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Hello guys/girls. How many times when you have just had a bad experience do you get angry and dive onto the keyboard and post your anger. Anger seems to drive us these days and leads us to make the time to complain about poor service (often justified mind you). However how many times when we receive good service "beyond the call of duty" type service do we bother to hit the keyboards and express a thanks. Well I must say I had reason to visit Marshall Music in Woodmead recently and I am still in a slight state of shock with regards to their service. From the moment we walked in the door / yeah at my age I take my wife with when I need to unload some cash ha ha ha ha, the people were polite, friendly and professional. Now take my word for it when I say that I do not look like a young up and coming "slash" by any means so I was not oozing "rock and roll" ha ha ha but they treated me just great. I got some superb advice and walked out with my new Gibson.

Well the story does not end there. I needed someone to discuss some mods on my Fender Nashville Deluxe Tele. I was again referred to Marshall Music and told to speak to JD upstairs at JD Kustom. What a lekker oak man. He new exactly what I was looking for and made some recommendations which are spot on. He really does know what he is talking about. After the pro setup on the Fender he will get all the other one at a time to sort them out. Fantastic I thought, then when driving back my wife says "hey babes they are really friendly people there and really looked after me while you were upstairs with JD". I though she is so right they were great. I rolled the dice for the last time and thought why not ask if they know anyone who can service my Mixer. Lo and behold I was escorted down stairs, yip the damn place has 3 levels, and guess what. Not only do they stock the exact same mixer they are also agents and have techies that are comfortable to look at it. So tomorrow they get my mixer for a service as well.

Anyway I just thought I would actually bother to sit down and write a note about a real good experience with a supplier in Johannesburg. Marshall is worth a visit. Obviously I cannot comment on their other branches but Woodmead will do me just fine. I found a new toy shop.
    Here's some more good advice: don't herp the derp


    I guess good service is to be expected so when it ISN'T then it becomes bitchworthy....................plus, people just like to complain.

      if i ever go up to joburg, i always try and make a plan to get to marshall music woodmead and music connection. greats shops and good service.
        sure you will hear good and bad stories about every music store in jozi ... ?

        however i too am a regular marshall music woodmead customer and i use JD Kustom as my guitar tech on all my guitar issues /setups.... and in the 6 yrs i been in jozi i have yet to have a bad experience ................ Stuart (salesman) from marshall will source anything for me at competitive prices and being a pro player himself can offer good insight...and JD knows me well enough to just give him a guitar and tell him to set it up how i like it and he always gets it right from new gear to a vintage gibson i have had in at his workshop ........

        NOT like a few other stores .......... one where the salesman tried to sell me a curved capo and swore blind it would be fine on my classical (which has a dead flat neck ) HUGE FAIL>>>>>> or the store that was the importer of a particular range of gear and when i wanted to buy "that gear" from them found i could get it 20% cheaper at another store who had to order it from them....yet still could sell it to me cheaper ... or the guitar tech i spoke to re sourcing a part for an archtop ...who swore he'd get back to me same day ... took my details in his book and that years later i'm still waiting for the call ...........needless to say i never returned and offer them my bussiness


        but yes i think it's important to nuture a relationship with a store and it's staff.... that way you offer them return bussiness and they know your needs and what your music style /technique requires........ and i believe once you are a 'person" they know ... and not just a faceless customer it's almost impossible to get bad service........ and i know it should be everyone is treated the same .... but we all know that not to be the case
          I just ordered a bunch of Lava cables from Stuart, over phone and email. They're shipping today to me in CT.

          I've got my issues with my local stores, mainly that they don't stock what I want and can't/won't get it in but I've found it's a good idea to find the one competent person that works in the store (if you're lucky, there will be more of them) and keep going back to them, phoning them, emailing them.
            Stuart at Woodmead has always been great - I've dealt with him for years. I was looking everywhere for a very specific multi-guitar stand a while ago, that the suppliers did not have in stock and he searched around to find me one lurking in a store (being used for display I think) got it in and had it shipped down to the Cape for me.
            Greg wrote: I've got my issues with my local stores, mainly that they don't stock what I want and can't/won't get it in but I've found it's a good idea to find the one competent person that works in the store (if you're lucky, there will be more of them) and keep going back to them, phoning them, emailing them.
            Yup. A good test of a sales person is what they do when you want something small that they haven't got in stock, like plectra or a specific set of strings. The good ones will get it for you, the bad ones can't be bothered. With consumables, the good'uns will usually get a few in so that next time you are looking, they'll have in stock.
              • [deleted]

              Another thumbs up for Stuart from me. I think he is a superb guy.
              Not one of those that wont let me play there 'expensive' guitars cause they think I'm to young or too poor perhaps..
              Always willing to help!!!!

