- Thread starter jeffrey
- Start date
shamus63
Well-known member
phatduckk said:I really, really, really wish the local shop that I frequent (Gelb Music, Redwood City) carried EBMM. They're a great store, usually have better prices than GC and all the guys are super knowledgable - they're just not an EB dealer
I'm in the same boat as Duckk here in the Bay Area...it's dominated by several GC's (seemingly peppered like 7/11's and Starbucks).
Every one that I've been to (about four here; two or three in L.A.; one in San Diego) in an attempt to make a purchase has ended up with me walking the f*ck out in disgust (9/10x)! The service was sh*tty...no mincing words here (it's my money and time)!
I was actually surprised to find my Bongo at the local shop six blocks from where I live.
They (as Duckk had mentioned) usually have squat for mid-to-high end basses, although their service is much better (props to Jason @ B St. Music!).
My future (new) EBMM purchases are either going to be through Jack...or a road trip to BFE!
PeteDuBaldo
Well-known member
Well first I would like to thank all those who have said good things about me. I try to do as much as I can with what little as I have. It's a good feeling when I get emails or calls from people saying "I heard you're the guy to go to" - it's even funnier when they say EB Customer Service sent them to me for a 7 string JP because they know I do a LOT with JPs. (I never seem to have 7s in stock, tho.... oops - so I ordered 2 this week!)
Quick review on the GC here in town.
1. They smile and say "hello" when you walk in the door
2. They never bother me with salespersonel, they let me shop in peace
3. They have 2-3 guitar/bass guys there who have worked there for years and actually know their stuff.
4. They have a very nice EB bass section. A few Bongos, Sterlings, StingRays and StingRay5 models were there tonight, I counted 12 in total on the wall in the bass room - all in tip-top shape.
5. They have 2 EB guitars in stock. 1 JP in Mystic Dream with matching headstock and a huge 3" scrape near the tremolo, and 1 used JP in Mystic Dream with matching headstock and JP inlays.
6. Lots and lots and lots and LOTS of EB strings, they have pyramids made out of the guitar string boxes on occasion.
Bottom line - GC hands me my @$$ on basses and strings
Now a bit of info about my place
I don't stock the full line of EB strings, but I have probably close to 10-12 different types of them - different gauges, RPS, etc for bass/elec guitar/acoustic guitar.
I try to keep about 20 various instruments in stock actually in the stores when I have the ability to just have any combination of 12 either on order or in the stores. It's always bummed me out going into a shop that carries a certain brand & finding only 1-2 of them there. The only guitar I haven't ordered yet is an Albert Lee. Soon!
Some of the following is available on my website - I still haven't gotten over to the other store to take pics of the rest of the instruments, but I have some time tomorrow where I can do that.
I currently have 5 MM basses (one of each model, plus the Rad Red Bongo) and 4 SUBs (mostly 5 stringers) in stock.
I have 15 MM guitars here, (no Morses or ALs currently), but at least 1 of each other model - yes I have a Benji here, it's actually fun to play in the lower tuning. I also have 4 SUB guitars here, too.
I wish I had more room to put more guitars/basses on the floor, and more amps!
If someone comes into the store and has questions about the EB guitars/basses that no-one can answer when I'm not there, the store calls me (either at the pharmacy or on my cell) and I talk to the customer and try to help them however I .
can.
I'm very glad EB let me join up as a MusicMan dealer, I've been one for about 15 months and it's been a blast so far. I'm glad to be on the ride, and I hope that both of my family's stores here in town can carry EB for the next 47 years, and celebrate our 100th anniversary in style
Sterling & co, keep making great products and running a great company and I will do my best to sell them in the same manner
Quick review on the GC here in town.
1. They smile and say "hello" when you walk in the door
2. They never bother me with salespersonel, they let me shop in peace
3. They have 2-3 guitar/bass guys there who have worked there for years and actually know their stuff.
4. They have a very nice EB bass section. A few Bongos, Sterlings, StingRays and StingRay5 models were there tonight, I counted 12 in total on the wall in the bass room - all in tip-top shape.
