Shopping in a "Real" Drum Shop

[richardh253]

Just want to put in a positive word for SoulDrums in Toronto. Pre-Covid I went to Toronto every Sept., and would always stop in at SoulDrums. Paul was always open to chat, even though he knew I was on my annual visit and likely just browsing. He'd ask what I had picked up in the past year, etc. He'd show me some of the most recent vintage stuff he had gotten in. He told great stories about groups coming thru Toronto - he had some terrific Charlie Watts stories.

I did buy online from SoulDrums 1 or 2 times ( +++ ), also not wanting to drag on the plane. I did always buy something on those visits though - a few pairs of sticks, some toys for the kit, just to say 'thanks.' They were not making much $ on me on those visits, but they were always generous with their time.

 

[Mcjnic]

I’ve shopped there many, many … many times.
I‘ve done over the phone sales with them WAY more times than my personal visit business deals.
Once ... only once … did I ever pull a deal because I didn’t like the direction it headed.
Outstanding group there.
Unbelievably good stock.
Phenomenal cymbal room.
The variables at play remain unknown for what made your experience head south.

 

[KCJazz]

I’ve shopped there many, many … many times.
I‘ve done over the phone sales with them WAY more times than my personal visit business deals.
Once ... only once … did I ever pull a deal because I didn’t like the direction it headed.
Outstanding group there.
Unbelievably good stock.
Phenomenal cymbal room.
The variables at play remain unknown for what made your experience head south.

How about describing the "Once...only once" experience?

 

[lamartee]

.... I'd been planning on trying out cymbals and looking at the Yamaha Crosstown and new Rogers hardware. I also really wanted to try some new bass drum pedals. As well as look at their amazing vintage drum collection...

So you wanted to "try out" cymbals, "look" at hardware, "try" new bass drum pedals and "look" at vintage drums.
Speaking from a lifetime of retail management/sales you are a totally qualified looker not a buyer. In this day and age if you have a brick and mortar store the majority of walk-ins are touching and feeling your merchandise and then buying on line (and not necessarily from your website.) The salesperson could certainly have handled his interaction with you with much more finesse and there are much better ways to ask "Is you is or is you ain't" then the way he asked for the sale but I can totally relate to the motivation of his actions.
Having said that, I can appreciate your disappointment in your experience there. The whole episode was handled very poorly.
Unlike a place like @Murat "Drummers Hangout" which obviously encourages "Hanging Out"-(Good on him!),
the reality is that this particular establishment is a big dollar, big inventory, big overhead company (not to say that Murat's business is anything to sneeze at, but you know what I mean). Their margins are much better on line and if someone comes in the store and engages a salesperson they are very strongly encouraged to buy something and not spin any ones wheels. I have found that I am welcomed in establishments of this type if I make it very clear initially that I am just looking around and will ask for the salespersons time when I am ready to make a purchase. This tends to make the salesperson relatively attentive if there is not another sales opportunity in the store and works out well.
Just my thoughts from the other end of the spectrum.
Marty




l

 

[Frank Godiva]

This thread got me thinking of Faust Music long gone in Milwaukee. A few stories of wild Bill from the net.

Regalado's often caustic approach to customer service made him a neighborhood personality.

“Years ago I stopped at Faust Music, I just remember the half hour diatribe he gave me about young punks like me ruining America. It was incredibly bizarre. Apparently he did that to a lot of customers I later found out later according to the guy from the BoDeans I talked to.”

“
I live in Milwaukee, pretty close to where Faust used to be. Many years ago I wandered in there and the experience scarred me for life. After that, every time I drove by the store i would flip him off through my car window! I jest, but...

I worked with a much older guy who used to be a jazz drummer in the area – he warned me about Faust after that (his reputation was decades old). There was a tribute website after he passed where people would share their stories”

“I once brought a synth in for possible trade to a guitar shop in chicago because they had a few synths in the back & I was ready to buy one.

I bring it in, the owner says "I don't buy these things, what do you want for it.."

"Well, they normally go for $300-$600 on ebay but.."

