Would it be too much for...

[zontar]

Here are a couple of queries about strings & straps--more just wondering aloud--but feel free to answer and/or add your own wonderings...

-Would it be too much for some string company to make a readily available set that goes from 10 to 44? I can find 10-38 (too small). I can find 10-46 (too big) 10-44 or even 42 would be just right. (And cheaper than buying the strings individually.)

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry Boomers in the 9.5 size so I can try them by buying only one set?

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry Adamas Phosphor Bronze on a regular basis?

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry short or even medium scale bass strings?

(I realize on the last 3 I could order online or even from a local store--but then they want minimum orders, and while that may be okay for my electrics, I don't need tons of sets for my 12 string & bass. And I'd rather buy them in person than online or ordered. I'd like to be able to go to a store and find them.)

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry a 2 1/2" leather strap that wasn't so thick--but was thin like the ones that you used to be able to get regularly? (I've had some wear out, lost some, and had some that were loaned out & never returned.)

-Would it be too much for a strap like that to be plain black--no tacky dragon/demon/monster/flames etc. It's just not me. I can stand the store or strap brand logo--but nothing else. (Oh, and no metal studs, please)

I feel better getting that off my chest...

[Wheeman]

I want to add some stuff as well, not necessarily straps or strings but regarding music stores in general:

- Would it be too much to carry more than 2 to 3 basses for every 10 to 15 guitars in a store?
- Would it be too much if the store employees are going to give me a battery for trying out an effect, please make sure its not dead.

- Would it be too much to setup the limited amount of basses? If the store is only selling a limited amount, please for the love of Pete make sure they are at least playable. I've tried some low-end as well as high-end basses that needed a setup badly.

- Would it be too much to know less then the employees at the stores? (some are good, but others give me the double blink, "What?" routine)

I find the limited amount of basses at most of the stores I've been at the most frustrating. I still have to find that bass that I like the feel and sound off.

Much like Zontar, I'm just venting.

Edit: Zontar, I just picked up a 3" wide black Levi strap. I have to agree with your dislike of the "fancy" straps.

[Edutainment]

- Would it be too much to carry at least one Jazzmaster at L&M :tongue:

I went there today and there wasn't even one, but I tried a Telecaster and I think I'm in love.

[suttree]

Here are a couple of queries about strings & straps--more just wondering aloud--but feel free to answer and/or add your own wonderings...

-Would it be too much for some string company to make a readily available set that goes from 10 to 44? I can find 10-38 (too small). I can find 10-46 (too big) 10-44 or even 42 would be just right. (And cheaper than buying the strings individually.)

buying single strings gauged as you want can be as cheap as buying sets, if your store would order a bulk display. you can order sets online for little, if you look around. have you tried the 9.5 guaged sets?

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry Boomers in the 9.5 size so I can try them by buying only one set?

oh, lol.. you haven't.. any reasonable store should be more than happy to order you a set in as a "one-off" thing. you should be perfectly happy to wait for them to arrive though, as it's an untried product. the stores don't want to invest heavily in an untried product. but if you walked in to my store and said, "here's 5$ deposit, can you order me one set of ghs strings to try", i'd be more than happy to do so once. if you liked them, i'd ask that you ordered 3+ sets at a time, as it takes time (which = money) to order stuff (and it costs money money, too... checks and banking and carrying costs and infrastructure and wages and and and), and there's not exactly a ton of margin on strings, especially in these e-commerce days. i mean, it's not like you're ordering something really weird, like kaman strings :D

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry Adamas Phosphor Bronze on a regular basis?

actually, yes probably. they're poor sellers to begin with (although they are excellent strings, i have loved every set i've tried that was fresh), and so you won't likely find them stocked. i don't know why they don't sell, but i've seen them sit on shelves personally for years. add to that that they're pretty pricey, and you'll have a hard time finding them. mom+pop stores are the only places i've seen them stocked. why not order them by the box? that's the best way to get what you want. it's also the best deal for you, usually.

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry short or even medium scale bass strings?

same as above. it's tough with strings, because there are just soo many options, you can't stock them all. also, you need shorter scale strings, they'll happily lend you the wire-cutters.

(I realize on the last 3 I could order online or even from a local store--but then they want minimum orders, and while that may be okay for my electrics, I don't need tons of sets for my 12 string & bass. And I'd rather buy them in person than online or ordered. I'd like to be able to go to a store and find them.)

this is a tough situation. remember that for a store to carry those sets of strings in stock would be (these are pricier sets) 5 packs at $6 a set for the 12 strings, and 4 packs at say $20 for the bass strings, that's $110 for your specific needs, and the next customer is going to want a slightly different thing. i think you're going to have to accept that for less popular product, in a smaller market (by this i mean smaller than say LA or NY), you're going to have to pay more and wait for it. via the internet you'd be waiting too.