5. They have 2 EB guitars in stock. 1 JP in Mystic Dream with matching headstock and a huge 3" scrape near the tremolo, and 1 used JP in Mystic Dream with matching headstock and JP inlays.
6. Lots and lots and lots and LOTS of EB strings, they have pyramids made out of the guitar string boxes on occasion.
Bottom line - GC hands me my @$$ on basses and strings
Now a bit of info about my place
I don't stock the full line of EB strings, but I have probably close to 10-12 different types of them - different gauges, RPS, etc for bass/elec guitar/acoustic guitar.
I try to keep about 20 various instruments in stock actually in the stores when I have the ability to just have any combination of 12 either on order or in the stores. It's always bummed me out going into a shop that carries a certain brand & finding only 1-2 of them there. The only guitar I haven't ordered yet is an Albert Lee. Soon!
Some of the following is available on my website - I still haven't gotten over to the other store to take pics of the rest of the instruments, but I have some time tomorrow where I can do that.
I currently have 5 MM basses (one of each model, plus the Rad Red Bongo) and 4 SUBs (mostly 5 stringers) in stock.
I have 15 MM guitars here, (no Morses or ALs currently), but at least 1 of each other model - yes I have a Benji here, it's actually fun to play in the lower tuning. I also have 4 SUB guitars here, too.
I wish I had more room to put more guitars/basses on the floor, and more amps!
If someone comes into the store and has questions about the EB guitars/basses that no-one can answer when I'm not there, the store calls me (either at the pharmacy or on my cell) and I talk to the customer and try to help them however I .
can.
I'm very glad EB let me join up as a MusicMan dealer, I've been one for about 15 months and it's been a blast so far. I'm glad to be on the ride, and I hope that both of my family's stores here in town can carry EB for the next 47 years, and celebrate our 100th anniversary in style
Sterling & co, keep making great products and running a great company and I will do my best to sell them in the same manner
Well here in eastern Mass there are some stores, though GC (Natick) is probably the closest dealer to me I can swing by there at lunch time. Their selection is pretty limited most of the time. The last time I was there they had a bunch of Subs and EVH and bunch of OLP's. As far as Lukes, never seen one there, JP's they had one a while ago. Axes they get every now and then and I've never seen a Morse there in my life. I try to get there every couple of months or so. Though I have to say that I first saw a Silhouette Special there when they first came out and loved it.
My Axes I got both of them off of the web by Google searches, dumb luck, but lucky for me. The Albert Lee came from GC, but it had been hanging around there for 3 years and been through 3 different stores before it found a home here.
I'd love to find a mom and pop type of shop, but I did when I met Pete and Nick at the Open House. Hartford is a couple of hours for me, but if I ever have enough $ again and I'm in the market for something, I'll be giving Pete and Nick a call first.
I find that most of the dealer in my area are Bass dealers. The Natick GC always has at least 3-8 basses on the average. Though I did take note that the last time I was there they had no Bongo's.
Later, Glenn |B)
My Axes I got both of them off of the web by Google searches, dumb luck, but lucky for me. The Albert Lee came from GC, but it had been hanging around there for 3 years and been through 3 different stores before it found a home here.
I'd love to find a mom and pop type of shop, but I did when I met Pete and Nick at the Open House. Hartford is a couple of hours for me, but if I ever have enough $ again and I'm in the market for something, I'll be giving Pete and Nick a call first.
I find that most of the dealer in my area are Bass dealers. The Natick GC always has at least 3-8 basses on the average. Though I did take note that the last time I was there they had no Bongo's.
Later, Glenn |B)
phatduckk
Well-known member
i wish Pete's store wasnt accross the whole dman country
I noticed from experience and other people comments herre at the forum that dealers usually don't have enough EBMM stock. The Bass guitar seem to be plenty, but the 6/ stringers are more scarce. This alone makes it hard for a new consumer to try something they may not even know exist.
I know when I first discovered EBMM I was lucky enough to be able to try a Pet that was at the local shop, but it was gone about a week later.
