Praise Your Local Drum Shop

[Mapex589]

I wanted to start a thread to praise your local drum shop. I thought it might be beneficial to other people visiting this site as a guide to where they can buy gear in their area. Maybe tell us where you are from and where you buy your gear and why. Local Drum Shop, 5 Star Shops even Guitar Center. Where do you shop and why? I would like to leave the internet sites out.
I live in St. Louis, MO and shop at Drum Headquarters. They are locally owned and I have been buying from them for almost 25 years. I like to deal them first of all to support a local business, second of all they specialize in only drums, third they know me by name and compete on price on everything. It is nice to have people I can deal with on a personal level.

[texdrumr]

Tommy's Drum Shop here in Austin, TX. Tommy is the owner of the Fibes company, maker of top notch custom drums. Guys there know their stuff, are always willing to call you when stuff you've been looking for comes in, great selection of everything. Even though it's a lot less convenient to get to than Guitar Center or even another boutique drum shop, I go out of my way to give them my business. Good people.

[franklinj]

In Tampa, the Guitar Center is really the ONLY place to go. Their selection isnt amazing, but the guys are pretty decent. They are both REALLY good players too, and if you know them, theyll give out good discounts. My friend bought a Starclassic B/B kit there and, since he knew me, he got it for $1400. Pretty good deal.

[KCDrummer]

Here in Kansas City, Explorer's Percussion is where it's at! The owner is Wes Faulconer and he has an army of employees who know what they're talking about.

Of course, they've got plenty of your major drum, cymbal, stick hardware and head brands, but they also have a room full of hand drums, hand-held percussion, a huge library of print music and method books. They also have drum building materials, cases, and an impressive collection of vintage drums.

[teejcombos]

well my directly local shop is Musician's Avenue in Fairfield. i guess it's not that bad in the scheme of things, in that if you want something ordered he'll do it for you no sweat (he doesn't have much on the floor, except for a premier cabria lite, a tama swingstar and some zbt's), and he gives me an extended layby to whatever amount of time i need. mind you he never called me back about the price for that z custom thrash ride. which i'm kind of glad he didn't in the end, lol. prices generally aren't much better than anywhere else, but he does what he can.
i used to get everything from there, but then i started going further out to Billy Hydes at Parramatta. they're pretty good, they know me by name and they do relatively good prices. plus they've got a lot of gear on the floor. mind you, we've had a few little incidents with them, so i kind of begrudged them. i'm starting to sort of snap out of it though, as well as all of my other grudges for local stores. but Drum City, uh uh. they were just awful. they lied to me, and i absolutely hate being lied to.

[Class A Drummer]

Chuck Levins. One of the most successful single store music shops of all time. Or so i hear.


Edit- 2600 baby.

[drummerchick435]

Birmingham Percussion Center because they...
1. know me by name (even more importantly know exactly what I want)
2. have a great clean shop
3. almost never urge way too expensive (for me) stuff on me (ahem-Guitar Center-ahem) unless they know it will greatly benefit me.
4. Russ Maddox (the owner) is an awesome guy.
5. They let me play their drums

(this is in random order)

[UPSTROKE]

[QUOTE=Mapex589;296516]I wanted to start a thread to praise your local drum shop. I thought it might be beneficial to other people visiting this site as a guide to where they can buy gear in their area. (END QUOTE)

EXCELLENT IDEA--Thank you. Our poor little local music stores are like any other mom and pop operation. They have to try to compete with the "BIG BOX" stores. On most items, they can't even buy it for what the big guys are selling it for. Even if they match their price, the little guy will probably only make 10 to 20%. The big guys can sell at their price and make 40%, 50% or more. Many manufacturers give them a discount of 50% off, plus 10% off, plus another 10% off. Many times, even better deals. Reason??? The big box guys will move 80% of the company's inventory. All the little guys combined will maybe sell the other 20%.

The people that run your "Local" music store depend on you and your community to make a living. We tend to forget that in the blinding blaze of advertisements for the "BIG GUYS"
No--I don't own a music store. But, I have been in business for myself for many years in the hobby industry. So, in my little town, the place I like to go is called"Main Street Music"
(All the good names were taken). It's a typical mom and pop operation and they bust their butt for you. "Thank you Main Street Music".

[Tubs player]

Around here i have a Guitar Center, Alan's Music Center, and McRea's Music. And it's all within 3 miles so i always walk to those places

[Pearl Player]

In Denver I shop at Drum City. Great place been a family biz since I got my first kit there 30 years ago. Whats funny is when I bought the first kit from dad there was this little kid running around the shop... The latest kit was purchased from the little kid.. hehe!

Its a great shop, Great sales people, and a nice place and cool folks to learn from...

Mike

[The Ploughman]

I dont have a local drum shop. Closest store with a decent drum department is 35 minutes away. And that has a Guitar Center and a Skips Music. My town is over 320,000 people, we should have at least one good music store. We dont. We do have 4 stores, and one has two locations. But...... the biggest one, rapes you on price big time. A drumhead that should cost 14.00...... is 18.00 That is a significant percentage jump. I said something about this recently, the guy looks at me and goes..........so, where else can you go? . I reply, Theres guitar center in modesto, and he says, you are going to spend more than the price difference getting there. And that attitude permeates almost all dealings these guys have with their overall customer base. Music Go Round sells heads and stuff for a decent price, But the majority of their equipment is lower mid level. And any really professional grade equipment they have used, ...... well they bought it for cheap. Guitar center practices the same crap, but at least they arent over priced. It would be nice to see a store open around here that was top line in customer service and offered good prices. I wouldnt mind seeing all these other guys out of business. If you have a good drumshop in your town, you are lucky.

[remnantdrummer]

There are 5 music stores in my area, only 3 of them even sell anything remotely drum related... of those 3 only one has any sort of selection, service, or decent prices... and I will go to this store, or I'll drive four hours and go to a drum shop... Thanks Star City Music, for actually having stuff I'm looking at...

[JCM]

Down here in England, Wembley Drum Shop in London is your friend! Personally where I live in Luton, AC Drums is a good place to go.

[Just Drums]

We haven't been open very long but we definitely are getting a lot of praise. Anyone can come in, hang out, try out any drum kit or cymbal, or just sit on the couch and watch whatever video happens to be playing.

Here's a recent local review of us:

http://www.midlothianexchange.com/npps/story.cfm?ID=840

We're definitely cateering to drummers and percussionists only! And Jeff Johnson stopped by yesterday and chatted which was cool. He's a member on here too - "jeffwj".

