Chains vs. Mom & Pop Shops vs. the Online Zoo
I have been shopping for guitar equipment for over 25 years and I can tell you that I have had extremely terrible experiences along with some that were truly amazing. So here's my two cents on the good, the bad and the ugly.
I strongly suggest shopping at Mr. Music in Allston, MA. This shop is my go to place for a no-nonsense experience. Every employee is honest and extremely helpful. The shop's prices are always a little less than the monster chains (Guitar Center, Daddy's Junky Music, etc...). One of the nicest guys in Mr. Music is Steve. He's usually scarfing down some Dunkin' Donuts or a local Gyros, but as soon as you start talking to him, he opens up and will bend over backwards for you. Also, Jay is amazing with repairs. I highly recommend Mr. Music. If you get a chance to talk to Tom, shake his hand and tell him he has the best guitar store around.
http://www.coolguitars.com/
If you visit Nashville, TN, go to Gruhn Guitars. Your jaw will drop when you walk in. The walls are lined with vintage and rare Gibsons and Fenders. I've never seen anything like it. If you contact them, ask for Billy Jackson. The southern hospitality does not go unnoticed.
http://www.gruhn.com/
And if you are traveling to New York state, stop in at Sphere Sound in Rochester. Ask for Scott Van Dusen. He's a straight-up nice guy who loves his job. I've spent some quality time on the phone with him and he is awesome. He's been my go to guy for some seriously sweet equipment. And he loves Brian May of Queen too!
http://www.spheresound.com/index.cfm
If you are going to shop online, check out Same Day Music. Take your time navigating their site, look carefully, and you will find some serious bargains. I have the best luck on pricing and delivery from this company.
http://www.samedaymusic.com/
Here is a short list of where I WILL NOT shop:
Guitar Center
Daddy's Junky Music
Just trust me. You will find better pricing and customer service elsewhere.
Good luck!!!
Lac
Thanks, Marc. This is exactly the sort of tip I'm going to want to use. And I'm a huge fan of locally owned retail in general, so your shout out for Mr. Music warms my heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. If I could endorse Mr. Music in another way, I would. They really are great. It's sad how the monster-chains have taken the enjoyment out of shopping in the music world. I have fond memories of Mom & Pop shops is Shrewsbury and Worcester, places where you knew that you were getting honest deals and sound advice from people who loved their job. Today, most employees just work at these chains to use their employee discount to stock up on equipment that they want and they don't care one bit about the customers, unless you're willing to spend thousands of dollars. Some day, I will open Lac's Guitars and sell equipment at fair prices and I will love every second of it.
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