Mom & Pop Are Gone

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 24 Jul 2003 10:10 am

Jody, you're right, as usual. The megastores are taking over, and the Momand Pop days are about over.
But Keith Murrow brings up some valid points, too.
Jody, when you were a rep for Fender, did a store get a better deal if they bought 10 amps, and not 1? If they sold 100 Fender guitars a month, could they expect favoritism over a store that had the same Tele they ordered six months ago? I think I know the answer already, and I'm not trying to start something, so PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong. But this kind of purchasing power created the megastores!
Secondly, I would LOVE to do business with my local store. But they're too busy trying to sell some kid a fuzzbox, than wait on an old bald-headed guy. There's nobody willing to show the latest stuff, argue about prices,
or speak knowledgably about the products.
But I've found a GREAT family owned store, only it's in New York, and I'm in S.C. But Jackson Music sells at great prices(below Musician's Friend!), and they know me!

Billy Johnson · Post by **Billy Johnson** » 24 Jul 2003 10:15 am

I choose to drive from Nashville to Dickson to do biz with Marys Music. She still runs a Mom & Pop ,down home store. I live 10 minutes from Sam Ash and 15 minutes from Hendersonville. Mary gives an Honest deal!!
And I might add VERY trust worthy.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 24 Jul 2003 10:19 am

Stephen
NO when I was a Fender rep there were NO quantity discounts and no one was favored over the other.All dealers paid the same for ALL FENDER products. There was NO favoritism
or under the table discounts. And that my friend is the Gods Honest Truth.

The only benefit some dealers had was ME telling my long stories of Fender History

Thanks for your post. edited to say
"Way To Go Billy"

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 24 July 2003 at 11:20 AM.]

Bill Fulbright · Post by **Bill Fulbright** » 24 Jul 2003 11:14 am

Like the punk that lives next door with his low rider/hydraulic truck says.....

"...'s up, dude..."

WHAT????? You talkin' to me??? YOU callin ME .... D U D E?

Sorry, but it just flys all over me when I hear "'s up, dude...." from this kid

guess I am getting cranky. He is probably a nice mooch..er.. I mean young paramour to the girl who actually owns the town house!

O.K.... I AM breathing..slowly... In....Out...

------------------
Bill Fulbright
Mullen D-10 8x7; Gibson ES-165; Peavey Vegas 400;
ICQ# 2251620 My Music Site

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 24 Jul 2003 2:28 pm

If your in the Jackson Tn. area stop in and
talk steel with me. Mom and Pop all the way.
Bandstand on N.45 exit 80 off I 40. I'll put
the java on.

Greg Sullivan · Post by **Greg Sullivan** » 24 Jul 2003 3:02 pm

Hi
I would like to add something to this subject
if its OK with you people? I guess it's OK because Its a nice story about my dad and Jody.

I hope I can shorten this a bit.Well here goes. My dad had a small music store on Eastern Long Island.My mom and my dad operated the store by themselves. It was the
only means of income other than my dad being
a proffesional trombonist. But since he was ill and at times unable to perform,his music
store was his only means of Income.

My mom and dad knew nothing about guitars.My mom taught piano in the back of the store and my dad gave some bone lessons as well as
sax and clarinet.

By this time,Electric guitars were becoming pretty popular and my dad thought it a good idea to maybe buy a few to see how he could do with the selling of guitars.

My dad hired a guitar teacher who was a fine
musician and asked him to teach some of his pupils when he was able to enroll some.

But my dad needed a guitar line that was good
and all the guitar companies like Gibson,Gretsch,Epiphone were already spoken for with the other music retail stores on Long Island.

However we were located at the tip of Long Island and would not conflict with anyone.

My dad made numerous phone calls and wrote
letters to the above mentioned companies.
But since my dad was a newbie in the field of guitars,every salesman turned he and my mom down.

This was app 1952 and my mom and dad had a tough time making ends meet.

My dad never ever met any salesman as they had no interest in his operation because he was primarily known for his brass instruments

Then my dad wrote to this company by the name of fender in california and they at fender answered his letter and told him a salesman will be contacting him shortly and they gave my dad Jody's name. My dad thought
Jody was a girls name.

This story is based on what my dad told me as
I wasn't born until 1956.