[funkydrumz]

In Alabama... Birmingham Percussion Center is the drum shop. The guys there know their schtuff, they've got the schtuff you need and they sell the schtuff cheap. To get an idea of what BPC is all about check out www.birminghampercussioncenter.com

[cjl71178]

For the past 7 years, I've bought mostly all of my stuff from The Long Island Drum Center in Plainview, NY. They have a great staff with great knowledge (especially Phil, he's the man!), great prices, and they usually have everything I need in stock. Also, I get my stuff shipped to me the next day!

I've also bought stuff from Explorer's Percussion, Interstate Music, Drums Etc., Baltimore Percussion Center, and Midwest Percussion.

There isn't an actual "drum shop" near me, but they just built a brand new Guitar Center in Scranton, which is not even 8 minutes from my house. When I go to visit my friend in Harrisburg, I go to Dale's Drum Shop...that place is awesome! When I was still living at home, I used to make trips down there all the time.

[cdrums21]

DALE's DRUM SHOP in Harrisburg, PA. Reggie and the crew are AWESOME. Knowledgable, friendly and great selection. Any drummer would feel right at home here, it's the best!
Clint

[UPSTROKE]

We haven't been open very long but we definitely are getting a lot of praise. Anyone can come in, hang out, try out any drum kit or cymbal, or just sit on the couch and watch whatever video happens to be playing.

We're definitely catering to drummers and percussionists only! And Jeff Johnson stopped by yesterday and chatted which was cool. He's a member on here too - "jeffwj".

Thank you for the info. A drum shop run by drummers--Who'da thunk???
It just doesn't get any better than that. Best of luck.

And--Most of all, Thanks for addressing this point on the forum.

[UPSTROKE]

Down here in England, Wembley Drum Shop in London is your friend! Personally where I live in Luton, AC Drums is a good place to go.

"GOOD TECHNIQUE IS THE ABILITY TO PLAY COMPLEX THINGS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT"

Thank you for your info on your local drum shop. I mostly wanted to tell you that I really like your signature message. A sure sign of a maturity and high standards of practice in your musical attitude. Great!! Good message to pass on.

[jayp]

American Music out of Seattle/Fremont is great, friendly guys, nice cymbal selection.
Also guitar center in seattle is nice, selection is pretty nice, but I just find that every guitar center I go to the guys are completely rude and stuck up.


I got my sonor force 2005 with a 8" tom thrown in for 699 from american music.

[KCMcC]

We haven't been open very long but we definitely are getting a lot of praise.


And I will gladly add to that praise. Great to have these guys open in town: solid selection of gear, and great folks to boot! I've already bought a splash and a bunch of sticks there.

And also I have to give some props to Candyland Music here in town. They are a used instrument store that always has a bunch of KILLER old drum/cymbal/percussion stuff around, the owner is a drummer and restores stuff quite a bit. He also drilled and threw a couple rivets for free in the cymbal I bought yesterday (Read about it here (http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=296872#post296872)). They've also always got some cool stringed instruments and occasionally some winds as well.

[Just Drums]

And I will gladly add to that praise. Great to have these guys open in town: solid selection of gear, and great folks to boot! I've already bought a splash and a bunch of sticks there.

Thanks Kevin! You're always welcome here.

[Drummer Karl]

we definitely are getting a lot of praise.

ehm yes, and I wanna also add alot of praise! You know, after seeing all the great pics with all the amazing kits, cymbals, heads, sticks, accesoires I just wanna visit this place.
From what I`ve seen you did a beautiful job.
If I have the chance one day I`ll knock on your door buddy!

Additionally I wanna praise a pretty near music shop: "Musikhaus Eichler". This shop is in a near bigger town and sells many instruments besides drums.
They have got a very nice drum room with some delicious sets (I mean for a small shop!). An example would be a brand new Sonor SQ2, Yamaha Birch Absolute Nouveau, Roland TD-12, a laquered DW (that thing sounds so fat). Also they have some amazing cymbals, many K`s, many Sabian...many great Paiste, I think even some Istanbuls or Masterworks.
The service is always nice, the selection of accesoires like heads and sticks is cool.

Karl

[Deathmetalconga]

I try to go to local music stores whenever possible and avoid buying online whenever I can. Local merchants are usually pretty competitive with online prices, although I don't expect them to match online. I'm willing to pay a little more to get some advice, to be able to try the product before buying and to bring it back if I have a problem and talk to a human being in person.

Idaho Percussion went out of business, but I liked them a lot. Boise music stores that I like are Dunkley Music, Dorsey Music and I sometimes go to Guitar Center. People at these stores know me, what I play and what I need.

[Mendozart]

Here in Orange County, California it's West Coast Drums. They are all drummers that work there and if they don't have what you need, they will get it ASAP. Their website is www.westcoastdrums.com

[lstardrums]

Here in Orange County, California it's West Coast Drums. They are all drummers that work there and if they don't have what you need, they will get it ASAP. Their website is www.westcoastdrums.com

west coast is also my favorite store also. most of the time when i need little things like sticks or heads ill go to GC because i know all the guys that work in the drum dept. and they give me great deals (i.e. 2 pairs of sticks for the discounted cost of one pair). but whenever i need something like cymbals i go to west coast. GC can give bigger discounts, but west coast has much better service. one time one of the managers spent a half hour with my trying to find the cymbal that blended the best with my others. i was blown away.

[Michael G]

Dale's Drumshop in Harrisburg, really cool guys, and usually have alot of clinics, with really good drummers (Just recently, Virgil Donati).

[Tac3]

I just got back today from Salt Lake City, Utah. While there I did a little shopping, and happened upon an amazing store called Back Beats Drum Shop. Its a little place, but man, they had the largest selection of cymbals, sticks, and drums I've ever seen in one store. So, if you happen to be in the area, check them out!

Deathmetalconga: Idaho percussion went out of business!? I loved that place! I actually bought my last kit there. Darn, that's too bad... :(

[klifuffle]

I got two.. Mega music, because they got everything you want and I always get something off what I buy, and Kosmic Music, because they got a massive range and my drum teacher works there:)

[drummerkid2112]

I live Northwest of chicago and the best shop here, or anywhere for that matter is the drum pad in palatine. If im not mistaken they are the largest store in the country that sells exclusivly drums. Their service is great, the just custom ordered me a new floor tom for my set that is discontinued for no extra charge. They also put on great drum clinics, tuesday I got to see steve smith play with vital information. Drum pad is by far the best drum shop around!

[nickg]

been doing business with my local drum shop for 31 years now. even with GC up the road.

[BellsOfRhymney]

West Coast Drum Center
Santa Ana, CA

For seriously good sounding stuff, I love that place.

[d.c.drummer]

IN MARYLAND ( D.C. Metropolitan Area)... there are two places to be.

