Mom and Pop Guitar Shops

[jonnyc]

I'm not usually one to bitch much, considering I'm the guy that puts up with Guitar Center's shit on a regular basis. But yesterday I decided that it was time to invest in a good studio electric and acoustic. So I called my guitar prodigy buddy and asked him if he'd come with me and if could recommend somewhere other than GC. So he say's sure man I used to get my stuff from this place(I'll leave the name out). So we drive there, its a 40 minute drive and we got lost twice but we made it. As soon as we stepped thru the door the snickering started. Of course it was 4 early twenty something's with vintage tshirts and bad '70's hair working behind the counter, if you want to call it working. Anyway we asked to try a couple guitars. They said they wouldn't let us try a Gibson, which is what I went there to buy, I just shook my head and knew it was going to get worse. So we tried an Epi and it wasn't very satisfying. Well we ended up trying out every cheap guitar and I just wan't happy with any of them. So we moved on to acoustics. I stopped the store owner and asked where the "nice" acoutics were. He pointed at a $240 Alvarez, and I said no I need something nice, for a studio, and he responded, "best bang for the buck." I said, with the owner right there, fuck this place lets go to guitar center. These pricks were in no way helpful and didn't really seem to give a shit if they sold something. As I was walking out I passed a kid playing an the amp started to smoke. Not one person in the store cared, I even told them on the way out that the amp back there is having problems and they just looked at me like I was an idiot. I was there willing to drop 3 to 4 grand and not one person wanted to help, just seems that the little guy would want to sell something. I mean I was willing to overpay a small shop just to give them business and they didn't want it.

 

[Outlaws]

Doesn't sound like you were looking at the right stuff to start with. I would have either A) walked in and said, I want to see some Gibsons....or B) Said, "No thanks salesman, I will help myself, I know what I am here for."

If I worked in a guitar shop I would figure that 19/20 people that want to play a $2k guitar have zero ability to pay for the thing. Sad, but that is how it works. Thats why GC stuff is beat to shit before you buy it. I have a great shop here in AZ where every guitar has "Do Not Touch" on the price tag. They might be a little stuck up in some peoples eyes, and I won't argue that for a second. But they also want to sort out the 16 year olds from the 16 year olds with a credit card. ANd yes, there are lots of 40 year olds that are in the 16 year old catagory too.

In the end you really need to present yourself as a buyer and not a browser. There is nothing wrong with browsing to buy, but you can't look like you are browsing to kill a Saturday afternoon.

And if they 'snicker' at you then man up and show some fucking balls. Say, "whats so funny?" Call them on their shit or suck it up like a bitch. Kill or be killed. If they really are making fun of you, ask them to play the guitar for you. If they are really good and better than you, be like, "not bad", then start looking at other guitars. If you can play better, be like, "Is that all you got?! Jesus." then turn around and start browsing again. It takes balls to get by in this world.

 

[Nakatira]

Man thats sad to hear.

But I guess its just some people are just wrong for the job.
From your story, it sounds as if it was a very wrong person in the job.
And usually you find the best service in the small shops, well it should be that way.

I work in a Guitar shop myself, and were struggeling to make ends meet.
Were not big in any way, but one thing that we have to focus on is being recognized, in a good way I might add

Anyway I think mom and pop shops are struggeling enough as it is, and theese guys just put another shuffle of growl on theire coffin.

I hope you dont loose your faith in small buisnesses.

 

[jonnyc]

Doesn't sound like you were looking at the right stuff to start with. I would have either A) walked in and said, I want to see some Gibsons....or B) Said, "No thanks salesman, I will help myself, I know what I am here for."

If I worked in a guitar shop I would figure that 19/20 people that want to play a $2k guitar have zero ability to pay for the thing. Sad, but that is how it works. Thats why GC stuff is beat to shit before you buy it. I have a great shop here in AZ where every guitar has "Do Not Touch" on the price tag. They might be a little stuck up in some peoples eyes, and I won't argue that for a second. But they also want to sort out the 16 year olds from the 16 year olds with a credit card. ANd yes, there are lots of 40 year olds that are in the 16 year old catagory too.