This salesman named Jody called my dad and made an appointment. My dad was so excited that finally someone would come to visit and possibly sell him some guitars.

My dad asked a few people about this fender guitar company and most told my dad that it was a fluke and would never catch on. They told him they sell here and there but it was
really a hillbilly's kind of guitar.

Well,this Jody guy shows up and walks in to say Hi to my mom and dad and right off the bat,they liked him.My dad told me he was a "real guy" and not a phony.

My dad asked Jody how many guitars and electric amplifiers he would have to buy to get the franchise,as other companies required
a certain amount of investment.

Jody replied,you can buy whatever you wish and here,you fill the order sheet. My dad didnt know what to do,and he said well how many should I buy and what sells the best and
Jody said,well none of them sell too good right now,but they will soon. He said why dont you buy one guitar and one electric amplifier and try them out and if you think you can sell them,fine.

My dad agreed with suprise,was this guy for real?.He then asked Jody,well if I do sell them do I have to then make a commitment to sell a certain amount a year and Jody said No
you can buy and sell whatever you like as long as you are happy with what we have.

My dad was sucessful enough to make some money and make his customers happy and most of all it was Jody who made this possible.

After my dad pioneered the fender guitars other bigger stores close by wanted to buy fender guitars and we knew that our time may
be coming to a close as these stores could sell more than we ever could.

It seems that these same stores turned Jody down prior to my dad buying the fender guitars and Jody being the guy he was told the other stores, I cant have another fender
music retailer at this time, you fellows have great instruments as it is and right now
Im happy with the way things are in this area.

These music stores had every right to be upset with Jody,but they knew he was a gentleman and a straight shooter and they respected him for what he was and not who he
was.

My dad told me every salesman even fenders competition respected Jody,every salesman from all the other companies respected him for his honesty and integrity.

They all called Jody "The Prince of Sales"
that was an affectionate comment.He brought
salesman together who disliked each other and he was a peace maker as well as a fine salesman.

So when I read this story about the Moms and Pops, I had to tell you all this story and I hope I didnt take too long to write this.

My mom and dad lost fender after Jody left.
But Jody then set my mom and dad up with leo
fenders new company musicman.

My dad was suffering from cancer and congestive heart failure at that time and he told me to pack my bags,were going to Chicago
to meet Jody and leo fender and we did.

I was just about getting into the business end of the store and my dad and myself met leo fender and mr.fender told my dad,mr.Sullivan you have a fine son and a fine salesman and I wish you nothing but the best because you have the best guy we have in Jody.

We returned home happy as could be. But it didnt last long as my dad passed away a few weeks later of a heart attack.

Jody was the only salesman that came to the services and for knowing Jody has been my good fortune. Few know this,but the day my mom was having labor pains and I came into this world.it was Jody who drove my mom to the hospital and my dad asked Jody to be my
godfather,the real kind and that he is but more than that,he is as real a guy as anyone
would want to know.

I think he will be embarrassed when he reads this,but like everything else,he'll get over it.

Just wait until you read his book on his life
with fender,its great,its funny and its sad all rolled up into one.

Wait till you read about the store owner that
he called "Dont touch em Tony" Its a riot.

Thank you patient people,but before this becomes expired I wanted to express my feelings for someone I think the world of and
he deserves this story I told. I may not be as good as Jody at telling stories,but they
are as long as his are,he taught me if your
gonna say something make it clear the first
time because there may not be a second time.
"smile" and he may be right at that.

Thank You.

Our best to all of you

Greg & Lisa Sullivan

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 24 Jul 2003 5:59 pm

What John Lacey had to say about L & McQ in Canada, I'll 'second'. Here in Edmonton, this (giant) nation-wide store afforded me more consideration than I received recently when I bought a new Fender bass from a "Mom and Pop" store which stated "All Sales Final" on their receipt. I thought to myself after reading the receipt, "All Future Purchases Final!" Here in Edmonton, we probably have far too many music stores however, amongst them remain a very small selection of Mom and Pop, (read: Father and Son). As with most big cities, they are gradually disappearing. It is indeed sad, but it's simply a fact of 2003 business life ... strong (miserable) competition, better price negotiating, along with customer expectations of/and satisfaction.

