Musician's Friend (friend or foe ??)

[Dman]

Hey all posted this poll in the General Drumset forum also. Was wondering about your experiences with Musician's Friend and drumset ordering. Thanks.

[Lukus]

I think they're poo because they don't ship to the UK :(

[PYRRHO]

Musicians Friend is popular because people know the name.
The truth is, their prices are nothing special. Infact, they can even be rather high. The customer service ranges from okay to terrible, depending on when you call and with whom you speak. I've had much better luck with MidwestPercussion, and on average, their prices are lower. Of course, you may find just as many people saying they prefer Musicians Friend. No matter which dealer you go through, there is always the risk of problems - such is the price of long-distance purchasing...

I prefer the local music store. It's unfortunate for many, that their little "Mom & Pop Shops", don't have very good prices or selection. It depends on where you live. I'm fortunate, in that my local shops do enough business to offer competitive prices, and have a good rotation on gear - there's always some new toy to play with!

Has everyone heard about the MARS bankruptcy? :)

[Dman]

PYRRHO, I'm jealous of your local stores. I grew up in the DC area and got spoiled by alot of the shops that were alot like what you described. I'm now in Delware which isn't known for it's large, well priced instrument selection. I think a search for authorized Pearl dealers brings up three stores in the state, you get the idea. Well there is tax free shopping. I just got tired of going in to the TWO that I have business dealing with and inquiring about a Sessions or Masters kit only to receive blank stares. Kind of a pain. Terrible pricing. I'm reduced to going online. Well it's funny you posted, I JUST got an email confirm. that the 13X10 tom I origionally ordered in April has shipped today, it's a long story. I think with M. Friend, as long as it's IN STOCK you should be safe, backorders seem to be a mixed bag. Not to repeat myself, but I ordeted a complete 925 DH kit with an 8, and 13 toms added, as well as a 16 floor. The 13 was the pain, backorder went over 60 days and they cancelled my back order. I'd received cards in the mail as the 8 and 16 showed up stating that they were "working hard" to complete my order, but I never received the card that said, "SIGN THIS CARD AND SEND IT BACK OR WE'LL CANCEL THE TOM TOM YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR". Sorry off on a rant. Every time I order from them I get a multitude of emails: receipt of order, order confirmation, order copy, and then shipping confirmation. For some reason, call me a moron, it would seem to make sense that they send another email, saying, "Hey we cancelled your order because we can't get it, but we'd really like to take some more of your money, would you like to re-order??" Who knows, just got a bad taste in my mouth. Glad to hear about Midwest Prec. Good info.

Thanks

Dman

[dave007]

I ordered a Zildjian boxed set from MF and got it very fast. The Web site message guessed that it wasn't going to be back in stock until three days after I actually got it.

PHYYRO, speaking of Mars, in addition to the bankruptcy, their online store has apparently been discontinued as well; just sorta general info now. Maybe it's just until they get back in the black.

[bjb86s]

PYRRHO - MF will match midwest percussions prices. Just FYI.

[codi_rowe]

I've dealt with Musician's Frined before and they are not that bad... that is until a couple months ago when i purchased a powershifter eliminator double pedal and they shipped me a powershifter that was on backorder for a couple weeks. I had to send that back; when i did and asked to get the right product they told me it would be on backorder for a couple of weeks because it was a lefty pedal. I finally got it 6 weeks after i ordered it

[Dman]

Codi, I not only feel your "backordered" pain, but also your lefty (we'll have to make it special) b.s. Good thing us southpaws don't have to buy left handed sticks huh.

Fellow Southpawien
Dman
:cool:

[agulbrandson]

i would go with massmusic.net great prices and unbeatable customer service... don't care for MF at all as i hate GC... Midwest is OK

[Unjust]

I am actually somewhat annoyed by Musicians Friend as when I ordered my Pearl 8 piece Export set I ordered in in Charcoal Metallic. When IO received the set several months later half my set was wine red and the other was charcoal metallic. I was pretty angry, but actually it isn't too bad now. I hope they haven't screwed anybody worse than I.

