Music stores. An outsider's view.

Lord-Fraquart · 2011-11-22T10:29:40+00:00

Not sure if this is the right section to post this, but here goes anyway. As some of you might know, I had to buy my son a guitar and amp. Not knowing anything about musical instruments, I had to resort to the forum, Google and music stores and their assistants. Well, what an experience. First of all, why don't music stores put their best price on the equipment they sell? Shopping for musical instruments is like shopping for curtains at Oriental Plaza. You are not sure if you are going to get a better price, but you are forced to ask, otherwise you might just pay sticker price. I like to walk around in a shop, look at the wares and see what is in my budget. Sometimes it is nice just to browse without an assistant tagging along. Some guitars I was offered at R3000 from the sticker price of R4900, but those I was interested in only R200 discount. Now this makes me feel shafted. There is no general markdown of let’s say 25%. So as a customer I am not sure if I am being offered damaged or "past sell by date" goods at the higher discount. It would be nice if the price you see is the price you pay. That way you don't get that feeling of being secretly shafted. People in the industry might disagree with me, but as a first-timer to the industry, the shopping experience left a bad taste. As for shop assistants, here some made me vow never to visit their shop again. No more so that Music Mate in Pretoria. I went there as it was recommended by my son's music teacher. I had a budget in mind and told the assistant what that was. Every time my eye drifted to a guitar, he would try and sell it to me, no matter that it was 10 times over budget. If I tell the guy I am interested in a guitar under R3k, suited to rock/metal etc, do not try and sell me an electric acoustic for R25k. My only other bad experience was at Jean Village Music in Centurion. Again, it seemed the assistant did not listen to my requirements, but tried to flog me slow moving stock. Sorry, Music Boys in Mall@Reds I thought tried to do the same. Others that I thought did a brilliant job at selling me what was in my budget and suited my needs were Music connection in Randburg, Oosthavens in Pretoria and Marshall Music in Woodmead. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with the guys there. They had no problem explaining the technicalities of guitars and amps to a novice, demoing equipment and making you feel important as a customer. Next time I need something; this is where I would go.

Jack-Flash-Jr

Lord Farquart wrote
Jack Flash Jr wrote

Don't underestimate the importance of this... he is far more likely to practice and enjoy his journey on a guitar he has an affinity for than one taken because it's better bang for buck. You did the right thing and you're obviously a cool dad.
Now.........
The big question is......
When are shopping for gear for yourself? ?
I was told you have to walk before you run, so I bought him an acoustic to start with. Bad decision methinks. He is just not into the sound of it. So this time, although I think I did my homework, I bought him what he wanted. Hopefully that will give him the motivation he needs.

I'm not going to shop yet. I will play around with his first. I would absolutely love to be able to play guitar. I was only allowed to play the triangel in school. ☹ How do I get started? My work does not allow me to go for lessons etc. Is there a DVD or something for dummies that you can suggest?

This is a good start:
http://www.justinguitar.com/

But a few lessons (one hour a week for 4 weeks will give you the basic basics at least) will be necessary... or get your son to show you ?

Lord-Fraquart

sharonzaz wrote

This is MY shop!! and by that i mean, that is where i make most\all my buying.
I will show this to the owner.
who was the sales dude?

very sad, as I rate them best in service and I have been buying from everyone, and ended up staying loyal
to them as I dont think any other shop comes close, service wise.

you can forward the guy's name in PVT if you dont want to do so in public.

when were you there? you must have bumped into me there, as I have been there almost everyday now for the last few days
as the guitar tech has been fixing one of my guitars.
?

I have no idea who the salesman was. We went to 9 music stores in one day, so I chatted to a lot of people. Although I said I won't visit certain shops again, my intention with the topic was not a Hello Peter type topic. Only my experience comparing different shops and the assistance I got.

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