Posted by Patrick J. McKenna on December 10, 2001 at 21:14:18:
In Reply to: Overthinking Again posted by Jezzmund on December 03, 2001 at 17:53:43:
: Was at my local music shop today (browsing for Xmas gifts--for me!). A guy came in looking for a beginner harp. The owner grabbed a Marine Band in C out of the case explaining that it was the harp on which every harp that followed was based. True enough, but I think he did the guy a disservice by not explaining the different types (he has a good selection). I desperately wanted to jump in and tell the guy to buy a Special 20, but didn't want to undermine the owner (who may well know shitloads more about harps than me. I felt that at least I should have told the owner that perhaps he didn't serve his customer as well as he might have. Instead, I decided to mind my own frigging business. What would/should you/I do in this situation?
: Wondering,
: Jezz
Hey Jezz...
Next time, if you feel duty bound to assist, politely, but discretely tell the shop owner. But, by all means, be tactful! Don't say anything that would embarrass him or her. Music store owners can be great people to be on friendly terms with. What they can provide range from advice, which can amount to free lessons (pay attention...private lessons can be very expensive.) all the way to discounts on instruments. I was given a free (new) harmonica by one shop owner.
Wishing you success in your endeavors,
Patrick