Gemeinhardt

[BuckeyeFlute]

I was looking up something on the Gemeinhardt website, and saw their disclaimer about authorized dealers, to include Amazon and Walmart. I knew they were on Amazon. I did not realize they were sold at Walmart. I found the entire disclaimer thing ridiculous. Given the volume generated by Amazon and Walmart, they have to be supplying them directly or through a sham third party dealer. The real message seems to be that if there is a warranty issue, it may be difficult to resolve as a music store that didn't sell it might not be willing to help.

Walmart even offered Jupiter, but, oddly, an open hole, not closed hole student models. They also have a large selection of Pearl. An Armstrong intermediate, and Conn Selmer.

I get the convenience, especially if you don't live in an area with a music store readily available. But, it is a hit to local music stores, much like bookstores. I have been unsuccessful in finding a private teacher, so, reluctantly, I went to our local music store. I had wanted to pay a teacher the full price, rather than giving a cut to the music store, but I'm feeling better about that decision. It helps keep them open so there is a place for repairs.

[pied_piper]

If you read the fine print online, many of the Amazon and online Walmart items are actually sold by third-party vendors/retailers. I also prefer to buy from a local music store, but now most of those are part of a chain (i.e. Music & Arts). There are very few mom & pop stores left anymore. The local inventory is also poor. If they don't sell X items per month, it won't be stocked locally. That means having the sote order it for you or ordering it yourself online...