He cuts me off and starts yelling at the top of his lungs

"Get the **** out of here, I'm sick of these keyboard people and their EBAY ****" as he points towards the door"

“
Generations of Milwaukee musicians will remember him as one of the music scene's most colorful characters. To know a drummer who shopped at his store was most likely to know a drummer who had been kicked out of his store. Faust was notoriously protective of his stock, reluctant to open his store to strangers and weary of any customer who struck him as less than serious. As curt as he could be to newcomers, though, regulars knew him as a warm, gregarious man, eager to share stories and show off the many vintage kits he kept out of view from outsiders. Since so few customers were allowed to see his full stock, the store acquired something of a mythical reputation in drum circles, and became a favorite stop for many musicians touring through the city.





Former Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo was among the regulars who became familiar with the man underneath the gruff exterior. "Bill was always there to help me with drum buys and his unique view of life," DeLorezno tweeted Friday. "Bill Faust had a store that was filled with hidden treasures from the Drum World and his 'larger than life' personality that rang old school."

“Regalado, better known as “Bill Faust” to his customers, had claimed in his later years to possess unseen rooms of drums and guitars, a world-famous inventory. But when Goodden cracked open the rear storehouse, he says, he found it “full of empty boxes and junk.

Milwaukee’s Drum Center” had been a computer-less sanctum that relied on a pair of rotary phones to communicate with the outside world. Wannabe customers often had to knock on the front door to get in, and then Regalado would lock it behind them with a long screwdriver. With a captive audience in place, he’d explain how the United States had lost track of the male gender’s primacy, how Milwaukee used to be a city of great industrial pride, how fast food was tantamount to paying for trash, how, like Jesus, he ate only bread and wine and fish, and how he never walked into a store without knowing what he wanted to buy and how much money he needed.

Most of his stories were believable. Famous people had shopped there, like Jimi Hendrix and jazz drummer Max Roach.”

Regalado opened Faust Music back in 1955, and his unmatched – and often unvarnished – expertise when it came to music and equipment helped earn the store the title of Milwaukee's Drum Center.”

Many great posts on Faust over the years here at dfo

Anybody know what's up with Faust Music in Milwaukee?

Are they still open? Is Bill Faust still around? Does he still have his legendary NOS vintage drum collection? Man, I went in that store when I was on the road back in the day, and his NOS drum room was absolutely amazing: Brand new Gretsch, Camco, Sonor everywhere! I copped a rosewood teardrop...

www.drumforum.org

 

[richardh253]

This thread got me thinking of Faust Music long gone in Milwaukee. A few stories of wild Bill from the net.

Regalado's often caustic approach to customer service made him a neighborhood personality.

“Years ago I stopped at Faust Music, I just remember the half hour diatribe he gave me about young punks like me ruining America. It was incredibly bizarre. Apparently he did that to a lot of customers I later found out later according to the guy from the BoDeans I talked to.”

“
I live in Milwaukee, pretty close to where Faust used to be. Many years ago I wandered in there and the experience scarred me for life. After that, every time I drove by the store i would flip him off through my car window! I jest, but...

I worked with a much older guy who used to be a jazz drummer in the area – he warned me about Faust after that (his reputation was decades old). There was a tribute website after he passed where people would share their stories”

“I once brought a synth in for possible trade to a guitar shop in chicago because they had a few synths in the back & I was ready to buy one.

I bring it in, the owner says "I don't buy these things, what do you want for it.."

"Well, they normally go for $300-$600 on ebay but.."

He cuts me off and starts yelling at the top of his lungs

"Get the **** out of here, I'm sick of these keyboard people and their EBAY ****" as he points towards the door"

“
Generations of Milwaukee musicians will remember him as one of the music scene's most colorful characters. To know a drummer who shopped at his store was most likely to know a drummer who had been kicked out of his store. Faust was notoriously protective of his stock, reluctant to open his store to strangers and weary of any customer who struck him as less than serious. As curt as he could be to newcomers, though, regulars knew him as a warm, gregarious man, eager to share stories and show off the many vintage kits he kept out of view from outsiders. Since so few customers were allowed to see his full stock, the store acquired something of a mythical reputation in drum circles, and became a favorite stop for many musicians touring through the city.





Former Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo was among the regulars who became familiar with the man underneath the gruff exterior. "Bill was always there to help me with drum buys and his unique view of life," DeLorezno tweeted Friday. "Bill Faust had a store that was filled with hidden treasures from the Drum World and his 'larger than life' personality that rang old school."

“Regalado, better known as “Bill Faust” to his customers, had claimed in his later years to possess unseen rooms of drums and guitars, a world-famous inventory. But when Goodden cracked open the rear storehouse, he says, he found it “full of empty boxes and junk.