Atomic Music
--They sell used instruments from, guitars to drums to acoustic bass. Their inventory is constantly changing and flooded with quality product (if you check my sig, all my cymbals are from them, except my K Custom Ride). The guys there are laid back and extremely knowlagable. Its one of those shops you got to even if you dont have a dime to your name.

Chuck Levin's Music Center
-- They have massive inventory and the best prices on new gear (bested massmusic.net by $45 on K Custom Ride). Pick the most obscure cymbal and they have three in the store room for you to test and pick out. They also have awesome customer service.

[golions]

DALE's DRUM SHOP in Harrisburg, PA. Reggie and the crew are AWESOME. Knowledgable, friendly and great selection. Any drummer would feel right at home here, it's the best!
Clint

I second Dale's Drum Shop in Harrisburg. Great shop and people. And, yes cdrums, it is the kind of place you feel right at home when shopping. I exchange and try out equipment all the time. Bought my MCA's there and would recommend them to anyone.

[groovemaster_flex]

Steve's Music.
416 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Greatest music store on the face of the earth :)
Ask for Jeff Zurba, the man knows everything about drums.

[sir_willy]

The Great House of Guitars. Its not nearly well know for drumming as it is for guitars. Its owned by brothers who I assume love music. Its great place to buy Drumming/Bass/Guitar/Keyboard equipment, not to mention they have an absolutely astounding collection of Records/Tapes/Cd's. Its quite famous for guitars, but a great place to buy any instrument or equipment common to rock music.

[UPSTROKE]

Hey, I gotta tell you guys something. This new drum store that I've been talking about-
"JUST DRUMS ONLINE" - They scared the hell out of me today. I ordered a snare drum that I've wanted for years. A Mapex 6 1/2" x 14" Black Panther - Deep Forest - Natural Cherry with gold trim. Before I could hang the phone up to just ask about it, my e-mail is blinking with the info I asked for. Next I called up and ordered it. BAM! Confirmation in the e-mail in-box.

Two minutes later, they have already placed my order with the factory and want to confirm my address. So I send an e-mail back, confirming the address. BAM!! Another e-mail thanking me for my order and confirming the shipping date. These people are dangerous. I'm afraid to get too close to my e-mail. Some body needs to call them and tell them that no-one does that fast of service. They could hurt themselves moving that fast.

Bottom line---THANK YOU-- "JUST DRUMS ONLINE" FOR THE WAY OVER THE TOP -
EXCELLENT SERVICE.

[Just Drums]

Hey, I gotta tell you guys something. This new drum store that I've been talking about-
"JUST DRUMS ONLINE" - They scared the hell out of me today. I ordered a snare drum that I've wanted for years. A Mapex 6 1/2" x 14" Black Panther - Deep Forest - Natural Cherry with gold trim. Before I could hang the phone up to just ask about it, my e-mail is blinking with the info I asked for. Next I called up and ordered it. BAM! Confirmation in the e-mail in-box.

Two minutes later, they have already placed my order with the factory and want to confirm my address. So I send an e-mail back, confirming the address. BAM!! Another e-mail thanking me for my order and confirming the shipping date. These people are dangerous. I'm afraid to get too close to my e-mail. Some body needs to call them and tell them that no-one does that fast of service. They could hurt themselves moving that fast.

Bottom line---THANK YOU-- "JUST DRUMS ONLINE" FOR THE WAY OVER THE TOP -
EXCELLENT SERVICE.


Thanks J!

I sprained my arm working on your order! ;-) I am honestly sooooo glad you appreciated our service.

PLEASE post back when you get the snare and let us know how you liked it! =)

Thanks again!

[Drummer Karl]

PLEASE post back when you get the snare and let us know how you liked it! =)

Thanks again!

wow, and that is why I love those "smaller" drum stores. They have got a personality, the spirit of the founder lives on in this store, they are proud of what they have done (and often they are normal people (no big business men).
They remember you and when you come again they smile and welcome you.

They ask how you like the thing(s) you bought there, they are interessted in the customers.
like at home...and so nice! For me the most important thing...

Karl

[Michael G]

I second Dale's Drum Shop in Harrisburg. Great shop and people. And, yes cdrums, it is the kind of place you feel right at home when shopping. I exchange and try out equipment all the time. Bought my MCA's there and would recommend them to anyone.

Well, it looks as there are quite a few happy Dale's Drum shop customers, we should meet up sometime at the next drum clinic. I went to the last 2 of Mike Clark and Virgil, wouldn't of happen to off attended either eh?

[golions]

Well, it looks as there are quite a few happy Dale's Drum shop customers, we should meet up sometime at the next drum clinic. I went to the last 2 of Mike Clark and Virgil, wouldn't of happen to off attended either eh?

Hey, SmoothJazz. Nice to see you are a Dale's customer, also. I missed the clinics. Maybe we can meet up at one in the future... Did you happen to notice that used Pearl Reference kit in crystal rain finish (kind of a light blue sparkle)? I was in the shop one day and a guy bought it. Beautiful kit. He was stoked, as he should be. What kind of kit do you play? I just added a 10x13 tom to my MCA. I just love it.

[Michael G]

Hey, SmoothJazz. Nice to see you are a Dale's customer, also. I missed the clinics. Maybe we can meet up at one in the future... Did you happen to notice that used Pearl Reference kit in crystal rain finish (kind of a light blue sparkle)? I was in the shop one day and a guy bought it. Beautiful kit. He was stoked, as he should be. What kind of kit do you play? I just added a 10x13 tom to my MCA. I just love it.

Haha, yeah that was Floyd, he bought that set after Virigl Donati used it for his clinics as well as cymbals and accessories.

He is my drum teacher, I see that gorgeous kit as well as play on it every week. Sound amazing,

[golions]

Haha, yeah that was Floyd, he bought that set after Virigl Donati used it for his clinics as well as cymbals and accessories.

He is my drum teacher, I see that gorgeous kit as well as play on it every week. Sound amazing,

That's really cool. Small world sometimes ... Tell Floyd I was the guy that said "you just bought a super kit, congratulations." The finish on those drums is absolutely stunning. Take care. Hope to bump into you at Dale's sometime.

