Music Shop Bashing

[iamapirate]

I live an hour from bighton so GAK is always an option (they're great there as far as I can tell!). But my local one which is basically an ASDA for musicians is pretty bad. I usually go in to see what new effects they have in, and to have a go on them.

The usual guy there is a nice guy - obviously knows his stuff. But, i do find it quite annoying when he/they ask you for what bass you want to use (thats easy - american jazz) and then go and plug me into a bl***y trace elliot!! I use ashdown (ok, they wouldn't know, but they dont even ask what amp i want to use - and clearly don't understand that an effect sounds different through different heads) And then, (not as bad) they presume that the tone from a MAG-300 with 410s is the same as a mag-1000 with a 115. Is it too much to ask to try an effect out with near to my rig? Especially if they have it in stock. Actually, I have a confession. I left a bass standing upright against an amp *ducks* It was perfectly secure, though. But I don't think the guy there was too happy about it being there...

I do agree with almost everything that has been said - except the whole 'dont try it if you don't think you're gonna buy it' thing. Most of the time, I can't really save up over £100 unless I KNOW that I'm saving up for something specific. So when I go in and try out (over a few weeks) 200 crummy effetcs, and then i try out a really nice auto-wah-fuzzing-blowtorch (now THAT would be cool), then I know to save money i.e. I save up money, then go into a shop and buy something. I usually Go into a shop, try out the stuff, get GAS, go home, come back a month later and then buy it.

I don't agree with the whole over-18 policy. I'm 16, and when I was 15 I bought (in a year) a fender american standard jazz bass (£769), an ashdown MAG-300 (£500ish) and an EHX BMS (£170ish). I would have quite comfortably gone without my parents if it wern't for the fact that i needed some way to lug the stff back home. But again, when I first tried out all of that I was completely broke. But then money came through and WAHOO!

</rambling>

[Shockwave]

I was surprised at the good service i received at Reverb Bristol when buying a few things.

Within a month at seperate dates i bought an Ashdown Little Giant 1000, Jackson WRMG, Jackson RR5.

They were very polite, and bought everything i tried. The bass section guy is a very talented and approachable sort. Some of the guitar section guys are alright apart from this one american guy who seems to believe if its not metal, its not good or something to that effect. He just acts like a bit of a dick.

[bythesea]

[quote name='iamapirate' post='543478' date='Jul 17 2009, 06:58 PM']I live an hour from bighton so GAK is always an option (they're great there as far as I can tell!).[/quote]
Whereas I have found them to be ageist the other way...

Not always, but more often than not.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='iamapirate' post='543478' date='Jul 17 2009, 06:58 PM']I live an hour from bighton so GAK is always an option (they're great there as far as I can tell!).[/quote]
[quote name='bythesea' post='543498' date='Jul 17 2009, 07:31 PM']Whereas I have found them to be ageist the other way...

Not always, but more often than not.[/quote]
I have had both good and bad experiences with GAK but mostly good. I have been aware of a kind of 'you're too old' embarrassment from some staff but I'd say it's rare.

The stupidest thing that happened to me there was walking into the acoustics section with £400 cash in my pocket and a plan to buy an ABG and leaving again without trying anything because the guy couldn't be bothered to stop playing his computer game. I bought one on ebay instead.

I would say generally good service in GAK and I only ever had one problem in the bass section and Mark in basses has helped me out on several occasions.

[bythesea]

[quote name='EssentialTension' post='543524' date='Jul 17 2009, 07:58 PM']I would say generally good service in GAK and I only ever had one problem in the bass section and Mark in basses has helped me out on several occasions.[/quote]
I must have been unlucky and always missed Mark

Whereas in the pro-audio section it has always been good.

