It's rare that anyone gets to a real retail music store anymore, and Fran is the guy to give his experienced opinion of products and operations.
I've wanted to go to a Sam Ashe for a long time. About 5 years ago, I bought a Parker acoustic guitar that was an internet special. There was a problem with it, but when I called the store, I got a really pleasant young lady, who arranged replacement.
I miss the every week trip to Carl's Music in Lexington to look at new stuff and visit with the other area musicians that gathered there.
Sadly, the social part of music association at a store is disappearing. The local PRS dealer (the largest on line dealer
in the US, I believe) no longer accepts checks, and all the folks I once knew are gone.
Frank, you're looking good and healthy, and I was glad to read your "trip report".
You're one of the members I'd like to visit one day, before I "hang it up".
Be well,
Russ