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Recommended Reviews - Ralph White Music
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9 years ago
Wow, In my 24 years of playing guitar and visiting guitar shops this place is the worst. I was asked what was was doing in the store, and followed up by "great, we need more people just looking". This is within a minute of me walking in. Needless to say I didn't make a purchase that day. Months later I called them up and get greeted with "(persons name) Ralph music" to which I responded hi how are you, the person on the phone answered "I've got a shop full of customers what you need". This is the pricing on two levels, I never thought anyone would be so rude and direct when I don't even know you also I stayed in Palm Beach for three months of which I walked past the shop every day when going to the gym and almost every single time I walk past the only people in the shop with the people that work there so it's no surprise there I was dead quiet. read more
13 years ago
The staff are awful, particularly the owner. I'd just bought a 70s Japanese acoustic guitar at Cash Converters next door, and brought it with me to maybe get some new strings and have a look around. Well, everything there was either over-priced, crappy or both (including strings). The owner patronised me for having shopped at "Trash Converters" and followed my brother-in-law around the shop like he expected him to steal something. All in all, this reminded me why it's better to shop online -- or indeed at Cash Converters -- better service, cheaper prices. Please, feel free to go to this shop to do your research, then buy online from the scores of people who deserve your money. read more
7 years ago
Ralph White Music Palm Beach is a perfect example of why people shop online. As a local, you try and support your local businesses but when the local business cannot or will not think outside the box and go that little bit further to at least attempt to help the customer, and their attitude is that's the way it is, take it or leave it, then people turn to online shopping as the options are endless. read more
7 years ago
My partner left home very excited to go to this store today, fully intending to spend quite a bit of money. There were other customers in store while he was browsing and he was holding a guitar lead. He overheard the staff talking about him saying "what's that young guy doing over there" "he has a lead, it's in his hand" and then imply he would try and steal it by "snapping it up", he was then singled out of all the other customers, immediately approached and was told they would keep the lead behind the counter until he would buy it. He was obviously feeling very embarrassed at this point so he paid for the lead straight away and left. He went back 10 minutes later to let the staff know he heard what they had said and how he was upset by it. He handed the lead back to them and told them to keep his money he didn't want it back and he didn't want the lead anymore. They tried to tell him they were helping by taking the lead and did not try and follow him out of the store to fix the situation. Another customer had to follow him to make sure he was okay and let him know he had witnessed the whole thing and that how he treated was disgusting. My partner is a young Indigenous male who had dealt with situations exactly like this his entire life. Being the only person of colour in the store and also the only customer to be singled out, approached and had the item taken off him to be kept at the counter, it is hard not to view this situation as racial discrimination. It is absolutely disgusting situations like this are still happening in 2019. I've read reviews for this store on other review sites and it seems a common occurrence for the owner of this store to treat his customers poorly. Disgusting service, would not recommend this store to anyone. read more
10 years ago
Extremely unpleasant experience. I walked in with my brother as he was perusing speakers for his electronic drumkit, which to put in context are not cheap. The salesman who helped him out was informative and pleasant, which raises the score. However, after telling another salesman I was with him and just browsing, I started to pick up a few acoustics just to see how they sound. Nothing expensive - one travel guitar and one from the Yamaha starter pack. After I started playing (fingerpicking) the travel guitar the salesman asked if I needed any help, and also asked if I could be careful with it. Fair enough. I'm no teenage metal thrasher, and old enough to be careful with the merchandise. I then picked up the Yamaha, which would have been one of the cheapest guitars there. It's also on the shop floor, so not fresh outta the box. After playing a few chords the gent came up to me and said the owner asked if I could stop playing the guitars. This, to be frank, is awful. I was actually considering purchasing the starter pack for my nephew, but this type of, as they put it, 'good old fashioned service' is appalling. It shows a total disregard for the customer, and torpedoes any potential sales they would have now or in the future. In a word - avoid. read more
10 years ago
One of the most unpleasant experiences I have had as a customer and human being which is why I am writing this review. Really poor customer service. Being hesitant or cautious with my student budget was not received well by the owner, who then proceeded to say patronizing and condescending things about me with his fellow employees within earshot. This reflects poor principles which are - along with acting suspicious about me handling the guitars on my own - self-serving and short-sighted. Just because the owner thinks he is the 'only guitar store around this area' does not warrant such awful attitudes towards people. The stock was alright, 5/10. Customer service 0/10, super negative and pressured vibe. read more
More info about Ralph White Music
1152 Gold Coast Hwy
Palm Beach Queensland 4221
Australia
Directions
(07) 5536 4093
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.ralphwhitemusic.com.au
Hours
What time does Ralph White Music open?