Try to find a gas station today where the owner will fill your tank, clean your windshield, check your oil and tire pressure ... now, THAT'S what I call service! Jody has brought up an excellent topic. Thanks pal!

Lots of interesting view points expressed.[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 25 July 2003 at 10:01 PM.]

Susan Alcorn · Post by **Susan Alcorn** » 24 Jul 2003 8:13 pm

Yes, and try asking for guitarstrigs -- single guage. Especially if you're a female.

Wayne Franco · Post by **Wayne Franco** » 24 Jul 2003 8:17 pm

When I think of "mom and pop" type of operations I think of SERVICE and that will NEVER go out of style. I will always go to someone I feel is passionate and compassionate if I feel service and follow up is important. Now I will give you a direct example of "change" that is a wonderful thing. My example is right here, The Steel Guitar forum where I feel more in touch with the steel guitar community than ever before. In that same light I also feel that E-Bay is as pure a form of the free market as there ever has been and I won't hesitate to buy something there if I want a good deal with as much competition as possable. BUT if I want
knowledgable,personable service with someone to talk to, confide in, befriend etc, I'll go to the venue I think works best. Mom and pop operations will never go out of style when service and knowledge is so important.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 24 Jul 2003 8:24 pm

I cant follow what Gregory posted,he's a tough act to follow. Thank you Greg, you make
me feel good and yet make me feel old. I remember everything you wrote. Thank You for
venting your feelings of me.I do appreciate it and you are correct I am embarrased

What Greg posted is a fact,I am his godfather
I made him an offer he couldnt refuse,I drove
him to the delivery room but he didnt know it at the time.

I'll save "Dont Touch Em Tony" for the "Last
Fender Guitar"

Thank you and to you George
my haole friend you said and I quote ........

clean your windshield, check your oil and tire pressure ... now, THAT'S what I call service! Jody has brought up an excellent topic. Thanks pal! Lots of interesting view points expressed.

George I would clean your windshield any time
check your tire pressure yes,but I'll be dammed if I would check your "oil" thats goin
too far.

Thanks and Aloha to ya'll or youse guys.

PS Long & McQuade are the distributors for a fine product "Yorkville Sound". I didnt forget,Im not that old

Thanks to all of you for acknowledging my thread where it gave me a chance to pay my respect to a bunch of people of a time gone bye that pioneered this music business. Most are gone but I will always remember them.

Thanks. edited for spelling Keoki means George in Hawaiian,,am I correct sir?

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 24 July 2003 at 09:32 PM.]

Susan Alcorn · Post by **Susan Alcorn** » 24 Jul 2003 8:28 pm

Yes, and try asking for guitarstrigs -- single guage. Especially if you're a female.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 25 Jul 2003 4:44 am

Susan
So far as your comment finding it difficult to buy strings from whoever? Perhaps you would consider buying your strings from a real "POP" bOb Lee,he is not only a "POP" he's a "GrandPOP as well

and they are fine
strings and no waiting on line and being ignored.

You can have a MOM & POP take care of you and
a GrandPOP as well

.

Thanks for your post. You can contact bOb on this Forum. Good Luck

Franklin · Post by **Franklin** » 25 Jul 2003 5:21 am

The steel guitar consumer is lucky. The entire steel community is run by nothing else than Mom and Pop shops.

Lets not forget that most guitar companies don't sell to dealors because their buisiness is also their ONLY retail store.
No buisiness can be any smaller nor more personable than that. Its a rarity this day and time, in any buisiness, to be able to deal directly with the designer of your favorite guitar as well as some great dealors.

Paul

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 25 Jul 2003 9:21 am

Thank You Paul

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 29 Jul 2003 5:44 am

I didnt like seeing my thread at the bottom
of this list of threads,so I thought I would give it a "bump"

Just because the New York Mets are in last place,it dont mean
I have to be

Thanks to all of you for your particpating
in my respect for those pioneers of our business who did it before any "mega store's
existed.

Many thanks.[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 29 July 2003 at 11:19 AM.]

Post by **Joey Ace** » 29 Jul 2003 1:09 pm

Thanks for that great story, Greg!

Paul said what I was thinking. We're lucky.
Very few instruments have such a "personal touch" by most suppliers/builders/dealers.

I tend to feel insulted when someone tries to act "corporate" concerning Steels. They loose my business fast.

