Your local music store has always been a reliable hub for all your music necessities – be it instruments, accessories, repairs, books or tuition. Unlike large, big chain stores, we value and nurture the bond with our customers, treating them as friends rather than just consumers. As such, we implore you to consider these three compelling reasons to skip the big chain stores and support your local music store instead. Not only will you be getting personalized service and expert advice, but you’ll also be supporting a local business that genuinely cares about your musical journey and the community it serves.
1. Periodic sales, Once a year, a much-anticipated catalogue emerges from a popular big chain store, filled with an array of music instruments at unbeatable prices that they do not normally stock. The charm of these periodic sales is undeniably compelling, offering a golden opportunity to delve into the world of music without the burden of a hefty price tag. However, these great deals often come with a catch, primarily featuring unknown branded products. With the thrill of the bargain, customers may overlook the potential drawbacks, such as the lack of after-sales support or the possibility of having to return faulty products once the sale is over. Furthermore, if there’s an issue with the instrument, you might end up at your local music store anyway, paying to fix a problem that could have been avoided if you’d chosen to buy from them in the first place.
A music store is a constant with an overflowing with an array of branded products and many great deals all year round. These stores provide not just the tangible instruments, but also the essential support and guidance you need to master your chosen musical tool. Whether you’re a beginner trying to strum your first guitar or an experienced pianist looking to upgrade your instrument, the music store is your one-stop destination. It is always there, ensuring that your journey in the world of music is always accompanied by the best quality and support.
2. Price versus Quality, Essentially a big chain store will bring an instrument in which is an unknown brand to have a lower cost price, but they lack quality and support. While it may seem like a good deal initially due to the lower cost, these products often offer a substantially lesser quality. This is particularly evident in the field of musical instruments where poor workmanship can drastically affect performance. For instance, a cheaply made guitar could have issues with neck alignment or tuning, and a low-cost piano might have improperly functioning keys that produce an artificial and unpleasant sound. Some cheaper keyboards even have keys that are only ¾ of the usual size, the key action unbalanced and harder to play, sound quality terrible, all of which detracts the authentic piano feel and motivation to learn and play your instrument. A quality branded instrument will have support, pianos have usb connectivity with apps made for it and some have warranties of even as high as 5 to 10 years.
3. Support and Service, Large retail chains that stock generic instruments, along with lots of other products, often lack the necessary expertise to effectively assist customers. Unlike specialized music stores, these bigger chains do not focus solely on musical instruments and equipment. As such, their staff might not possess the in-depth knowledge required to guide customers towards the instrument that best suits their needs and preferences. We’ve heard from many customers that they have been to these stores and found there was no one to help them or understood the products they were selling. For example for the beginner musician, some terms used for instruments may be confusing. For example a piano teacher may require a student to purchase a piano and say a keyboard is fine. Sounds straightforward? Wrong, there are many types of pianos and the differences are vast. Your local specialty music staff would immediately be able to point you in the right direction as they are often in contact with piano teachers and are aware of what is needed. This just wouldn’t happen in a major retail store and you could fall into the trap of purchasing a product that is not right for you. This lack of specialization and personal attention can greatly affect a musician’s shopping experience and their subsequent interaction with their chosen instrument.
Your local music specialty store will not only guide you on how to tune your guitar, provide you with learning strategies for your piano, but also assist with other factors like re-stringing your instrument ie guitar, violin. Having the accessories you need like reeds, strings, cables, and headphones. A lot of the digital products these days also require some technical support, and at music store because it’s only what they sell they have the knowledge to provide that. Additionally, these specialty music stores have a vast network of contacts, from music teachers to community events and in-store music workshops, which larger chains lack. Furthermore, the staff at these specialty stores possess an in-depth knowledge of the products they sell. They can help troubleshoot any issues with your instrument, a service that staff at larger chains often do not offer due to a lack of specific product training and understanding.
Music stores hold a huge advantage over general retail stores when it comes to offering expert advice and recommendations on various musical instruments. Their in-depth product knowledge allows them to answer specific inquiries, and provide guidance on instrument care and maintenance. They are also likely to provide detailed information about the origin, manufacturing process, and technical specifications of each instrument, which is a crucial aspect for professional musicians or serious hobbyists. With a customer-centric approach, the staff at music stores tailor their recommendations to each customer’s specific needs, skill level, and budget. They often offer workshops, tutorials, or demonstrations to help customers understand how to use and get the most out of their instruments. Additionally, music stores often have close relationships with manufacturers or distributors, allowing them to offer a wider range of products, limited edition items, or special deals. Staying updated on the latest trends, innovations, and technology in the music industry, these stores offer the most current and cutting-edge products. Ultimately, music stores provide a more personalized shopping experience, as their staff can spend more time with each customer and offer expert advice based on their extensive product knowledge.
Support your local music store, as we support you!