              Unlike Music Connection.. There I said it
                Brentcgp wrote: Another thumbs up for Stuart from me. I think he is a superb guy.
                Not one of those that wont let me play there 'expensive' guitars cause they think I'm to young or too poor perhaps..
                Always willing to help!!!!

                Unlike Music Connection.. There I said it
                Seriously? I had the exact opposite experience at Marshall (Not with stuart). I'm not very shabby looking, but when I picked up a LP Custom, one of the guys came into the jam room and quickly told me I had better not scratch that guitar.. Was probably a year or so back, I still prefer MC.
                  I've had varying experiences in each of the major stores... some of them no one even greeted me... others guys had a lekker chat. At the end of the day, the guys working there are human beings, meaning they may form an opinion about you the moment they see you (even if it is unjustified)... the same as we often do with others we see...

                  That being said... a major music shop sent my dad's 30 year old yamaha acoustic guitar off to a techy who, when filing the frets dented the back of the neck with clamps and seems to have dropped the guitar, got overspray of clear laquer on the body also. Then they said "um sorry" and refused to send the guitar to a better tech/luthier to have it fixed properly at their expense. I will never ever ever ever support that shop again.

                  I feel for the music shops at the moment... they are in a tough spot with the Rand being like it is... if they bring in stock NOW and the Rand strengthens then they have overpriced stock... And if they need to order stock from the US now it's more expensive.
                    • [deleted]

                    MikeM wrote:
                    Brentcgp wrote: Another thumbs up for Stuart from me. I think he is a superb guy.
                    Not one of those that wont let me play there 'expensive' guitars cause they think I'm to young or too poor perhaps..
                    Always willing to help!!!!

                    Unlike Music Connection.. There I said it
                    Seriously? I had the exact opposite experience at Marshall (Not with stuart). I'm not very shabby looking, but when I picked up a LP Custom, one of the guys came into the jam room and quickly told me I had better not scratch that guitar.. Was probably a year or so back, I still prefer MC.
                    Yeah I wouldnt let you play my LP Custom either ? haha

                    I suppose every one is different, I must say Anton is always helpful.

                    There is one guy a MC I just cant be dealing with...

                    I literally had cash burning a hole in my pocket and was 80% of the way to buy a Breedlove Phoenix, he wouldnt let me play, it, he played it FOR me and said, "Great guitar" and hung it up again...

                    I said okay.. im sure it is...

                    Wont set my foot back in there..


                    And other and my other gripe at MC I was there to buy a Fender amplifier.. The limited edition coloured ones ? (Thank goodness I didnt waste my money)
                    But I said in the shop...

                    Me: I'll take the brown one.
                    MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                    Me: Ok I'll take the surf green one
                    MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                    Me: Oh dear okay, the red one?
                    MC: Sorry that one is faulty, we think its the tubes, we not selling it.
                    Me: Its not my day is it. Okay I'll take that nice Blue one with the Blu knobs
                    MC: That one is R5000 more than the other colours
                    ME: Why its the same amp... not its cool, I'll just take that nice White one
                    MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                    ME: $%^& off then

                    *I proceeded to order 2 Swarts from the USA

                    NOT EVEN JOKING HERE.. serias

                    ?

                    Never been back. ever
                      Hahahha, bastard.

                      That is unbelievable man! Can't believe they'd treat anyone like that.

                      Well I did mention that AC15HW jobby that they had on the floor, had a some craziness on any G note, probably just tubes. I said I'd take it if they could replace the tubes or have someone check it out, and they weren't really interested...

                      Wonder what it is about me that music stores don't like ?
                        • [deleted]

                        MikeM wrote: Wonder what it is about me that music stores don't like ?
                        Jealously..... when they here the good vibes from your hands to guitar to pickups to speaker ?
                        Not bad for an engineer-in-the-making they thinking..
                          Hahhaha I think it's more along the lines of my long flowing golden hair ?

                          But seriously, as someone who's looked at spending reasonable money a few times, I've had horrible luck at stores. I think I need to make friends with Stuart or someone that's competent.
                            Brentcgp wrote:
                            MikeM wrote:
                            Brentcgp wrote: Another thumbs up for Stuart from me. I think he is a superb guy.
                            Not one of those that wont let me play there 'expensive' guitars cause they think I'm to young or too poor perhaps..
                            Always willing to help!!!!

                            Unlike Music Connection.. There I said it
                            Seriously? I had the exact opposite experience at Marshall (Not with stuart). I'm not very shabby looking, but when I picked up a LP Custom, one of the guys came into the jam room and quickly told me I had better not scratch that guitar.. Was probably a year or so back, I still prefer MC.
                            Yeah I wouldnt let you play my LP Custom either ? haha

                            I suppose every one is different, I must say Anton is always helpful.

                            There is one guy a MC I just cant be dealing with...

                            I literally had cash burning a hole in my pocket and was 80% of the way to buy a Breedlove Phoenix, he wouldnt let me play, it, he played it FOR me and said, "Great guitar" and hung it up again...