[AntiConformist]

I've had mixed results from mf. When I ordered my export, in standard sizes, nothing at all out of the ordinary, they screwed me over pretty good. Originally, they guaranteed me I'd have it by the following friday. The following friday rolled around, and surprise surprise, no drumset. Being my first kit, I was very disappointed, and called them. Apparently the kit had been on backorder, and wouldn't come for a few more weeks. Not sure when they planned on informing of that. After a few... heated discussions... they told me they'd give me an "upgraded" set, and since I live in the Kansas City area (where their warehouse is located), I could drive out and pick it up the next day. In the end, the "upgrade" was simply including some crap cymbals. I've since made smaller purchases with them, and been satisfied. All and all, I'd say that if it's a minor purchase (sheet bronze cymbals, hardware, sticks, heads, etc.), go for it, but if you're planning on a major purchase, look somewhere else.

[srch4sat]

In my experience, Steve Weiss music in PA is the cheapest most straightforward dealer of everything drum that I've found. They may not be remotely friendly when you call, but you'll get what you need way below anyone else's prices (especially Musician's Enemy.)

[Punk Drummer]

I think they're poo because they don't ship to the UK I h8 that cos' they've got an amazing catalog of drums, cymbals, heads and allsorts!!! :mad:

[samhooah]

What do you guys think about buying from Ebay?

[PYRRHO]

eBay?

Only for those with plenty of experience in both buying on-line, and buying used percussion equipment.

There are just too many ways for an unseasoned drummer to get really screwed...

[srch4sat]

Originally posted by PYRRHO
eBay?

Only for those with plenty of experience in both buying on-line, and buying used percussion equipment.



There are 2 or 3 things to help when buying/selling on ebay:
1. Go to vintagedrum.com and familiarize yourself with the inspection process. If you buy, ask the seller to honestly evaluate it using the scale presented there.
2. Remeber that it is a buyer's market, so when you sell something, make sure it is as appeaing as possible. Try to sould honest (drop a minor flaw or two if it has any) but don't be afraid to state the obvious (if it's a Master's kit, make sure you say that it's Pearl's (the world's greatest drum maker) top-o-the line kit with blah blah balh shells and blah balah ablha hardware . . .detail man.
3. know that people are using #2 to try to sell something to you. :D

[Peepdrmr]

Just my opinion but here goes. You all need to establish a relationship with an honest and reputable dealer in your area and stop supporting these catalog outfits that only care about your money. They're ruining the business and when all the local stores get drained dry and close who are you going to go to for service. Here's a little scenario...Imagine you buy a pedal from any of these mail order clowns and all is going well untill one day you get to a gig, start setting up and realise your pedal is busted. What to do? Well if you bought said pedal from a local dealer, they will more than likely loan you a pedal to get you through the gig while yours is being repaired. I'm not sure if this attitude applies to all shops, there are some bad ones out there, but in general a store run by working musicians will bend over backwards to accomodate their customers. What everyone fails to see is the big picture because they are on the outside. I will also say that most stores will match catalog prices or even do better. The other week a customer came to me with a catalog asking me to match cymbal prices, as it turned out our everyday prices were better than the catalog prices and he got to hear what the cymbals sounded like before commiting to them. IMO anyone who buys instruments, especially cymbals without first trying them is nuts. Just my opinion...

[samhooah]

Point taken peep... I guess that makes sense if you have a good store that really does care about the customer. Like I just ordered a throne from a local store, and they let me borrow theirs until my order came in. While the store right next door wanted to sell me a much lower quality throne for an outrageously high price. So I would have been forced to shop elsewhere (online perhaps) if I hadn't been able to bargain with the guys next door. So I guess I'd only shop by mail-order if I just couldn't make any headway with the local guys.

[doc_on_drums]

For the most part, my experience with MF has been good. But I have to compare prices with my local drum shop. Most things drum related I can get cheaper at my local dealer, with some accessories I get a better price at MF. I have never made any major purchases through MF but until receintly have had good service. I am still waiting (back order 6 weeks now) for a set of tone control rings, maybe that is why the price was unbelievably low. Every other order I placed with them has arrived in 10 days.
I do normally give my local dealers first oportunity to earn my money.

