In an attempt to improve the quality of this site, I really want to get to know all of you better. Since people all over the country (actually the world) visit this site, the promotions I list are typically available to everyone, regardless of their location.
However, I am also a huge supporter of local music stores. I started working at a local shop when I was 17 and have always tried to support them. Now…I’m not that old (31), but old enough that buying online wasn’t an option when I started playing.
I’m very interested in where you shop. Do you always support your local retailers? Do you like the convenience of shopping online. Do you shop both, depending what you’re looking for?
I’ve set up a survey in the right sidebar and would appreciate it if you’d take a second to respond. Since the survey is very cut and dry, if you have more opinions on the matter, please leave a comment on this post.
Thanks!
Here in Round Rock, TX, there’s a local store called Danny’s. I try to buy from Danny whenever I can. Danny can’t stock everything, so my #2 choice is Strait Music in Austin. I’ve been a customer of theirs since I moved to central TX (almost two decades ago now).
Choice #3 is either GuitarCenter in Austin or Musician’s Friend online, which are essentially the same. It’s just a question of whether GC has it in stock, and I have time to swing by. Otherwise, it’s MF.
I may very well start buying online from Sweetwater instead, though. I have found many of the things on their web site useful.
Some gear I put on my Amazon wish list and let other people buy for me. (^_^)
Oh, and for computer related music gear, I’ll usually check the Apple Store.
There are some other local Austin places I like to get to when I can, but the stuff above are my usual choices.
I typically shop at two stores that are side by side in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I’ve been shopping at these stores for most of my life (I’m 29). They actually used to be part of the same business, which was called Songbird Music. The company itself decided to leave and the employees of this Songbird location bought it out and kept going it on their own as Spaceman Music. The separate building (which was the drum department) became Dave’s Drum Shop, making it a specialized shop only for drums, which is great in my opinion (I’m a drummer).
They’ve always brought in great used gear and have a bunch of great old vintage stuff. They can typically outdo the big guys in quality and knowledge.
Otherwise, I might drop into E-bay every once in a while because I’ll find something extremely cheap and fight for it on there, haha.
I like to buy from local stores whenever possible. My favorite Minneapolis guitar store is Twin Town Guitars. Whether I need strings or repairs this is where I stop first. I know that I can trust them with my guitars and their opinions on products. This is the kind of place where your business is welcome and the atmosphere is friendly. It is the complete opposite of the big box music stores where you can’t hear yourself think and the staff are only interested in commissions.
I also go to Willie’s American Guitars in St. Paul. This is a great shop with great gear but I can’t afford any of it. I go mainly to look and for parts that I know only they will carry.
When I buy online I use Musician’s Friend. I have purchased in the past from Sweetwater and will often comparison shop on their site.
I have had good luck finding hard to find items and bargins on eBay.