Milwaukee’s Drum Center” had been a computer-less sanctum that relied on a pair of rotary phones to communicate with the outside world. Wannabe customers often had to knock on the front door to get in, and then Regalado would lock it behind them with a long screwdriver. With a captive audience in place, he’d explain how the United States had lost track of the male gender’s primacy, how Milwaukee used to be a city of great industrial pride, how fast food was tantamount to paying for trash, how, like Jesus, he ate only bread and wine and fish, and how he never walked into a store without knowing what he wanted to buy and how much money he needed.

Most of his stories were believable. Famous people had shopped there, like Jimi Hendrix and jazz drummer Max Roach.”

Regalado opened Faust Music back in 1955, and his unmatched – and often unvarnished – expertise when it came to music and equipment helped earn the store the title of Milwaukee's Drum Center.”

Many great posts on Faust over the years here at dfo

Anybody know what's up with Faust Music in Milwaukee?

Are they still open? Is Bill Faust still around? Does he still have his legendary NOS vintage drum collection? Man, I went in that store when I was on the road back in the day, and his NOS drum room was absolutely amazing: Brand new Gretsch, Camco, Sonor everywhere! I copped a rosewood teardrop...

www.drumforum.org

Cool stories

My first thought was “If Buddy Rich had run a drum shop instead…” he’d have generated similar anecdotes!

 

[Mcjnic]

How about describing the "Once...only once" experience?

Nope.
I will say it was a special order custom build thing.
LOTS of variables ... all good.
They did their best.

 

[Houndog]

The guy bought a bass drum pedal ya’ll .

Is he supposed to spend $500-$800 on a visit to make it “ worth the stores time “

 

[SpinaDude]

I live in a fairly sizeable market (Tampa Bay...which includes Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota) but there are no large drum shops in our area. We have a Guitar Center and a Sam Ash Music Store but the drum departments are not stocked very well especially for Paiste cymbals and boutique brands. Really everything.

I am on a long weekend vacation in Memphis and have been super excited about visiting Memphis Drum Shop. I'd been planning on trying out cymbals and looking at the Yamaha Crosstown and new Rogers hardware. I also really wanted to try some new bass drum pedals. As well as look at their amazing vintage drum collection.

I arrived to the shop at 10:45 this morning and made an initial introduction with an associate and someone I was told later is the owner. I told them I was getting bored with my cymbals and and was curious to hear Instanbuls in person, as no store near me stocks them. I've been a Paiste player for decades and the owner was probably wise to tell me if I like and play Paiste, Istanbuls are probably not for me (I play rock). So I started inquiring about pedals. They had a few set up on a rubber board but never offered to let me try one on a bass drum. They did let me try a snare. After about an hour in the store I pretty much got run out of there. I was flabbergasted! Is this the way it is in drum shops these days?!?! I wanted to stay longer. I didn't even get to look at swag.

I really liked a used Oriollo snare I tried out but they were asking $450 (I think) for the drum. I don't know about the rest of you, but I need to think about a $450 purchase. I just don't jump on it. So I walked away and started tapping on some cymbals in the vault. I fell in love with a 17" Paiste dark energy crash as well as a 16" Signature. Again, +$400 and +$300 prices. They also had a used Sonor Perfect Balance Standard pedal sitting out attached to a box that I checked out. The Standard Perfect Balance pedal has been on my list of pedals to try out.

It takes time to look at snares, cymbals and pedals...and gawk at the vintage museum pieces they have. I'm so disappointed that what started as such an exciting and fun day turned so quickly. I wasn't done looking and had more questions. I certainly feel like I could have been tempted to buy a bigger ticket item. We flew to Memphis so transporting stuff back was a consideration, especially the snares. I asked about cases and was given a full retail quote. I asked about shipping and it got weird, the associate sait "well I'm sure you can bring a cymbal on the plane". C'mon. No used snare case (or new for that matter) you could make a deal on? Or offer shipping? Am I that out of touch with the way the world works now? The associate eventually said to me, "what's it going to be? Do you want that snare?". I told him I wanted the used Sonor pedal, which was $150. And then I was shown the door. Almost the entire time the guy was shadowing me. He left briefly a few times, but he was "on" me. In all fairness, he did let me spend time putting a stick on cymbals.