[7acres_drummer]

I never order anything from the internet

[Hollywood]

MF isn't so great, between the shipping and the handling and the wait.....the costs aren't so great, I'm buying drumsets and specifically Cymbals after I play em...not from a picture in a mag!

[Hitman]

Originally posted by Peepdrmr
...but in general a store run by working musicians will bend over backwards to accomodate their customers.

Amen, brother!

I manage the drum dept. of a locally owned music shop, and that is the big difference in service. My customers are my friends and peers in the local music scene. They stay loyal to me, and I stay loyal to them. If you don't have a local store that will provide this level of service (loaners during orders or repairs) while still matching or beating musician's feind's price, then they are doing something wrong.

[carrjam]

Originally posted by Peepdrmr
in general a store run by working musicians will bend over backwards to accomodate their customers.

Boy do I wish that were the case in our area. There is a fairly large store in Lewistown, PA (about a half-an-hour drive from me) that doesn't fit the description. In fact, I would go as far to say that "they would sooner 'bend you over' with 'sand in the Vaseline'... so to speak.

I have known the owner for over ten years. We've both been in local bands for years and have always gotten along. I've seen his store grow from a small hole in-the-wall, to it's presently, very large store. I used to purchase tons of stick, heads, etc. from him. I knew they were more expensive, than several places further away, but I did so because he was local. He will not ... special order, assist you in purchasing parts, price competitively, or return phone calls in person. Unfortunately, he's al about the mighty dollar. I had tried to purchase bass pedals from him and actually bought a pair from E-bay from a fellow drummer who I now keep in contact with.

I have made many purchases from E-bay. As people have stated before, you have to be careful. Make sure you ask any or all questions before you plan on bidding. You can find some really great stuff.

As for Musician's Friend... they're like any other company. You have to compare prices. But you can sometimes get them to match prices, as well. I've bought a lot from them in the past. Sort of a live-and-learn thing. I purchased an amp from them that $100.00 less than I could buy anywhere else. But I've also purchased Gibraltar hardware, as soon as the product was introduced, for about $20 more than a competitor. In general, I really like MF. The only time I ever had a back order was during the Christmas holiday, and they kept me posted. I also purchased two PA speakers at a great price, in wich one was defective. They sent me a pre-paid return slip and the sent me a replacement, at no cost, in less than two weeks. They'll treat you right. ;)

[BonzoFan]

www.drumsdirect.com

[BonzoFan]

Originally posted by Hitman


Amen, brother!

I manage the drum dept. of a locally owned music shop, and that is the big difference in service. My customers are my friends and peers in the local music scene. They stay loyal to me, and I stay loyal to them. If you don't have a local store that will provide this level of service (loaners during orders or repairs) while still matching or beating musician's feind's price, then they are doing something wrong.

I agree, I also manage a drum shop (The Drum Shop in Prescott, Az. www.drumsdirect.com)
We take pride in our customer service here. We are drummers who want to take care of drummers. We don't need to charge outrageous prices here. We have the best prices around, and we are proud of that. Musicians "Enemy"/Guitar Center doesn't give a @#*% about their customers. They charge high prices and wait for the next victim to come through their doors.
I think customer service is paramount in any business. You provide the best customer service possible and the business will follow!!!

[Peepdrmr]

Hitman & BonzoFan,
Keep fighting the good fight brothers! No chain store or catalog outfit will never hold a flame to our type of stores so long as we always remember to focus first and foremost on the customers and thier particular needs.

[DISASTERPIECE]

even though musiciansfriend doesnt have the lowest prices i like to get stuff from them...just cause i get it next day. i love living in kansas when the warehouse in in KC.

[Talon]

I like to order from guys from this board. I've ordered from Andy @MassMusic, good service, MidwestPercussion, everything went perfect, and now from Fussnfeathers @ East Coast Music Mall, should be getting the stuff sometime this week.

Overall, I would rather pay a couple extra dollars for customer service and getting to know the guys who I'm ordering from. MF can't talk to me for hours about specs and tech stuff about gear.

[Chiplaneohs]

Ok guys, here's what you need to know, if your going to order online, forget all other sites. Just remember this name www.massmusic.net. Best prices in the world.

