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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Slipkid knows where this jewel is at( H & B )
Yep... I know.
I took the UTE to the last open mic night there and gave Paul a sales speel about it. A while back I went in there ready to by an Elite LX but Paul said "Let me show you something", and pulled an AD-II out from the backroom. Because he had it in stock, and I was able to get my hands on it, I had to take it home instead.
I bought my UTE on e-bay but if Paul had stocked one, I know I would have bought one from him.
Paul & I talked about the 47RI. (I think he conciders me his unoffical Ovation rep) He told me he just didn't think he could move an Ovation that cost $3400. He said "Ovations just don't seem to be moving". Then answered his own question by saying, "Then again, maybe we're not trying to sell them". How true. They still have a very nice '06 koa. But guess what is sitting on the hook with the VIP display?? Yep.. a Taylor.
GWB.... we should get together at the next Folkin' Friday. |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | The salespeople at H&B have admitted to me both times I've been there that they prefer Taylors and Martins, so why should it be a surprise to ANYONE working there that they aren't trying to sell Ovations?
Roger |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I'm workin' on 'em Rog.
Slow but sure. |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | Just got back from the Carle Place GC tonight, and was pretty pleased by their new gimmick. With the purchase of 3 sets of D'addario EXP strings, I got a free duffel bag. Since I use these brands of strings to begin with, I didn't mind it at all, and the freebie was an added bonus. This time, I purchased the 80/20 sets, specifically for my one and only Ovation. The phosphor bronze sets that I purchased last year, with the free guitar sounds great on my non-O, but it sounded so dull with the O. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by Old Applause Owner:
The salespeople at H&B have admitted to me both times I've been there that they prefer Taylors and Martins, so why should it be a surprise to ANYONE working there that they aren't trying to sell Ovations? Roger My friends swear by Martins, although none of them own one. (They see the price tag, and are impressed!) Alot of people think that O's are cheap cuz of the bowl. I try to explain that they are wrong. I was impressed by Ovations when I first saw one back in the seventies. People need their preconceptions altered. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Based on this and previous threads...
We have a lot (yes, a lot) of guitar stores on El Cajon Blvd (San Diego) and University...some with bars on the windows, some primarily lessons and printed material - either that or most of inventory is used. Need to say that we are the home of GuitarTrader (store and internet) that continues to sponsor Matt Smith's Chop Shop.
Need to say this is the only Guitar Center I have ever entered. In La Mesa. Same problems on weekend - babysitting for juvenile rock wanna-bees. Free babysitting while mom does the shopping.
Yet, strong service whether in accessories or in the guitar area. And, at least 10-12 USA Ovations (many more Celebs) prominently displayed. Always interested buyers working the displays. They get to NAMM and understand the Ovation line. They want to sell guitars and, as the manager of the guitar side said, "we will negotiate". They will stand with you or leave you alone to work the guitar in a quiet room. They want to know your name and the next time you come back, they greet you with your name. I have only bought accessories and recently a guitar from them (the U681T). I see young kids behind the counter but the same ones even six months later. They are active in the music scene and get excited when you ask them what they do or what band they are in. Whatever displays Kaman has provided are displayed prominently (such as the LX).
They only have stock that the corporation has sent them, balanced by what the store feels it can sell. They all know the name of the Kaman Rep (Joe Montoya) so maybe that helps. When the 30th Anniv CL (1719-30CM) came out, took them about six months to get their first one. Displayed up in the cobweb section near the ceiling...I got them to bring it where everyone could see it...believe they sold 5-6 in 2004.
This store provides interest, service, reasonable knowledge of product and inventory. Can find interest in the few "mom & pop" but not the inventory or bulk pricing.
Hate to see the "mom & pop" losing to the corporations but I also appreciate the individual "big box" stores that are trying to service the musician.
So, as MWoody does with his interventions...what can we do to help the local Kaman Rep. with the big box? They will stock what they feel they can sell. |
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GC