                            I said okay.. im sure it is...

                            Wont set my foot back in there..


                            And other and my other gripe at MC I was there to buy a Fender amplifier.. The limited edition coloured ones ? (Thank goodness I didnt waste my money)
                            But I said in the shop...

                            Me: I'll take the brown one.
                            MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                            Me: Ok I'll take the surf green one
                            MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                            Me: Oh dear okay, the red one?
                            MC: Sorry that one is faulty, we think its the tubes, we not selling it.
                            Me: Its not my day is it. Okay I'll take that nice Blue one with the Blu knobs
                            MC: That one is R5000 more than the other colours
                            ME: Why its the same amp... not its cool, I'll just take that nice White one
                            MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                            ME: $%^& off then

                            *I proceeded to order 2 Swarts from the USA

                            NOT EVEN JOKING HERE.. serias

                            ?

                            Never been back. ever
                            Sent the said bunch an email asking to fit some pickups and set ups. Email vanished into email heaven. After 3 mails decided enough is enough. So JD is setting up 2 PRS's, 1 Gibson, 1 Fender , 1 Cort, 1 Taylor and swapping Gibson pickups into the Cort 57 classics (not cheap) 2 new cases, 2 new Boss pedals, servicing my amp and mixer, 2 new guitar cables, new strap locks a few picks and I only just found the place a week ago. Business must be booming down the road. Provided you are not wearing bracelets, belt buckles or front jacket zips I cannot see why they wont let you touch a guitar. Funny how as you get older you become wiser. Urban legend has it that Mark Knopfler was turned down by a record company as being "no different and no pop star image." ha ha.
                              • [deleted]

                              Gordon at Marshall Woodmead is also always a great help too.
                                warrenpridgeon wrote:

                                I feel for the music shops at the moment... they are in a tough spot with the Rand being like it is... if they bring in stock NOW and the Rand strengthens then they have overpriced stock... And if they need to order stock from the US now it's more expensive
                                I think you mean distributors, not Music shops.
                                  kevjones wrote:
                                  Brentcgp wrote:
                                  MikeM wrote:
                                  Brentcgp wrote: Another thumbs up for Stuart from me. I think he is a superb guy.
                                  Not one of those that wont let me play there 'expensive' guitars cause they think I'm to young or too poor perhaps..
                                  Always willing to help!!!!

                                  Unlike Music Connection.. There I said it
                                  Seriously? I had the exact opposite experience at Marshall (Not with stuart). I'm not very shabby looking, but when I picked up a LP Custom, one of the guys came into the jam room and quickly told me I had better not scratch that guitar.. Was probably a year or so back, I still prefer MC.
                                  Yeah I wouldnt let you play my LP Custom either ? haha

                                  I suppose every one is different, I must say Anton is always helpful.

                                  There is one guy a MC I just cant be dealing with...

                                  I literally had cash burning a hole in my pocket and was 80% of the way to buy a Breedlove Phoenix, he wouldnt let me play, it, he played it FOR me and said, "Great guitar" and hung it up again...

                                  I said okay.. im sure it is...

                                  Wont set my foot back in there..


                                  And other and my other gripe at MC I was there to buy a Fender amplifier.. The limited edition coloured ones ? (Thank goodness I didnt waste my money)
                                  But I said in the shop...

                                  Me: I'll take the brown one.
                                  MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                                  Me: Ok I'll take the surf green one
                                  MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                                  Me: Oh dear okay, the red one?
                                  MC: Sorry that one is faulty, we think its the tubes, we not selling it.
                                  Me: Its not my day is it. Okay I'll take that nice Blue one with the Blu knobs
                                  MC: That one is R5000 more than the other colours
                                  ME: Why its the same amp... not its cool, I'll just take that nice White one
                                  MC: Its our last one in that colour, its not for sale.
                                  ME: $%^& off then

                                  *I proceeded to order 2 Swarts from the USA

                                  NOT EVEN JOKING HERE.. serias

                                  ?

                                  Never been back. ever
                                  Sent the said bunch an email asking to fit some pickups and set ups. Email vanished into email heaven. After 3 mails decided enough is enough. So JD is setting up 2 PRS's, 1 Gibson, 1 Fender , 1 Cort, 1 Taylor and swapping Gibson pickups into the Cort 57 classics (not cheap) 2 new cases, 2 new Boss pedals, servicing my amp and mixer, 2 new guitar cables, new strap locks a few picks and I only just found the place a week ago. Business must be booming down the road. Provided you are not wearing bracelets, belt buckles or front jacket zips I cannot see why they wont let you touch a guitar. Funny how as you get older you become wiser. Urban legend has it that Mark Knopfler was turned down by a record company as being "no different and no pop star image." ha ha.
                                  How do you get a guitar setup by e mail? ?

                                  Why didn't you ask us here where you should have your guitars setup?...we would have told you.