I’ve been reading through the “stage piano” and the “Roland Prelude” thread and it got me interested all over again in looking at an entry level arranger. So I packed my lunch and was all set to go up to Sam Ash when I remembered my experiences there from the last few years.

First time I go up there to look at the Roland and Korg arrangers. No one knows how to demo them (actually it would probably be more accurate to say no one even knows how to play). Next time I went I called first to inquire if anyone was on hand to give me a proper demo. The salesperson assured me he knew what he was doing. I called once more on the morning of the day I was coming. Again more reassurance. When I got to the store, I should have guessed what was coming. The salesman asked me to wait while he tried to locate the manual so he could figure the machine out. I was left fumbling around on the keyboard with no one in the store knowledgeable enough to answer any questions.

Last week I decided to call the manager of the store and tell him of the above experience. I made it a point to tell him I wasn’t complaining, just looking for a solution to this dilemma. I told him I was NOT going to buy a keyboard without hearing it being played. He was indifferent….paid me lip service…..defended his salesmen to the nth degree (they don’t have enough time to learn all the keyboards). I countered with: “I’m not the only one who won’t buy a new keyboard without it being demo’d first. This is only a basic arranger keyboard, it’s not rocket science. And, furthermore, that’s where the market is nowadays….no one wants to take the time to learn to play actual music. And…if you hired just one demonstrator to play the keyboards exclusively and you sold only one additional keyboard a week, that will probably pay his salary.” It all fell on deaf ears.

I then called Sam Ash corporate headquarters and spoke to the man in charge of marketing. I got the same response. No enthusiasm whatever. Listened to what I had to say, but not real interested in doing anything about it.

With the stone cold truth now staring me straight in the eye, I have many, many mixed thoughts on “where do I go from here with the music…and a keyboard to play it on?” What do some of you think about this situation that we’ve all encountered over and over again? And what are YOUR solutions for dealing with it. I’m all out of ideas.

Lucky