True, but what's a 'starving musician' to do? It's only good sense to want to try something as expensive and complex as an electronic musical instrument before plopping down your dollars. However, given the fact that your run-of-the-mill musician is traditionally one of the most underemployed and underpaid (not to mention, under-appreciated.....especially by club owners) persons in the job market, most have no choice but to make their final purchasing decision based on price.

While the Internet contributes to this (buying online), it also presents unprecedented opportunities to educate one's self on a particular product. Through on-line reviews and dedicated forums (such as Synthzone), as Diki pointed out, there is little reason to require 'knowledgeable staff' to help you with your purchasing decision.

Is it ethical to demo an instrument in a store in which you have no intention of making a purchase? Probably not, but what are your options. The only solution I can think of, top of my head, is if the manufacturers/distributors had a different wholesale price for Internet dealers and brick-and-mortar stores. It would have to be enough of a difference to provide a level playing field for both types of dealers. Just curious, has this subject ever been broached by b&m stores? George? Frank?

So, until society upgrades the position of 'musician' to compete financially with other career choices, musicians will never (with rare exception) make the transition from Walmart to Saks Fifth Ave.

Rude sales people? Hah, we're lucky to have any STORES left.

chas



[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 10-01-2009).]