A great thing about this instrument is most of the great players and builders are approchable and very helpful.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 31 Jul 2003 6:44 am

Joey
Greg always tells nice stories,but many of them I forget,so thanks Greg for helpin me out.

You all read my story of the Mom & Pop stores
I knew,so since it was fresh on my mind I thought since yesterday was such a beautiful warm summer day I would take a break from my everyday things and drive two hours to see the guys at OSSINING Music.

When I arrived I learned that Bob Galassi was gone out to the West Coast with his wife
Mara. I had to have some work done on my triple neck Custom so I arrived at 2;30 pm
so that I could get Eugene to work on my guitar.

When I arrived,Eugene was the first one out the door to help carry my Fender guitar into the store,I said Hey Eugene,Im not that old,he said I Know,but you have carried enough of these over the years.

As I entered the shop I could see an array of Fender guitars of all colors shapes and models,It was easy to see how dedicated Bob and his boys are to FENDER,FENDER should be proud to have a store like OSSINING MUSIC & believe me "It Dont Get Any Better Than This".

As I walked past the showroon I could hear the whisper of the A/C and the soft guitar being played by a customer.

I walked past the counter and heard one of the fellow sales persons placing an order which seemed to be quite a large order.

I asked Eugene if the salesmen always ordered
from the manufacturers and he said..yes sometimes,not always,the salesman suggest to Bob what to order and then many times the salesmen place the orders,,and why not? these
are three of the most qualified and knowledgable sales people I have ever met in my time as a rep.

I eavesdropped as I heard the salesman placing the order,,I'll take one of those and two of these and Oh yeah give me three more of the others. I asked Eugene although it was none of my business,,what are they ordering?? He said "ICE CREAM"

WHAT??? ICE CREAM?? he said yeah,,today is Wednesday and if you buy one you get one FREE

Nice deal,you go into the store dont buy anything,just show up and "Bam Ice Cream"

Greg and Paul & John were most courteous to me and listened to my stories of a Fender long gone,they listened as though they enjoyed my stories,but Im not certain if it was the Ice Cream they enjoyed the most.

When Eugene finished working on my guitar I started packing up and in comes a large carton of ICE CREAM..Hey Jody you want an Ice Cream?? I said NO Thanks guys,Im watching my weight,,Eugene replied weight? you weigh less than a Fender Twin Reverb.

I said maybe so but my Reverb is gone

If anyone of you are ever in New York and want to spend a few hours meeting fine people and being treated like you have never been treated before,stop in at Ossining Music
you wont go wrong.

Eugene told me one guy who looked familiar was in the store one morning dressed very casual wearing shorts and a gold shirt and as Eugene described him I knew who he may have meant. You see Chappaqua is only a few miles from Ossining. He gave his name as Mr.Williams according to Eugene and I asked him a few questions about this Mr Williams.

He said,well he never buys anything he just brings his own mouthpiece and blows on a few horns now and then,,but he always comes on Wednesdays when he does show up. Sometimes on Thursdays too.

Eugene said he may have been a good President
but his Sax Playing dont make it

If you are in the mood for good people and would like to see what a store should be like
Stop in at Ossining Music Croton Ave,Ossining
NY..just an hour drive by car or train from
Midtown Manhattan,,but be sure to go on Wednesday and ask for Greg or Paul or John and place your order for "ICE CREAM"...Oops
I forgot..Thursday is PIZZA day you buy 1 and you get one FREE loaded with Pepperoni and all the goodies

Tell em I sent you Im sure they will treat you right..For this one reason alone I miss the music business,not for the Ice Cream or the Pizza but for the people who work so hard
to please their customers, and who knows,you
may also be able to hear and meet that Sax player from Chappaqua,,but be sure to get there early,I hear he can pack away two Pizza's before you can say "BILL"

Thank you Greg Paul& John for a GREAT day and you too Eugene,you are the BEST.

Eugene I dont need those little BLUE tablets
I eat ICE CREAM

Thanks Guys for a Great day.....their phone#
is (914) 762-0877,,,order your PIZZA NOW.

Edited to add ...I like Pistachio

If you dont like OSSINING MUSIC GUYS...YOU DONT LIKE ICE CREAM..You scream,I scream.We ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 31 July 2003 at 01:32 PM.]