[Pete Academy]

The scourge of retail is commission - it creates a cuthroat attitude amogst the salespeople. When I worked for Sound Control and we were on commission, with silly targets, it was one for all and all for one. I've stood a few feet from a salesman, twiddling my thumbs, while he was trying to sell a beginner a bass. He refused to ask me to attend to the customer because he thought it was an easy sale. I heard him talk absolute bollocks and demo the bass by playing something crap. In the end the customer walked out. I told my colleague that he could have asked me to talk to the customer, without incurring any commission on my part.

In my opinion, any larger music store should have specialist staff - end of story.

[budget bassist]

[quote name='iamapirate' post='543478' date='Jul 17 2009, 06:58 PM']I live an hour from bighton so GAK is always an option (they're great there as far as I can tell!). But my local one which is basically an ASDA for musicians is pretty bad. I usually go in to see what new effects they have in, and to have a go on them.

The usual guy there is a nice guy - obviously knows his stuff. But, i do find it quite annoying when he/they ask you for what bass you want to use (thats easy - american jazz) and then go and plug me into a bl***y trace elliot!! I use ashdown (ok, they wouldn't know, but they dont even ask what amp i want to use - and clearly don't understand that an effect sounds different through different heads) And then, (not as bad) they presume that the tone from a MAG-300 with 410s is the same as a mag-1000 with a 115. Is it too much to ask to try an effect out with near to my rig? Especially if they have it in stock. Actually, I have a confession. I left a bass standing upright against an amp *ducks* It was perfectly secure, though. But I don't think the guy there was too happy about it being there...

I do agree with almost everything that has been said - except the whole 'dont try it if you don't think you're gonna buy it' thing. Most of the time, I can't really save up over £100 unless I KNOW that I'm saving up for something specific. So when I go in and try out (over a few weeks) 200 crummy effetcs, and then i try out a really nice auto-wah-fuzzing-blowtorch (now THAT would be cool), then I know to save money i.e. I save up money, then go into a shop and buy something. I usually Go into a shop, try out the stuff, get GAS, go home, come back a month later and then buy it.

I don't agree with the whole over-18 policy. I'm 16, and when I was 15 I bought (in a year) a fender american standard jazz bass (£769), an ashdown MAG-300 (£500ish) and an EHX BMS (£170ish). I would have quite comfortably gone without my parents if it wern't for the fact that i needed some way to lug the stff back home. But again, when I first tried out all of that I was completely broke. But then money came through and WAHOO!

</rambling>[/quote]
Did you not think to ask to try a certain rig? or even more obvious, why not bring your own bass? when they see you have a US fender they will know you mean business. It shouldn't be like that, but it is.

[quote name='Pete Academy' post='543595' date='Jul 17 2009, 09:13 PM']In my opinion, any larger music store should have specialist staff - end of story.[/quote]
The sound control i went into did, if i wanted a bass related item, i'd talk to one guy, and one guy only, and a very nice guy he was too.

Edited July 18, 2009 by budget bassist

[markdavid]

[quote name='iamapirate' post='543478' date='Jul 17 2009, 06:58 PM']I do agree with almost everything that has been said - except the whole 'dont try it if you don't think you're gonna buy it' thing. Most of the time, I can't really save up over £100 unless I KNOW that I'm saving up for something specific. So when I go in and try out (over a few weeks) 200 crummy effetcs, and then i try out a really nice auto-wah-fuzzing-blowtorch (now THAT would be cool), then I know to save money i.e. I save up money, then go into a shop and buy something. I usually Go into a shop, try out the stuff, get GAS, go home, come back a month later and then buy it.

</rambling>[/quote]

+ 1 couldn't agree with you more

[The Funk]

[quote name='peted' post='542945' date='Jul 17 2009, 09:46 AM']I don't think you'll ever stop kids from trying stuff out when they've got no money to spend. You can only hope that they carry on being musicians when they finally get money to fund their hobby/profession.[/quote]

You can't deny the [i]"It will be mine. Oh yes... it will be mine."[/i] factor.

[GreeneKing]

I've worked with kids for several years and find them great once you make the connection and get under the veneer to the person beneath.

