Anaheim Band Instruments
the Brass and Woodwind Specialists

Where to shop?

The consumer has a choice of where to do business.  Some shoppers only want the "cheapest option" where after-the-sale service is not a price point consideration.  Other shoppers prefer to work with a business that will be held accountable for the quality of the products and who will provide ongoing service. 

FAQ's - Comparing apples and oranges:

"Why does it matter where I buy the instrument?  After all, what could possibly go wrong?!"

Small independent businesses like ABI maintain their own inventory, whereas purchasing at a chain store is "centralized"...(usually somewhere else!). Let's face it. We've all become conditioned to the "megastore" atmosphere. However, when shopping band instruments, keep in mind that "Bait and Switch" maneuvers are plentiful.

In the big chain music stores, many do not actually have the instruments in stock that are advertise (or the accessories you need). Once you reach the superstore, you may be persuaded to purchase other (more profitable) brands and models. 

The convenience of repair services on-site might be an important factor to you. Chain stores offering repair services are usually minimal or sent elsewhere.

Although few and far between, reputable independent music stores still exist. We believe you should seek out those stores in your area and give them a chance to earn and keep your business.

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"Why should I buy an instrument from Anaheim Band when 'CatalogX' quoted me a lower price?"

That's a good question that deserves a straight answer. 

We keep pace with the music industry and are very competitive in our pricing... although we prefer to spend time helping students at our establishment rather than studying the "catalog market".  In reality, when we do compare prices, many of our prices are actually lower, some may be higher, but most are right in there.

We are confident about our prices, especially when costs of service before, during and after the sale are added to the equation. And we've tried to make it clear with our customers that we are a service oriented company and our main focus is not trying to COMPETE with the mail-order or online catalogs. 

With that in mind, please understand that if your sole intent in coming to our website or contacting us by either phone or email is to find the absolute bare-bones, rock-bottom price on a given instrument, then you are best advised to contact a true mail-order catalog.  You are likely not interested in working with a value-added retailer and may not be interested in what our store has to offer.  . 

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"Should I purchase an instrument from a music store like ABI or an internet catalog?"

We believe it is worthwhile for you to locate and do business with a reputable dealer that has an established history (with their customers and vendors), top level management on-site, depth of inventory and, if possible, an in-house repair shop to handle any problems that arise. 

When you compare, do you find the same level of accountability and commitment to service?  Is the instrument being inspected and properly adjusted before and after the sale?  And believe it or not, are you getting brand new instruments or demos that have been shipped back and forth across the country?  Customers disappointed with catalog shopping have confided in us that additional repair expenses, time and trouble do affect their total costs. 

Local music stores do much more than "process" sales. You are free to choose. So much depends on where you want to do business. 

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Our reputable repair department has heard stories of "good deals" gone bad.  Here are a few examples: 

First of all: no manufacturer is perfect, and sometimes the smallest mistake can leave an instrument unplayable. The weeks or months spent in warehouses, on shelves, and bouncing around in hot trucks can leave any instrument in need of a checkup. Secondly, a store with accountability will work with the manufacturer to resolve warranty issues. 

We put each instrument through our "Inspection and Shop Adjust", so that you won't be unhappy when you take the horn out of its case. We're even heard about  sometimes that really "great deal" you found may actually be a factory second or a previously returned instrument with inherent problems. 

It is truthful to state that other competitors may not take the time and expense for the kind of quality control and service that is standard practice at Anaheim Band.  In those situations, an instrument with a problem will wind up back and forth in transit, or at your local repair shop to be repaired at your expense.

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"Should I purchase from the internet?"

The internet is a wonderful tool, but not always best for major purchases.  For something as unique and individual as a band instrument purchase...why wouldn't parents wish to spend the time to get a competitive price and good service in their local region?  We believe there are truly advantages to value added, local retailing.

If you live in an area where independent music stores do not exist, we are certainly happy to ship you good quality products including thoroughly inspected musical instruments.

We know how busy life can get and how convenient it is to take care of business 24/7!  That is exactly why we continue to develop our website's shopping cart and shopping navigation. We hope that our existing customer base WILL purchase their supplies through ABI's website.  We are stocked, ready, willing and able to fill orders.

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