In the end I was at least able to see the Crosstown hardware in person and feel just how light it is. The new Rogers hardware looks awesome but is still heavier than the Crosstown stuff. I know I also like the sound of an Oriollo snare. Unfortunately the clerk didn't know the shell material, it was very light so I assume aluminum (it had a crazy color pattern). And I got a pedal I was curious about.

I had a great first few minutes talking music and drum styles with the associate, but something changed quickly. Did the owner tell him to get rid of me? Is this the way it is in all the well-known major drum shops? Sorry for the long rant, I'm just so disappointed.

I understand some of the other points made in response to Red's post. But to me it sounds like you were made to feel unwelcome. I call Bavo Sierra on that. Be polite and make a customer feel welcome. That's part of the gig. Maybe I'm misinterpreting the events - - after all, I wasn't there. But that's how I see it. I know Memphis Drum Shop does incredible online business, so I can see how having walk-ins could be an inconvenience to the staff... But again, it's part of the gig.

Sorry you went thru that, Red. It sucks to feel like an unwanted pest. Hopefully that guy was just having a bad day and you can go back another time and have a better experience.

 

[yetanotherdrummer]

Speaking of customer service, I went into a local McDonald's yesterday to get my 7 year old granddaughter a Happy Meal. The store was set up so you either had to use the Kiosk or an app on your phone to order, no one would wait on you. I tried using the Kiosk, but I couldn't even change the milk from white to chocolate!

I said "the heck with this" and we drove to another McDonald's across town that actually had employees taking orders!

Welcome to 2022.

 

[rwm5]

There’s being respectful and wanting to see and hear some music equipment, and there’s wanting to play drums for free at a stores expense. From my interpretation of what the OP wrote, they were a curious and respectful customer.

 

[lamartee]

There’s being respectful and wanting to see and hear some music equipment, and there’s wanting to play drums for free at a stores expense. From my interpretation of what the OP wrote, they were a curious and respectful customer.

Whatta you know! You're from Long island!

 

[KCJazz]

Nope.
I will say it was a special order custom build thing.
LOTS of variables ... all good.
They did their best.

I misunderstood the point you were making.

 

[Mcjnic]

I misunderstood the point you were making.

I apologize for not being clear.
I was saying … I’ve done a ton of deals with them.
Only one headed south … didn‘t get done, as I stopped it.
They missed some details of a custom order that should not have been missed and I needed to hand the deal to a different company.
It was a very detailed order and they did their best.
They are very good at what they do.
Of all the deals … only one was stopped.
Pretty good average.

 

[WesChilton]

I have to say i have been treated the exact same way at Professional Drum Shop here in LA. Every time I go in there, I see two things... employees telling stories about the famous drummers who shop there, and employees on the phone doing the same thing. What I don't see is anyone coming up to the guy who has been there for over half an hour trying to looks at products and asking if they can help them. I have always felt unwelcome and invisible. Not to mention their prices are pretty frigging ridiculous.

Then, when I got over the Sam Ash, I am greeted within seconds of entering the door and when I tell them what I am interested in, they make sure I have access to it to try out. I almost always end up buying something when I go there, since they bothered to let me try it out. For a fair price mind you.

Having run a drum department before, I know THAT is how you make a sale. not by being an arrogant jerk, unwilling to help a customer unless they have a successful album out.

 

[ppfd]

Exactly how were you “ shown the door “ ?

I’ve never heard of such a thing in retail unless someone was being very unreasonable…..

Did they grab by the shirt collar and belt loops and toss you out the door?
Interested in hearing more as well

 

[EDL]

Drum shops can be weird at times..
Why..because the employees are generally musicians..and probably frustrated ones at that..enough said..
And if they have been at it for a long time..maybe far too long..well..this carries over to their job..
But this goes for most all specialized retail...and if you want a real attitude..just try to buy a Rolex live and in person at a Rolex boutique..
I have shopped at a lot of drum stores in my life..NYC, Florida, CA..CT..and now online ones..and they all have their up and downs..
I've even had shops call me after I went in to buy stuff..but they werent able to personally take care of me on time and I just left and walked out..but they made sure to call me up asap and apologize..this has happened on more than 1 occasion as I'm a good customer. And the store was professional.
These days..retail is worse then ever for a store... that is..because of entitled customers and tire kickers..and thieves...and low profit margins..and covid.
And no..the store does not exist for you to spend hours there and try stuff out and then..buy online to save tax and a couple of bux. Like some do.
But that said..no one likes to be shadowed and treated like crap..you bought something..and that should have earned you the right to hang..
Ive been in import retail sales for a long time now..and am aware of both sides the equation..
Sales people can make huge mistakes thinkin a customer that doesnt look like a payin customer..wont spend major money when addressed correctly..
What can you say..dont buy from them anymore..lesson learned.
But maybe catch em on a good day..and you will be happy.
Its not a personal thing..you want stuff..they want your money..that should be enough.