[ROBB]

here in good ole clarkston MI the olny good place to go is motor city guitar thair not as geared torsed drums as guitars and basses and at the time they olny have one kit setup but thair ausome and the have the lowest price around so they do the job

[darknessdude16]

In Birmingham, England. Best places are Professional Music Technology, not alot of choice but really friendly and great teachers. Soundcontrol also small selection but seem to be the only guys around here that stock stick thats I use (Zildjian John Otto Signature, if anyones interested :P) other than that theres Fairdeal music, nice guys good choice and our one big store is the Birmingham Drum and Percussion Centre (claiming to be Europes biggest percussive store) they have great choice and a big Sabian Vault, great choice in skins and sticks too. All great stores

Ad x

[gcarlet]

Percussion Center here in Houston, TX. Great people with great experience!

www.houstonpercussion.com

[Drummerboy3940]

In Raleigh, North Carolina we have a Guitar Center, Sam Ash, and Indoor Storm. The best are
Guitar Center and Indoor Storm. The Sam Ash salespeople are not friendly and provide no help at all and are just flat out rude. For some reason, Sam Ash is always like 10 bucks more than GC on some items. I like GC and Indoor Storm the best. They both have awesome, knowledgable salespeople and they beat any price.

[SoFlaJDM]

Resurrection drums is my one stop shop for my drumming needs... if you buy a product from them, they will work with you to get you loaner pieces for minimal downtime. They also provide lessons, and guest appearances by professionals (Mike Portnoy 2 weeks ago)

[Red Hawk]

In Denver I shop at Drum City. Great place been a family biz since I got my first kit there 30 years ago. Whats funny is when I bought the first kit from dad there was this little kid running around the shop... The latest kit was purchased from the little kid.. hehe!

Its a great shop, Great sales people, and a nice place and cool folks to learn from...

Mike

I lived in Denver for a couple months once and that's the only drum shop I made it to. That's where I got my breakbeat ride. The guy asked if i wanted to try it out and handed me a stick. I tapped on it a couple times and said "sounds nice!" He said something like "check THIS out!!" and just beat the living crap out of it for a little bit.

I bought the cymbal.

Now that I'm back in Fargo the only place to go is Red Star drum & guitar shop, but rumor has it the drum half of the store is shutting down. It's too bad because Pete, the owner of the drum portion of the shop, really knows his stuff. He can order anything from pretty much any manufacturer, and stocks a ton of mapex stuff all the time. Prices are comparable to online, and usually a little higher, but I'd rather go to a store and have a conversation with someone than input my credit card number onto a website...

The guys that run the store are always going to shows put on by people they sell gear to, which is cool.

There's one other store in town which is like a hometown version of guitar center. They have everything, all the time but their prices are TERRIBLE. And I know more about drums than most of the people they have working there.

[ECVail]

Rupps Drums in Denver.

Looks like a tiny little place from the outside, but these guys have a ton of gear. One of the only places I've seen Bosphorus cymbals on the shelves.

They also really helped me out recently. I cracked one of my Sabian xs20 hats goofing off before practice about a month ago. I had been wanting to replace them pretty badly anyway. Trouble was, I had a show on Saturday and this was late Wednesday night. I live in Colorado, but 2 hours from Rupps and there was no way I was going to be able to drive down the hill to Denver to scour music shops for the new hats I really wanted. I called them Thursday morning and asked if they had my new hats in stock and they did not. So they called a distributor in LA, took my card info and had my new Sabian HHX Groove hats overnighted to me.

Service like that will keep me going back to Rupps.

[Michael G]

That's really cool. Small world sometimes ... Tell Floyd I was the guy that said "you just bought a super kit, congratulations." The finish on those drums is absolutely stunning. Take care. Hope to bump into you at Dale's sometime.

Hah will do, I will probably be dropping by there some soon to get some various things, but more importantly check out those USAs that just came in! (I am from around the Sunbury area so I do not get to go as often as I'd like)

[cjl71178]

Hah will do, I will probably be dropping by there some soon to get some various things, but more importantly check out those USAs that just came in! (I am from around the Sunbury area so I do not get to go as often as I'd like)

hey smooth jazz...you said you're from the Sunbury area (i used to play the Peppermint Lounge). do you know where Shenandoah is? i grew up there (now I live outside of Scranton). i remember going to Dale's before they remodeled the whole place. great place to shop...i wish i could get down there more too.

[Mapex589]

Rupps Drums in Denver.

Looks like a tiny little place from the outside, but these guys have a ton of gear. One of the only places I've seen Bosphorus cymbals on the shelves.

Service like that will keep me going back to Rupps.

My brother just bought a new set from Rupps and said they were great to deal with. I am heading out to Denver in May and I am definitely going to check out their store while I am there. It's great to hear someone else had a good experience with them. 5 Star Drum shops usually give great service.

[drumnhands]

Memphis Drum Shop is the most amazing shop I've ever been to.....I've been in drum shops all over the country, England, Japan......and there are so many really great shops but I've never seen anything like MDS. They have an amazing cymbal room, lots of cool kits and snares, and a selection of vintage drums that will simply blow you away. On top of that their staff is first rate and they have a parts selection that is second to none. Graceland Shmaceland........if you go to memphis you gotta see this place.

[dawg]

i second west coast drum orange co. ca. always helpful and courteous.

[UPSTROKE]

DANG!!! I'm way past due. (my girlfriend said that once, come to think of it).
I'm way late too. I'm trying to learn new material for 2 bands at once and it's eating up all my time.

I ordered this awesome Mapex Black Panther Cherry Snare from JUST DRUMS ONLINE. I have already explained how fast and furious their customer service was in a previous post. In a word "UN-BELIEVABLE". Anyway, I called to check on it about 4 days after I ordered it to see how it was going. Shane (the owner) said it should be a few days more before it arrived. This Shane guy is the one I dealt with when I ordered the snare. He's the one with the fastest e-mail machine in town. "Scary fast". Danged if he didn't do it to me again. NOT 3 more days-Not 2 more or even 1 more day--1 HOUR after I hung up----Fed-Ex is bangin' on my door,wanting to know if I want this snare drum. The Fed-Ex guy has on asbestos gloves because this package is still S-S-S-mokin' from traveling here so fast. I had to let it cool for 2 hours before I could open the box.

When I opened the box---What a piece of art. This thing is beautiful I tuned it up and --What a sound. I've wanted one of these for years. The drum is a joy to play on. awesome sound. But, Most of all, The service from JUST DRUMS ONLINE--HAS TO BE THE BEST I'VE EVER RECEIVED. Unbelievable care and attention to detail and faster than a speeding bullet. THANK YOU SHANE, and the drum is amazing.

[zambizzi]

I tried to be an avid supporter and loyal customer to our last decent local drum shop. Here in Boise, there are precious few choices for buying drum gear and our "local shop" closed a few months ago, which was Idaho Percussion.

I bought my first kit a couple of years ago there, a Pearl Forum 5pc. They gave me a great deal and everyone was real cool there...loved it. I went back at least a half-dozen times for heads, sticks, and other *very* basic parts that any decent shop should carry...and they didn't carry any of the items. I wanted to throw the business their way so they'd happily take my name, phone number, etc. and promised to immediately order the items I wanted and would call me when they got them in. I never got a call, not once. I'd call and ask about the items weeks after asking for them and they'd have no idea who I was, what I had wanted, etc.

