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  • THE METALIZER. Naughty Rocker Boy.
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  • From: WASHINGTON ST
  • Registered: 2006-07-29
  • Posts: 2,811

Topic: Another shop bites the dust

Well it pains me to say that my small town just can not support a music store.  In the last 5 yrs two seperate attempts have been made.  The first one started doing lessons and hopes to add instruments with demand.  THis latest started off pretty good.  He was selling stuff used and fixing them up pretty nice with what I thought to be deacent prices for the market in town.

Ultimately my biggest problem is, he has dissapeared owing me money or lessons for a drum set we agreed he could sell or trade.  He could even satisfy his debt by coming over to the house to give bass lessons to my son for what he owes me.

So, while living in a small town is comfortable, it would be nice if we had a population base that could support a good music store.  Now every one who doesnt want to drive 25 miles is still stuck with a pawn shop or two. 

Thanks for reading. just had to share my dissapointment.

“Find your own sound.  Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”

– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)
  • From: massachusetts
  • Registered: 2010-10-18
  • Posts: 1,675

Re: Another shop bites the dust

I always go to the private store before I go to guitar center for that reason. There is only one Union Music in Worcester or anywhere for that matter. Where guitar center is like a Wal Mart of guitar shops, Union Music is like Ike Godseys general store of music.  The private stores are disappearing fast. I will support them first.

Enjoy Every Sandwich
Nothing In Moderation  -- Live Fast. Love Hard. Die Young And Leave A Beautiful Corpse. -- Buy It Today. Cry About It Tomorrow.
  • Registered: 2011-01-09
  • Posts: 251

Re: Another shop bites the dust

That's a shame.
If anyone ventures near Lansing, MI, make sure to take a pilgrimage to Elderly Instruments. The drool factor is very strong there, with amazing new and vintage instruments and many one of a kind buys and great prices. A friend of mine recently bought a bunch of instruments there, at an amazing discount. So much of a discount that he actually gave me a new Martin D-35 as a gift - it was part of a package deal that actually ended up making two D-35's turn out to be free. My Cort, Vantage 12-string and my vintage Giannini 12-string have been sitting idle since I got my hands on the Martin.

Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Another shop bites the dust

Nice gift WW55.  I support supportable local stores first.  I have been in a number of local stores for which there was a reason they were going out of business.  It's the same story with tackle shops.  I'd prefer to go to a local guy, but many of the local tackle shops are just dust-covered, smoke-filled crap storage centers.  The ones that are run well seem to be able to stand their own against the less-customized-to-the-local-water local stores. 

When it comes to music, there are a lot of local stores in my area.  Fewer than there used to be, but still a good number of them.  The ones that are run well do a good business.  The ones that are cranky and don't provide good service are hurting badly.  I see no reason to support them over a Guitar Center or Music123.com or such just because they are small. 

- Zurf

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
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Another shop bites the dust

I have the same problem no music stores in my area it makes more sense to order my equipment and strings online and save the gas then to drive 50 miles or more roundtrip just to get a set of strings and some picks smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Another shop bites the dust

Free Martin guitar with the purchase of a Stadivarius

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

7 Reply by whitewater55 (edited by whitewater55 2012-09-29 17:06:35)

  • Registered: 2011-01-09
  • Posts: 251

Re: Another shop bites the dust

bensonp wrote:

Free Martin guitar with the purchase of a Stadivarius

He actually purchased 11 high end guitars (Martin D45V,2 D45'S, 5 D35'S, 2 D28'S and a Gibson Dove Custom), close to 50 grand worth, which they discounted 40 percent, hence a couple of free Martins.
He does have a lot of money available, and is a very good friend. He surprised me with that gift.

Zurf, Elderly has been around since the early 70's, and they are authorized dealers/luthiers for Martin and for Gibson.

They olso sell online at fairly reasonable prices, and don't sell only high-end stuff, but all good quality instruments. The store is a place that you can go in and spend the whole day, drooling and fighting GAS pains, and picking on some great guitars.

Randy

Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Another shop bites the dust

That is a sweet deal. Good for him and good for you

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Another shop bites the dust

I used to live in Lansing.  Elderly Instruments is an amazing shop.  Absolutely amazing.  Good displays, clean stock, knowledgeable people, fair prices.  It's a model of what a shop ought to be.   

- Zurf

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
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude