I hope everyone has had a nice Christmas...

My brother works at a local Mom 'N Pop music store. Their main income is rental instruments for the local schools' band programs. Their retail business for "real" stuff is very small. My brother told me, "Hey, for your Christmas present, let's go down to the store, and if you see anything you like, I'll just put it on my account since I can get stuff at cost."

I thought it was an extremely nice gesture, so we headed down there after the festivities wound down at the house.

We get there, and he's showing me around his teaching studio and the storage room. In his studio, I commented on a hi-hat stand that was off to the side. It was an old Speed King stand. What caught my eye was the WFL stamp on the pedal, *not* a Ludwig. He didn't even realize what it was! (I'm contemplating it, and he's holding onto it :) )

So, we head into the store area. He's showing me this and that...some of it nice new stuff, but nothing's really catching my eye. I sit down behind a set, and notice the snare sitting on the floor. I glanced down at the snare that was actually on the stand, and lo and behold, I'm staring at a really nice Champagne Sparkle Ludwig Downbeat snare. I check the price tag, but the price was scribbled on there.

So, I ask. He kinda laughs... "Yeah, that says $995.00" (Me) "Are you serious?!?! Why?!?!" (Him) Well, it was bought as used over 7 years old by a guy who no longer works here. He put that price tag on it." (Me) "How much does the store have in it??" (Him) Actually, I'd sell it to someone for $100, just to get it out of here."

He looks in the computer...

"Wow... We only paid $50 for it. You want it???"

(Me) Eye Ball "YES!!!!!!!!!!!" (Him) "It's yours... On me."

So, I'm already flipping out. Then I look at the used cymbals. Their cymbal selection is basically non-existent. He says "Look at the bottom of the rack. There's an old Sabian Swish down there". I thought my head was gonna explode! The Swish had been there for years. He couldn't personally afford to pay for that as well, even at his cost. But he let me have it for that cost--$73.00. x-mas3

And yeah, he's holding that WFL for me. Excited

So, I wasn't expecting any of this. Just a really nice Christmas surprise. :)

Pics to follow.