The future of the local music store

[fourstringdrums]

I was out christmas shopping today with my wife when I drove by the largest music store in my area, and unfortunately the only one with a guitar tech (that I'm aware of). I love seeing the words "SALE!" plastered on music store windows, but not when there is "Going Out Of Business!" above it.

This makes me quite concerned for the future of local music stores. Once my favorite store went out of business about 4 years ago, this was the only "major" one left. There are now only 2 that are in my area that are really quite small and don't stock much in the way of any decent accessories or equipment, although they have good intentions. The rest are well over an hour long drive at best. Not only that but as I said, should I need a guitar tech, this store had the last one that I'm aware of, and Jack Read isn't doing repairs anymore so there isn't any place else to turn, should I need one.

Has anyone else noticed the decline in number or quality of music stores in your area, especially if those stores seemingly did well?

[FLEMMERAN]

around here we have roughly 4 music stores. but heres the kicker, were getting a ****ing guitar center in february i think.

there goes the neighborhood

[AxtoOx]

Well at least you have decent music stores near you, here Sivertone is a major brand. I can go 1 1/2 hrs to a GC, but they don't carry the high end basses I'm looking for. I think I'm buying one tomarrow from Bass Central in Florida. I'm screwed if I need work done.

I used to live in San Diego, but had to move back close to the family for personal reasons.

[chips]

Did you get any good bargains at the sale????

[SteveC]

+1

[Scottie Johnson]

Originally Posted by Joshua

It's been going on for a long time now, and imo is very sad. I worked for years at a local Mom & Pop store that rocked. Folks don't know how lucky they were until it was gone.

Cryin' shame...

Exactly.

I've spend more money at small stores that I ever will at a large chain store. I have to drive one and a half hours to get to a good one now, but I still do it. My regular store is a bit of a local franchise, so it's not going anywhere for a long time. The other small shops are slowly going away.

[fretlessrock]

Online sales and instant comparison shopping have done a lot to kill brick-and-mortar shops. The two shops that I know of make thier rent (this is an observation, I don't do their books) through rental of school band instruments, lessons, and gougables. They don't make enough on selling guitars, basses or drums to do more than give the kids something to gawk at and maybe get their parents to spring for one.

The smart places will control their inventory so they don't have to compete with big box music joints. I know one of the local guys pretty well and he won't even carry new Fender gear because GC and SA sell the same stuff, tax included, for less than his wholesale price. So he tries to make it up buy carrying solid instruments from other makers, and things like boutique amps and effects (that the big box places don't want to dabble in because they can't get el-cheapo unit pricing) and being knowledgable and a good guy to deal with.

So yeah, overall the mom and pop music shop is a goner.

[fourstringdrums]

Originally Posted by chips

Did you get any good bargains at the sale????

Nah, didn't go in. My wife was with me She said I could get a new bass, but she'd rather I not drag her into it *lol*. I know the store well and they don't carry what I'm looking for.