Mesa/Boogie Hollywood and Tone Merchants

[steve_k]

Definitely my two favorite shops. The guys in Mesa/Boogie are our buddies. They recognize us, let us play whatever we want. It's like visiting your friend who is a total Mesa/Boogie fanboi.

They carry a bunch of Anderson's there as well don't they? For whatever reason Tone Merchant's doesn't.

Mesa Hollywood is Toms biggest client and too close to us in North Hollywood to carry his guitars. We would if we could because Toms guitars are very good.

Brad

Tone Merchants East Coast it is. Is that a possibility in your venture?

There's a mini Tone Merchants in Long Island.

Copied.....I keep pictures like that to show my wife during times of "WTF do you need another one for?"

 

[The Hoff]

There definitely are some other really nice shops in the L.A. area.

Wild West is pretty nice. They have some cool stuff. I didn't particularly like their people though. Nothing negative really just nothing special. Sometimes though people at boutique shops don't take me as a serious customer-probably because of my age. Nonetheless, I would still recommend checking them out-they have an interesting wide-range of stuff.

Mesa on the other hand have THE PEOPLE. John and Jimbo especially. I understand why they don't allow much negotiation either. That type of thing keeps local shops running. If GC, Sam Ash, and other corporations were able to charge $300 less-that would put those smaller shops out of business. Mesa's stuff is fairly reasonably priced too. Plus you get a great warranty and the customer service as well.

GC Hollywood is good too for the reasons already stated. Their used selection and their vintage room. Also-they have a "platinum section" that has a few nice items. Other than that though-it's what you'd expect from your standard GC (including the workers).

The greatness of TM goes without saying.

 

[twenty4_7spy]

I have a particular preference for shops that just happen to have a beautiful example of Italian exotica parked out in front:

It's a Lambo Gallardo, yes?

 

[steve_k]

I have a particular preference for shops that just happen to have a beautiful example of Italian exotica parked out in front:

It's a Lambo Gallardo, yes?

I can see Brad running down Hollywood Blvd. with a couple of 412's strapped on the back....

 

[The Hoff]

I have a particular preference for shops that just happen to have a beautiful example of Italian exotica parked out in front:

It's a Lambo Gallardo, yes?

 

[steve_k]

I'll take TM over Mesa boogie hollywood.

But it's LA there is alot of rad guitar shops.

Tone merchants has some really nice stuff, there pedal selection is the best in a 100 mile radius.
Obviously they have Friedman/Cameron amps and Friedman to build you the sickest rack/pedalboard.


But there are some other really sweet spots...

The Amp Shop/Bass Exchange on Ventura is a classic spot. played my first diezels there, their pedal selection almost rivals tone merchants.

California vintage guitars on van nuys has an impeccable selection of custom shop fender and gibbons, ALOT of them, and they have all the fendery amps.

Guitar center Hollywood actually has one of the best uses gear rooms in LA, and there vintage room ia really out of control, if you wanted that OG 57 fender, they have it there.

Wild west guitars in riverside has a really nice balanced selection of amps and guitars. Lots of PRS and plenty of divided by 13 amps, really big spot too.

There are really alot of little spots that are very boutiquey but in the end it's not as much the gear as is it the people there. If I can feel like I'm getting a really good deal I'm more into buying from a place.

There is the guy that charges msrp (Mesa boogie cough) and is stone cold will not budge on the price.

And there is the dude that makes you feel like you are getting a piece of your dream and they are going to work with you a little on the price and/or throw in a case and some strings or something.

I think that's by farthe most important thing.

I haven't forgotten about Chubtone, but I haven't been down there yet to check out his shop, but I have a good feeling he is one of the good guys...

I would take TM over anyone else too. I would rather my money go to Rob & Co. and that works out well because Rob loves taking my money

But, it's too bad all the territorial sales issues that drives brand representation. With all the Anderson players, no doubt Rob could drive lots of business with them. There are several other brands that physical location impedes. MB Hollywood will discount prices and I have 4 Anderson guitars from him that were discounted. They probably don't budge on the Mesa stuff. Good dudes there. Someone mentioned the Amp Shoppe. Yes, another good online store.

Steve

 

[freeballinusa]

I am kinda Glad TM doesn't do Andersons __ Then there is more room for Suhr etc. Checked out Dirty Shirley yesterday __ she was good. j

 

[steve_k]

point missed.....