It's a shame they weren't able to stay afloat but with this kind of service, who can wonder why they failed? A lot of people blame Guitar Center for "stealing" their business but that's a load. IP's prices were comperable w/ GC and despite their shortcomings, the service was much better. If they had only been better about stocking and ordering what was in demand, they could have easily drawn a loyal customer base...seeing how the guys who work at our Guitar Center are about as knowledgeable about what they're selling as a 4 yr. old.

I'm not the only one who's had this experience at IP, several other drummers in town that I've talked to had the same complaints.

Now that IP is gone, we're left with Dorsey Music (who I'll get to in a sec.) and Guitar Center. There may be others but I'm unaware of them, if they exist. Dorsey is the last place I'll go to for gear after going there a few times. Not only are their prices at least 20-30% higher than Guitar Center (or anywhere you could order stuff online) but the customer service is horrible. I priced out a DW kit there (after Idaho Percussion told me they could not order from DW for me) and they tried charging me $3000 more than I ended up paying....for a better kit!! I realize they have to charge a margin to make money...but wow! When buying sticks there, the customer can't help but notice that they're all in a huge pile on a table in the back of the store...many of the warped, beat up, or missing a mate. I tried to buy heads there on several occasions but they have *never* had 6 heads of any 1 kind, brand, or model that match up. On top of that, like their stick selection, the heads are all in a pile on the floor and the entire store is a mess, as a whole. The salesman that knows anything about drum gear is arrogant, cocky, and gives off a strong negative "poor salesman" vibe....making it uncomfortable to even ask for something.

So, that leaves Guitar Center of the web. Personally, I'd rather order from a web vendor from now on to avoid the scene in Guitar Center, which is more trouble than it's worth. The guys in there are nice enough....but I don't like to be followed around the store and constantly be asked or told what I'd like to buy. Also, I've had my wife swing by there to get me sticks and heads in the past, with a very specific list of what I want....and there isn't one occasion where I haven't had to return the item to get the *right* item....even after providing makes, models, and specific sizes of things!

Obviously, with this long soap-box diatribe, I've not had a wonderful experience w/ any local drum shop! :D

[Just Drums]

DANG!!! I'm way past due. (my girlfriend said that once, come to think of it).
I'm way late too. I'm trying to learn new material for 2 bands at once and it's eating up all my time.

I ordered this awesome Mapex Black Panther Cherry Snare from JUST DRUMS ONLINE. I have already explained how fast and furious their customer service was in a previous post. In a word "UN-BELIEVABLE". Anyway, I called to check on it about 4 days after I ordered it to see how it was going. Shane (the owner) said it should be a few days more before it arrived. This Shane guy is the one I dealt with when I ordered the snare. He's the one with the fastest e-mail machine in town. "Scary fast". Danged if he didn't do it to me again. NOT 3 more days-Not 2 more or even 1 more day--1 HOUR after I hung up----Fed-Ex is bangin' on my door,wanting to know if I want this snare drum. The Fed-Ex guy has on asbestos gloves because this package is still S-S-S-mokin' from traveling here so fast. I had to let it cool for 2 hours before I could open the box.

When I opened the box---What a piece of art. This thing is beautiful I tuned it up and --What a sound. I've wanted one of these for years. The drum is a joy to play on. awesome sound. But, Most of all, The service from JUST DRUMS ONLINE--HAS TO BE THE BEST I'VE EVER RECEIVED. Unbelievable care and attention to detail and faster than a speeding bullet. THANK YOU SHANE, and the drum is amazing.


Don't forget to post the pics! You promised to.... =)

[jeremiah]

There's only two real options here anymore. Sam Ash or Guitar Center. Guitar Center would have to be my pick as the lesser of two evils. They don't have a huge selection or the best prices, but they will usually order what I need and match online prices. There use to be a few independents and a Music Go Round, but over the years they've all dried up. The Sam Ash here absolutely sucks. I've had nothing but bad experiences with them.

[UPSTROKE]

[QUOTE=zambizzi;301331]I tried to be an avid supporter and loyal customer to our last decent local drum shop. Here in Boise, there are precious few choices for buying drum gear and our "local shop" closed a few months ago, which was Idaho Percussion.

Hi Zam; It is sad that a town the size of Boise does not have a broader range of music stores. I too had tried to deal with IP and ended up with basically the same story that you tell.. The same thing with Dorsey. Some of the stories about Dosey that I've heard around the Boise area are down right ridiculous.

I quit the entertainment business for several years. I went into wholesale building material sales. I worked as an outside salesman for a wonderful old company. When the Home depot, Eagle and others came into the Seattle-Tacoma area, we and all the factory reps held meetings constantly with all of our regular lumber dealers. We told them repeatedly that the one thing that could save them from destruction was the one thing they were extremely good at. Product knowledge and service. Those that listened are doing extremely well to this day. Those that didn't believe that the training, face lifting, and keeping good service oriented sales people on staff.was the new way to compete are no longer in business. The point is, I'm sure all of the local music store were told the same things when GC and others came to their towns. Obviously no one in Boise believed their supply reps and vendors. Good service is such an easy thing to do compared to most of the other problems in any business. Yet it seems to be the hardest thing to find. Once the big buys kill their competition, they can relax and get just as complacent. A vicious circle with us, the customers being the losers.

That is the very reason that we should find a good local store and support the hell out of them. We are each others life line. The new store that I did business with "JUST DRUMS ONLINE" is a shining example of what a service oriented manager can do. He may be a thousand miles away from my town. But he is a local store, staffed by drummers, that know how to provide excellent service and take care of any problems that may come up promptly and properly. Whether he's across the street or across the country, he's providing what we are all looking for in a drum supply store. If you think about it, the only thing I can't do is walk around in his store and touch all the goodies that he has in stock. BUT, I can do that at GC and then go call Shane at Just Drums Online and he'll kill himself taking care of me if he has to. It just doesn't get any better than that. Next time you need something--Try it-- You'll like it.

[UPSTROKE]

HARD TO PORT MATEY, AND TRIM THE MAINS'L
Reading through these various messages about the good or bad quality of our local drum stores got me to thinking. (very rare experience). Those of you that have good local stores should take it upon yourselves to do every thing you can do to business with them so they stay in business. Of course you all know that. We shouldn't let a small price difference drive us to the big flashy big box guys. If you let them lure you away from your good local stores, two things will happen. Local people that care about your needs will be out of business. Even worse, when the big box guys kill their competition, They tend to get complacent and the quality of service drops to the floor.. Believe me, Corporate doesn't give a fat rat's a*s about your personal life, wants, needs or any thing else except the glorious "Bottom Line". If the store manager loses sight of that - they are replaced like out of date fruit.

