RE: speaker question again

[Doug Tapia <dtapia@unoco.edu>]

>Good point.  Unfortunately, we are losing these pro audio stores because 
>so
>many people go to them to use their services, then go to the discount 
>store
>to make the final purchase.

Yes, this is a problem, but usually these pro audio stores will meet 
price points if they can confirm a price quote.  Most of these stores 
have _more_ flexability than a GC or Musicians Enemy as far as price 
goes.  Furthermore, try getting service after the sale at your local bulk 
outlet.  You know the types of places:  Bunches of acne-faced teenagers 
who know next to nothing about the products they are suposed to be 
representing, and if in this sea of mass market carnage you are able to 
find a knowledgeable salesperson, you can rest assured that they won't be 
around the mega-mart music shope for long.

I may sound a bit bitter, but I've spent time as a retail sales 
consultant in "high-end" pro audio shopes and have had more than my share 
of customers come to me wanting to see all of the cool features and 
expansion potental in "x-synth" or "x-effects device" which I would 
happily take several hours to show them, only to have them bring in the 
device in question for service six months later.  When I would ask them 
where they bought it, they'd invaribaly sight one of the 
mega-music-all-things-to-everyone(except-for-service)-stores.  They'd 
usually tell me that they got it for $50.00 less or that tax was lower in 
that area. 

You know, find a store (or better yet, a salesperson) you can trust and 
work with this person.  If price is an important issue, ask them to match 
a quote:  Most good salespersons will not loose a sale over price.  Then 
not only do you have a cool new gizzy, you've also got something just as 
important:  a human resource.

Now I know that some of you probably live in areas away from any good 
music stores, but even the small ones can order stuff for you, and if you 
pay a bit more, look at as supporting the local economy.  For those of 
you living in big cities, seek out knowledgeable professionals and stick 
with them, because once the independent, service oreinted stores are 
gone, all we'll have are GCs etc.


-doug


p.s.  I'm currently listening to Amon Tobin's _Permiatations_ which has 
some PHAT loops. Check it out.  (There's your looping content)