Vitamins, bed pillows, car tires – I’ve ordered all these things online in the past year. The convenience and speed of buying online just makes sense for some things – but not everything. Case in point: musical instruments.
A few years ago, a guy came into our showroom with his new trumpet. “I’ll be honest,” he said. “I didn’t buy it here, but I’m hoping you can fix it.” He felt comfortable buying online since he had played the same model before. But after it arrived, he noticed the tone wasn’t crisp and bright like he expected.
Our brass tech inspected the mouthpiece, alignment, and connections. There were no air leaks. The corks, springs, and felts were all in good shape. He made every adjustment possible, but the muddy tone remained. Worst of all, the online store would not refund his purchase because their return window had passed.
He eventually sold it and put that money towards a trumpet from our showroom – one he was able to test drive before purchase. I found a rebate to lower the price and told him to come back in if any issues arise so we could make it right.
He’s been in several times since to buy supplies and tell us he’s thrilled with his trumpet. I share his story to make the point that where you buy your instrument is just as important as what instrument you buy. Here are several reasons why:
Expert Guidance
One of the standout advantages of purchasing from a local music store is expert guidance. The people there are fellow musicians. Many have music degrees and extensive performance experience – some professionally. They are knowledgeable, passionate, and ready to give honest advice on different brands and models. Musician to musician, they won’t upsell you on features you don’t need or risk their reputation for a quick sale.
Try Before You Buy
When you buy your instrument at a local music store, you get hands-on experience with the actual instrument before you buy it. Put it to the test and give it a thorough test drive. Experience how the instrument feels in your hands, reacts to your touch, and how it sounds. Compare brands, models, and features side-by-side. Thoroughly inspect every key, pad, valve, and screw. The details add up and have a dramatic impact on long-term performance and your happiness.
Curated Collection of Instruments You Can Trust
Unlike instruments sold at big box stores and discount retailers, music store instruments will be with you for the long haul. If you play a big-box instrument and a music store instrument side-by-side, the difference in sound and craftsmanship is significant. And when you play a well-made instrument you sound better, so you’re more likely to enjoy it and stick with it.
Get the Scoop, the Skivvy, the Inside Track
Shopping at a local music store is like having a friend with all the tea. Music store purchasers are on a first-name basis with instrument manufacturers, professional musicians, band directors, and orchestra directors. They know the top brands and top-performing instruments in every price bracket as well as those known for defects and returns.
They use this intel to select their instruments, protecting you from performance issues and buyer’s remorse. And if an issue ever arises, reputable local music stores stand behind their instruments with repair, an exchange, or money back. Their reputation depends on your long-term happiness.
Musical Instrument Repairs and Maintenance
Many local music stores have their own in-house musical instrument repair shop staffed with specially trained certified instrument repair technicians. In most cases, you can explain your issue to the person who will be repairing your instrument. They often have loaner instruments that you can use until yours is fixed. Plus, you won’t risk losing your precious baby in the mail. Imagine your instrument bouncing around shipping trucks and being kicked across the tarmac. The horror!
Rebates, Discounts, and Little-Known Incentives
A lot of people do not know this, but some local music stores may buy your gently used musical instruments or use them as credit towards a new purchase. They’re also the first to know about instrument rebates and incentives, so they can pass the savings on to you. Some music stores also offer no-and low-interest financing options. And if you lease your instrument from them, there’s a good chance they will give you a discount on an instrument purchase.
Beyond all of this, shopping at your local music store is much like shopping at your local bookstore or a family-owned toy store. There is just something magical about it. It’s like a whole vibe, as they say. So find your local music store, swing by, and chat us up. Ask us about our LED drumsticks, looper pedals, pink glitter ukuleles, digital keyboards, and Taylor Swift songbooks. The coffee is on always on and the music is up.
