The amazing thing is that there are big brick and morter music stores anymore. I'm always looking for obscure things which most of the salesmen haven't even heard about .I am forced to go to the net to get stuff much of the time.Most of the big retailers have deals with the major companys these days so they have very limited choices from a suppliers product lines to keep prices low. There is one music megastore in the NY area which really breaks the mold.Alto music in Middletown NY about 50 miles from the city has an amazing array of product including items the other big boys never carry. I had the opportunity to stop there a week ago and couldn't believe how many guitars you never see even online, much of them affordable .

-Steve