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 31 Jul 2003 6:56 am

Sorry Double Post,,but when you get one..I send Two...If its winter time, they have hot soup to go along with all those Hot Fender Guitars and Amps...

Bean Soup on Wednesday..Lentil on Thursday
& Chicken Soup (Jewish Penicillin) on Friday

I suggest not going on Wednesday,,that could be "Overdriving" the amp day

BOOM & I'm outta here Fast.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 31 July 2003 at 01:34 PM.]

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 31 Jul 2003 3:27 pm

Richard Dennis at Tusculum Music in Nashville, has outlasted MARS music,he's been in business for 23 years or so, since he bought it from Hugley's. Richard knows everyone by name, or will eventually, if you are a regular customer.

Willis Vanderberg · Post by **Willis Vanderberg** » 1 Aug 2003 4:47 am

Jody:
What a great post...If it weren't for a small mom & pop store in Battle Creek Michigan this picker couldn't have purchased a lap steel for six bucks down and six bucks a month.I'm not sure they did me a favor as i am still hooked after fifty six years.Two years later they took in my trade on a new Fender double eight and a Fender amp..try that at your music super market..The last time I was in the largest one in town this weirdo was cranking out a bunch of garbage on a huge amp and solid body guitar. He had every effect known to man on that thing. All at once he stopped and said " this thing is out of tune" I still wondered how he knew ?
Have a great day.....Bud

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 1 Aug 2003 12:25 pm

Thank You Willis,,,that was a nice story,most are where Fender guitars are concerned

.

I am about to close this segment of my long and many times boring stories of which I have become famous for,but it will be for someone we all know well, and unlike my friend BOb& Eugene and all the boys who operate not a steel guitar specialized store
but a full line music store less steel guitar
as "Steelin Is Not Their Business".

HOWEVER (I'm SHOUTING) can you hear me NOW??

This is about someone who has been in the retail business for well over 40 years and
"STEELIN IS HIS BUSINESS..(Thank You Jerry Byrd and Rex Allen).God Rest His Soul.

Aw c'mom you gotta be kidding me,like you dont know who I make reference to. What do you think I am..dont answer that.

Its awful difficult to think of what to say here because like the greats of Baseball,Ted Williams,Joe DiMaggio,Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris,Stan "The Man" Musial, Say Hey Willie Mays,Jackie Robinson,Harold "Pee Wee Reese" the Brooklyn Dodgers Captain and great shortstop from 1940 until the early 1970's.

Often times known as the "Little Colonel" because not only was he captain and favorite
Dodger player of mine,but he hailed from
Louisville Kentcky..ever hear of Kentucky?

Kenny Foy has

. Add Duke Snider to that mix of GREATS and he too had his moniker,,,,
The DUKE OF FLATBUSH,and another Brooklyn Dodger Great.

The St Louis Cardinals were a tough team to beat back in the 40's and they always beat my Dodgers,Musial ruined my life many times when he would knock one out of the park,so
I never thought I would like anyone from St.Louis after that.

But I forgiven what St.Louis did to me and my memories and have now become a big St.Louis fan..No Not the St.Louis Cardinals
but someone who is St.Louis to Steel Guitar.

Stop peeking,,you know who I refer to. Dont guess,so I'll tell you OK? OK...

He has been steelin and selling and helping steel players all over the USA and everywhere
in this world,he has entertained people both
musicians and audiences everywhere.

I dont think I'll tell you his name. You'll say I'm telling another long story, and you may be right, what gave you that idea?

He runs his Mom and Pop operation with his wife,and his wife pitches in every hour of the day and night doing it the old fashioned
way,the Mom & Pop way. His two son's are the future of this operation and they add the best that can be had with this Mom & Pop shop

He has a fine steel player as his store manager who knows how to treat the sometimes
wacky steel players and the most time wacky players as well.

Often reffered to as "The Godfather",I dont
know why,he's not Italian or in the Mafiosi
If he were I would be his "hit man"..you really want to know who I mean??? OK I'll tell you, I cant keep a secret..

DE WITT SCOTT..(Scotty) and his wife MARY a grand ole name,am I corny or WHAT?

Then comes his two sons DeWitt Jr and Michael
and add to that Don Curtis.

