I guess I've never quite understood this sentiment. (I'd be willing to try if someone could explain it!) Is this loyalty different than an allegiance to a brand of ... IDK ... paint? What's to be gained? What if you're looking for a slightly different shade than you're finding on offer?
Paint is a bad example for me, but I understand what you are saying. I think I explained myself pretty well in that original statement; I don't have an overwhelming reason to switch brands. If, on the other hand, I tended to break my Zildjians all the time, I might look elsewhere for another manufacturer's cymbals. But, as far as 'shades of color' from one brand, I think that there really isn't much in the way of competition with Zildjian, which I understand, dilution is not a good thing either ("do one thing, and do it well."), but they have done OK for themselves, and the K Cons seem to be them finding their way back on the straight and narrow. The ZHT etc. lines keep the lights on for them...
I tried to return a relatively new and broken Remo hi-hat clutch to Sam Ash over the weekend:"Did you buy it here?""Yes."{Pause}"Well, we just sell these ... we can't take them back.""Then why did you ask me if I bought it here?""Uhhh..."Let's STOP doing business with these people, people!
I think you misunderstood my post, based on your reply. I was not indicating the local shop did not allow me to try cymbals there (quite the contrary- I go at odd hours and can set up cymbals on a kit and lay a bit if I want to); I was referring to ZILDJIAN's huge cymbal test area. According to the guy in the store, Zildjian does not allow us peasant scum to actually test and buy cymbals at the factory. I have not got confirmation one way or the other on that, but just was throwing that out there.
Main Drag Music at 330 Wythe Ave. in Williamsburg. I *never* leave that place without finding a gem. So I've had to stop dropping by ... LOL! Last time I was there, I found two Sound Creations and the best 22" '50s A I have ever laid a stick on.
I have a fried living in Williamsburg, so I might have to pay him a visit soon...
I hope they are. We really, really, really need independents to stay in business.
I agree, but at the same time, there are no independents around me! The two closest stores are Sam Ass and Guitar Splinter. A bit further away is an independent, under new ownership. I am good friends with the old owner and used to support him (I lived closer to that store then but also had other independent choices then as well). Long story short, even Daddy's is gone now! (best of the chains in my opinion). So, our current choices are chain store, or on-line for every-day things like sticks and heads. I don't like it any more than you do, but I can't spend $20.00 in gas to get a $10.00 pair of sticks...
The real solution is to open more independent shops- and that is no small task (but one I have considered with the help of the former owner of the independent shop mentioned above).
I saw a similar decline in high-end audio... It was generally required to move a certain volume and/or $$ amount to keep your 'authorized dealer' status. The shops who would not cram product down your throat (AKA "the good ones") Bit the dust because of it...