For those of us that no longer or never had a Good, Quality Local Store , maybe we need to change our tack so to speak. We can "adopt" a ""local" store from another town or state. Read through these postings from happy customers that have a good local supplier. Take your business to those people. They are, after all, just a phone call away. They will take care of you just like you lived across the street from them. That attitude is what kept them in business in the shadow of the big box guys. If you feel like you need to see what you are buying, go to the "Big" store to look at it. Then go home and place your order with people who Really care.

It turns the tables on the "Corporate" guys in a way that's hard to compete with for them.
It keeps small business alive and well, we get excellent service and most of all, we all win. I've been using this philosophy with Just Drums Online, and they have proven themselves to be a customers service oriented delight. I know from reading these messages that there are many more stores out there like that. If there is not a store like that in your town-- Try this--You'll like it.

[BoxcarDrummer182]

Pepperell Music Center-Pepperell, MA. Everything and Anything you need. Come check us out. 4 Hotel Place, Pepperell, MA 01463. In Lorden Square.

[fijjibo]

Well I live in Milton Keynes, England.

In the city center, there is a store called sound control, which is the English equivelent of guitar center......

I dont really like shopping there, as there isn't good service.....


But for a short drive to a place called Woburn Sands, you can go to "Talkin' Headz"

Its a small shop run by a bloke called Chris, and I honestly think its the best drum shop ever.

I like it for several reasons:
1, He knows me well, so knows what im looking for
2, thus he always gives me a good deal
3, being a small buisness, he has a good relation ship with his customers
4, If anything goes wrong with your gear, he'll fix it
5, you can just go there to chat drums - no pressure to buy anything

the reasons go on - I love the place.

[UPSTROKE]

Thank you for the interesting comments "fijjibo". The store you described, is the type of place we all want to find. Those of you around that area need not grouse any more about not having a great music store. Simply call this store and become "one of the guys" You already know from what fijjibo told you how great the service is going to be. Someday soon, drive over and introduce yourself. At that point, it will be great for both you and the store owner to put the voice with the face. Sounds like a winning idea to me.

[Steve Holmes]

In LA theres lots of big chains to get gear, but there's a small shop that's got a lot history so I thought it would be a good subject for a docu-short kind of thing. The Pro Drum Shop in LA:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD4DCnjsGFI

[Deathmetalconga]

I tried to be an avid supporter and loyal customer to our last decent local drum shop. Here in Boise, there are precious few choices for buying drum gear and our "local shop" closed a few months ago, which was Idaho Percussion.

I bought my first kit a couple of years ago there, a Pearl Forum 5pc. They gave me a great deal and everyone was real cool there...loved it. I went back at least a half-dozen times for heads, sticks, and other *very* basic parts that any decent shop should carry...and they didn't carry any of the items. I wanted to throw the business their way so they'd happily take my name, phone number, etc. and promised to immediately order the items I wanted and would call me when they got them in. I never got a call, not once. I'd call and ask about the items weeks after asking for them and they'd have no idea who I was, what I had wanted, etc.

It's a shame they weren't able to stay afloat but with this kind of service, who can wonder why they failed? A lot of people blame Guitar Center for "stealing" their business but that's a load. IP's prices were comperable w/ GC and despite their shortcomings, the service was much better. If they had only been better about stocking and ordering what was in demand, they could have easily drawn a loyal customer base...seeing how the guys who work at our Guitar Center are about as knowledgeable about what they're selling as a 4 yr. old.

I'm not the only one who's had this experience at IP, several other drummers in town that I've talked to had the same complaints.

Now that IP is gone, we're left with Dorsey Music (who I'll get to in a sec.) and Guitar Center. There may be others but I'm unaware of them, if they exist. Dorsey is the last place I'll go to for gear after going there a few times. Not only are their prices at least 20-30% higher than Guitar Center (or anywhere you could order stuff online) but the customer service is horrible. I priced out a DW kit there (after Idaho Percussion told me they could not order from DW for me) and they tried charging me $3000 more than I ended up paying....for a better kit!! I realize they have to charge a margin to make money...but wow! When buying sticks there, the customer can't help but notice that they're all in a huge pile on a table in the back of the store...many of the warped, beat up, or missing a mate. I tried to buy heads there on several occasions but they have *never* had 6 heads of any 1 kind, brand, or model that match up. On top of that, like their stick selection, the heads are all in a pile on the floor and the entire store is a mess, as a whole. The salesman that knows anything about drum gear is arrogant, cocky, and gives off a strong negative "poor salesman" vibe....making it uncomfortable to even ask for something.

So, that leaves Guitar Center of the web. Personally, I'd rather order from a web vendor from now on to avoid the scene in Guitar Center, which is more trouble than it's worth. The guys in there are nice enough....but I don't like to be followed around the store and constantly be asked or told what I'd like to buy. Also, I've had my wife swing by there to get me sticks and heads in the past, with a very specific list of what I want....and there isn't one occasion where I haven't had to return the item to get the *right* item....even after providing makes, models, and specific sizes of things!

Obviously, with this long soap-box diatribe, I've not had a wonderful experience w/ any local drum shop! :D

Greetings to a fellow Boisean!

Yes, Idaho Percussion wasn't the greatest about customer service, but they had a fairly good selection of stuff and I used them frequently. I've had good experiences buying at Dorsey. Yes, they're a bit pricey, but they do have a good selection of percussion and some hard-to-get stuff like Slicknuts fasteners. Don't forget Dunkley. They don't have the greatest selection of drum stuff, but it's decent and they were the only ones able to get me Hardcases. There's also American Music in Caldwell if you don't mind driving that far.

I do get stuff at Guitar Center. They have a decent selection and the sales people tend to be somewhat knowledgeable. I find it's better if I do my own homework and learn about the item before going in.

[zambizzi]

Greetings to a fellow Boisean!

Yes, Idaho Percussion wasn't the greatest about customer service, but they had a fairly good selection of stuff and I used them frequently. I've had good experiences buying at Dorsey. Yes, they're a bit pricey, but they do have a good selection of percussion and some hard-to-get stuff like Slicknuts fasteners. Don't forget Dunkley. They don't have the greatest selection of drum stuff, but it's decent and they were the only ones able to get me Hardcases. There's also American Music in Caldwell if you don't mind driving that far.

I do get stuff at Guitar Center. They have a decent selection and the sales people tend to be somewhat knowledgeable. I find it's better if I do my own homework and learn about the item before going in.

Right on! There are quite a few Idaho drummers on these forums...great to see! I think it's because, for a city this size, we have a real good music scene goin' on..eh? Do you play around town?

