I went to the Stony Brook Music & Arts location 2 2 Saturday's ago. (1/21). Late afternoon. This was what I thought would be the 3rd and final return to a this location - because I wanted to purchase the Yamaha 650 that they have sitting in front of the store since before the holidays. But wanted a friend who plays regularly to see it first.
It's listed as $799
There were 3 ladies working and one gentleman working this day. We were approached by the gentleman who said he was fairly new there. I told him I had full intentions to purchase the keyboard if my friend could hear it. The keyboard was unplugged and the pedal disconnected. He fixed it and we started messing with it when 2 of the "girls" decided to start cranking Destiny Child - "survivor" over the store speakers. Which I thought was odd - as it was louder than the keyboard we were trying, and we were having to speak over it to hear the guy helping us.
I looked to see if it was an Instore DVD they were playing. But instead? The 2 girls playing it were just singing it and dancing to it behind the counter
As this was happening the guy showed us 2 more expensive models that were in the front window to the left. One was also a Yamaha and we asked what the difference (aside it costing more) were.
Part of the difference was the internal speakers which HE told us to turn all the way up to show us the sound and quality. After my friend played it...I hit the demo to show my son, when one of the "Beyoncé " fans walked away from the counter and reached over the back of the piano and gave me a very stern speaking to that I must" turn the volume down". " we have lessons going on in back of the store and you are being disruptive ". As SHE reached over and tried to fiddle for the volume...I turned it down, apologized and she went back to the counter.
As I stood there kind of feeling like I just got my hand slapped by the Principal at school. It was bothering me a bit that i was preparing to make a large purchase there and I just got treated pretty badly by the staff.
My son asked to use the bathroom in the back which is honestly 40 -50 yards In the back by the "soundproof" rehearsal/lessons rooms. As he went in to the bathroom I realized NO one was taking lessons in the store!! I literally walked past each room with the doors closed and lights out!!
When my son came out, we walked back the front where the guy ( being very helpful) who was still talking to my friend about the keyboard.
I walked up to him and said very politely to him..."Unfortunately I was no longer going to buy the keyboard from him or the store, as his coworker just costed him the sale for lying to me".
I proceeded to walk up the 2 girls still behind the register and asked her point blank if she in fact told me there were lessons going on in the back and I was distracting them with the "internal speakers" on the keyboard! She just stared and me ...and I thanked her for lying to me -and I was just about to drop about $900 in their store and she was personally responsible for blowing the sale.
She ran to computer I guess to confirm. But as I reiterated there was no one there in the back anywhere. I also let her know she insulted me and was incredible rude for cranking the Destiny Child louder than the CUSTOMER TRYING TO LISTEN TO THE EQUIPMENT HE WAS TRYING TO BUY.
You work in a MUSIC Store, you sell equipment , people are supposed to PLAY the equipment. Sorry if you have sensitive ears, but I am sure the Library is hiring somewhere. And to lie to me about lessons? The rehearsal rooms are soundproof!!
So for the record I went to Sam Ash in Huntington this past Saturday, and BOUGHT the Yamaha 660 ( not the 650). For the exact same price! With a cover and a bench included!!! The staff were awesome and despite the boy playing the drums in the middle of the store, and someone playing a guitar in the back...they were able to function as a staff and make a sale
What frustrates me the most is in have been going there for 2 years for my sons School music equipment purchase, repairs and reeds etc. I almost considered lessons there as well for my son. Nope ...done.
By the way I hope the owner sees this since there was no reason I couldn't have played it and ran home and bought it in Amazon.... as Brick and Mortar are fading....I chose to go to a store near home and support. I also almost got over charged for an old model. Amazon offers new version same price. Free shipping !
So, If you are in Stony Brook area? And looking for someone who understands the customer comes first ? Take the extra 20 mins west to Sam Ash just off route 110
And sad part is don't know if the guy there lost commission, but he was also embarrassed and even apologized to me. I felt bad for him...he was Great and the reason I gave the review 1 star. read more