Mystery Shopper: Fuller’s Vintage Guitar, Texas

This review was submitted by Guitar Jar contributor: David

While on holiday in Texas, I had done a bit of Googling to identify guitar stores that were convenient with our driving itinerary. I had noticed Fuller’s website (http://www.fullersguitar.com) but had dismissed it because it didn’t quite fit in with our timetable.

…What really impressed me was the staff. All very friendly and knowledgeable, with (IMO) the right level of customer interaction…

Anyway while traveling from Galveston to Houston we dropped into Danny Ds Guitar Hacienda in League City (http://www.dannyd.com) – a very well equipped guitar store with friendly, helpful staff. I bought a K&K pickup there, but couldn’t find that ‘must have’ guitar. (The McPherson acoustics looked, played and sounded gorgeous, but way out of my price range!).

On leaving the store I was advised to try Fuller’s in Houston. So, on our way back to the airport before travelling back to the UK, we made the short detour to North Loop and dropped in.

I’m interested in ALL guitars, but predominantly acoustics. I couldn’t fail to be impressed by the wall of Les Pauls on one side of the store. I averted my gaze and was directed towards the acoustic section. There was something for everyone low-, mid- and high-end, plus a few vintage and a some of the store’s ‘own’ guitars (not for sale).

I was particularly interested in a nylon-strung electro acoustic and saw the model I’d been looking for. I auditioned it for some time, both plugged and unplugged.

There was no pressure from the store to buy – I have to commend Vance for his very helpful, but not overbearing assistance. I discussed price and was offered a handsome discount. (I have bought guitars abroad before and am very strict about going through the RED channel if the price is above the customs threshold.)

I was only 99% convinced so left the store with no bad feelings. Following a lengthy debate with self and senior management (my wife always has sound advice on these matters – she knows ‘I’ll do the right thing’) in the car park I went back in and made the purchase before continuing on to the airport. A decision I’ve not regretted.

So, what about the store? Well equipped with acoustic and electric guitars (and a fair number of ukuleles – the world has gone uke-mad and why not?). A good selection of amps, pedals and other accessories.

The store’s website (http://www.fullersguitar.com) gives a good indication of what’s on offer.

What really impressed me was the staff. All very friendly and knowledgeable, with (IMO) the right level of customer interaction. When I commented on the staff attitude, they told me that they want to provide the service that they would expect to get when they visit a guitar store.

Price negotiation was another big plus point. Their advertised prices seem to be the same ‘discounted’ prices as other stores, but that was the starting point to work towards a price that was acceptable to both sides.

Summary

Verdict? For me, visiting Fuller’s was a positive experience and one that I would recommend to anyone who just ‘happened’ to be in Texas looking to meet the demands of GAS or simply toy with the idea of guitar based retail therapy.

This review was submitted by Guitar Jar contributor: David