I really liked Idaho Percussion until they "gave up" and the service went down the drain. I really liked the guys there and they *did* have a good selection, for a while. Once they went down hill I couldn't even get them to order a power supply or some cases...they just ignored me, driving me to Guitar Center.

I avoid Guitar Center most of the time but like the guys there as well. You're right, you just need to know exactly what you need before going in there...they're aren't as knowledgeable as they should be...but I think it's the fact that most of them are teenagers or early 20-somethings.

Sounds like we need to start us a drum shop here in Boise! By the looks of it, it'd be easy...you'd just have to work harder than the competition!

I'll definitely check out American Music, thanks for the tip!

[Class A Drummer]

Defintley The "Just Drums" owned by our very own Groove. I ordered some sticks from him, it took like 3 or 4 days to come. Great stuff.


Edit- And one of the best parts about it is, Shane is right here on DrummerWorld, and if we have questions for him we can just PM him.

[fourstringdrums]

Pepperell Music Center-Pepperell, MA. Everything and Anything you need. Come check us out. 4 Hotel Place, Pepperell, MA 01463. In Lorden Square.

Ah, a Massachusetts local...sort of. I'm in Templeton, about 50 minutes from Pepperell. If it were closer I'd check it out.

Unfortunately, we have no good stores around here. Not that the service isn't good, they are great, but the selection is horrible. The only good store we had around here was the Music Box in Fitchburg and it closed about 5 years ago. At one time they literally had everything. I miss that place :(

[Michael G]

hey smooth jazz...you said you're from the Sunbury area (i used to play the Peppermint Lounge). do you know where Shenandoah is? i grew up there (now I live outside of Scranton). i remember going to Dale's before they remodeled the whole place. great place to shop...i wish i could get down there more too.

Nah I am not all that familiar with much of PA. Use to play? So you don't go down there anymore? I missed the only one I could attend to, but from the pictures in stuff it looks pretty kicking and I am definitely going this year. And amazing, I just found out Jack Lawton had a drum company right on Catawissa Avenue, all these years and never noticed it.

Anyway did you go to the Mike Mangini clinic?

[cjl71178]

Nah I am not all that familiar with much of PA. Use to play? So you don't go down there anymore? I missed the only one I could attend to, but from the pictures in stuff it looks pretty kicking and I am definitely going this year. And amazing, I just found out Jack Lawton had a drum company right on Catawissa Avenue, all these years and never noticed it.

Anyway did you go to the Mike Mangini clinic?

Cool, are you new to the PA area? I haven't been down that way in years. Unfortunately, I didn't get down to Dale's to see the Mangini clinic. I'll probably be making a trip to Dale's at the end of July because a close friend of mine lives in Harrisburg so I HAVE to stop in and try not to come home with too much "goodies"!

[AlexM]

Come see Me at Annie's Guitars and Drums in Savannah Ga!

www.anniesguitars.com

[Just Drums]

Defintley The "Just Drums" owned by our very own Groove. I ordered some sticks from him, it took like 3 or 4 days to come. Great stuff.


Edit- And one of the best parts about it is, Shane is right here on DrummerWorld, and if we have questions for him we can just PM him.



Thanks bro. Enjoy the sticks.

[hevy kevy]

My new Favorite is Ellis Drum shop at 76th and Lyndale in Richfield MN. This is a second location for the St Paul store, lots of custom kits and TONS of cymbals to choose from!

[PineyplayParadiddles]

Berns Drums in Chichester! Brilliant advice, large selection of cymbals, kits, pedals sticks, hardware, percussion and everything else. Great service and great drum shop.

[Porker69]

Jacks Drums is my personally favorite, they seem to have a better selection of cymbals than the Guitar center and their shop is quite small. I bought my kit there and they have the nicest staff.

Lexington music is also a great little hole in the wall store that I buy sticks and heads from if I'm in the area.

[WYdrummer09]

Dale's Drum Shop

Where I buy all my equiptment...

Not a corperate music retailer, so prices are negotiable...

Friendly Staff...

Their motto is "We'd rather make friends than $$."


I wouldn't buy equiptment anywhere else!

[The Levee Breaker]

ADC Drums of Liverpool.
It's a tiny shop, but they've got everything at good prices, and the people who work there obviously know what they are on about.

[Michael G]

Dale's Drum Shop

Where I buy all my equiptment...

Not a corperate music retailer, so prices are negotiable...

Friendly Staff...

Their motto is "We'd rather make friends than $$."


I wouldn't buy equiptment anywhere else!

And yet another Dale's Drum Shop customer, that makes 5 already.

[jonescrusher]

Berns Drums in Chichester! Brilliant advice, large selection of cymbals, kits, pedals sticks, hardware, percussion and everything else. Great service and great drum shop.



Yeah, my favourite too. It's amazing how much stock they pack into that one room. Very friendly as well. You Chichester area?

[rjsteinbach]

Towson, MD Guitar Center. I love it I work there but even if I didnt it would be where I shop

[spartacus1989]

I live near ANY decent music shops, here are my favorites though (for visiting and online shopping)

GAK - I dunno :S

ELECTRO MUSIC - Doncaster

[hawk9290]

Columbus Percussion (a Five Star shop)
My favorite store anywhere. The owners are great, both are amazing drummers, all the staff is extremely helpful to customers and rpovide a lot of good laughs as you are browsing the store. The owners are also very involved in the local community (1 did a jazz clinic that I was at last year, the other did one just yesterday that I was at). ANd the prices are always competitive, and the put on one of the best drummer shows in the country year after year.

[Michael G]

For all your Dales drum shoppers, there will be 3 clinics coming up/

Hilary Jones - July 21
Jeremy Hummel - August 18
Jim Riley - September 1

Although I am disappointed besides Hilary, shes pretty cool. I was told about how Jeremy isn't really too impressive, besides the guy lives like right down the street from me! I could just stand by his house while he plays instead of going to Dale's. I never even heard of Jim Riley.

I'll still go to them all though, gotta cap on those deals, and add to my autographed head collection.

[cjl71178]

For all your Dales drum shoppers, there will be 3 clinics coming up/

Hilary Jones - July 21
Jeremy Hummel - August 18
Jim Riley - September 1

Although I am disappointed besides Hilary, shes pretty cool. I was told about how Jeremy isn't really too impressive, besides the guy lives like right down the street from me! I could just stand by his house while he plays instead of going to Dale's. I never even heard of Jim Riley.

I'll still go to them all though, gotta cap on those deals, and add to my autographed head collection.


Thanks for the info smoothjazz! I will actually be down in Harrisburg that weekend of july 21st (ten days after my b-day!), but unfortunately I won't be able to make that hilary jones clinic because I'll be at hersheypark seeing John Mayer live.

