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Downfall of local music stores

L

Low_Ryder

Feb 13, 2012
155
8
Michigan
#1
So in my area there are no big music stores. There were two local ones, and I guess both were OK. Then a local chain came to town (the chain was only like 4 or 5 stores total).

One local store closed (the one I usually went into), and for about 10 years the other one stayed open. I went in last year when I started playing my bass again and I was amazed at how dirty/dusty/old it seemed.

A month ago I went back in looking for bass amps, and was surprised to see it was closed. The only place left in town is the local regional chain.

I went in there yesterday looking for a Speakon cable for my soon to arrive brand new bass rig. All they had was a few 25 foot ones for $40! I couldn't believe it! What is wrong in the world! They are ordering me a 3' cable so at least they can get what I need.
 
#4
runmikeyrun said:
when the chains start choking local business sales, they carry a smaller selection of cheaper instruments, because decreased profit does not give them their previous purchasing power.

Eventually we'll be left with one store that sells everything. I predict it will be Wal-Mart.
Click to expand...

We have chains and local. The local guys treat you better and are way better than the chains on price.
 
#7
One downfall...
Ignoring unattractive, or plainly dressed people that walk in with money (or plastic) ready to buy some gear. After this happens, they often walk. It happens at music stores, new car dealerships, you name it.
 
#10
There's ONLY ONE music store in my town,and I've been there maybe 3 times since they opened. I think I'm too old to go there. Why,you ask? All they carry is gear that 14 year olds are attracted to. Like I would go there and buy a $300.00 Dean Razorback bass,or a B.C. Rich Warbeast import. Huh. Yeah,I'll be right there.
Hell,I talked a local pawnshop owner into carrying the bass strings and cables that I use so I don't have to go there. And people wanna bitch about Guitar Centers? I'd love to have one locally.
 
#11
guitar center, Musicians Friend, ... all those places are owned by the same company.

IMHO, they are why you have local music stores even if you don't have a GC
Manufacturers are not going to seek out the local stores when they want to sell to GC and it's parent company and get huge distribution channel in one shot.

GC is also going to frown on manufacturers that let their competitors in an area they reach in any way, like through the internet. So there's incentive for the manufacturers to not seek out little stores.

Little stores can't get the good gear anymore.
 
#12
runmikeyrun said:
when the chains start choking local business sales, they carry a smaller selection of cheaper instruments, because decreased profit does not give them their previous purchasing power.

Eventually we'll be left with one store that sells everything. I predict it will be Wal-Mart.
Click to expand...

It's already here and it's called Best Buy.

Years ago I was working for what is now the largest car stereo specialty store chain in the nation. They managed to kill off almost every competitor that was in the vicinity. They even hurt themselves by opening stores in adjacent cities. So nowadays t is virtually impossible for the little guys to hang with these monsters, when they have to pay almost retail prices for the gear they carry. Not to mention exclusive distribution rights etc.
Thankfully we also have a little shop called Bass Northwest here.

And there is always the auction site... I've had pretty good luck using it.
 
#15
My favorite store went under about a year after GC opened here.

Last time I saw Pat (the owner) he was working out of the back of an armored truck. I don't know what that gig paid, but I thought it was quite the fall.....
 
#16
seamonkey said:
Little stores can't get the good gear anymore.
Click to expand...

I would make the opposite statement; little stores get the best gear, albeit in short order. I understand that I am not located in the middle of a swamp, or top of a mountain, or a mile east of a desert oasis, but "local" to me I've got Jive Sound, Rocket Music, Chuck Levin's, and Bill's Music. The level of "good gear" that those four stores carry, compared to a GC (and their outstanding collection of dusty Squiers) is like a Ferrari sitting next to a Yugo at a stoplight.

Now not being one to rip on GC (I shop there too for little junk, or used stuff), it is still local. You're ensuring that a local person has a job behind the counter. You're spending your money within the county/state (tax wise). Sure, the money is leaving and going to a corporation, but that corporation is the one employing Johnny Guitar Guy, allowing him to pay rent. Also, the average kid who drags his parents into a GC hasn't a clue about stuff. He just wants to buy his first guitar, bass, drumkit, etc... GCs nationwide stock allows that future virtuoso the opportunity to buy a Squier for a great price.

If you don't like the idea of GC, and want to buy from a mom-and-pop shop, check the web. You may not be buying from someone in your area, but you will be buying from someone small. You'd probably get better customer service, and wait the same amount of time (shipping) that you would by ordering via MF or GC.
 
#19
It's the opposite here. I would support local stores if my area had local stores worth supporting. But all the smaller stores here (what few there are) are "student stores" oriented towards beginners and band kids. That includes Moe's Music, D&D Music, and a few Music & Arts chain stores, and in most cases, the people running them are indifferent at best and jerks at worst. There are a few specialized piano places, but no specialized bass stores within less than a full day's trip. There are only two sizable stores here with middle to upper bracket gear: GC and Alpha Music. And oddly, those places also have the best service. Go figure. :hmm:
 
#20
+1 on Chuck Levins in MD. Everything I have purchased there ended up costing less even after paying sales tax than on line. Got in person service and touched the real thing and no wait for shipping. I was given the low price without mentioning any other price. I buy in person don't know how they stackup on line with shipping.
 

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