I've bought several instruments over the years at Elderly and have done one purchase and a consignment with The Podium. At both places, I've found the people to be knowledgeable about the instruments and very helpful in providing information. I'd be pleased to continue doing business at both places.

quote:

Originally posted by Podguy:
If it was The Podium, I am the owner and I would like to apologize. My son changes our strings and he is graduating from college this semester and has been unable to work for the last few weeks because of finals and writing his senior paper. Strings go bad quickly with the number of people playing guitars and we have gotten behind on this important task. No excuses for not being attentive and it's something we usually don't do. Two of the four people there were employees (we only have two people working except on Saturdays) and the others were customers and I am afraid I was one of the guys that should have been paying attention to you. I was distracted talking to a friend I haven't seen for a while and working on a guitar on the bench and I know better and would like a chance to make it up to you.

Wow - I don't often see people stand up and take responsibility anymore. This post says a lot to me.

Mistakes are made. I've certainly made my share. Apologies are made a little less often.

I was in a gym in downtown Toronto years ago, and had just finished another set of exercises on one of the weight machines. I stepped backward and lightly bumped another person in the gym. He turned and shoved me, not that hard, but it was a shove. Then he walked away to continue his workout. Can't even recall if he made eye contact, just kept going. I am a peaceful sort, and had no intention of starting something. But I wasn't going to let that lie.

I approached him and stood close enough that he could clearly hear my words. I explained what happened, the accidental nature of the bump, and questioned his aggressive response. I told him I was not impressed. Got it off my chest, and bid him adieu. Went on with my workout.

About five minutes later, he came up to me, clearly agitated, needing to get something off his chest. He proceeded to apologize, very sincerly. He carried a Middle Eastern accent I think. He had been in Toronto for some months, and had found people very unfriendly, even aggressive. He said the anger had been building up inside. And that’s what made him respond that way. He felt very poorly about his actions. Spoke of the town where he was from. I was very impressed and heartened. We shook hands and parted. He wasn’t going to justify his action, but he could say something that would help paint an understanding of the circumstances. Just had a flash back. Had to share it.

Good on the fellow in the gym, good on you.

I for one think it ends well when guitar seller and guitar buyer both agree that when you go into a guitar store to test drive some gorgeous, expensive, acoustic guitars, good service goes a long way.


Stuart

Elderly is a great store, I've never had any issues with the service dept... and I have had many, many instruments in there for many different reasons. Obviously Mattmoo has done the same, just different outcomes...

My experience with the Podium has been good as well... I actually just ordered a K&K pickup and XLR preamp from them two weeks ago (based on all of the positive comments on this forum) and they were very prompt with the shipping and extremely quick to get the order out. I have friends that spend a good amount of time in that store and all have nothing but nice things to say.

mattmoo, where do you take your guitars for repair now? Herb David? Huber Breese? I'd like to have another option in the area... let me know if you get a chance.

Papi, if you're ever in southern Michigan, you really should visit Elderly... some really nice vintage stuff that you will have a hard time finding elsewhere... as well a wealth of all things strings.

Once again, just my $0.02

quote:

Originally posted by Stuart:
He had been in Toronto for some months, and had found people very unfriendly, even aggressive.
Stuart

Bummer. I think that Toronto is one of the most civil, polite cities I've ever visited. I really look forward to when I can visit again.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by northernbreed:

Wow - I don't often see people stand up and take responsibility anymore. This post says a lot to me.[/QUOTE]

NB -
This is consistent with my experiences with The Podium. I had one experience with someone at the store that was less than satisfactory, but when I called back, I was once again treated with courtesy and respect. After Podguy's post, I really look forward to stopping in next time I'm back in "Da Old Country." Nothing like a visit to Dinkeytown.

Jim

Okay, Mostly Drummer, if it was The Podium, you now know that you have access to the owner via a PM. Maybe should take this off-line and work with him directly, if you haven't already. He certainly seems to be more than willing to take responsibility for his shop.

Jim

Sometimes Music stores amaze me. There was this store in Kingston NY, (that no longer exists) that had a really nice Martin that I loved the look of. I had GAS bad... Went there after court one day on my way back home. Asked the Owner about the guitar and cost, etc. When it came time to play it, he hovered over me. I started to put on my fingerpicks and he said, "you can't play the guitar with those!!!" I told him I am primarily a fingerstyle player and I always play with fingerpicks. His response? "Sorry, that's store policy!" Unbelieveable. That is why when I want to BUY, the only place I now go is Mandolin brothers in Staten Island NY. They allow you to play any guitar in the store. NO SALES PERSON hovers over you. They allow the guitars to sell themselves. God bless Stan Jay and his crew, they know what they are doing.

+1 for Stan the Man. I played my first Collings there in 1992 and bought my first Collings there in 2003. When you walk in the door Stan often says, "What would you like to play today"?

I was at The Podium about 6 weeks ago and had a great experience, not one, but 3 times. I am not from the area but was there on business...definately not a familiar face to them. All were pleasant from the techs to the owner, Jeff. I was trying out the Kopps and Walkers specifically and they were all friendly, attentive and very informative in my decision making process. They got my business on the third day, having been in eadh day for 2 hours each, playing their instruments. A great store with a fine selection of accoustic instruments and customer service.

I've never personally been in the Podium, but have talked to Jeff and others there over the years. In spite of the fact that I haven't (yet) bought from them, they have ALWAYS been very patient and eager to provide information on the instruments. And Jeff really seems to know his stuff, and is willing to steer you toward the right instrument, even if it's less expensive. Class organization from my experience.

I've bought, and sold, through the Podium more than through any shop, save Mass Street and Cotten. I think Jeff is a thoroughly knowledgeable and completely stand-up guy. His staff has always been more than polite and responsive. I'd suspect any negative interaction with them may have more to do with random chance (or the buyer) than with the shop. I'd endorse them any day, period. tom