Hutton

I have also picked up a vibe that just browsing somehow justifies shop staff being mildly belligerent or moody with potential customers. Does this mean that to get civility from shop staff you have to walk in with a visible wad of cash and sign an agreement to buy before you leave? What happened to just going into a shop, having a chat with the staff regarding their stock, and perhaps trying something out. It may or may not result in a sale. I have bought instruments after trying but did not necessarily set out to buy an instrument. I have also gone back at a later date to buy depending on the service I received. If surly shop assistants insist on various conditions before you get a smile or even a hint of service then we all may as well buy from the internet. I like music shops. I want to buy from music shops. Long may they stay in business. To do so they will have to play their part!

[quote name='merello' post='1363318' date='Sep 5 2011, 07:44 PM']Had a poor experience in GG Glasgow recently - looking to buy a present for someone and two of us collected the cash (remember that!) and went in, had a pluck, said, 'we'll take it!' and looked proudly at each other saying, 'well that was easy!' Sales assistant then says, I'll just serve this guy first and come back. We looked at a free assistant and asked if we could pay him and got a 'No.' (Is there some sort of omerta going on?) We looked on the bright side and had a wee browse at the untouchables down stairs. Came back up and asked, 'OK, can we buy it now?' as it lay waiting on the counter. 'Er...just be a minute!' Wandered round once more then 30 mins after our instrument had been chosen looked at the item, looked at the assistants, looked at each other and left. Went to Merchant City Music and bought a slightly more expensive item immediately, got talking to the sales assistant about guitars in general and he volunteered the chance for me to get a shot of an EC Strat and a AmDeluxe Tele. Superb! That's the 3rd time something similar has happened and they have actually lost about £950 in sales over their lack of desire to serve.[/quote] I've had a similar experience in GG in Glasgow. On the other hand I've also had good experiences in the same shop. Maybe it's down to who is attending to your needs. McCormacks in Glasgow and Bruce Millars in Aberdeen have now closed. Both shops were institutions and used to give good service and payment plans to youngsters buying their first decent instrument. It all changed however with a promise to marry the owners 18 stone daughter being required before you could have a go on a guitar or bass. No surprise both shops went down the tubes. I'm now living up in Moray and we have an excellent shop in Elgin called Sound & Vision. No problem trying stuff out. They may not have an extensive range but they know their business depends on people spending money.

It might be worth having a try at the new Fender Blacktop Jazz. It actually has two precision pickups. Just a suggestion.

You've just posted this to make us all extremely envious!

I saw the precision in R&B music in Aberdeen today. I didn't like the look of it at all. The finish was a kind of light sparkly silver. I much preferred the American standard that was on offer.

Yep. It's probably ok. The seller has excellent feedback.

I see that the Streamer is back up for auction. Ebay need to get a grip!

I'm sorry. I just can't believe that you are moaning about this situation. I can't say any more in case I become abusive.

[quote name='BigRedX' post='1291410' date='Jul 3 2011, 08:27 PM']Tony Reeves is actually a Basschat member - and also the MD of MTR Audio.[/quote] Wow! I didn't know Tony Reeves was a basschat member. If you read this thread Tony can I just say thanks for some memorable gigs that I will never forget.

Thanks for the thread Bilbo. I think the bass player's surname was spelt 'Briley'. I saw Greenslade whenever they played in Glasgow. I was a big fan. I have the album in question but preferred the first two albums especially 'Bedside manners are extra'. Tony Reeves was the bass player on the first three albums with Briley replacing Reeves for the fourth album 'Time and Tide'. In fact you've inspired me to dust down the albums and stick them on the turntable.

Unless you buy second-hand I believe that they are made to order. They are not ridiculously expensive however. It all depends on the spec you choose from the options that you will find on their website. I would certainly consider one.