American Guitar & Band

11/06/2007 Posted by violentspectre

American Guitar and Band is not Guitar Center. For all the right reasons. And that is a very good thing. Whenever I have grudgingly visited Guitar Centers in the last couple years of my life, I've had to brace myself for the onslaught of arrogant, rude and pushy associates who either don't know what they're talking about--or!--if they do know what they're talking about, they make it quite a point to make you feel like an idiot for not knowing the things they know. But because of the broader selection of goods and financing options, I have kept coming back for more punishment. I'm happy to say that I won't have to anymore. I heard of American Guitar and Band from a friend of mine who will be teaching guitar lessons there soon. When another friend and I went there, it was like a ray of sunshine through the clouds. The associates were genuinely friendly! They gave the right amount of attention/time to play on your own and were very accomodating. And there was no excessive pressure to buy right on the spot. The selection of gear is impressive--especially since much of it is top of the line/rare/custom equipment. And yet the prices are very reasonable. It is unfortunate that the store is in Maple Grove as that suburb is out of the way for most of the Metro area. But it's easy to get to from 94 and definitely worth driving the extra miles. Other than the location, I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the place. Whereas I could write a novel of negativity about GC. Good work, chaps! You've got a loyal customer on your hands. And I've been telling everyone I know.

Pros: Service, Quality, Selection, etc.

Cons: Location

11/02/2007 Posted by topsecretshopper

Known for its uncommon selection of gear and upscale, friendly atmosphere, family-owned American Guitar Boutique opened in 2000 and was located in St. Paul for its first five years of business. In 2007 the company expanded to include a wider range of instruments and was renamed American Guitar & Band. Now located in Maple Grove, it is drawing national attention as a destination for professional musicians as well as becoming a local favorite for lessons and instrument rentals. AG&B is also renowned for its service and individualized attention to each client. According to owner Cory Lake, “Whether it is a musician on tour looking for a rare guitar or a parent bringing their child in for lessons for the first time, the shared reaction is ‘I’ve never been in a store like this.’ I am proud that my company is like a second home to so many clients. Our emphasis on courtesy and community is central to our success.” AG&B's 5,000 sq.ft. store includes electric, bass, and acoustic guitar showrooms, a huge selection of amps, a percussion room, 10 classrooms for lessons in all instruments as well as voice, band and orchestra instrument rentals, a repair booth, coffee bar, and popular store dog. For musicians who loved the selection of custom and limited edition gear at the old AGB, it is now found in an exclusive room, called "The Boutique," in the center of the store. Located just off 94 and Weaver Lake Rd., next to J.C. Penney, the store is easy to reach and has ample parking. As an independent music store, AG&B lavishes great attention to creating an ideal music environment. Lesson rooms are equipped with studio-grade equipment (and staffed by professional, accredited music teachers) as well as computers for recording lessons to disk. Music documentaries, or Guitar Hero, stream on a large plasma screen, photographs from the Minnesota Historical Society document Minnesota music history, and even First Avenue contributed ephemera for the shop's interior.

Pros: Service, knowledge, selection, great environment, independently owned and operated