruce

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Midchuck
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 06:04 PM

1) Elderly. Big Mick said it all.

2) Be Music, the local store in Rutland, VT., even though they have a relatively small stock of high-end instruments, because:

- They are always honest, courteous, and helpful, as long as you avoid the big guy with the whiskers;

- The management are clients of mine, and it's always well to keep the money going in a circle;

- They'll usually match mail order catalog prices, on anything they have in stock.

3) Musician's Friend. They're a huge factory, mostly dedicated to the needs of drug-crazed rock musicians, and I'd never in a million years buy an instrument from them, but when they have a sale on recording or PA gear, they have the best prices you can find; and when they screw up an order, you can usually get some satisfaction if you stay on the 'phone long enough.

Peter.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Sorcha
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 06:45 PM

It really sucks not having a real music store anywhere close. I am 4 hrs from Denver, 2 from Cheyenne; 8 from Lincoln, NE..........really bites. No matter how much I hate mail order, I have to mail order strings and stuff.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: musicmick
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 06:54 PM

I love your Sayre story, Susan. Finding a reliable, honest dealer isn't easy. (I knew a Volkswagon repairman who was honest and inexpensive. For years, I drove nothing but Beetles because it was easier to find a car than it was to find a mechanic I could trust). Here, in Philadelphia, I use Bob Zatzman as my musical instrument parts and maintainence person. Bob doesn't do much selling anymore but he has every obscure pin and screw to fit my needs and I've thrown him some curves over the years. I once gave him an old banjolin (dont ask) in pieces. He had it ready the next day. He knows brass and reeds and percussion, too. He, even, laughs at my jokes.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 07:00 PM

I'll put my vote in for The Twelfth Fret. Yeah, they're in Toronto and I'm in New Hampshire, but they have good prices, they're honest and trustworthy and they do business by e-mail!

There are local stores here. There's one place with one guy I'd trust with my fiddle. With guitars...well, for a while I thought they gave me strange answers to questions because they thought I was an idiot. I have to say that I now believe they were doing their best. They weren't making up dumb answers just for me. They do have some people who are better, but I don't want to have to figure out if I'm talking to an expert or a BS artist.

Anyway, I know I can trust the guys at 12th Fret to do what they say they're gonna do when they say they're gonna do it, AND know what they're talking about.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 07 Sep 02 - 09:45 PM

So anyway.....It's Monday, and I've got nuthin' to do (of course I mean nuthin' INTERESTING to do). Think I'll head over to Encore Music, sit around and have a listen (and maybe participate a bit) with the old rockers who I know will be there. Most of them have played with some huge names at different times (this IS Toronto after all, and it's got a good rep. for turning out rockers, jazzers and folkers who really know their stuff)

One old picker will tell stories about workin' with Alice Cooper, and of course that guy who toured North America with Jethro Tull has some WONDERFUL stuff to remember. A few of 'em will talk about the Toronto club scene in the sixties and seventies, before it went bust (Karaoke and amateur bands who'd work for peanuts did it in)

I LOVE these guys! They're all in their fifties and sixties.....have big stomaches and grey ponytails, most, finally got married to cute girls half their age that they met through the music, and now have a couple of kids approaching teenagehood. Some still work in music and even play in "Tribute Bands" to make a living. Many of them do NUTHIN' 'cause they aren't really trained for anything but rock and roll, and rock is for youngsters...unless yer a worldclass star like Mick or Keith.

Behind the counter, Dave Duval sits. I barely know him, and yet I feel I know a tremendous amount ABOUT him. In a business that has it's share of cut-throats, you wouldn't believe how highly Dave is spoken of. He listens, jokes, and generally appears to enjoy himself whether we buy anything or not.

Encore is a "Pro shop", which means that his clientele (for the most part) are, or have been professional musicians and can recognise a pre or post CBS Strat from fifty yards away. They know what prices SHOULD be and rarely haggle, 'cause Dave's also a fine musician, and prices the instruments fairly.

