Is this a good idea?

Evil Undead · #1 08-17-2010, 06:57 AM

I am thinking about asking the local guitar/bass store if I can go and work for them for a few hours on Saturdays (unpaid)

Do you think that if I ask them, they will just think I'm a weirdo?

The reason is, I want to learn more about instruments - set ups, repairs, tech stuff, sounds, effects, sales, all sorts of things.

And I would love to be able to enthuse with other people about basses and guitars... I don't really have anyone I can natter to about that sort of thing without them getting bored extremely fast.

So what do you think? Worth a shot?

Is there anyone on here who owns a music store or something similar and could give me an opinion from that point of view?

chrisisnotevil · #2 08-17-2010, 07:22 AM

Work experience always gives you more to put on your CV and as you say you'll pick up some great knowledge and skills as well as hopefully have a laugh. Go for it. Chances are, however, you'll be sent for lunches and made to make tea endlessly, as well as constantly and mercilessly mocked at every opportunity.

Evil Undead · #3 08-17-2010, 07:48 AM

Really?

That sounds like it might not be so fun... but I can stand up for myself and give as good as I get hehe!

chrisisnotevil · #4 08-17-2010, 07:59 AM

It really depends what the staff are like at the shop and all that. It's got to be worth a go, the drudgery will be worth it if you get what you're after. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

ggunn · #5 08-17-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Undead

I am thinking about asking the local guitar/bass store if I can go and work for them for a few hours on Saturdays (unpaid)

Do you think that if I ask them, they will just think I'm a weirdo?

The reason is, I want to learn more about instruments - set ups, repairs, tech stuff, sounds, effects, sales, all sorts of things.

And I would love to be able to enthuse with other people about basses and guitars... I don't really have anyone I can natter to about that sort of thing without them getting bored extremely fast.

So what do you think? Worth a shot?

Is there anyone on here who owns a music store or something similar and could give me an opinion from that point of view?

The term you should use is "internship", and I don't think it's weird at all. Just tell them that you want to learn the business and get some real world experience. True, you might draw some requests to go for coffee and such, but I wouldn't let that deter you. Working as an intern is a great way to get your foot in the door, and if their business expands to the point where they need to hire someone (especially if you have helped bring that about), you will be first in line for consideration. Go for it.

Evil Undead · #6 08-17-2010, 08:45 AM

I'm 28 and have a full time job so it would only be Saturdays. I think it would be good for me to do something like that as music is the only thing I have any real passion for and I would love to work in a store full time... It's just a matter of getting my foot in the door.
The guys in the local store know me well as I go in quite a bit (that could go in my favour or not lol)

chrisisnotevil · #7 08-17-2010, 08:58 AM

I'm about that age too and a fair few of my mates have done internships or similar. It's more and more common these days, what with high graduate unemployment etc. Seems wise if it's a career you want to pursue. Just don't fall into the trap I've seen people fall for where they do a whole world of dogsbody stuff for people who are just using them as slave labour and have no intention of rewarding them with even a sniff of a full time position.

MalcolmAmos · #8 08-17-2010, 09:12 AM

They will want to see what you are like before they turn you loose on their customers.

Be up front with them, tell them what you want to do and why, it'll probably work out.

duff beer · #9 08-17-2010, 04:06 PM

Don't be so quick to offer to work for nothing...maybe they need employees on Saturdays. If so, you may as well get paid to learn.

Evil Undead · #10 08-18-2010, 01:06 AM

It's difficult in the UK due to taxation rules - if I worked a few extra hours I would be heavily taxed on that pay, plus be taxed more on my regular job. Would probably end up worse off

chrisisnotevil · #11 08-18-2010, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Undead

It's difficult in the UK due to taxation rules - if I worked a few extra hours I would be heavily taxed on that pay, plus be taxed more on my regular job. Would probably end up worse off

Indeed. One must always declare one's earnings.

Spraeg · #12 08-18-2010, 02:15 PM

I would say try repair shops & local Luthiers rather than music stores, you'll probably get more hands on and in-depth one-on-one instruction (depending on availability where you live). Try to get into an apprenticeship rather than saying "hey, can I come work in the shop for a few hours on the weekends?" If you approach it like a job, they will probably take you more seriously and you will have a better chance of getting a full time position there if thats your eventual goal.

Also, they may be more favorably inclined if you have some experience beforehand. If you haven't done any work to your own instruments, it might be a good thing to try, or at least troll around the Luthier's Corner, Repair & Setup, and Electronics forums here for a bit and try to pick up some of the basics. Remember that these people usually don't have anything for you to cut your teeth on, since they more than likely mainly work with customer's instruments.

Evil Undead · #13 08-19-2010, 01:29 AM

Unfortunately there isn't a single luthier around these parts, and the shop that I've sent an e-mail to is the only real repair shop in the area. Great place! I'm in there often.

I haven't had a response yet... but it's only been just over 24 hours since I sent my e-mail... they're probably still trying to work out if I'm crazy or just a bit special

totallyfrozen · #14 08-19-2010, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Undead

I'm 28 and have a full time job so it would only be Saturdays. I think it would be good for me to do something like that as music is the only thing I have any real passion for and I would love to work in a store full time... It's just a matter of getting my foot in the door.
The guys in the local store know me well as I go in quite a bit (that could go in my favour or not lol)

I understand your idea but I wouldn't go in there putting yourself on low footing right away.

I think you should first apply for a part-time job there and specify that you can only work Saturdays. There's no reason not to get paid if they're willing to pay you.

If they won't, THEN, offer to intern there in order to learn more about the instruments. They'll probably think you're a thief up to some scheme. Chances are that unless you tell them you have some future plans of learning how to repair guitars or whatever, they'll think you just want to get in there to steal stuff (stranger things have happened).

If you really want to do that, it can't hurt to ask...but ask for money first. They'll have more respect for a guy who expects to be paid than for some 28 year old man who just wants to hang out at the store every Saturday with full access to everything like a salesman. That spells "thief" to me.

Evil Undead · #15 08-19-2010, 02:46 AM

Dude they know me... I've been going in the store since I was 11 years old. They know I'm no thief.

varunkapahi · #16 08-19-2010, 03:46 AM

u can get paid for all that work, a little if not much but you dont need to for unpaid work just find a shop where they need more staff

Evil Undead · #17 08-19-2010, 02:20 PM

There hasn't been a response to my email. I'll give it a week, and then try another store.

I'm still hoping I get a response from the first one even if it is a no (I'd rather have a no thanks than no answer), as it's my favourite store... I always enjoy going in there to try out instruments etc, and I've bought stuff from there in the past. They probably think I'm a wack job to be honest.

father of fires · #18 08-19-2010, 02:32 PM

I tried this once. I got a not so polite "NO!"

Evil Undead · #19 08-19-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by father of fires

I tried this once. I got a not so polite "NO!"

Maybe when I try the next store I'll ask if they have a part time job rather than offering to work a few hours a week for free.

I don't really understand though, why anyone would think it was weird to offer to do something for free. It would be something that I really enjoyed, so why not! Surely stores would rather not have to pay?!

ggunn · #20 08-19-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil Undead

There hasn't been a response to my email. I'll give it a week, and then try another store.

I'm still hoping I get a response from the first one even if it is a no (I'd rather have a no thanks than no answer), as it's my favourite store... I always enjoy going in there to try out instruments etc, and I've bought stuff from there in the past. They probably think I'm a wack job to be honest.

IMO, it's a mistake to try to do this sort of thing via email. You said that they know you, but they might not recognize your name and/or email address.