CROYDON MYSTERY SHOPPER
London Drum Company
THIS EXCELLENT little shop immediately presents the visitor with a staggering variety of full kits and well-arranged individual drums for all budgets. A brief look around revealed a lovely assortment of DW gear and a surprising number of new sets, such as the PDP Mainstage series. Just about every major brand is represented here to some degree, giving the shopper a glorious array of choice. Having spent a couple of minutes browsing, I was then served by a very likeable fellow, who proceeded to explain what makes one snare differ from another, a topic that seems baffling at first to the non- drummer. After narrowing down the store’s
brilliant snare selection to a nice Pearl signature model, my assistant then hit me with a few gift ideas and tried to drive through the sale without seeming pushy.
RATING
A worthy alternative to Wembley Drum Centre for serious percussionists in the London area.
Rockbottom Music
I WAS a little bit concerned upon arriving here to see all of the staff behind the counter chatting, but took this is an opportunity to have a look around at what Rockbottom had to offer. A rock n roll shop through and through, this store is home to a marvellous display of electrics, including a range of Fender Strats, surrounded on three sides by a wall of amps and a nice group of pedals set up in a live position. I then decided I would like more
details on its entry-level guitars, but had to go in search of this information. The lad who came over was happy to help out and pointed me straight to a Yamaha starter pack and explained how this was ideal for what I was after. I was inclined to agree with him,
but it would have been nice to be taken round a few more models.
RATING
Plenty of choice for guitarists in particular, but a bit more effort could be given on the sales side.
Martin Phelps Music
FIRST IMPRESSIONS of this well- presented dealership were that it does a good job of making everything look shiny and desirable, from its selection of mid range guitars through to the small digital piano section set up in the centre of the store. After explaining that I was after a
basic amp as part of a present, I was shown two good options, a Laney practice amp and the Fender Mustang I. Although these were about the
only suitable models on show, their various features and advantages were sold to me in highly convincing fashion. A lot of time and care was taken in ensuring that I shopped here and I felt that if it was something guitar related that I was after, I would be swayed towards this one if I lived in the Croydon area.
RATING
A pleasant, welcoming store with a good level of choice and great service to match.
Jonathan Myall Music
I’D HEARD that this was a flute specialist also dealing in a bit of brass beforehand. But I was not prepared for what I found inside this store. Jonathan Myall describes itself as “Europe’s largest supplier of flutes, piccolos, accessories and flute music” – and this was evident straight away. This shop is filled with old cabinets containing flute heads for any flautist’s needs, and towards the rear, an assortment of old brass and woodwind instruments was on show that wouldn’t look out of place in a museum. The staff seemed very friendly and knowledgeable, and with a repair service representing another of its capabilities, you can tell why players of all levels and capabilities – orchestral musicians and session players included – decide to make the journey here.
RATING
A must-see for anyone with even a fleeting interest in the world of brass and woodwind instruments.
CONCLUSION
CROYDON’S rock n roll credentials are surely established, thanks to some of its current and former residents, such as Kirsty McColl, Kate Moss, Tracey Emin and Ronnie Corbett. The town has also been the backdrop to classic TV shows, such as Peep Show and that ‘70s classic, and MI Pro favourite, Terry and June.
But elsewhere, Croydon has been
at the centre of the development of the dubstep genre. It also has a thriving rock scene producing such local talent as 5th Man Down, Frankmusik and Noisettes. Local venues for live music include the Black Sheep Bar, The Ship, The Green Dragon, The Brief, The George, and
The Scream Lounge. The stores we visited all offer something different to one another, but as the scores suggest, I would have to pick London Drum Company as my overall favourite. It ticks just about every box you would want it to and offers a perfect balance of product range and service.
Rockbottom and Martin Phelps are
also good guitar shops, but the effort shown by the staff at the latter shop gives it the edge over its larger and more well stocked competitor. Going to Jonathan Myall is highly recommended just to sample how a brass and woodwind specialist should be run.
mi-pro.co.uk
July 2011 59
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