In the Spring, I had to make a business trip across the province and so I called all the dealers that were along my path to check on their stock. The plan was to try the guitars that I was interested in. Admittedly most of them had at lease 1 Axis. I have yet to see a Morse or a Luke. When I called the one shop near Toronto, they had 6 guitars in stock. By the time I got there, they only had 4!!! I spoke with the owner and he had said he just got the order and that they always fly out of there! The next shipment was expected the next month. When talking to some of the dealers, they basically say that Music Man is a A-La-Carte guitar that is made to order. People usually come to them knowing what they want and then order it. Because of this, they don't like to stalk too many of them at a time.
I know when I first discovered EBMM I was lucky enough to be able to try a Pet that was at the local shop, but it was gone about a week later.
In the Spring, I had to make a business trip across the province and so I called all the dealers that were along my path to check on their stock. The plan was to try the guitars that I was interested in. Admittedly most of them had at lease 1 Axis. I have yet to see a Morse or a Luke. When I called the one shop near Toronto, they had 6 guitars in stock. By the time I got there, they only had 4!!! I spoke with the owner and he had said he just got the order and that they always fly out of there! The next shipment was expected the next month. When talking to some of the dealers, they basically say that Music Man is a A-La-Carte guitar that is made to order. People usually come to them knowing what they want and then order it. Because of this, they don't like to stalk too many of them at a time.
PeteDuBaldo
Well-known member
fogman said:
Yep, most people order from me as opposed to buying what I have in stock. Oh well....
PeteDuBaldo said:
I think that alone is part of the EBMM identity. To me it makes the whole experience more special in the end. When I finally do get the guitar, there will be a L O N G story to tell everytime I show it to people.
Norrin Radd
Well-known member
fogman said:
Yeah - just a few pages short of "War and Peace"!
PeteDuBaldo
Well-known member
fogman said:
It's gonna have all your 72,341 pictures of every single type of color and option EB in it for those of us who can't read, isn't it?
Norrin Radd
Well-known member
PeteDuBaldo said:
jeffrey
Well-known member
I didn't even mention the GC in Austin.
Let me sum it up real quick like: they SUCK.
They never have any EB guitars at ALL. The only thing that even resembles an EB that they have up are those OLP things.
Their guitars in general are usually in pretty horrible condition, even the wall of PRS's (probably about 15 minimum) they always have.
I wish the Sam Ash in San Antonio had EB, the guys that run the guitar department there (especially Dawsin) are top notch people.
I'd rather see it go to Century Music in San Antonio though. That's the primary place I do business and where all the local players in the "know" go.
Let me sum it up real quick like: they SUCK.
They never have any EB guitars at ALL. The only thing that even resembles an EB that they have up are those OLP things.
Their guitars in general are usually in pretty horrible condition, even the wall of PRS's (probably about 15 minimum) they always have.
I wish the Sam Ash in San Antonio had EB, the guys that run the guitar department there (especially Dawsin) are top notch people.
I'd rather see it go to Century Music in San Antonio though. That's the primary place I do business and where all the local players in the "know" go.
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SteveB
Well-known member
the Pittsburgh scene
I'm in the 'burbs just north of downtown Pittsburgh. The music store which is physically closest to me (Brighton Music Center) is not a Music Man dealer, but they carry EB strings & accessories. I've bought from them for decades and know the owner very well, and he's a great guy. The store is about 3 minutes from my house, but they don't stock any high-end guitars. Just entry-level to mid-grade stuff they know they can turn around quickly.