Now sometimes a musician comes in who has to sell an instrument on consignment QUICKLY (landlords have to paid), so a real deal can be found now and then. All of us who hang out there have had to sell or pawn instruments at one time in our lives, so we can relate.....but....we'll still grab that Fender mandolin that's up on the wall for only a hundred bucks! There's a certain "Musicians' law of the jungle that applies.

Heck....that just Encore! If this thread has legs, I'll tell ya about the 12th Fret (which Jeri mentioned), Songbird, Capsule Music, Steve's, Long and McQuade, and.....oh shit, we've got a LOT of 'em here.

Rick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 12:07 AM

Sounds like a neat place Rick. I like The Twelfth Fret. Now the local Long & McQuade is a lot easier for me to get to, but I've been there and they've been out of finger picks, had two sets of banjo strings in the whole place, one Korean Five String, no banjo heads. The Twelfth Fret has about twenty different kinds of finger picks, as many different types of thumb picks (who'd a thunk it?) a great variety of strings (the only place where you can get Newtones), Model Railroad spikes and a pretty good assortment of Five Strings, Mandolins, etc.

Most importantly, they know exactly what you're asking for (I got strange looks a few years ago when I was asking about RR Spikes).

My Sister had the bridge repaired on her Daion years ago and they did a very good job, priced reasonably and it was ready when they said it would be. They are real pros. Thank goodness I'm not a vintage guitar nut as you could spend days just drooling over their guitars.

And then there's Bruce Dowd's shop. Rick, do you want to take this one?

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 02:54 AM

Hobgoblin Music, in Johnny Roadhouse,Oxford Road, Manchester, UK. Massive choice, quality, Ken knows evrything, plays most things and lets people try instruments out

Cheers

Les

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Banjer
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 06:25 AM

The Bluegrass Shop in St Petersburg has just recently (Apr 1) opened for business. I haven't bought any instrument from him yet but do have my eye on a nice looking and sounding guitar that he has hanging there. I don't need another instrument, can't afford one, but still drool each time I see it. My grandson is taking lessons from the owner of the store, one Elson Smith. I have bought instruments from various pawn shops in the area, both banjos came from one shop and two guitars from another.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Banjer
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 06:30 AM

In addition to the above post....It just recently developed that a small group of folks with different levels of playing experience have started to congregate there on Saturday afternoons. All manner of instruments have ben represented. Last Saturday I took my lap dulcimer. It looks like thhis will become a regular Sat afternoon jam....excited about it! There was a fellow there who obviously had been playing guitar for more than a day or two **BG**. He was playing 'I Saw The Light' and all were listening to him....I started strumming the dulcimer and found his rhythm...before long we were both wearing out all the gospel tunes we could think of!

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: kendall
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 06:33 AM

I don't hang around Buckdancers since they went electric. There is always some guy frigging with an electric guitar, sounding like he is trying to twist the neck off the damn thing. I guess my definition of music is different from the younger generation.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: GUEST,Crazy Little Woman
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 09:07 AM

Midwestern Music in Mission, Kansas. (Mostly for stringed instruments) It's such a guy place! Small, dark, instruments everywhere, posters made by amateurs curling up on the bulletin board. But they're so friendly and helpful, even to me.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 05:32 PM

Cotten Music is in Nashville, Tennessee. It is owned by two women, Darcy Cotten and Kim Sherman. Kim Sherman is the woman who helped us out. I would recommend their shop to anyone. Wonderful people.

Mick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 05:45 PM

BRuce Dowd......ahhhhh.

The only guy I let mess with my instruments. He has a tiny shop on Danforth avenue (in Toronto) that is so cluttered it's amazing he has space to work. All sorts of odd pieces of machinery, banjos, bicycles, model aircraft etc.

Not only will he do a great job of repairing your instrument at a good price....he'll tell you when you DON"T need anything done!!

He'll explain everything in detail, and has even given away trade secrets to me over the years that have helped me do my own repairs.

