Just a short review on Alan Gregory music supplies. waited over a month for a mouthpiece. No communication from them to keep me updated so eventually cancelled the order yesterday for a refund. I enquired about buying an instrument from them (kanstul flugel) and was told they don't have any and have no idea when they can get one. Why advertise products when the customer can't buy them? For a refund I had to send them an email as they said they couldn't refund over the phone although they are quick enough to TAKE your money over the phone. a really poor customer service so fellow musicians please avoid!
For internet buys, my first port of call would be Thomann in Germany. Huge stock range, accurate indicators and they get stuff sent out quickly, you usually get it within 3-4 days... and prices are much better than the UK online stores for most things.
yep another OK for thomann. I also used a dutch company they were excellent and had large stock. I bought a willson 2950 euphonium form them. they had five on the shelf. the one they sent was excellent.
I use Thomann for audio gear too and honestly its easier than going across town to some of our local dealers. I feel guilty about it, but its too convenient. Over the past year I have had everything from a mixing desk to a harmonica from them, all within a few days at excellent prices.
I ordered a flugel mouthpiece on September 8th online, all paid for, still waiting... and no response to my queries. Not impressed with them AT ALL and won't bother using them ever again.
I had a similar experience with a Sop mouthpiece, marked in stock but they didn't have it... If stuffs out of stock it should say so, and if it slips through they ought to tell you up front (another thing Thomann are great for - it's my first port of call online).
I do not recall using AG but I have used many UK suppliers via eBay, Amazon and their own websites, never had a problem. Dawkes/Windcraft comes to mind as being good, well that's my experience of them. Service can be very variable. Some of my local shops are fine, good even, but others seem to view the people who use then as no more than walking wallets to be plundered and then cast aside. Service, value and sales do not seem to be linked in the minds of some retailers which is 'one' more factor in the demise of local and/or specialist shops.
When I shopped for mouthpieces earlier this year, Thomann was at least a fiver cheaper, because of the favourable £ / Euro exchange rate I suspect. Also, sadly I have experienced a week's delay getting a mouthpiece from Alan Gregory.
Still waiting for my flugel mouthpiece...(ordered September with Alan Gregory) so have now asked for a refund as they are obviously not bothering to get it for me. I was going to return to playing but this two month delay has rather made me lose interest again.
I had the same problem with a cornet mouthpiece listed as in stock from Alan Gregory. No word for over a month, got back in touch to be told they didn't have it, couldn't get it any time soon and that if I wanted a refund I would have to email and it would take up to 28 days. No way to run a business.
Also had problems with Alan Gregory for a mouthpiece. Took a lot of chasing and actually had to get grumpy.
Don't let that put you off Mesmermate, get down and parp on whatever's available, or get a MP elsewhere. I bet there are loads on Ebay going for a song ~ Don't fall at the first fence ~ Go for it !!
