ElephantSack

On a kind-of related note. I'm playing in a record store on Wednesday. Haven't done that yet. I just looked it up, and it looks pretty sweet. Anyway. Just wanted to share that. Please continue.

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Janszoon

To be honest I've never bought an instrument in a music store, but I have felt like kind of a dope buying guitar strings before because I didn't really know what I was looking for besides a new set of strings.

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Astronomer

It's interesting that this topic has provoked discussion and that people feel these things too! I thought I was the only weirdo... haha.

But yeah, like mr dave said, there are a lot of shops over here that are filled will failed 'rockstars' or local 'legends' who think they are top **** and better than everyone else. There are a few stores where the clerks are like what ElephantSack would be like - friendly and encouraging, etc. I just get so apprehensive still when I walk into a music store still, mainly because I try to sound like I know what I'm talking about, when really I don't.

Good luck for your in-store, David!

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Burning Down

Actually, it was a lot of fun. And I ended up getting a high-end flute for a great price and a guitar with a free wah pedal!

From what I experienced working in that section of the store, is that it attracts a more refined clientele, if you know what I mean. Customers who are generally more musically educated than the ones you would see in some random guitar shop, and who really know what they're looking for. Of course there are customers like that in the guitar section as well, probably looking at the classical guitars! And they still try out the instruments, of course - a necessary thing to do before you buy an expensive wind instrument! I used to hear people of all musical abilities trying out flutes, saxes, trumpets, etc. all the time.

Freebase Dali

I bought a half-stack and head at a music store before, which is practically justified, but never an instrument (besides a synthesizer), like you.
I remember buying guitar strings at a music store for the first time and I was so afraid of asking for the "wrong" ones... There wasn't the prolific internet info-center like there is now and the only thing I could think of to ask for was what I'd heard mentioned most... Ernie Balls.... Horrible disaster. Almost put an eye out with the breakage of those things.

Now, the only thing I use for electric is D'Addario XL NRW reg lights, and Martin phosphor bronze lights for the acoustic.

Alfred

I go to two music stores: the local one in the next town, and Long & McQuade when I visit the hometown.

The local one is owned by my guitar teacher who opened it this past Christmas. I go there to buy drumsticks, strings, picks, cables, stuff like that. My brother purchased his used Ibanez Artcore guitar through the store as well. My guitar teacher is a genuinely friendly guy who does value his customers so I support him at every chance I get. He's told me that one of his suppliers does Danelectro, so I'll probably be getting my next guitar through him.

Long & McQuade's got a lot of stuff and I bought my first and only guitar there. I go there mainly to browse, but when they have sales, some good bargains are to be had. Only downside about the store is the tendency to attract 30-something wankers who play 19+ shows with their ****ty band at local venues in hopes of some day making it big.

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Astronomer

Yeah that describes a lot of the people who work at stores around here, which I hate.

For anyone in Australia (and possibly NZ?) I usually go to Billy Hyde... although I've come across a couple of wankers they are usually really nice, helpful people. Because they stock everything from electric guitars to classical instruments there's always a large range of experts in store who not only know their shit but aren't condescending, intimidating wannabes! I bought my first acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and bass from Billy Hyde music... I didn't buy my new bass from there though because they don't really stock a huge range of Ibanez basses, in particular the one I wanted, so I had to go somewhere else.

For those of you who don't buy your instruments from music stores, where about do you usually get them? Online? I could never buy an instrument online I don't think... I need to feel it in my hands first!

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Freebase Dali

For that, I think it's varied. I've certainly been in multiple scenarios regarding it.
For instance... I played an Ibanez acoustic belonging to a friend, and loved it so much, I bought the same one online. The only difference here is that I made the purchase online and waited a little longer for the delivery.

I also kinda dislike the fact that most of the stuff you buy from the music store is, in a way, used. If it's on display, it's been mishandled by someone for sure. I'd rather buy a pristine version of that, while using the store version simply as a general guide for sound quality. I think the music shop (at the horror of the music shop owners) should only be used as a testing ground.. and when you make your decision, you buy it from the manufacturer online and for cheaper prices because there's no middleman.
I could be wrong about all this, but it's how I've been doing things since the late 90's and it hasn't failed me yet.

Astronomer

Yeah that's fair enough if you've played a model before and know what the deal with it is, and I definitely know what you mean about floor instruments being worn or used - that is definitely something I try to avoid getting into.

But I find with most instruments, even if they are the same model they can be different, in small ways. Like, the Ibanez SR500 I bought is actually lighter than my friend's SR500. I dunno, I just think all instruments are quite individual and I like knowing what I'm buying. When I bought my most recent bass I played their floor instrument in the store but the one that I purchased was from the shame shipment of basses but still sitting in their warehouse so it had never been touched. Actually with most stores here the instrument you purchase is rarely the one on the floor, but instead one in their warehouse. Unless of course it's a rare instrument of some kind.

Oh, and delivery over here is usually quite expensive as Melbourne is a city is quite spread out and sprawled so shipping costs are bitch. And if you're buying something from an international seller then forget about it! Too expensive, and I'm a cheapo.

I think I should give the Internet another chance though when it comes to musical purchases. I think I'm just paranoid and old-fashioned in that sense, especially when I'm spending like $900+.

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mr dave

pawn shops and second hand stores were my business of choice for gear. you can get better deals and at times a wider selection but you kind of need to know what's what about the stuff you're looking at first, especially if you're dealing with a new place or aren't sure how reputable they are.

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