Just curious about anyone else's dealings with Carter Vintage. I spent a week in Nashville for a wedding and took the time to go the Carter Vintage. I have a Gibson Fern that I like very much but also wanted to try out some mandolins on the next tier up ~$20K.
My experience there was not good. I played what they had hanging on the wall. None were even close to the Fern I have. I asked where the others were, that were listed on the web site. I was told they were in a photo shoot. I could wait, which I did. Obviously, they assumed I didn't have the money. Next, they came out and took the other mandolins off the wall that I had played (higher dollar) and moved those to the back room as well. huh?!
It was about then I started to get the impression they didn't respect me as a customer. After waiting a while longer, with no contact from any staff, my wife and I left. What a total bust. I was really looking forward to it. I actually do have the money to buy whatever I wanted. I won't be going back there.
Maybe they had a bad day. I personally felt mistreated. Possibly my long hair and beard turned them off? (two years ago I had no beard and short hair) Hard to say what it was. They have lost a customer. I was thinking of buying the Weber mandocello they had there, but now I think I will buy one from a forum member here instead.
That reminded me of when I was on tour with my band and bought the Gibson Fern I play now. I got it from Morgan Music. Listen, they brought out every single mandolin they had and even restrung a few while I was there. I left with the Fern and my bass player left with an NS bass as well. They treated us well and we made large dollar purchases.
Of the two stores, I would gladly buy from Morgan Music again. Really great people to deal with. I can't say the same for Carter Vintage. Man, it still bugs me!
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