I bought my JP6 from Pianos-n-Stuff, which has been around since the 60's in Blawnox, Pennsylvania which is about a 35-40 minute drive from my house. They are great to deal with and they sell just about anything you'd want. They always have EBMM basses in stock.. usually around 6 or so (although not many Bongos). They don't really stock EBMM guitars, though. I mean, one time I was in there and they had an Axis and a SUB1. The Axis sold within a few months but the SUB1 is still there but it's been moved to a rather 'out of the way' location. I just ordered a Y2D from them and when I went in they had a loaded JP6 in what I think was medallion gold (or desert gold.. not sure). But the JP6 was displayed high on the ceiling and I actually missed it the first few times I walked through the area. Anyway, P-n-S are always happy to order whatever you want, and they do it promptly. I haven't seen a better price yet on any new EBMM anywhere. Great store with very knowledgable staff. Horrible parking scenario, though, as a consequence of being on the main drag of a one-horse town, and no parking lot.
Another EBMM dealer near me is Hollowood Music. They recently moved, and are now about a 35-40 minute drive away from me as well. In fact, they moved very close to the area'se newest Guitar Center, which I'll talk about later. I've never really made any major purchases at Hollowood except for some PA gear. Usually P-n-S (above) has the same stuff for a better price so I just go there. Anyway, they are a Music Man dealer, but they don't stock much of anything either. They do carry a seemingly full line of EB strings etc. though.
There are two Guitar Centers in the area.. one in Monroeville, PA and one in Robinson township. I bleeb they are both managed by the same man. The Robinson store just opened this year in February. They have a few EBMM basses, they had one Axis, and a SUB1. A few months ago they had all the EBMM instruments on the floor when you first walked in, on 'clearance' so to speak. This included some Bongos, SUB basses, the Axis, and the SUB1. Then, they moved the stuff to scattered locations throughout the store. Last time I was there they still had the Axis and SUB1 and at least one Bongo. I didn't really look for the basses though. I test played the SUB1 and liked it a lot. The sales staff knew nothing about it. I made them dig out the tremolo arm, and that took about 15 minutes for them to find it.. ruffling through drawers full of un-labeled parts that had been removed from guitars on display. I can only guess that the trem arm they eventually produced was the right one. I asked if the SUB1 came with a gig bag and they said no.. otherwise I would have bought it on the spot.
I have only visited the GC in Monroeville on two occasions. It is also a 35-40 minute drive for me, and through the worst traffic spots around. This is where I went last fall to try a Music Man Petrucci. They had 1 in stock (a Mystic Dream with no piezo, dot inlays, and I think a matching headstock). They wanted entirely too much money for it.. I ended up ordering my brand-new JP6 with all options from PnS for significantly less than what GC wanted for their barebones, well-tested Petrucci. Oh yeah, when I went there to try the Pet, I asked where it was (the dealer locator indicated they had one). The salesman looked around and decided it must have been sold. I later found it up high on a display right at the front of the store. When I was checking it out, I think it was the first time he had actually looked at it, too.
Enough of my novel, though..
I'm in the 'burbs just north of downtown Pittsburgh. The music store which is physically closest to me (Brighton Music Center) is not a Music Man dealer, but they carry EB strings & accessories. I've bought from them for decades and know the owner very well, and he's a great guy. The store is about 3 minutes from my house, but they don't stock any high-end guitars. Just entry-level to mid-grade stuff they know they can turn around quickly.
I bought my JP6 from Pianos-n-Stuff, which has been around since the 60's in Blawnox, Pennsylvania which is about a 35-40 minute drive from my house. They are great to deal with and they sell just about anything you'd want. They always have EBMM basses in stock.. usually around 6 or so (although not many Bongos). They don't really stock EBMM guitars, though. I mean, one time I was in there and they had an Axis and a SUB1. The Axis sold within a few months but the SUB1 is still there but it's been moved to a rather 'out of the way' location. I just ordered a Y2D from them and when I went in they had a loaded JP6 in what I think was medallion gold (or desert gold.. not sure). But the JP6 was displayed high on the ceiling and I actually missed it the first few times I walked through the area. Anyway, P-n-S are always happy to order whatever you want, and they do it promptly. I haven't seen a better price yet on any new EBMM anywhere. Great store with very knowledgable staff. Horrible parking scenario, though, as a consequence of being on the main drag of a one-horse town, and no parking lot.