Ralph White Music opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
What time does Ralph White Music close?
Ralph White Music closes at 5:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Ralph White Music closes at 3:00 PM on Saturday.Ralph White Music is closed on Sunday.
Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:30 PMSat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMSun Closed
Outdoor Amenities
Does Ralph White Music have parking?
Yes, Ralph White Music has parking options. Street Parking
From the Business
Specialties
We specialize in all things musical. Whether it's your first guitar or a full P.A. System, we've got the brands, range and price points to meet your needs! Guitars, Drums, Brass & Woodwind, Stringed Instruments, Ukuleles & Sheet Music...we're musicians surrounded by music! We're a family owned, community store and offer tuition and repairs for most instruments - so when you're in the area, drop in and say hi!
History
Established in 1967.
Fred White began a family Music business in Fitzroy, Melbourne in 1929. He was a luthier , a musician and a character. He taught me the trade of guitar making which has been an invaluable skill, and although I no longer make guitars my knowledge of them allows me to work with and repair many damaged instruments. Customer Service as always been a main concern for my business. Musicians are often under pressure to perfom on time with their gear working to the best of its ability. We do our utmost to assist them anyway we can. Where would we be without Music In Our Lives... being able connect people with the sublime experience of playing music is a fulfilling experience. If you buy a product from us you are guaranteed real old fashion service. If we can't fix it here .... we will put you in contact with someone who can.
Meet the Business Owner: Ralph W.
I moved to the Gold Coast (after a period of constructing security doors) and opened a small music studio in Currumbin. I revisited my passion for music and returned to the industry I was born into. I have taught many young keen students who have reached a level of competance and have gone on to choose musicianship as their profession. Even to this day I am aware of how a little encouragement makes a difference to students with all aspects of their music. At Tugun I arranged several amateur concerts enabling my students to perform in front of an audience, while other students such Mason Rack have organised their own concerts (very successfully).
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
11 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
12 years ago
So I wanted to learn to play guitar. Walked in not knowing a single thing about a guitar. Ralph White asked me what music I like. Blow me down, he's actually played with the group ( and many others I've since learned). Not only that, he took me into his in shop studio and played the very song I had chosen as the one to learn and others from the same group and other groups. Blew me away. So I needed a guitar, had no idea about them. He took me through his large range of guitars with advice, comparisons, in depth knowledge and recommendations all along the way. I picked out 3 and then we spent time trying them out until deciding on the final one. It was, for me, the perfect choice and have never had any doubt about it. That's the way it should be, service, service, service and post service support. Lessons were a must for a beginner. We teed that up. Now nearly 5 years later I can play that song I first set myself, far better than I could have imagined or would ever have achieved on my own, as well as a lot of other wide ranging songs. Ralphs teaching is fun but serious and he aims for perfection in you. His rates are so reasonable and he takes an interest in you. He's good, really really good. I aspire to reach his level. Probably wont because he's been playing for over 50 years everyday as it is his profession, me 5 minutes in comparison and my profession has nothing to do with music. I'm 63, haven't got 50 years left, started when I was 58 from scratch, should have done it earlier, that's one big regret. I'm a far better guitar player that I would have been had I just strummed a bit now and then. And all thanks to Ralph and his welcoming staff. As he song goes "Heaven can wait", I got lots of music to learn and play from this maestro. Never too late to start. read more
12 years ago
My partner has a holiday tradition of buying a guitar at some point during our travels, and as we driving from Cairns to Melbourne we weren't short of options! After several sh**ty experiences along the coast a good friend suggested we stop by Ralph's - VERY VERY glad we did. Let's be clear, Ralph's is not a discount/ bargin basement guitar shop, but it's range is superb - considered, good quality and well-priced for what you're getting. My partner LOVES the latest addition to his collection and still plays it daily - some 18 months after it shared a long trip home with us. Given his collection of 20 guitars - this is quite an achievement! Ralph knows his stuff, and is happy to share his knowledge in his down to earth way with those share his love of music. This ISN'T the place to tyre-kick, but it IS the place to get lost in for an hour or two, delighting in the broad range until you find something that is *just right*. The service was fantastic - never before we been offered an espresso coffee while browsing a guitar shop! Ralph genuinely wants his customers to delight in instruments that are perfect for them - but isn't ever pushy to make a sale (possibly because he *knows* they'll be back ;) Whenever we head north we will stop by Ralph's - and thankfully there are some great coffee shops nearby so I can let my partner browse in peace! read more