-Would it be too much for a local store to carry a 2 1/2" leather strap that wasn't so thick--but was thin like the ones that you used to be able to get regularly? (I've had some wear out, lost some, and had some that were loaned out & never returned.)

i think levy's makes these, in plain black. answers the next question, too. as to why no one is stocking them near you, i haven't a clue. that's one of the staples of a music store, i'm surprised you can't find one.

-Would it be too much for a strap like that to be plain black--no tacky dragon/demon/monster/flames etc. It's just not me. I can stand the store or strap brand logo--but nothing else. (Oh, and no metal studs, please)

I feel better getting that off my chest...

the music stores have it tough these days. they're being squeezed from every end. online retailers have driven margins so low that a lot of stores are simply closing. of course, a lot of are also just slovenly, and poorly run. instead of developing long term relationships with their customers (the one area they can outperform online competitors), they're just maintaining their surly demeanors. this is largely because they pay the "counter help" pretty poorly, so they attract aspiring rock stars who are frankly more interested in themselves than you. this is also the answer to your post wheeman. it's really something about the music sales industry that must be changed. you know it when you walk into a store that is well run by competent professionals. unfortunately, this seems to rarely happen.... someone will come along with a better way someday.. i'm hoping that it will be me. then you can come shop at my store. but i still won't stock 8-string short scale bass string sets for youse :D

[suttree]

ps guitar stores should have their product well set up when it's for sale. minor adjustments to personal taste are to be expected, but really, would a porsche dealer stock unrepaired cars on their lot and expect you to test drive them as is? "in a couple weeks, our mechanic will fix the motor for you, and you'll LOVE it then". when i play a guitar in a store that has sharp fret edges and buzz (or worse, i've seen some crazy things out there), i'm embarassed for the store.

[zontar]

Yeah, I know I won't get all of those.

And I've asked some of these things in music stores--but politely--not venting.

So could everybody maybe help me out by creating a demand for Adamas 2 string sets? --Okay--I didn't think so. But they sound great. Fortunately the ones I have on now are still new. There was one set left when I bought them--and they were on sale cheap--I could see that as a discount on buying more. If only I hadn't tried them! I'll probably have to bite the bullet and order a bunch when this set starts to go. A spare set wouldn't be a bad idea--it just depends on what minimum order the store would require (3 have offered they could order them for me.)

As for bass strings--I can't use long scale strings--the E doesn't fit in the slot. The others I could get away with--but they don't stay in tune as well.
Again I fear ordering either in store or online is my best option. But if I find a store that sells short or medium scale bass strings--they have a customer in me. I'm not picky about brand--as long as they're roundwound. I'd buy all my accessories from them. I'm not too picky about picks--as long as they're thick--I do have some preferences--but I like to mix it up. I'll buy my electric string sets & singles from them--and I'll try whatever brand of 12 string strings they stock.

But a simple thin leather guitar strap in black? Why is that so hard to find? They used to be everywhere.

And I agree about the set up thing. Some stores seem to actually try. Stores used to do this. The only guitar I have that wasn't really set up was my Les Paul--but I was going to change the bridge & pickups anyway--and so I wasn't too worried about it. My Mustang was set up after I bought it-(It was good before--better after)-and I've never had to adjust it in 24 years. It's stayed. (That store has been out of business for many years, too bad. I used to hang out there and bought a lot of stuff there.)

[Mooh]

Would it be too much for the shop to open when the sign says instead of making people cool their heels for 45 minutes?

Peace, Mooh.

[dwagar]

I find, especially with the smaller music stores, most are happy to order stuff for you. Well, so long as you are buying and not just tire kicking.

Zontar, you're in Calgary?

When I lived in the SW, I used to support Saks Music because they were local. They would order pretty well anything I asked them for. eg, they had a black Levis strap that looked like the old Gibson strap, I wanted brown, so they ordered it. Obscure music books I couldn't find elsewhere, they would go on the hunt for me and turn them up somewhere.
Now that I'm in NW, I was in Guitarworks and saw they had the nickel/steel Hendrix strings from Dean Markley. I asked the manager if there was a possibility they could get the pure nickels? Next time I'm in the store, there they are.

Unless it's something really odd, if you want it, there's a pretty good chance someone else does too.

I like to support the smaller stores, and find they can usually go the extra mile for you.

[zontar]

Which Guitarworks?
I'm not too thrilled with the staff at the Crowfoot store--or at least the ones I've encountered. The 16th Ave location is better.

As for Saks--I've never been there. I amy have to check it out next time I'm in the neighbourhood.

[dwagar]

yes it is Crowfoot.

And Saks is way out in Woodbine, Brent is a great guy.