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Another Stellar Musician's Friend Experiance

Dwight

Dwight

Apr 9, 2012
84
46
Vermont
#1
Ordered a Genz-Benz Shuttle online from Musician's Friend. It arrived a few days later in a factory sealed box and in perfect condition. I know if I ever have a problem, they will take care of it. I am definitely a satisfied customer.

...and the Shuttle 3.0 10T is pretty nice too!
 
#2
That's nice to hear. These online stores get bashed for no good reason IMHO, especially Musician's Friend and Sam Ash. Now and then someone has a legit gripe about improper packing, but most of the time it's "They make too much money." People spend too much time counting other people's money and not worrying enough about making their own.
 
#3
JimmyM said:
That's nice to hear. These online stores get bashed for no good reason IMHO, especially Musician's Friend and Sam Ash. Now and then someone has a legit gripe about improper packing, but most of the time it's "They make too much money." People spend too much time counting other people's money and not worrying enough about making their own.
Click to expand...

+infinity!
 
#4
JimmyM said:
That's nice to hear. These online stores get bashed for no good reason IMHO, especially Musician's Friend and Sam Ash. Now and then someone has a legit gripe about improper packing, but most of the time it's "They make too much money." People spend too much time counting other people's money and not worrying enough about making their own.
Click to expand...

My gripe with them is not with them, but with the consumers who a) shop the stores, then buy online and then b) complain that the local stores either have no stock, or are gone altogether!

While I do occasionally do an online purchase, I've grasped the concept of enlightened self interest. And that concept tells me that, if I want stores around in which to try out gear, I owe it to myself to make purchases at those stores. Even if they charge a few shekels more on some things.
 
#5
I'm sort of down with that, except there were a couple of music stores around here that I was quite glad to see go the way of the dodo. I was especially glad when Ace Music tanked...never saw such a bunch of rude money grubbing salespeople in all my life.

If I can get the items I want in my local stores, I will shop locally because I like instant gratification, but I do love the idea of being able to buy stuff sitting on my fat butt and not having to deal with traffic and putting on pants.
 
#8
I became enlightened about 12 years ago when a local fender dealer told me that he "couldn't do anything" the day after I bought a new guitar from him that had a minor imperfection.

That was the 5th new guitar I bought from him that month (and last) guitar I bought from him ever. He's had plenty of time to think about it. In the mean time I've made buying gear my #1 hobby.
 
#9
The biggest problem with stores is they seem to carry the same basses + amps from the same manufacturers over and over. For instance, GC carries Schecter basses but I have yet to see a Model-T or the Diamond-J in there, ever. I always wanted to try a Ultrabass too, but it was not to be… Now it’s discontinued.
The same goes for amps. Where’s the new Fender Rumble head and cabs? How about the Peavey Headliner stuff? I see amps hanging around so long they look used. Keep stuff around for a while, then low-ball the price (to move it) and get something else in there! Keep things fresh! I want to be excited when I walk in there! Ya feelin me?
:hyper:
 
#11
MF sent me a Bongo a few years back that was totally dead in the water. They paid for shipping back and refunded my money with no hassle. Even though I was disappointed about the bass, they handled it with a professional attitude. Consequently, I have bought other things from them over time. If they hadn't I would just do business elsewhere. There are tons of places to spend your money.
No hate from me. Waste of energy IMO.
 
#12
MostlyBass said:
I've been buying from Musician's Friend since the mid 90s and never had a problem. I also purchase from local music vendors. I've found that each has their merits.
Click to expand...

Yep. Back in the catalog days with a few others. My original Hartke MOSFET 3500 was a 'b stock' special discount from them and has never given a lick of trouble even with heavy heavy regular stage use.
 
#13
Owning a small business myself, I try and buy things from a couple of privately owned shops near me.

I have ordered a lot from MF. Being able to get it fast, pay no sales tax and being able to send it back if I do not like it is why.
I would never make my local store take back a amp or bass because I do not like it.