In the end you really need to present yourself as a buyer and not a browser. There is nothing wrong with browsing to buy, but you can't look like you are browsing to kill a Saturday afternoon.

And if they 'snicker' at you then man up and show some fucking balls. Say, "whats so funny?" Call them on their shit or suck it up like a bitch. Kill or be killed. If they really are making fun of you, ask them to play the guitar for you. If they are really good and better than you, be like, "not bad", then start looking at other guitars. If you can play better, be like, "Is that all you got?! Jesus." then turn around and start browsing again. It takes balls to get by in this world.

My problem with the situation is the fact that I'm in sales. In fact I sell houses and if I judge every person that walked in here I'd be wrong more than half the time. I've sold quarter million dollar houses to people that look like street bums. I shouldn't have to go into a place like that and beg for decent service. And the first thing I asked for was a Gibson, walked right up to the counter and said can I see that studio and I got a no. I shouldn't have to whip out a wad of hundreds to prove I've got the money to buy. I had a phenominal guitar player with me so didn't need their help with that. They were dicks and won't get any business from me ever.

 

[Outlaws]

My problem with the situation is the fact that I'm in sales. In fact I sell houses and if I judge every person that walked in here I'd be wrong more than half the time. I've sold quarter million dollar houses to people that look like street bums. I shouldn't have to go into a place like that and beg for decent service. And the first thing I asked for was a Gibson, walked right up to the counter and said can I see that studio and I got a no. I shouldn't have to whip out a wad of hundreds to prove I've got the money to buy. I had a phenominal guitar player with me so didn't need their help with that. They were dicks and won't get any business from me ever.

Well, if they wouldn't let you play it after you asked to play it first, I wouldn't have tried out any of the $240 guitars just because I was there. I would have pulled the prick over the counter and informed him I will be trying that Gibson.

(and home sales is a little different from gutiar lol. Most kids don't get their kicks doing tours of open houses, but I can name about 20 (myself included) that will spend an afternoon in GC for fun.)

 

[whyseye]

My problem with the situation is the fact that I'm in sales. In fact I sell houses and if I judge every person that walked in here I'd be wrong more than half the time. I've sold quarter million dollar houses to people that look like street bums. I shouldn't have to go into a place like that and beg for decent service. And the first thing I asked for was a Gibson, walked right up to the counter and said can I see that studio and I got a no. I shouldn't have to whip out a wad of hundreds to prove I've got the money to buy. I had a phenominal guitar player with me so didn't need their help with that. They were dicks and won't get any business from me ever.

I would call and tell the owner(s) the same thing; let them know how much business their employee's attitude cost them. It lets you vent, it lets them know that they have a problem, and gives them the opportunity to try to make good, or deal with the offending employees.
I worked for many years in a small mom & pop (camera) store - service should be the main selling point, because you'll never beat the big guys on price alone. And yes, lots of folks can while away an afternoon at the camera shop, too...but I made my best sales to the sketchiest looking people...ya never know...

 

[jonnyc]

I would call and tell the owner(s) the same thing; let them know how much business their employee's attitude cost them. It lets you vent, it lets them know that they have a problem, and gives them the opportunity to try to make good, or deal with the offending employees.
I worked for many years in a small mom & pop (camera) store - service should be the main selling point, because you'll never beat the big guys on price alone. And yes, lots of folks can while away an afternoon at the camera shop, too...but I made my best sales to the sketchiest looking people...ya never know...

Well in my first post I did note that it was the owner we talked to about acoustics, he had a worse attitude than any of his employees. Now I understand not wanting some yahoo going at your Martin collection but I did inform him it was for my studio and if you saw my appearance then you'd know there's no way I'm just a kid looking to kill time.

 

[Outlaws]

Well in my first post I did note that it was the owner we talked to about acoustics, he had a worse attitude than any of his employees. Now I understand not wanting some yahoo going at your Martin collection but I did inform him it was for my studio and if you saw my appearance then you'd know there's no way I'm just a kid looking to kill time.

