Ramblings of the "dude who owns the Guitar shop"

I thought today as its a bit quiet I would write a bit about being a Guitar shop owner, and the reality of being the "Dude who owns the Guitar shop." Like everything else retail is changing this is nothing new to me because I grew up with the Internet. The Internet really was just taking shape when I was 18 nearly everyone I knew now had the net and it was rapidly becoming the thing to do. MSN open Chat rooms, Kazaa was the down loader everyone used and My Space.. yeah remember that one! We jumped on the bandwagon and opened Crazy Train Music .co.uk around 2003. Back then If you had a website with a co.uk on the end you'd made it. As everyone else's sites back then where .biz .cjb.net .htm989877uAmddm___ldms.net lol, you get the picture. Your efforts in SEO were unheard of Google rankings were easy to obtain but also the bricks n mortar shops we all knew and loved still did business. The high street in Mansfield was full of shoppers most days of the week, empty shops in the town centre had waiting lists for occupancy.

How times have changed...

Now I could take my pick of which shop I wanted in the Four seasons shopping centre and getting your Website to page one in a Google search is almost near on impossible. OK its do able... but not easy. I personally  think the days of bricks and mortar retailing are coming back. I think people have started to enjoy the experience of walking into a shop and asking questions and picking up the guitar of their dreams and playing it 1st to see if they actually do like it not just liking, or buying into the hype. The Kids of today don't know what it was like before the Internet and I think the older generation miss it. Either through bad experiences of buying online or just its nice to go shopping .. right?

True retail is getting harder, the Internet brings all the guitar shops under one big roof. Imagine a super mega shopping centre and every shop is a Guitar shop. How do you stand out when the competition is right there under everyone's nose? I try to think of this like an Olympic athlete thinks. Run Your Race. The worlds best are right beside you, Just do what you do and don't worry about what the other Man is making or doing. Do your best use your ideas and your brands look after your customers and enjoy the experience. Keep your focus, run your race and see where it takes you. I'm not saying don't keep an eye on your competition even Usain Bolt has a quick look over to his left or right now and again but don't let the big boys intimidate you. Yes they can buy more than you but do their customers feel as satisfied and would they go back? Do you offer a better service? If so time will tell. People aren't stupid people like being appreciated and valued. Its like a relationship build trust with your customers and the respect and loyalty will follow.

That's my take on things anyway Have a nice day.

Vox Valve Amps

Tony Bruno AC35 Fabulous USA boutique Amplifier builder

We are very proud to announce that CTM have now been appointed as Nottingham's only Vox Valve Dealership. We are currently stock a few AC15's,AC30's and some of the Tony Bruno AC35's which have to be heard to believe! As well as the very well known Night Train valve heads and the jaw dropping Valvetronix amps. So if ya fancy something classic come check out the Vox Amps and Pedals now in stock!

NEW Blackstar ID:15TVP and ID:30TVP

Blackstar have announced 2 new products to their highly innovative, soon to be launched ID Series - the 15w Blackstar ID:15TVP and the 30w Blackstar ID:30TVP.

The ID:Series has been 7 years in development, culminating in a range of amps that host unique controls that allow you to custom design your own sound, store it and have the total confidence that it will perform in a live setting, gig after gig, night after night.

The amps start with the patent-applied-for True Valve Power section which allows for 6 different power valve responses - EL84, 6v6, EL34, KT66, 6L6 and the KT88. The TVP section when engaged delivers all the tonal qualities - response, dynamics, break up, harmonic content - of the selected valve type plus with all the power that you'd expect from a tube amp. This means that you can get the valve tone you want but safe in the knowledge of perfect performance night after night.

The Voice control allows for 6 different channels - Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2. Once you tie these in, with the TVP and ISF filter your desired tonal heaven with supreme tweak ability is here at last.

It doesn't stop there, studio quality effects are at hand in the form of modulation, delay and reverb (all 3 can be used simultaneously). If you want to go more in depth then deep editing and the storing of patches is simple using the supplied Blackstar GUI software.

An emulated output, MP3/line input and midi footswitching functionality complete the package.

By using the unique Voice control, patented ISF and patent-applied-for True Valve Power, these amplifiers allow unparalleled flexibility and ease of use, enabling you to in effect, design the sound in your head and deliver it live as loud as valve™. Individuality is power!

Blackstar Amplification is proud to announce their first signature amplifier: The BLACKFIRE 200. Blackstar have been working closely with guitar hero Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) to create the ultimate heavy metal amp. Based on Blackstar's award winning Series One 200 amp design, this 200W, limited edition amplifier has been voiced in partnership with Gus G.

Four switchable channels are offered: a Clean channel with Warm and Bright modes, a Crunch channel with Crunch and Super Crunch modes, plus Fire and Fury overdrive channels specially voiced in partnership with Gus G. for a devastating full metal assault.

The BLACKFIRE 200 features a custom cosmetic including a brushed aluminium front panel complete with an 'Evil G' logo and a cast metal Blackstar logo. Each model comes with exclusive Gus G. accessories including a signed certificate, an 'Evil G' key ring, trading card, pick, dust cover and a Firewind CD 'Few Against Many'

• 200W
• 4 channels
• 6 modes (footswitchable)
• Gus G.£s Fire and Fury overdrive channels
• Series effects loop with effects level switch
• MIDI switching
• Advanced speaker emulated output
• 4-way footcontroller supplied
• Limited Edition
• Exclusive Gus G. accessories

Blackstar HT1 HT5 And Vox Valvetronix VT Range

Hi everyone just a quick note about our latest stock firstly from from Blackstar Amplification. Two of the coolest little combos out there the HT 1 R and HT 5 RC Both amps are now in stock with us if your looking for that bluesy sound, or that real metal crunch these Blackstar amps will really float your boat..Tonnes of tones ranging from crystal clean to full bore metal all at low volume so you won't annoy the neighbours.  If you would like to know more check them out here

Also fresh into stock are the extremely versatile Vox Valvetronix VT120, VT80, VT40 &VT20 With massive range of tonal options these amps are truly a serious option for the budget concious guitar player, Overflowing with great on-board FX ranging from Chours, Flanger to the best Auto Wah fx on the market today. Check this great range of amps out today here

Tanglewood Now In Stock Hey everyone. Just a quick announcement to let you know that we now have over 15 Tanglewood guitars instore in tune and ready to rock. 

Joe Bonamassa Pickups Hit The UK

Introducing the Custom Shop Joe Bonamassa Signature Pickup Set From Crazy Train Music.

The Seymour Duncan Custom Shop has teamed up with blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa to produce theJoe Bonamassa Signature Pickup Set. This immaculately crafted and calibrated dual-humbucker set accurately replicates the P.A.F. pickups in Joe’s beloved 1959 sunburst Les Paul®. Their rich, dynamic, and nuanced voice will appeal to all tone connoisseurs who cherish the passion and power of the original humbucker.

Wound on the historic Leesona machine that created humbuckers for Gibson back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, the set features an Alnico 2 magnet in the neck pickup and Alnico 3 in the bridge. Period-correct butyrate bobbins, lightly antiqued nickel covers, wooden spacer, and retro-style “Bonamassa” P.A.F. stickers heighten the vintage vibe.

Only 1,959 Custom Shop sets will be sold. Each will be hand signed by Seymour Duncan and Joe Bonamassa and include a special USB flash drive with video interviews, special features, and more. Buy Yours HERE