I just got the best deal ever on a new amp. MF sold it to me for less then MSRP. I know the manufacturer would not be happy about it.

1) Best price
2) Excellent customer service
3) Fast delivery
4) Actually have real people here on TB
 
#14
hdracer said:
Owning a small business myself, I try and buy things from a couple of privately owned shops near me.

I have ordered a lot from MF. Being able to get it fast, pay no sales tax and being able to send it back if I do not like it is why.
I would never make my local store take back a amp or bass because I do not like it.

I just got the best deal ever on a new amp. MF sold it to me for less then MSRP. I know the manufacturer would not be happy about it.

1) Best price
2) Excellent customer service
3) Fast delivery
4) Actually have real people here on TB
Click to expand...

I buy locally whenever possible. Unfortunately, there's no one around anymore who can provide what I'm looking except for a chain store I don't like to visit. Even then, most of my needs aren't under their roof.

Back when I bought my 3500, MF was only a catalog operation and you called them to order...same with Carvin. There have been a few other catalog places along the way who have all treated me well. But I do miss the local indie place where I used to chill and hang and buy.
 
#15
I miss the being able to hang, try out gear, and expound on philosophies of playing bass at the "Local Shop".

That said our two local stores are nothing more than a Piano/Keys first M.I. second, and a shop that has cornered the rental market (Yay! new musicians).

They both have contacts and can get, almost, anything out there but.... one has to wait, and wait....., and... well whatever... not in time to make the sale, especially when they will meet MF's advertised price but not discounts. I understand the no discount but when I pay up-front and wait a month? If there were ulterior benefits I would give him the business but when I am subsidizing his venture with my capitol?

Most recently I was looking to replace my long gone Avalon U-5; wait time of more than a month was quoted by both shops.

Musicians Friend delivered a Black Anniversary Edition with Rack Ears in two days at a price, with coupon, lower than either shop wanted for just the U-5 without adding in the Guvnor's pennies.

My buying history locally has now been surpassed by online purchases and has garnished additional discounts as recently as this week. While yakking with a Sweetwater rep I asked how many orders I had placed and responded with "that should be good for an extra 10% off." Done.

Never been burned by Musicians Friend or Sweetwater.... ever.

Here's hoping that day never comes.......
 
#16
BurningSkies said:
I buy locally whenever possible. Unfortunately, there's no one around anymore who can provide what I'm looking except for a chain store I don't like to visit. Even then, most of my needs aren't under their roof.

Back when I bought my 3500, MF was only a catalog operation and you called them to order...same with Carvin. There have been a few other catalog places along the way who have all treated me well. But I do miss the local indie place where I used to chill and hang and buy.
Click to expand...

There’s a local store by me (Streamwood IL) that carries the Lakland Skyline basses and seems to be doing well. If I sell another couple of basses, I’ll be buying a Skyline from them. They service gear also.
 
#17
I ordered a used Highway 1 p from guitarcenter. Had it shipped from Texas to NY and got it within a week. I couldn't find one locally so I had no other choice. It was perfect, and if it wasn't, I had 30 days to return it. How can you go wrong? Seriously.
 
#18
MrBEAR said:
I miss the being able to hang, try out gear, and expound on philosophies of playing bass at the "Local Shop".
Click to expand...

I had completely forgotten about spending time, hanging with your boys, at a music store on Saturdays before the gig.

The best stores in my area (American Guitar Center or Southworth Guitars) would welcome the cool guys as a place to hang. Often times either the owner or the players would walk in with beer, pizza, or whatever after noon.

We'd tell some war stories, try gear, check on friends, caht about the hot women, and make plans to meet for dinner at 2:30 AM at the local diner after you got off work. Kinda like the urban barber shops I've heard about. Loyalty was paramount as well as paying off loans or helping friends in need; it always came back around.

I forgot how much I missed those days; still see alot of the same players; all are prety much the same folks only with wives kids and grey hair (well at least us lucky ones still have hair ;))
 

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