Once again...musicians congregate at Bruce's. But this time they're Bluegrass Pickers old and young. Mike Cameron, Canada's first Bluegrass guitarist and singer is often there and he has great stories....Mike's just about to turn 80. I love the place.....oh, and I have quite a few stories myself.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: maire-aine
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 07:01 PM

Rochester Folk Workshop in Rochester, Michigan. Vincent & Karen Sadovsky are really great folks and I really value his opinion on instruments. Also, I'd rather by from an independent store that one of those huge chains.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:09 PM

I'm so glad you mentioned Bruce Dowd, Rick. I purposely didn't mention the fine places you have taken me to in Toronto as I felt that those are your stories. But I must tell you that I enjoyed poking around the nooks and crannies of Bruce's cubbyhole a great deal.

The Twelfth Fret is just plain "one of those shops". A wonderful place, with great instruments and accessories, and a staff that is savvy and willing to help.

Mick

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:17 PM

Rick, Thanks for the Bruce Dowd input. I had him install a geared fifth string peg on my old banjo. He did a great job quickly and reasonably. I have to admit, I was a little leary when I walked into his shop, but I have heard from many people that he is the man when it comes to stringed instruments.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Bert
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:32 PM

My experience with music stores has been mostly negative but seeing as Musicmic has drifted a little into auto-mechanics, I'll have to agree with him.
I found Andy Curdo in West Chester, PA. because he was the only Nissan dealer listed. After he had looked after my Pulsar for a couple of years with minimal cost and excellent work, when I needed a new car I asked him. He sold me a Sentra for $1200. He was asking $1400 and all I had at that time was $1200 so he settled for that even though I had asked if I could pay him the other $200 next month.
That was three years ago and the Sentra is still going strong.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Justa Picker
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 10:43 PM

No financial affiliation or association but,

For strings I deal over the internet with Just Strings. Great prices, service and huge selection...and on par or cheaper (after factoring the exchange rate) than what I pay at a store near me.

For guitars, others have chimed in already about The Twelfth Fret in Toronto. I agree with all the comments regarding that place. Been dealing there for years.

For repairs, definitely Bruce Dowd, or The Twelfth Fret, or a great luthier who also does repair work on the side as well as fossilized ivory upgrades, etc. Alberico Guitars and Fabrizio Alberico.

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Bert
Date: 08 Sep 02 - 11:29 PM

Has no one yet mentioned Lark in the Morning? I've never actually bought anything from them, but I did call them up and they told me how to tune my Puerto-Rican Cuatro and they sent me a catalog. Much better service than I've had from my local music stores. And their catalog is a great wish list. One of everything please!

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: SharonA
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 09:21 AM

For guitars, I dealt with Acoustic Roots in Jenkintown, PA before Larry the owner closed his shop there and moved into his own section of the Medley Music store in Bryn Mawr, PA (though he still calls his own business "Acoustic Roots" for now). I haven't visited the new location since it's farther away from home, but I'll get there eventually. Larry isn't exactly a "people person" but he has an excellent reputation with instrumentalists. Here's Larry's page: http://www.medleynet.com/acousticroots.html

And, tucked away on a little side road, there's the Bucks County Folk Music Shop in New Britain, PA, which deals in guitar sales and repair, but also sells and services the harder-to-find folk instruments (including dulcimers, bodhrans, button accordions, etc., even bagpipes and boombas). Their site: http://www.bucksmusic.com/

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Naemanson
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 09:49 AM

Hell, the last place I bought a guitar was a yard sale so I guess that doesn't count (though it is a sweetheart of a guitar). I enjoy Buckdancer's, as mentioned by Kendall, but only because it is the only other music store I know about. In Brunswick there's Constantine's but they are nothing to brag about.

Sigh....

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 11:15 AM

Bert, what's a Puerto-Rican Cuatro?

~S~

Subject: RE: I deal with........., because........
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 Sep 02 - 01:18 PM

One more vote for the Twelfth Fret in Toronto. They're also a good place to sell valuable and rare instruments.

- LH