So, this will probably seem a bit weird. Just to clarify things; we are an online company. Which means no shop, no premises, etc. However, here is the thing; I’ve worked since 1981 in various music shops. Yes, you’ve read that right, and it does make me quite old. In that time, if there is one thing I have learnt, it is that your local music shop (if you have one, and that is a big “if” these days – they are becoming as rare as hen’s teeth) can be the most wonderful thing. A treasure trove of knowledge, help and information. I personally think they are irreplaceable, but there are few left these days, particularly the kind I worked in – a shop which had a range of products from accessories, instruments and printed music.
I have had the most amazing luck to work with people who know an incredible amount about music. The people I worked with were musicians, which means that by the time they walked through the door they already had 15 years (or more) of real-life experience about music. They have usually started playing when they are 5 or thereabouts and already know about composers, repertoire, which reeds or strings to use, and so on. And my brother has bought 3 guitars from Wunjo in Denmark Street, even though he doesn’t live anywhere near London, largely because of the quality of advice he has had from the staff there.
Online shopping has its’ value (convenience, price, choice and so on), but for me there is nothing quite like walking into a shop and looking at what they have and asking for help and advice – after all, no online site can restring your violin for you!