Strings and Things, Kick Ass Peopple!

[Smellybum]

I've just been to church........

Well maybe not, I called strings and things as I wanted to explore every possible option on pickguards (see my sub pickguard thread) -Now I've met and hung out with Pete (Blind Lemon) and Big Al, so when I called S&T today I got a guy on the phone who wasn't either of them (sorry forgot his name, man flu still around my head!)

Maaaaan this guy was cool - I HONESTLY can't recall speaking to a company who were so switched on about the products, I spoke to reps when I worked retail 15 years ago and they knew most stuff, but this guy had REAL passion.

He knew all about the Sterlings, He gave me the RRP for the 25th Guitar (Very reasonable and less than the UK RRP of a new BFR AL!) - he knew all the new pickguard colour options and what was offered for the Sub range. He was also explaining about the LIMS aftershow bash... all of this from memory, none of this "I'll need to check a price list" stuff

I am seriously impressed, in my business 1 phone call can change everything either you win a customer over or you piss them off to the point they take the business elesewhere....

Well done to the guys at Strings and Things, Mid week in crappy weather it's so easy to get bored or distracted at work - but this guy (Matt I think?) Had real passion, drive, and knew his stuff.

THis is not a fanboy post, I simply admire the fact the guy went the extra mile for someone who didn't identify himself or demand special treatment.

Good Job fellas.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Smelly - Pete from S & T is top notch and he also spares me his (very busy time).

I really can't remember the name of one of his employees - all I can remember is that he bought an old Les Paul really cheap and was telling me all about it at the Birmingham NEC, and he was equally as passionate about his balls.

Pete recognizes my passion for EB and was very generous in supplying freebies for the now infamous and legendary "Spud's Christmas on line party" - of which you benefited (ya mug!!).

He also got me some Albert Lee plectrums as give-aways in something else I ran.

Top guy Pete and so are his colleagues. - That Devil guy is a bit strange though!!

 

[colinboy]

I concur with your comments mike.they gave me a new body on my BFR recently and it was sent over and back to Ireland within 7days.

there very efficient and professional and just nice people.

 

[starsky]

Yep, I've dealt with Pete at S&T and he went out of his way to help. Couldn't be more impressed with the service the guys there are providing.

 

[azazael]

Did they have any scratchplates though???

 

[Smellybum]

yup - the other option is single ply black - like I had on my cinamon sub, top folks!

 

[azazael]

Any 2 HB pickguards??

 

[Smellybum]

Those guys can get you anything.......and I mean ANYTHING!

 

[Craiguitar]

Thats great to hear Smelly,
Other than using the UK online shop (which is fantastic by the way ) I haven't needed to speak to S&T recently.

I did call them many years ago, back in the mid 90's . This was pre-internet era, when getting product info was nigh-on impossible. Anyway, I called them about getting spare parts for my beloved Luke I. Well they basically fobbed me off in an instant, telling me to contact my local dealer. The guy rebuffed all my questions and spoke to me like dirt. It was like, "we are just the wholesale distributor, don't talk to us!" I was extremely miffed, as I had no local dealer, and nowhere to turn. Their phone attitude was just awful.

I am happy that this has been succesfully turned around, and we the UK customer (or extended EBMM family, as i like to think) are being offered top notch service and assistance. It's really comforting to know WELL DONE S&T Team !!

 

[Spudmurphy]

^
Well that being said they are still a distributor and spares should still be bought via an EB dealer.
However their advice and attitude to EB players is exemplary.

 

[Craiguitar]

Amen to that

Yes, I do appreciate they are basically a distributor.

However From Smelly's posts I'm glad to hear they are willing to offer advice to the man on the street, and are so knowledgable also. A far cry from the old days it seems.

 

[Spudmurphy]

For sure - having met the guys from S & T on three occasions now, I have to say that I am appreciative of the time they spend with their "Customers Customers", and have had some nice chats with Blind Lemon and hi colleagues - who I have to say donated some EB swag to people on the forum - before the merchandise became publicly available.