[Arny Krueger]

"Mike Rivers" wrote in message

Soundhaspriority wrote:

I haven't had a problem with Full Compass, but I prefer
the B&H system. They've managed to have a knowledgeable
and helpful sales force that isn't pushing to get the
order on the particular salesman's book, because they
don't work on commission.

If I need a box of connectors or some cables, I'll use
Full Compass or Gepco and
order on line. No hassles, quick service. If I want to
buy a microphone or a signal processor
or a mixing console, I'll call my local dealer. He'll let
me try it out before buying it, he'll give me
as good a price as anywhere else I could buy it, and
he'll probably take me to lunch when I
come over to pick it up.

Everybody should have a friendly local dealer.

I don't know of any local dealer who stocks anything that I would worry that
much about buying. IOW, I don't sweat the small stuff they do carrry and
they don't carry the big stuff that I have sweated over.

My last major buy from a local dealer came about because he was selling it
on eBay, and I noticed from his listing that he was local. For most of what
I buy the locals want too much for too little.

Putting up with the ignorant salesman's prattle and remarkably
time-consuming paperwork is a waste of time.

I do take advantage of demos of big stuff at conferences and shows.

In the past 5 years I've bought a ton of stuff, several $10,000s worth,
including microphones, speakers, even lighting console. My biggest buy in
that span was an 02R96 which I had played with briefly at a friend's. I've
had no disappointments at all. Next up, a 4-place Aviom system which is
pretty close to being a sight-unseen buy.