I recently got a bodhran
for my birthday. (that's pronounced bow like cow and rahn like Ron)
I went to the local drum store to see what they had....and I was
ignored. So I did the "may I help you" routine. I picked up
a drum and started looking at how it was made. Nothing from the guys
that work there. So I opened my mouth and asked where it was made.
They scratched their heads and were little help. After finding out
that it was a cheap drum, I put it down and asked if there was anything
made in Ireland. (I wanted an Celtic drum, made in Ireland)
To make a long story short, it wasn't a very successful trip. Next
stop, a fairly prominent music shop in Franklin. I walked in.
No "hi", no "what can I help you with." I walked to the drum room.
Nothing. I looked around, saw no bodhrans, and walked back to the
main part of the store. NOTHING. This is the same store where
I went to look at guitars. I was ignored so I picked up a US made
Fender Stratocaster. Usually when you just grab one of their instruments,
someone will say something to you. No response. I played it,
did the "may I help you" routine, and was still ignored. I figure
if they didn't care, then I would pick up something a little more costly.
:o) I grabbed a beautiful Guild electric and played it for a while.
Absolutely nothing. This is getting old. That same visit my
friend Steve was swarmed by salesmen willing to help in any way they could.
Steve gets help, Mary Beth gets nothing. Is it that guys get more
attention than girls in music stores? Or am I just good at finding
the places with lousy sales associates?
Tell me
I did eventually find
my drum. I ordered it from California from a music shop online.
And I found a store that was helpful. But they don't carry bodhrans
or the tippers I need to play them with.
*SIGH*
Ok, maybe I was a little
harsh....there are other sides to this greeting thing. I was recently
hiking with a friend of mine. He made the observation that while
he hikes alone, he is never greeted, but when he hikes with a girl, everyone
on the trail says hello. I'm usually spoken to while I'm out hiking,
so I never thought much about it. So it swings both ways. (1-1-99)