Another EBMM dealer near me is Hollowood Music. They recently moved, and are now about a 35-40 minute drive away from me as well. In fact, they moved very close to the area'se newest Guitar Center, which I'll talk about later. I've never really made any major purchases at Hollowood except for some PA gear. Usually P-n-S (above) has the same stuff for a better price so I just go there. Anyway, they are a Music Man dealer, but they don't stock much of anything either. They do carry a seemingly full line of EB strings etc. though.
There are two Guitar Centers in the area.. one in Monroeville, PA and one in Robinson township. I bleeb they are both managed by the same man. The Robinson store just opened this year in February. They have a few EBMM basses, they had one Axis, and a SUB1. A few months ago they had all the EBMM instruments on the floor when you first walked in, on 'clearance' so to speak. This included some Bongos, SUB basses, the Axis, and the SUB1. Then, they moved the stuff to scattered locations throughout the store. Last time I was there they still had the Axis and SUB1 and at least one Bongo. I didn't really look for the basses though. I test played the SUB1 and liked it a lot. The sales staff knew nothing about it. I made them dig out the tremolo arm, and that took about 15 minutes for them to find it.. ruffling through drawers full of un-labeled parts that had been removed from guitars on display. I can only guess that the trem arm they eventually produced was the right one. I asked if the SUB1 came with a gig bag and they said no.. otherwise I would have bought it on the spot.
I have only visited the GC in Monroeville on two occasions. It is also a 35-40 minute drive for me, and through the worst traffic spots around. This is where I went last fall to try a Music Man Petrucci. They had 1 in stock (a Mystic Dream with no piezo, dot inlays, and I think a matching headstock). They wanted entirely too much money for it.. I ended up ordering my brand-new JP6 with all options from PnS for significantly less than what GC wanted for their barebones, well-tested Petrucci. Oh yeah, when I went there to try the Pet, I asked where it was (the dealer locator indicated they had one). The salesman looked around and decided it must have been sold. I later found it up high on a display right at the front of the store. When I was checking it out, I think it was the first time he had actually looked at it, too.
Enough of my novel, though..
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My dealer is the esteemed Mr. Dubaldo. I wouldn't consider him "local"...but that is neither here nor there. Pete is great to deal with. When purchasing my JP I had many questions/concerns and he was always informative and patient. Never once did I feel that he was trying to rush me or push an instrument on me. And, not once did he utter the words "that guy is a pain in my a**" after speaking with me...well, atleast as far as I know. But seriously, I would Highly recommend Pete to anyone...in fact, I already have. He knows his stuff, believes in the instruments he carries, and is a great guy. And if he feels that the instrument isn't right for you, then he will steer you towards another option. Now, how many dealers will do that for you? To make along story short, all future EBMMJP purchases of mine will be made through Pete. Ernie Ball + Dubaldo Music = The right combination for me
But seriously, I would Highly recommend Pete to anyone...in fact, I already have. He knows his stuff, believes in the instruments he carries, and is a great guy. And if he feels that the instrument isn't right for you, then he will steer you towards another option. Now, how many dealers will do that for you? To make along story short, all future EBMMJP purchases of mine will be made through Pete. Ernie Ball + Dubaldo Music = The right combination for me
Luiz Gustavo
Well-known member
I dont have an EBMM dealer. They are like one dealer to more than 20.000 km2. So we dont have options and they are ultra_big_plus_hardcore_mega_zor_overpriced.
Just an example.................one fixed bridge ble burst steve morse model coast about U$3500.
Customer service is like ZERO chance !!!!!!!!!!!!!
They even know about what they are selling...........
So .................. f**k the all stores here !!!!!!
Just an example.................one fixed bridge ble burst steve morse model coast about U$3500.
Customer service is like ZERO chance !!!!!!!!!!!!!
They even know about what they are selling...........