As I stated earlier,how can I comment and praise what has not been said many times over and over about great Baseball players,so in this instance,its difficult for me to add to what Scotty means and has meant to all of us.

Now heres the deal, if you really want his track record and batting average on a day to day year to year basis,,you are going to have to reply and ask me,I'm not saying another thing about this man.So there I fooled ya didnt I ? you thought I was going to tell a long story.

You ask and I'll tell and not until then, what do you think I am a "story teller".

See ya later

edited,I still dont really care for the St.Louis Cardinals.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 01 August 2003 at 01:29 PM.]

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 1 Aug 2003 10:48 pm

Jody, you asked if "Keoki" means George. Yes, it does. I did NOT take my Hawaiian name from a Hawaiian name book as is often done. The word "ohana" means extended family. Mary and I are ohana to the Ka'aiahui family in Mau'i who bestowed upon us our Hawaiian names.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 2 Aug 2003 12:17 pm

Keoki George Georgie Porgie, whatever you are
one heck of a guy

thanks for the info and boosting my post.

There is so much I can add about Scott De Witt and it would take up ALL of the hard drive space on this Forum.

I will however for those who dont fully realize the impact and history behind the Scotty story post some of what he has and still is doing for the Steel Guitar and Its
players.

I'll be back.

Jody, Jodie, Jodee, call me whatever you wish.I have been called other things as well.
Thanks Keoki George Georgie Boy

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 3 Aug 2003 3:23 pm

Im back,,oops I didnt warn you did I ??

How many of you are aware that is was Scotty who wrote the very first Steel Guitar Instructional Book?, That was way back in 1969 the year the NY Mets won a World Series
so 1969 has a double meaning to me.

Scotty played steel guitar on a 45 rpm record
and this was published by Sho Bud and Scotty was using the E9th Tuning, How about that?.

The Title was THE NEW PEDAL GUITAR STEEL INSTRUCTION BOOK.

The very first ever talk instruction book was
released on an LP with Neil Flanz narrating
it and playing Steel guitar,that too was the
year the "Miracle Mets" won the World Series.

There is more to come and Its difficult to comment of all of Scottys acomplishments and all he has done to further the Steel Guitar and the players he has done so much for.

Unlike the Mets Scotty is still doing it while the New York Mets are NOT

Thank you and I'll be back with some more highlights of DeWitt Scott.

Thank you Scotty for your contributions to Steel Guitar and be happy you are a St.Louis Cardinal fan and NOT a New York Mets fan.

Thank you

Casey Stengel

edited for mispelling METS

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 03 August 2003 at 04:26 PM.]

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 7 Aug 2003 3:29 pm

Author Topic: MOM & POP ARE GONE
Joey Ace
Staff Member
From: Southern Ontario, Canada
posted 29 July 2003 02:09 PM profile send email edit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for that great story, Greg!
Paul said what I was thinking. We're lucky.
Very few instruments have such a "personal touch" by most suppliers/builders/dealers.

I tend to feel insulted when someone tries to act "corporate" concerning Steels. They loose my business fast.

A great thing about this instrument is most of the great players and builders are approchable and very helpful.

Jody Carver
Member
From:
posted 31 July 2003 07:44 AM profile edit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joey
Greg always tells nice stories,but many of them I forget,so thanks Greg for helpin me out.
You all read my story of the Mom & Pop stores
I knew,so since it was fresh on my mind I thought since yesterday was such a beautiful warm summer day I would take a break from my everyday things and drive two hours to see the guys at OSSINING Music.

When I arrived I learned that Bob Galassi was gone out to the West Coast with his wife
Mara. I had to have some work done on my triple neck Custom so I arrived at 2;30 pm
so that I could get Eugene to work on my guitar.

When I arrived,Eugene was the first one out the door to help carry my Fender guitar into the store,I said Hey Eugene,Im not that old,he said I Know,but you have carried enough of these over the years.

As I entered the shop I could see an array of Fender guitars of all colors shapes and models,It was easy to see how dedicated Bob and his boys are to FENDER,FENDER should be proud to have a store like OSSINING MUSIC & believe me "It Dont Get Any Better Than This".

As I walked past the showroon I could hear the whisper of the A/C and the soft guitar being played by a customer.