Once the point is explained to them in a way that isn't 'adult looking down on child' then I believe most will respond well.

[iamapirate]

[quote name='budget bassist' post='543720' date='Jul 18 2009, 01:31 AM']when they see you have a US fender they will know you mean business. It shouldn't be like that, but it is.[/quote]

Crazy, I know! And they still don't really give me the service i hope for. Uaully when I go in there's a few people in there, (never any bassists ) but it's never really packed. and i've never even heard of 10 or 15 kids goin into a music store at the same time! unless it's german students...

[iamapirate]

[quote name='GreeneKing' post='543936' date='Jul 18 2009, 01:03 PM']I've worked with kids for several years and find them great once you make the connection and get under the veneer to the person beneath.

Once the point is explained to them in a way that isn't 'adult looking down on child' then I believe most will respond well.[/quote]yeah, i'm 16 and even by reading this thread i think i'll be a bit more careful with instruments, etc. but I don't think that I'm being harsh with them as it is! I already realised that 'you pay for what you break'. But I think it should be more like 'you pay for what you sweat on/mark'. hmm, not as catchy...

[iamapirate]

[quote name='budget bassist' post='543720' date='Jul 18 2009, 01:31 AM']Did you not think to ask to try a certain rig? or even more obvious, why not bring your own bass?[/quote]
ah, i usually bike there as my parents are usually working- I bike everywhere. I don't get too sweaty, though! and I always check my hands are clean before touching anything - even if it means going into town to find some toilets.

sorry for the triple reply!!!

Edited July 18, 2009 by iamapirate

[7string]

I was lucky enough to know the guys at The Bass Centre in Wapping (now defunct). They were nothing but welcoming and when I had to buy something, it's the place I took my cash too.

In Glasgow though, had bad experiences with a couple of shops, which I just don't go to anymore. My wife was going shopping and offered to go in there and get a truss rod wrench for a guitar I had. She took the neck into [b]Strung Out Guitars[/b] so they could give her the right size. The two women (who it turns out own the shop, were nothing but patronising and nasty saying that they couldn't possibly sell such a thing, no-one who wasn't trained should do the job anyway and that whole guitar should be brought in for a full setup.

Apparently one of them used to work in Andy's in Denmark St. Say no more.

[MacDaddy]

[quote name='7string' post='543970' date='Jul 18 2009, 01:59 PM']I was lucky enough to know the guys at The Bass Centre in Wapping (now defunct). They were nothing but welcoming and when I had to buy something, it's the place I took my cash too.

In Glasgow though, had bad experiences with a couple of shops, which I just don't go to anymore. My wife was going shopping and offered to go in there and get a truss rod wrench for a guitar I had. She took the neck into [b]Strung Out Guitars[/b] so they could give her the right size. The two women (who it turns out own the shop, were nothing but patronising and nasty saying that they couldn't possibly sell such a thing, no-one who wasn't trained should do the job anyway and that whole guitar should be brought in for a full setup.

Apparently one of them used to work in Andy's in Denmark St. Say no more.[/quote]

I never resist the opportunity to stick the boot into Andrew John Preston of Andy's Guitars. His address at Denmark Street had various business names all of which had CCJ's against them. He'd just create a new business name and leave the debts. This is a matter of public record, check it out via Companies House.

He is also a liar, thief, and scum. This is a matter of public record too, because I filled papers with the High Court stating as much (although in the correct legal language).

[EdwardHimself]

[quote name='MacDaddy' post='544005' date='Jul 18 2009, 02:37 PM']I never resist the opportunity to stick the boot into Andrew John Preston of Andy's Guitars. His address at Denmark Street had various business names all of which had CCJ's against them. He'd just create a new business name and leave the debts. This is a matter of public record, check it out via Companies House.

He is also a liar, thief, and scum. This is a matter of public record too, because I filled papers with the High Court stating as much (although in the correct legal language).[/quote]

I hate to sound like some sort of newspaper reader, but why should people just be allowed to do that?

