Funny thing. I would like to give my biz to a local operator. Always my preference. But the only two ma pa local stores had problems - their staff weren't very knowledgeable. I recall being in one, just sniffing around, and overhearing a sales guy with a young boy and his grampa. Grampa was buying him an amp for Christmas (maybe bday, can't recall). Anyway, sales guy is trying to sell them on a blues amp -- nice Peavy 2X10. But the kid is saying he the music he wants to play is hard rock. Kid is trying out the amp, salesguy goes away, and I said to grampa you should try an amp that's more Marshall-y than a default clean blues tone. You could get hard rock tones form that amp, but you would have had to work for them, with pedals etc. Weird thing is, the right amp was right nearby, a small Orange. Grampa and the kid try the Orange and take that. Don't think the salesguy was too happy, but ... I ended up taking the blues amp later. That store is now out of business.
The other locally-owned store same thing. Staff just kinda goofy, like to show off their own chops and really not too aware of products etc.
So although I like to shop local, I go to the local outlet of the national chain. Excellent staff, service etc, and they can actually tell me stuff I don't know.
helliott in Hamilton
Guitars -- 2 PRS CE 24s 85/15 pups, PRS semi-hollow CE 22, Fender Baja Telecaster; Gibson Les Paul Standard; 80s Strat updated with custom 69 pups, Anniversary Strat with Fat 50s, Epiphone Sheraton re-issue; Yamaha 5-string bass; Yamaha TBS 6 and 12 string acoustics,Takamine acoustic, Fender nylon string acoustic
Amps -- Mesa Boogie Lone Star; Boss Katana 100, Peavey Blueamaster 2x10, Line 6 Helix
Pedals etc: Mosfet Full Drive 2; Ibanez Tube Screamer; Fairfield Barbershop OD, Diamond Compressor; Voodo Sparkledrive, Boss Digital Delay DD7; Boss TU2 Chromatic Tuner; Cry Baby wah