I saw Hilary at a Modern Drummer festival years ago and she's amazing...almost made me want to quit...plus she was cute back then (I don't know what she looks like now).

[rendezvous_drummer]

For all your Dales drum shoppers, there will be 3 clinics coming up/

Hilary Jones - July 21
Jeremy Hummel - August 18
Jim Riley - September 1

Although I am disappointed besides Hilary, shes pretty cool. I was told about how Jeremy isn't really too impressive, besides the guy lives like right down the street from me! I could just stand by his house while he plays instead of going to Dale's. I never even heard of Jim Riley.

I'll still go to them all though, gotta cap on those deals, and add to my autographed head collection.

Would only go for Jones if I did go. Jim Riley I think plays for Rascall Flatts *snooze*

[Michael G]

Thanks for the info smoothjazz! I will actually be down in Harrisburg that weekend of july 21st (ten days after my b-day!), but unfortunately I won't be able to make that hilary jones clinic because I'll be at hersheypark seeing John Mayer live.

I saw Hilary at a Modern Drummer festival years ago and she's amazing...almost made me want to quit...plus she was cute back then (I don't know what she looks like now).

Haha I hope she is now, it will make my picture all the sweeter.

And yes the other two do seem like a snooze, but I go anyway, I get a ride with my drum teacher and he goes to everyone of them, so I might as well too.

After September there will probably be like 2 more clinics then a break before starting again like last year. I hope we get some real monsters.

[hawk9290]

Hummel is very underrated imo, his instruction is quite good! His solo playing was not the greatest, but it certainly wasn't bad. I thought his stuff with Breaking Benjamin, and more recently Until We Rise was good and solid, and a lot of it was very melodic. He's a good guy and a great player. Not the world's most stunning and technical, but he can throw together a good solid track and still keep the creativity and melody in the drums. Its not like Pearl, Sabian, Vic Firth, and Aquarian are just handing out endorsments- and he writes for MD as well. If I lived that close to him, I would be stopping by to listen every chance I had.


Would only go for Jones if I did go. Jim Riley I think plays for Rascall Flatts *snooze*

Riley does play for Rascal Flatts, but he also has outside gigs, and his skills are pretty broad. He's not the best drummer in the world, but he is pretty darn good and can put a lot of different things in a song. His kit and style are definitley not traditional country, but it still fits.

[Fur drummer]

You guys are lucky to live near good drum shops. The ones around me stink. I either have to order stuff on line or drive 80 miles to a good drum shop.

[rjvsmb]

Hey Drummerworld,

The place I will fill my addiction is Drum World in San Mateo, CA. The owner is Phil Sollar and he is the best. If you're in the neighborhood, check it out.

http://www.drumworldsf.com/

Take care,
rjvsmb

[dmb_drummer]

you think THAT'S bad? a local drum store near me sells everything basically list price. a drum head that costs $14 costs $26! Emads there are sold in the $80 price range! Guitar Center is an hour and a half away! those are the closest music stores near me, so be lucky.


I dont have a local drum shop. Closest store with a decent drum department is 35 minutes away. And that has a Guitar Center and a Skips Music. My town is over 320,000 people, we should have at least one good music store. We dont. We do have 4 stores, and one has two locations. But...... the biggest one, rapes you on price big time. A drumhead that should cost 14.00...... is 18.00 That is a significant percentage jump. I said something about this recently, the guy looks at me and goes..........so, where else can you go? . I reply, Theres guitar center in modesto, and he says, you are going to spend more than the price difference getting there. And that attitude permeates almost all dealings these guys have with their overall customer base. Music Go Round sells heads and stuff for a decent price, But the majority of their equipment is lower mid level. And any really professional grade equipment they have used, ...... well they bought it for cheap. Guitar center practices the same crap, but at least they arent over priced. It would be nice to see a store open around here that was top line in customer service and offered good prices. I wouldnt mind seeing all these other guys out of business. If you have a good drumshop in your town, you are lucky.

[GW Drums]

I love Fork's Drum Closet in Nashville. My favorite shop by far! Great selection and great people. It is a long drive for me but worth it.

[drumr0]

I love Fork's Drum Closet in Nashville. My favorite shop by far! Great selection and great people. It is a long drive for me but worth it.


Absolutely whole heartedly agreed. These folks take great care of their customers. They have taken care of me for many years. I just wish it was closer to my house (50 mile drive). I drive right past Guitar Center to go to Forks!

[Derek]

Big praise for West Coast Drum Center in Santa Ana Ca. Just as they advertise - a drum shop run by drummers for drummers.

Great personal customer service, very knowledgeable staff - these are working drummers who've been playing a while and they're easy to talk with.

Great stock of stuff and in my experience with them they'll beat anyones price.

I'd recommend them to anyone.

[DrumDown]

The Drum Pad. Palatine, IL (n/w of Chicago). Absolutely the best shop around. Inventory is amazing and great service. I honestly don't know how any GC drum department within 50 miles stay in business.

[yenraBdellikI]

Columbus Percussion (a Five Star shop)
My favorite store anywhere. The owners are great, both are amazing drummers, all the staff is extremely helpful to customers and rpovide a lot of good laughs as you are browsing the store. The owners are also very involved in the local community (1 did a jazz clinic that I was at last year, the other did one just yesterday that I was at). ANd the prices are always competitive, and the put on one of the best drummer shows in the country year after year.

I second that. The service there is just excellent. They're always concerned with getting you the best quality stuff for what your looking for, not just the most expensive stuff.

Edit: Well, the the bass drum head on the brand new (bought last week) Pro-M I just got from Cols. Percussion just busted (and I'm not a very aggressive player). Let's see what kind of service they give me when I request a replacement...

[criz p. critter]

My favorite shop is the newest in the Los Angeles area: Chad Sexton's Drum City, owned by the 311 drummer and family. Big selection, great prices, friendly and super-knowledgeable service. Actually located in North Hollywood (just north of LA), they are always my first stop.
http://www.chadsextonsdrumcity.com/

And of course there's Professional Drum Shop in Hollywood. 'Nuff said!... They've been around since 1959 and have served all the great drummers. Anything you need, they can take care of you.
http://www.prodrumshop.com

Back in the day we had a lot more great shops: House of Drums and Action Drums in Northridge were my faves. Plus Drum City/Guitar Villa in Hollywood (which was always a total mess, but you could find all sorts of great used stuff there for cheap).

I'll go to the local Sam Ash and Guitar Center, too, if I need some heads or sticks real quick, cuz they're both right around the corner from me. Neither are anything close to a real drumshop, though. (snicker)