[velvetkevorkian]

[quote name='7string' post='543970' date='Jul 18 2009, 01:59 PM']I was lucky enough to know the guys at The Bass Centre in Wapping (now defunct). They were nothing but welcoming and when I had to buy something, it's the place I took my cash too.

In Glasgow though, had bad experiences with a couple of shops, which I just don't go to anymore. My wife was going shopping and offered to go in there and get a truss rod wrench for a guitar I had. She took the neck into [b]Strung Out Guitars[/b] so they could give her the right size. The two women (who it turns out own the shop, were nothing but patronising and nasty saying that they couldn't possibly sell such a thing, no-one who wasn't trained should do the job anyway and that whole guitar should be brought in for a full setup.

Apparently one of them used to work in Andy's in Denmark St. Say no more.[/quote]
Contrastingly, I've always had very good service in Strung Out, whereas Jimmy Egypt (supposedly guitar repairman to the stars) was totally unhelpful and overpriced. Odd isn't it?

[skankdelvar]

When she worked at Andy's, she was very pleasant when I came in with a stupid question about a microscopically inexpensive repair.

She might have changed though. Some people do.

I quite fancied her as well.

[Mokl]

I must say that having worked in music retail for far too long now, this thread comes as a breath of fresh air. We have continual problems with people displaying a complete lack of respect for our instruments and stock, thinking it's okay to abuse them as their own and then leave, never having had any intention of making a puchase. We always stress the need for our customers to try out the gear properly and do our best to make sure that they are happy with their purchase, and we are usually more than happy to allow anybody to try anything they want. A polite "would it be okay to try this?" before ripping that Rickenbacker from the display goes a long way!

The one observation I would make is that I would not necessarily single out a particular age group as being more guilty of poor manners or disrespectful behaviour. In fact, in my experience it is often the older guys who come in (guys who really should know better), who will start yanking acoustics off the wall and in the process bouncing them off the Clavinova's. As a small, independent shop, you would really not believe how much this can cost us. Irritatingly we often only pick up dings and small areas of damage at the time of sale, which inevitably involves us having to throw in free stuff or reduce the price.

Anwyay, let's not give the kids too hard a time. More recently I find that the younger guys and gals that frequent our shop are often very appreciative of our time and attention.

[7string]

[quote name='velvetkevorkian' post='544264' date='Jul 18 2009, 07:51 PM']Contrastingly, I've always had very good service in Strung Out, whereas Jimmy Egypt (supposedly guitar repairman to the stars) was totally unhelpful and overpriced. Odd isn't it? [/quote]

Don't even get me started about him. Long story, but there is [b]NO WAY[/b] I mean absolutely [b]NO WAY [/b]that I'm setting foot in CC Music again. Mr Cannell (Jimmy Egypt) is, in my opinion. an arrogant prat who charges way too much for work.

[iamapirate]

I really had no idea denmark street was so bad - is it just a few select shops in it or is it pretty much all of them competing to be the worst?

[7string]

Denmark St used to be fun.

I remember going from one side of the street to the pther trying to get the best deal. Pretty sure that (apart from Rose Morris and Andy's) they're owned by one company.

[MacDaddy]

[quote name='7string' post='544364' date='Jul 18 2009, 09:58 PM']Denmark St used to be fun.

I remember going from one side of the street to the pther trying to get the best deal. Pretty sure that (apart from Rose Morris and Andy's) they're owned by one company.[/quote]

Andy went bankrupt, not sure who owns it now. He managed to keep his Rolls Royce though

[iamapirate]

[quote name='7string' post='544364' date='Jul 18 2009, 09:58 PM']Denmark St used to be fun.[/quote]

Ahh, I was born too late!

[smudge]

Well... there is a place you can buy mostly what you want, the sales staff are always attentive, will give you the best deal and also know everything about the product they sell. Age no problem, no snotty attitudes and all standards of player catered for................. it's the for sale sections on Basschat.