[nimr0d42]

when i tried to order from musiciansfriend they tried to charge me an extra $100 to not have the tom mount on the bass drum on my sessions set, even though i knew(thanks to this board) that it costs the same amount.

i ordered through mass music, they were awesome and helped with everything

[Pearldrummer10]

mf cant even come close to the low prices i get. im sorry but they are foe i got back ordered 5 months. yes because they dont know there own tom sizes. what losers. they are so stupid they tried to charge me 3 times on my credit card and then they are now, 6 months later trying to charge us again after we said we dont want the tom. they are so disorganized

[tomcarfrey]

Only problem I've ever had with Musician's Friend is yesterday when I received my Pearl H-2000 Eliminator Hi-Hat Stand from UPS. I opened the box, and the smaller box inside which holds the cams had a small dent in it. Well, when I opened the smaller box, the white cam had been broken some way. I called them with my problem, and they don't carry that one white cam, so they said I'd have to send back my brand new hi-hat stand that I've been waiting so patiently for, for a cam. Well, I didn't send it back, and I contacted Gene from Pearl about it, and he's sending me a new one.

[Talon]

I got my stuff from Fussnfeathers on the time it was promised, for a price way lower than I was expecting. Just remember www.eastcoastmusic.com It was by far the easiest ordering I've done, just gave Fuss a call, he had even set my headphones aside for me earlier when I asked him about them. I highly recommend you support his shop, it was much less nerve-racking than dealing with big name companies like MF.

[Pearldrummer10]

support your local economy, go to a little whole in the wall drum place, for one if you go there a lot they will know you and give u deals, for two if they dont have it they can usually order it and get it in within a week or so, do your locals a favor.

[ROBB283DT]

I have order a couple cymbals and got them in 3 weeks. Normal for cymbal backorder. Then I ordered a Tama Rhythem watch and got it in 6 weeks. I was mad. I currently have a 20" Wuhan china on backorder from them should be here in two weeks. Hopefully.

[doc_on_drums]

I have order a couple cymbals and got them in 3 weeks. Normal for cymbal backorder. Then I ordered a Tama Rhythem watch and got it in 6 weeks. I was mad. I currently have a 20" Wuhan china on backorder from them should be here in two weeks. Hopefully.
WOW! I have ordered from them several times and all but one came in 10 days or less.

[Andy @ MIT]

for everyone who has and continues to order from MF... what advantages are there over drum specifc places like massmusic or midwest percussion?

[DeadSkinMask]

for everyone who has and continues to order from MF... what advantages are there over drum specifc places like massmusic or midwest percussion?

they have MF credit cards. :D .seriously i dont know..i usually buy stuff from them..its quick and easy..

[doc_on_drums]

for everyone who has and continues to order from MF... what advantages are there over drum specifc places like massmusic or midwest percussion?
No advantage except in those rare occasions where they stock items that Mass and Midwest don't. I typically do my buying locally but my local shops almost always have a three + week wait for items not in stock. This is when I turn to Massmusic, Midwest or MF.

Most of my "online" purchases will now be through Massmusic. My recent purchase revealed to me their genuine concern for customer satisfaction and unbelievably low prices. The "live chat" with the reps is simply a genius approach to customer service.

Keep up the good work Andy :cool:

[Andy @ MIT]

ya... i see the financing as being something to go for.... support your local shop... or me :D

[DeadSkinMask]

ya... i see the financing as being something to go for.... support your local shop... or me :D

i will support ya andy...gotta figure out what snare is next for me..maybe an ultracast.. :p

[IceChill]

I really haven't had that many problems with them, i've never ordered an entire set from them though but I have got all different hardware parts and i've gotten it within three days. I'd say the shipping time has to do with your location like I live in St. Louis and one of their warehouses is in Kansas City so it doesn't take long for them to ship it.

[Dissident]

MF wouldn't give me financing and Music123.com did, I think that is the best aspect of these online stores. Though I'd like to support the local stores, 15 months to pay and no interest could not be ignored. Also I purchased a tama rockstar custom set from them and they sent me an iron cobra instead of an iron cobra jr. Needless to say I wasn't upset with their mistake :)