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]

Originally Posted by Groove

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

"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]

Originally Posted by Groove

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). They've also always got some cool stringed instruments and occasionally some winds as well.

[Just Drums]

Originally Posted by KCMcC

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]

Originally Posted by Groove

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Groove

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]

Originally Posted by golions

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?