Then you found a dud shop. Doesn't make all mom and pop shops bad. ANd tell your friend he is an idiot for buying there.

 

[0018G]

Chalk it up to a learning experience-you learned not to waste your time and gas driving out to BFE to go to this particular store.

I'd have turned around and walked out as soon as I heard the snickering-life is too short for shit like that. If a kid is old enough to have a full time job, but still acts like he's in junior high, he's not gonna be much help. There are too many guitar stores that will work their butts off to help you find just the right instrument. I hope you are able to find one in your area.

 

[Track Rat]

My experiences are just the oposite from yours. My few experiences at Guitar Satan where what you described. I refuse to even talk to some twenty-something kid with piercings all over his face about $2000-$4000 guitars. I've built a rapport with a local shop over the years and while I MIGHT be able to find a guitar a little cheaper else where, I go there because of the service I get. If I have ANY kind of problem they bend over backwards to help me. I'll take that over the punk help at Guitar Satan any day.

 

[fastprof]

You got to find a shop that fits your needs. That may mean some traveling, but once you find a shop that treats you right, then stick with them. The two nearest music stores are not the best fit for me. The one with excellent service is stocked with entry level stuff. The higher end shop has higher end stuff, but lousy service. So, I end up travelling to a shop 40 minutes away because they have both excellent selection and top notch service. I never dicker over $20 better price here or there, and I have built a good relationship with the shop. The result is that they usually cut me a deal without asking or throw stuff in when they can.

You have ruled out one shop you will never return to, forget it and move on. The right shop is out there, just keep looking. Once you find it, stick with it, even if it costs you an extra $20 here and there. In the long run, you build a solid relationship.

 

[6gun]

That's a weird story. Sounds like a real doofus owns the store.

 

[TMatt142]

Wow, thats too bad you had to go through that.....That is definitely GC shit! Which is probably where they came from. I go to two small "ma and pa" shops, one is about an hour away but Skip, the owner is such a great guy. Like everyone has said....you'll pay more but it is so worth it. I know Skip will do a complete set up, plus check all your wiring and charge $150.00. And for that $150.00 you just dropped, he'll keep setting it up for you, whenever you need it, for free, for life. Plus, he TRIES to sell his vintage stuff to ya. Like they've said...chalk it up to a bad experience. Hope you can find another vintage shop, preferably with older employees!

 

[jonnyc]

Wow, thats too bad you had to go through that.....That is definitely GC shit! Which is probably where they came from. I go to two small "ma and pa" shops, one is about an hour away but Skip, the owner is such a great guy. Like everyone has said....you'll pay more but it is so worth it. I know Skip will do a complete set up, plus check all your wiring and charge $150.00. And for that $150.00 you just dropped, he'll keep setting it up for you, whenever you need it, for free, for life. Plus, he TRIES to sell his vintage stuff to ya. Like they've said...chalk it up to a bad experience. Hope you can find another vintage shop, preferably with older employees!

Well I'm from St. Louis and it looks like you are too. Care to tell me what shop that is.

 

[ADU Guitarist]

Well I'm from St. Louis and it looks like you are too. Care to tell me what shop that is.

I'm from St. Louis as well. What store did you happen into? I tend to purchase most of my equipment at Fazio's Frets and Friends and I consider them the best store in St. Louis. GC Crestwood is next on my list and I NEVER shop at Mozingo's or Eddie's.

Fazio's Frets and Friends is great because it has a wide range from beginner gear to pro-equipment. They do not carry Gibson Guitars (you can order them though) but they do have a wide range of other guitars like Parkers, Deans, and Vintage Fenders.

Also their acoustic room is second to none. If you're looking for an acoustic that is the place to go.(They have a full line of Taylor's and a great relationship with Taylor Guitars, one of the worlds largest and oldest Taylor dealers, as you can see in this video: http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/gs/Video.aspx?file=bob_and_bryan_high.wmx&type=wmv That is one of the employees meeting with Bob Taylor.) Not to mention I have a great relationship with just about every employee there including the owners. It it a FAMILY business, and the family is not limited to those employed. They extend it to their customers.

