Music City — Local services in Town of Vestal

In July, I spent approximately $1400 over several purchases, two of which were guitars. Near the end of the month I had four dining room faux leather chairs that were only a couple months old. They didn't work out at home and because he lacked seating for older customers, only had barstool height to try out a guitar, I gave them to him for free. Went in today because I was interested in a $699 used guitar he had that I saw on line. Went in, got a hi and that's about it. Bennie kept messing with whatever he was doing. Some younger "sales" person was over at the far end of the counter. Think the helper maybe was eating something. Asked about the guitar because it looked darker in person and the price wasn't the same. Being somewhat handicapped I didn't see my chairs and mentioned I had no place to sit down so I could try the guitar. No heads came up or offered help. Went out to my truck, looked it up and it was the same guitar, but now $50 higher. No one ever came over to help me. We just had long distance conversation. Mentioned the price difference. Heard are you sure you got the right guitar. Neither one moved to look it up either. It was a PRS SE McCarty 594SE Double Cut and they only had one in the store and it looked exactly the same. Still no movement or any show of interest from them. Felt like I was bothering or interrupting them from something very important or else they just didn't care. Said forget it and me and my cane headed out the door. The only other thing I had on me was my credit card in my pocket. Was all set to buy but was afraid I would also have to ring my own sale up. Headed over to see John at McNeil Music. He's very helpful and friendly and engages in conversation. I also have purchased from him and will continue to do so. Matter of fact I ended up getting a PRS Zach Myers Semi Hollow model with gorgeous blue woodgrain that plays beautifully for $100 off. Never experienced a really pleasant shopping experience at Music City. Always felt there was some underlying attitude. Not going back. I'll drive to Syracuse or Scranton before I'd go back to him. Check out Northeast Music in Scranton, unbelievable. If you live in NY and buy the guitar over the phone and then go pick it up, no sales tax. I've purchased three more guitars after the above incident, but didn't even consider going top him. Between Northeast and McNeil, I got three PRS SE models and excellent service and price. Next I'm going to add a cheap small acoustic to putz with in the recliner from either McNeil, Northeast. or Guitar Center, whoever has one...

I give Music City 4 or 5 starts for their selection but 1 or 2 for their customer service. They have Gibsons, they have Fenders, they have Orange amps. That's the stuff I typically look for and they have a decent selection of all of them. You can even find Custom Shop guitars here. Nothing wrong with anything pertaining to their selection. Their service has been a different story in my experience. I've only moved to the area a few years ago. I've been to this store about 5 times and probably won't be back. A few of the times I came into the store no one even acknowledged me. The last time I was in was close to a year ago. I asked them to order me a pickguard for one of my Les Pauls. They took all my information but still haven't heard anything from them. After I didn't hear anything for awhile I ordered it from Guitar Center and had it in 2 days. Guitar Center has their issues as well but they always acknowledge you and if you order something from them you'll get it in no time. In today's age where the only major benefit of a local store like this over the big online guys is the personal touch and customer service you would think there would be more an effort being made. This store strikes me as the kind of place where if they don't know you, you're not worth their time. I really dislike Guitar Center as a company but because they've had good customer service from the employees I've made a lot of purchases there in the past 2 years. Everything from strings when I need them to...

Better selection of guitars at far better prices than guitar center! The owner is there a lot and is very helpful. They stand by their products. They offer far more then just instruments and amplifiers. They have a big music collection, music gear, pins, patches, stickers, CDs, vinal... And much more. The selection, customer service and price are the big selling points for me. I have bought two guitars and an amplifier there in the last six months and I couldn't be happier. I will be going there again. The experience was great and I would suggest music city to anyone looking for music related merchandise or...