• From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
  • Posts: 2,557

Topic: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

I'm going to buy a set of those colored DR strings we talked about in another topic, and what I want to do is take them, my Les Paul Epi and have him string it and set the action.

He thinks I'm going to buy the strings from him and he quoted me a total price of $30.00, which I thought was fair.

Now I'm gonna walk into his store with the DR strings (he doesn't stock the colored ones) already bought and he's gonna lose out some bucks on the sale.

I LIKE to support my local music shop especially since they don't get paid enough and often supplement their income with giving lessons.

What would you do in this case?

What I have tentatively decided is just buy the pack of strings he has, keep them as spares and string the DR's myself when I get home.

And yeah, I know it's kind of his fault for not having the colored strings, but then It's more my fault for having just decided today to use the colored strings.

Thanks

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Fender GDO300 Orchestral - a gift from Amy & Jim
Rogue Beatle Bass
Journal: www.wheretobud.blogspot. com
  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

Did the  $30 quote include the strings, or was that just the labor to set it up and install them?  That does make a difference in my view, but seeing as there is not very much profit margin in the strings by themselves.... it's a good question. I would just bring the ones I want, and maybe buy the "spare set" to be "nice".  Most folks likely wouldn't care which were installed as long as the customer leaves happy (and I didn't do the work for free).  smile

On the other side, that is a really good price for a string change AND setup...... without even looking at the instrument !!  What if it needs fret levelling, and the intonation is out, or the nut is cut too deep?  Some of those things take time and will add to the final cost, so I would expect that you will get a more accurate number when you walk through the door with it and he/she's given it a "once-over".

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • From: West Georgia
  • Registered: 2006-10-14
  • Posts: 2,557

Re: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

Yeah, the quote was an "everything" quote. And yeah, I'll just buy his strings. That Epi is pretty new, but I can see where it might need some extra work. I'll let you know the outcome and thanks, Doug.

Epiphone Les Paul Studio
Fender GDO300 Orchestral - a gift from Amy & Jim
Rogue Beatle Bass
Journal: www.wheretobud.blogspot. com
  • From: The Land Of Song
  • Registered: 2007-12-10
  • Posts: 5,707

Re: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

Only twice in my 56 years playing has anyone else string a guitar for me, both times when I bought a new one! Guitar that is! Only once have I allowed the techy tower it up reason being; I liked the way it played in the shop so why change it?

I once tried those plastic coated strings back in the 70s.....once!!!

30 dollars seems a lot for a set of strings though? Let me know how you get on...please

Ask not what Chordie can do for you, but what you can do for Chordie.

Phill Williams's Website

  • From: Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-20
  • Posts: 4,083

Re: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

Bill .... the fact that you're asking this question tells me you'll do the right thing. Mighty considerate of you, my friend!

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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

I'd want to know what kind of set up he means to do for $30.  I wouldn't expect much more than cleaning the fret board, inspecting (not doing anything about them - but just inspecting) the frets, and maybe a truss rod adjustment for $30. And the string change of course.

If you buy a set of strings from him, I don't see how it matters what strings he actually puts on the guitar.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
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  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: Music Store Business Etiquette/What Would You Do?

Most techs have another price if you use your own strings. I would just ask him.