| Author | Message | ||
| pswanson
New Username: pswanson Post Number: 3 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hey all. I have followed the posting about Ed Roman's guitar shop from time to time when he posts an Alembic on E-Bay. So, I finally go the chance to go to los Vegas and stop in. His web site posts hours of 10-7, so I got there at 6:10 and it was closed. The store hours posted outside said 10-6. The shop was dark and the door was locked so I hopped back in the cab and went back to my hotel. Nice way to waste $15. I went back a few days later in the afternoon, just to make sure I could get there during business hours. My, what a store. It contains just about anything one could want with respect to guitars and basses. They have some absolutely beautiful Alembics, including the 5 string triple Omega cut he posts on E-Bay. That is, without a doubt, the most stunning bass I have ever seen. I approached Ed about my experience of coming to the store, and he said that it had been open, but he posts the sign saying it closes at 6 to make sure the locals don't come in too late. Then one of his employees said my clock must have been late, as I was from the east coast. Ya, I thought that was real funny. Didn't explain why the door had been locked when I went there the first time. In any case, while the store has some incredible stuff, I did not get a warm and fuzzy feeling that made me want to spend money. One guy who worked in the left-handed section was friendly, but their selection was limited and prices high, so I found nothing of interest. Of course, there were no left-handed Alembics to be found, as is the case anywhere. All in all it was a mixed experience. Based on his web-site I had anticipated a much more pleasant experience. I don't know that I would go out of my way again to go back. Places like Chuck Levin's Washington Music have a greater variety of Alembics and provide a more positive shopping experience, in my opinion. | ||
| tom_z
Member Username: tom_z Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2004 |
I live in Las Vegas and if you've been reading the posts here about Ed Roman then you know my sentiments. I've been to the place many times and I agree that Ed's store is not "warm and fuzzy," it's a warehouse and it's still a fairly new location for them (they have been in that space for about six months). So, it's not very intimate and they have been rearranging it almost constantly since they opened (it seems like they haven't found a real groove). The staff is very knowledgeable - light years from what you get in Sam Ash or Guitar Center, but there is definitely a bit of the vibe that you get from Ed's web site. What is a treat, though, is the inventory. In most cities you would have to go to several guitar stores to be able to feast your eyes on a fraction of what they have at Ed Roman's. It's almost like a museum. I would think it's clearly worth a visit if you find yourself in Vegas - but don't expect to be treated as part of the family. If you drop by during the summer (slow season for guitar retailers) Ed may take you on a tour of the place including his workshop, where he employs several luthiers, and show you some of his private collection (inaccessible from the main floor). Also, his "Do not touch" policy has never prevented me from playing any guitars I was interested in. Rereading this - it sounds like a bit of a commercial - it's not. There are a few other small neighborhood music stores in Vegas where I'd rather spend my time and money (Cowtown Guitars, Pat's Desert Music) but it's nice to go to Ed Roman's to browse the possibilities from time to time. Tom | ||
| dgcarbu
Junior Username: dgcarbu Post Number: 16 Registered: 6-2004 |
pswanson & tom z, Thanks for the interesting views on Ed Roman's Guitar Shop in Las Vegas. I was planning to make it a priority to visit the establishment as part of my visit to Las Vegas, but now the priority has lessened thanks to both of your experiences. I am looking for a brown bass myself.  |