So .................. f**k the all stores here !!!!!!
akozols
Well-known member
I'm in the Philly area and there are a ton of stores around here. When my wife finally gives me the go ahead to buy, I'm getting it from Pete. I don't know what kind of service and knowledge I'm going to get from local dealers, but Pete knows his stuff. Plus, since he's on the forum, I can get info from either him or others. Seems like a win/win sit. He's a 4hour drive, so I could make a day trip out of it.
al
al
pack-rat
Well-known member
Vancouver Canada:
Outside of the downtown location I have trouble with Long and McQuade. Downtown location specializes in guitars and I enjoy going there, though it is about 45 min drive. The L & M location close to me I only deal with one guy now.
When I started shopping for my axis only he knew what I was talking about and had answers right away whilst others couldn't figure out the codes outside of the Ernieball strings or others only knew about the bass guitars. (Tom Lee)
"We have a Musicman bass only" and weren't to interested in helping me if they couldn't sell me something right away.
The only thing I really don't like at the L & M downtown guitar is that it allways seems "cluttered" and I am afraid I am going to knock over a guitar stand. On a Saturday it tends to get busy and crowded which doesn't really help.
So fortunately I have someone that is good near where I live, I don't have to go 45 min away but I only deal with one employee there.
( Long & Mc Quade and Tom Lee are chain music stores here in Canada)
I went in to L & M yesterday in another part of town to make a payment to my account on my way home from work.I let a customer go in front of me. The young asian lady had a question that she having trouble stringing her guitar. The staff member was of no help to her and I could she she was not understanding what was being said - prob a bit technical for her - and I made a few sugestions in very simple words so she could understand and she did. The staff member gave me a look and then I said "but really you should bring it in for them to have a look at it".
At first I felt pretty stupid, doing someone else's job and appologized to the staff member. Later I thought different of it.
Outside of the downtown location I have trouble with Long and McQuade. Downtown location specializes in guitars and I enjoy going there, though it is about 45 min drive. The L & M location close to me I only deal with one guy now.
When I started shopping for my axis only he knew what I was talking about and had answers right away whilst others couldn't figure out the codes outside of the Ernieball strings or others only knew about the bass guitars. (Tom Lee)
"We have a Musicman bass only" and weren't to interested in helping me if they couldn't sell me something right away.
The only thing I really don't like at the L & M downtown guitar is that it allways seems "cluttered" and I am afraid I am going to knock over a guitar stand. On a Saturday it tends to get busy and crowded which doesn't really help.
So fortunately I have someone that is good near where I live, I don't have to go 45 min away but I only deal with one employee there.
( Long & Mc Quade and Tom Lee are chain music stores here in Canada)
I went in to L & M yesterday in another part of town to make a payment to my account on my way home from work.I let a customer go in front of me. The young asian lady had a question that she having trouble stringing her guitar. The staff member was of no help to her and I could she she was not understanding what was being said - prob a bit technical for her - and I made a few sugestions in very simple words so she could understand and she did. The staff member gave me a look and then I said "but really you should bring it in for them to have a look at it".
At first I felt pretty stupid, doing someone else's job and appologized to the staff member. Later I thought different of it.
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Shnook
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2002
- Messages
- 259
The EBMM dealer here is in sight of my house. It'd probably be bad for my bank account, but they rarely have any EBMM guitars in stock. A few basses, yes. In the last couple of years I've seen I think 2 Axis' at different times and that's it. When I was hardcore wanting an Albert Lee I went over to ask about the guitar and they said they'd NEVER even had on in the shop! Here's the deal... If they had one hanging on the wall right now, more than likely I'd buy it simply because I'm in love with the AL and would like to have more than one of them. Anyway, I digress...
The store is more than friendly and more than willing to order the EBMM products I'd like and at a good price. No problem there. It's simply the lack of stock on the shelves that sent me to buying my first Albert Lee used from Chris' Guitars.
The store is more than friendly and more than willing to order the EBMM products I'd like and at a good price. No problem there. It's simply the lack of stock on the shelves that sent me to buying my first Albert Lee used from Chris' Guitars.
Tim O'Sullivan
Well-known member
Whilst I am not in the USA, there is not a single dealer anywhere in the South of England that carrys EBMM guitars. Well not that I have come accross! If they do have one, its a used one normally.
