Here at Ed Roman Guitars we have a standard form job application. The application asks many of the usual questions and some that may seem a bit unusual.

For Example

1,  What do you think of Ed Roman's DO NOT TOUCH policy regarding new and high end guitars?

2, What do you think of the MEGA SUPERSTORE MUSIC STORES?

We ask these questions to try and ascertain whether the applicant realizes why we do things a little differently here than most stores.

Recently an Applicant David O'Donnell answered the questions in such a way that I thought might be entertaining to my readers.

David sold guitars for a living in fact he was a 7 year veteran of Sam Ash Music in Hempstead New York.

1,  What do you think of Ed Roman's DO NOT TOUCH policy regarding new and high end guitars?

Answer/  A customer who will normally purchase a high end instrument will usually not want a shopworn floor model. If an item is shopworn the retailer will be asked to discount it drastically. Also, some people intentionally ruin instruments, steal knobs and other parts or ask to to play instruments with their hands filthy.

2, What do you think of the MEGA SUPERSTORE MUSIC STORES?

From the perspective of a salesman who worked for Sam Ash before they changed to a Mega Store, I have very strong opinions on this subject !!!

Not only did that change end the possibility of being a career salesman (I personally went from making $40,000.00 a year to about $27,000.00). It also ruined the shopping experience for serious customers. Every single knowledgeable salesman left after that change.

Guitar Center is totally geared toward the hobbyist or non playing music enthusiast. Their concept of "vibe", which includes blaring different recorded music from all departments simultaneously is completely counter productive to the choosing of a musical instrument. They pay their salesman nothing and it shows.

David O'Donnell

Las Vegas NV