 

[Houndog]

I have to say i have been treated the exact same way at Professional Drum Shop here in LA. Every time I go in there, I see two things... employees telling stories about the famous drummers who shop there, and employees on the phone doing the same thing. What I don't see is anyone coming up to the guy who has been there for over half an hour trying to looks at products and asking if they can help them. I have always felt unwelcome and invisible. Not to mention their prices are pretty frigging ridiculous.

Then, when I got over the Sam Ash, I am greeted within seconds of entering the door and when I tell them what I am interested in, they make sure I have access to it to try out. I almost always end up buying something when I go there, since they bothered to let me try it out. For a fair price mind you.

Having run a drum department before, I know THAT is how you make a sale. not by being an arrogant jerk, unwilling to help a customer unless they have a successful album out.

Our experiences there couldn’t have been different….

 

[red66charger]

Did they grab by the shirt collar and belt loops and toss you out the door?
Interested in hearing more as well

It ended like this. I was in the cymbal room, after having been in the vintage museum/snare room trying out a snare and looking at pedals. I spent about 30 minutes in the cymbal room(s). The associate walked in and said (paraphrasing) "so what about that snare drum, are you interested?". I said, "I'm definitely interested in that Sonor pedal", and then he held the cymbal room door open for me to leave so we could go to the larger room where the pedal was. He watched while I bent down to disconnect the pedal from the box it was attached to and I took it to the counter. He asked how I was paying for it and rang it up. All the while I'm thinking to myself "I'm not done". He didn't give me a box (he knew I was flying back to Florida) or a bag. He didn't ask if there was any thing else. He gave me a card for his manager because I asked earlier if they took in trades. I told him I had a 4x15 1920s two-piece heavy brass Ludwig & Ludwig snare I'd be interested in trade toward a 6.5x14 similar snare they had in the museum. After he gave me the card he said thanks and walked me up front. I told him how awesome the store was. As I stood there by the door I really wanted to try the Yamaha Crosstown hihat stand in the the lobby with a pair of cymbals (I read they're not adjustable and wanted to try the tension of the pedal with cymbals on it). But while I looked right and left, not wanting to leave, with the Sonor pedal I purchased in my hand...unboxed, not bagged...he stood there waiting for me to leave.

I wasn't told to go. There was no actual friction. I was basically left with no other option than to leave, other than to ask "why are you pressuring me to leave?". Basically, I was passive aggressively walked out. I know it sounds ridiculous...because it was.

 

[hsosdrum]

I have to say i have been treated the exact same way at Professional Drum Shop here in LA. Every time I go in there, I see two things... employees telling stories about the famous drummers who shop there, and employees on the phone doing the same thing. What I don't see is anyone coming up to the guy who has been there for over half an hour trying to looks at products and asking if they can help them. I have always felt unwelcome and invisible. Not to mention their prices are pretty frigging ridiculous...

I've been a steady customer at Pro Drum Shop since 1968. If you had a question or wanted some help with something all you had to do was walk to the counter, wait until Stan or Jerry was free and ask them for help.* If you simply walk in and browse for a half hour they'll give you the space to do that without making you feel pressured to buy something. And if you hang out at the counter and listen to those stories you'll come away with at least one great story you yourself can pass on to other drummers.

As for their prices, I've spent well into five figures there over the past few years; never paid less than 30% off retail for anything.

*One time when I was there buying cymbals I had chosen a couple of A crashes and a pair of K Light hats. When I told Stan I was ready for him to write it all up he said "Before you buy those K Lights, why don't you try these K Sweets we just got in." A minute after trying them I swapped the K Lights for the K Sweets and have been in love with them ever since. Stan and Jerry know their stuff, all you have to do is ask them.