12 years ago
The team at Ralph White Music are the best you could ever meet! I've been coming to the store for over 5 years now, bought guitars, amplifiers, strings and many other items, as well as taking guitar lessons and getting equipment serviced throughout that time. All the staff are genuine, friendly, helpful, passionate about the music business, and have a very in-depth knowledge of the equipment they deal with. Ralph takes real pride in providing the best care and customer service you can find. He ensures everyone who comes into his shop is given the best treatment and shows genuine care for every customer. He really makes you feel like family. Servicing and repair work is top level and done with the greatest of care and skill. They take pride in the work they do. There is always a huge range of instruments to choose from and they only stock the best quality brands regardless of the price range you're looking at, from entry-level right through to top-of-the-range. Little wonder the store has so many loyal customers who continue to return time after time. read more
12 years ago
I admit openly that Ralph White music is a common place for me to drop in and on this occasion we (band) spotted a PA on sale that was perfect for gigs. The reason I mention this purchase is that the salesperson knew that we hadn't used a PA before (reason why we were buying one) and as part of the sale had offered to help us set it up. Of course we thought nothing of it as it was just part of the sale and we fully expected to have fun trying to figure it out ourselves. How hard could it be? True to his word the staff member followed up and came over during our practice session this week. It took a bit of time but he was able to fine tune the system to our instruments and established our sound preferences for the songs we play. Quite simply the sound from the PA once it was tweaked by an expert was much better. Thanks again guys for your help! read more
6 years ago
One of the worst customer experiences possible. My friend recently purchased an Acoustic bass, and picked up a model in store to compare and admire. One of the staff members immediately rushed over to make sure we weren't going to steal it. I am currently in the market for a Gibson, and upon asking if I could try one hanging on the wall, I was told that I could not try it unless I "Put the 9k cash on the counter, because then we can talk". Everything was hideously overpriced. What is the point of being a physical music store if no one can try the stock? As I was leaving the store one of the staff members reiterated the 9k cash on counter comment for literally no reason. Never going back. read more
8 years ago
If you are looking for something cheap and nasty then dont go here, at Ralph white music they only sell quality gear. The owner Ralph will be straight up and direct with you and trust me he knows his stuff. I can see there are a couple reviews on here from people that are a little upset and i think they have just taken Ralph the wrong way. Take some time to talk to him, dont be so sensitive and you will find you will walk out of that shop with a smile on your face like i did. I would highly reccomend Ralph and his team to anyone and would like to say thanks again for the repair on my maton guitar, it sounds better then ever! Cheers Pete. read more
12 years ago
I'm always on the hunt for a 'new toy' which will compliment my husbands garage band. I've been to Ralph White music on a number of occasions and have always had great service. The guys really know their stuff. Only a few weeks back I spoke with Ben, a staff member, about possible singing lessons. Instead of pushing his own weekly lessons, he recommended a book as an ideal starting point. He was spot on. After my husband learns the basics I'll be booking him in for some serious lessons. I would happily recommend this store to anyone. read more
9 years ago
I was in the Palm Beach store, looking at a Gretsch. I was told by the owner to, "put that down, you probably can't afford it anyway", notwithstanding I had $5,000 cash in my pocket. I honestly don't know how this business has survived. It would seem after reading the reviews, that the staff and the owner treat lots of their customers in this deplorable way. They certainly need to up their game in the customer service department. THE OWNER IS RUDE AND ARROGANT. I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS STORE TO ANYONE.... read more
12 years ago
Ralph White is one of natures gentlemen. Always ready to help and totally reliable. I confidently recommend him - as a guitar teacher, for guitar repairs and guitar purchases. Just go and have a chat with him you'll see what I mean. His shop Ralph White Music at Palm Beach is truly Guitar Heaven. Stay in Harmony, Kitty Jellinek. [ Lead Guitarist "De Ja Vue" 1984 - 1991] read more
8 years ago
I recently went into this store to purchase a Maton guitar and could not be more pleased with the customer service and over all dealing I received upon this experience. Being a long time professional musician it was good to talk to people that knew music and their gear hence making my choice easier. I like to support local business and this is one store I will most certain visit again. read more
8 years ago
Super helpful fellas! Lots of knowledge and patience! legends! yew Cheers guys for all your work! Gemma :) read more