I walked past the counter and heard one of the fellow sales persons placing an order which seemed to be quite a large order.

I asked Eugene if the salesmen always ordered
from the manufacturers and he said..yes sometimes,not always,the salesman suggest to Bob what to order and then many times the salesmen place the orders,,and why not? these
are three of the most qualified and knowledgable sales people I have ever met in my time as a rep.

I eavesdropped as I heard the salesman placing the order,,I'll take one of those and two of these and Oh yeah give me three more of the others. I asked Eugene although it was none of my business,,what are they ordering?? He said "ICE CREAM" WHAT??? ICE CREAM?? he said yeah,,today is Wednesday and if you buy one you get one FREE

Nice deal,you go into the store dont buy anything,just show up and "Bam Ice Cream"

Greg and Paul & John were most courteous to me and listened to my stories of a Fender long gone,they listened as though they enjoyed my stories,but Im not certain if it was the Ice Cream they enjoyed the most.

When Eugene finished working on my guitar I started packing up and in comes a large carton of ICE CREAM..Hey Jody you want an Ice Cream?? I said NO Thanks guys,Im watching my weight,,Eugene replied weight? you weigh less than a Fender Twin Reverb.

I said maybe so but my Reverb is gone

If anyone of you are ever in New York and want to spend a few hours meeting fine people and being treated like you have never been treated before,stop in at Ossining Music
you wont go wrong.

Eugene told me one guy who looked familiar was in the store one morning dressed very casual wearing shorts and a gold shirt and as Eugene described him I knew who he may have meant. You see Chappaqua is only a few miles from Ossining. He gave his name as Mr.Williams according to Eugene and I asked him a few questions about this Mr Williams.

He said,well he never buys anything he just brings his own mouthpiece and blows on a few horns now and then,,but he always comes on Wednesdays when he does show up. Sometimes on Thursdays too.

Eugene said he may have been a good President
but his Sax Playing dont make it

If you are in the mood for good people and would like to see what a store should be like
Stop in at Ossining Music Croton Ave,Ossining
NY..just an hour drive by car or train from
Midtown Manhattan,,but be sure to go on Wednesday and ask for Greg or Paul or John and place your order for "ICE CREAM"...Oops
I forgot..Thursday is PIZZA day you buy 1 and you get one FREE loaded with Pepperoni and all the goodies

Tell em I sent you Im sure they will treat you right..For this one reason alone I miss the music business,not for the Ice Cream or the Pizza but for the people who work so hard
to please their customers, and who knows,you
may also be able to hear and meet that Sax player from Chappaqua,,but be sure to get there early,I hear he can pack away two Pizza's before you can say "BILL"

Thank you Greg Paul& John for a GREAT day and you too Eugene,you are the BEST.

Eugene I dont need those little BLUE tablets
I eat ICE CREAM

Thanks Guys for a Great day.....their phone#
is (914) 762-0877,,,order your PIZZA NOW.

Edited to add ...I like Pistachio If you dont like OSSINING MUSIC GUYS...YOU DONT LIKE ICE CREAM..You scream,I scream.We ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 31 July 2003 at 01:32 PM.]

Jody Carver
Member
From:
posted 31 July 2003 07:56 AM profile edit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry Double Post,,but when you get one..I send Two...If its winter time, they have hot soup to go along with all those Hot Fender Guitars and Amps...
Bean Soup on Wednesday..Lentil on Thursday
& Chicken Soup (Jewish Penicillin) on Friday

I suggest not going on Wednesday,,that could be "Overdriving" the amp day BOOM & I'm outta here Fast.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 31 July 2003 at 01:34 PM.]
Post by Larry Miller
Member
From: Gladeville,TN.USA
posted 31 July 2003 Quote...Larry Miller
Richard Dennis at Tusculum Music in Nashville, has outlasted MARS music,he's been in business for 23 years or so, since he bought it from Hugley's. Richard knows everyone by name, or will eventually, if you are a regular customer.

Larry,I am well aware of Richard at Tuscalum
Music,Big John Bechtel introduced me to his
good prices and great service. Yes He is a Mom and Pop store too. He is a super guy as well.

Sorry I didnt think of him before. Forgive
me.
[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 07 August 2003 at 08:59 PM.]