On a long trip to London, sitting in a full and stuffy train carriage, we whiled the time away thinking about how we could help new bands and aspiring musicians. It is just as important for us to be recognised as seasoned music equipment experts as traders, but as they say: “Nothing is given so freely as advice.” Whoever they are, ought to look at it again as: “Advice is freely given and rarely taken.”
The last thing anyone wants is a music store salesperson saying you must buy this or that, here’s a real bargain and so on. We’ve all fallen foul to this kind of sales technique at some time or other. I clearly remember being recommended a certain PA system that the band quickly outgrew. It cost a small fortune – the entire band’s kitty – was supposed to be the best thing on the market, and within a matter of months was worthless. Even the relatively expensive mikes were useless for our needs – we ended using them for the instruments. Our next rig had 400 per cent more power and infinitely more capability – that tells you how easy it is to get it wrong. As for the mikes, we got better ones that cost two-thirds of the originals.
Same goes with backline / amps, guitars, mikes and all the other paraphernalia. In the music world, generally buying on price is asking for problems. Instead, you need to look at what you want to achieve, spec out the equipment carefully after considering all the alternatives available that suit your budget.
In this day and age of Internet shopping and bargain hunting, it is so easy just to research on price. A quick click and your committed. That is why we encourage you to call at the store and speak to us in person. In fact, how is this for a suggestion? Get your band together and come to see us for a bit of a consultation – best telephone us to warn us of your intentions. We’ll give you an appraisal and tell you how we can help. If you want an in-depth consultation we can do this too – we’ll have to ask you to pay a small fee to cover our time and travel but this is fully refundable should you decide to buy your gear from us. We’re even thinking about offering a drop in service where we’ll come to see and hear you play; and, from our appraisal, we’ll devise a band package for you. That way, you’ll be sure of getting the sound and gear you need to deliver your best performance.