 

[Track Rat]

I'm from St. Louis as well. What store did you happen into? I tend to purchase most of my equipment at Fazio's Frets and Friends and I consider them the best store in St. Louis. GC Crestwood is next on my list and I NEVER shop at Mozingo's or Eddie's.
QUOTE]
Mike Fazio (as is most every one there) is a very good friend of mine. Ed Seelig at Silver Strings is cool but he'll talk our ear off. I'd stay clear of McMarkup (McMurrey's) and both the Guitar Satan stores. I don't consider Mozingo's as a music store.

 

[Zaphod B]

My experiences with small, privately owned music stores have never been that good, even as a repeat customer. There have been exceptions along the way (fantastic guitar tech in College Station, TX in 1979 - who'd have thought it?).

But by and large what I've seen is that everything is sold at MSRP, no bargaining, limited inventory, can't touch the expensive stuff, questionable technical expertise, and usually a superior attitude to go along with the rest of it.

I was glad when the big-box stores came about, and it doesn't bother me in the least that the GC salesmen don't know shit from shinola. (That's my responsibility, since it's my money at stake.) As long as I can demo a number of items and do a little bargaining, I'm happy.

 

[Crash ©]

Memphis has it's share of music stores.. A few of the best ones have gone down the tubes over the years long before GC came to town.. One of the oldest and biggest in town is Strings-n-Things.. They are without a doubt the largest, larger than GC in terms of square footage.. They've got a pretty good selection of gear in most price ranges.. The one thing they do have that sucks is an attitude.. When I walk into the place I feel like I'm supposed to know someone before I'm allowed walk in the door.. Every instrument in the place is marked do not touch.. I asked the sales guy about playing some of the accoustics, he said he'd be there in a minute.. 4 or 5 minutes later he comes in asks me which one I want to play, I reach for one, he steps up takes it off the rack and hands it to me and hovers over my shoulder looking like he has better things to do until I hand it back to him. He puts it back on the rack and walks off.. WTF..??? I gave up and walked out...

On the other hand and the other side of town there's Martin Music (not the chain folks that turned into MF).. I walked into the back room lined with $5000+ guitars in glass cases, picked up a Laravie from the center of the room, played it for a bit, grabbed another, did the same.. A few minutes later a salesman sticks his head in the room and asked if I need any help or had any questions.. 30 minutes later I've gone through most everythign not under lock and key, he walks back in unlocks a couple of cabinets and asks me to be careful taking them out and putting them back, makes a couple of suggestions on what he feels are some of the best guitars there and let him know if I need anything or when I'm done so he can lock the cases back up..

I don't know that I'll ever drop $5000 on a guitar, but I'm betting they've already sold me my next guitar.. I just haven't found it yet...

--
Rob

 

[ADU Guitarist]

I'm from St. Louis as well. What store did you happen into? I tend to purchase most of my equipment at Fazio's Frets and Friends and I consider them the best store in St. Louis. GC Crestwood is next on my list and I NEVER shop at Mozingo's or Eddie's.
QUOTE]
Mike Fazio (as is most every one there) is a very good friend of mine. Ed Seelig at Silver Strings is cool but he'll talk our ear off. I'd stay clear of McMarkup (McMurrey's) and both the Guitar Satan stores. I don't consider Mozingo's as a music store.

Yeah they are great guys at Fazio's. Dan Fazio is someone I do the most business with, atleast when he is in town that is. He let me borrow his Custom Saber one day, that was a fun guitar.

 

[jimistone]

If a guitar is over $250....it's too high IMO.

Unless of course IM SELLING IT...then it's worth the big bucks.

A mex strat loaded with some good pickups does the trick for me....live or studio....in terms of a guitar purchase.

I have a vintage strat and a mexican strat.....there's not much difference in the tone. The vintage plays better though.

I bought a used Gibson SG standard for $200 at a mom and pop music store a couple of years ago. I have them trained to call me when they get a piece like that in on trade.