paul_5 Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I noticed that recently on BC certain music shops have had a bit of a flaming, and thought to myself that one day, if I ever had a really positive experience of a retailer then I would share it to redress the balance. It happened today. I spent 20 minutes on the phone to Watford Valves and spoke to a guy called Derek. I called about retubing my Ampeg SVP PRO, and he asked a lot of pertinent questions (what sort of sound do you want? etc... ) and eventually we settled on a set of valves. Even once he'd made the sale he continued to answer all of my questions regarding other makes of valves and transformer issues etc... A thoroughly nice (and very knowledgeable) chap. I can't recommend these guys enough. Good to see staff in music retail who actually give a sh*t about their customers. That is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Old fashioned customer service - brilliant. Sounds like they really care about the customer and the product. I have a good local place, but if I can't get what I'm after there, I'll go to WV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I've not dealt with them myself but I put a clueless Guitard friend of mine onto them and they sorted him out quickly and professionally! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I've dealt with them a couple of times for replacement valves and can thoroughly agree with the OPs comments. These guys know their valves, are enthusiastic about their subject matter and are a pleasure to deal with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 (edited) Perhaps we should have a special thread for good service - I'd quickly add Status - ordered some strings during the Christmas closedown and got an error message as well as a confirmation email. Rang them on Tuesday and they had it sorted in minutes. E mailed later to confirm strings had been posted. (sorry if this is a bit of a hijack). Edited January 6, 2011 by Mykesbass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 I've dealt with Watford Valves a couple of times & they are bang on the money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 I think Derek is himself one of us, a bass man that is! Think I've depped for him a couple of times, but we've not met. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjohn Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 I think it was Derek I spoke to when I bought some valves there. He's got an SVT-IIP and SVT 300 poweramp. If it is. Knows his Ampeg pre's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 Strange, I`ve e-mailed them twice for advice, and neither message was replied to. And it was about items they stock, not just a general enquiry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 [quote name='icastle' post='1080449' date='Jan 6 2011, 09:08 PM']I've dealt with them a couple of times for replacement valves and can thoroughly agree with the OPs comments. These guys know their valves, are enthusiastic about their subject matter and are a pleasure to deal with.[/quote] Yup, similar experience here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted January 7, 2011 Share Posted January 7, 2011 (edited) [quote name='paul_5' post='1080372' date='Jan 6 2011, 08:15 PM']I called about retubing my Ampeg SVP PRO...[/quote] exactly what i did when i was revalving and had the same excellent service. watford valves rule. Edited January 7, 2011 by ahpook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 Yup, +1 here - I've bought many a valve from Derek Rocco. - Similar experiences too, as we ended up having a very long conversation about tubey goodness! - If his select valves are good enough for Mr May, then that's an endorsement I can live with! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 [quote name='Lozz196' post='1080724' date='Jan 7 2011, 07:39 AM']Strange, I`ve e-mailed them twice for advice, and neither message was replied to. And it was about items they stock, not just a general enquiry.[/quote] Hi Lozz, I know from experience the email service can be a bit crap so I would recommend phoning for immediate help/advice. Regards, Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancient Mariner Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 I bought a speaker from them once, and they were helpful, pleasant and quick. They charge a premium price, but do seem to provide a premium service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 [quote name='paul_5' post='1080372' date='Jan 6 2011, 08:15 PM']I noticed that recently on BC certain music shops have had a bit of a flaming, and thought to myself that one day, if I ever had a really positive experience of a retailer then I would share it to redress the balance. It happened today. I spent 20 minutes on the phone to Watford Valves and spoke to a guy called Derek. I called about retubing my Ampeg SVP PRO, and he asked a lot of pertinent questions (what sort of sound do you want? etc... ) and eventually we settled on a set of valves. Even once he'd made the sale he continued to answer all of my questions regarding other makes of valves and transformer issues etc... A thoroughly nice (and very knowledgeable) chap. I can't recommend these guys enough. Good to see staff in music retail who actually give a sh*t about their customers. That is all. [/quote] dealt with them in the past and indeed, they are good. Wish all shops were like them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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