After buying my first Stanford Performer dread (PSD-20) last summer it occurred to me that these guitars are something special, and far better than anything I
had played in the under $1K range prior to that or to date. Since then a number of us have gotten our hands on these guitars and generally my own personal
reaction is the same as the others in most cases. So what am I missing here? Why aren't these being sold by any of the larger companies who sell Eastman,
Blueridge, Recording King and many other better known imports? I have to say that this just amazes me. These guitars are IMHO comparable in sound to far better
known and much more expensive manufacturers. Done! You can debate it all you want, but IMO that means you haven't played one yet.
I'm just going to say it. I think there's a problem with Stanford's US marketing strategy and it's a BIG one. I emailed the company a few times and told these guys that I'm a big fan of their guitars. I told them about the growing US popularity on this forum as well as other places they were being talked about. I asked some direct questions as well. The reaction to my emails was not at all what I would have expected. My questions weren't answered. We also had a recent forum member who was interested in becoming a dealer. He wanted to carry some specific Stanford models. Instead they emailed him back and tried to tell him what to carry. Now here's a guy who's willing to invest his $$$$ with them and that's their reaction????? Sorry, but that whole philosophy sucks!
I know that Steve Perry had a bunch of these guitars in his store that barely sold in the first year or more BUT it's a small store. Let's face it. How much exposure can a brand name get being sold in 1 small store that isn't on the main drag? What's wrong with this whole picture?? I'm going to email some of the big chain stores about Stanford in the next couple days. Has anyone done this? I'm curious about some things.
RANT to be continued
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I'm just going to say it. I think there's a problem with Stanford's US marketing strategy and it's a BIG one. I emailed the company a few times and told these guys that I'm a big fan of their guitars. I told them about the growing US popularity on this forum as well as other places they were being talked about. I asked some direct questions as well. The reaction to my emails was not at all what I would have expected. My questions weren't answered. We also had a recent forum member who was interested in becoming a dealer. He wanted to carry some specific Stanford models. Instead they emailed him back and tried to tell him what to carry. Now here's a guy who's willing to invest his $$$$ with them and that's their reaction????? Sorry, but that whole philosophy sucks!
I know that Steve Perry had a bunch of these guitars in his store that barely sold in the first year or more BUT it's a small store. Let's face it. How much exposure can a brand name get being sold in 1 small store that isn't on the main drag? What's wrong with this whole picture?? I'm going to email some of the big chain stores about Stanford in the next couple days. Has anyone done this? I'm curious about some things.
RANT to be continued
.......................
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