Baran Emile Instrument Corp

Returned an instrument we bought here and I've been trying to get our refund for months now.

I grew up in Atlanta. Went off to conservatory to become a professional bassist. Shops that I've been to or dealt with: David Gage, Kolstein, Lou Dillione, Arnold Schnitzer, Mike Shank, Robertsons, Ronald Sachs, Draisen Edwards, Krazy Al's, and tons more. I took my old conservatory-quality bass in to the shop. I wanted to sell it on consignment. The ""bass guy"" comes out with a tape measure, frowns, does some quick measurements, looks at the bass disapprovingly, mutters in some (probably faux) european dialect, shakes his head. Throws up his hands, and paces around the room. Finally he says, to the owner and myself, ""I can't do anything with this. No, no. No. No, it's just not good. No."" (remember, the accent)BS. Like I said, I've been around to many shops. You get to ""smell"" a fish after working with these guys.If they don't want to sell my bass, fine. But all the hoopla? The pomp? If I was a young parent, trying to buy my child an instrument, I might fall for this kind of bullsh1t on the sale. THAT's what makes me mad. Knowing that these guys are just clowning around and probably snickering about all the 'suckers' they've pulled in. Two reputable shops in Atlanta that I know of, for sure:Ronald SachsWilliams GengakkiDraisen Edwards is more for beginners/students, but they never did me wrong. Skip Emile.

I've had nothing but good experiences with Emile Baran. Billy has been helpful to me on more than one occasion in the past. Bottom line: you have to know what you're buying, what it's worth and what you're willing to pay BEFORE you walk into ANY store with the intention to buy an instrument. Don't take for granted that the staff will know the exact details of an instrument. Mistakes are made, some of which the buyer is responsible for. The prices there are high on some things, low on some things, and competitive on others. Shop wisely.

For the other reviewer above.. If you used to work there, shouldn't you know how to spell his name? Get a grip.

After reading the past few comments,I had to relay my feelings. I am an old-time rock and roller, you know, the one who had a garage band, joined the marching band in HS because it's where the good looking girls were in the majorettes, learning to play because it was fun. \r\rI remember getting my first musical instrument at a pawn shop in 1970. It was pretty beat up, but it playedI still own it. When I came to Atlanta in 1991, I was working at the CDC, but I still wanted to hang out with the musicians. I tried Rhythm City. Old man Luther was a cro-k. Went to major Music, Midtown Musicall the same. Kids trying to be big shots with instuments and musicians. When I met Bill Baran and Ricky at DeKalb Music, it was like stepping into a past world. Sure the place is musty and disorganized. What did you expect?Office Depot? Hell the guy from Office Depot tried to start a music company called MARS and it failed. \r\rI think I know who ryanreid74 is. Oe of the young punks who tried to sell me round wire strings instead of flat wound. Good move, guy. You almost lost a good customer.\r\rI know that Bill is getting on in years and his company may soon be history. That is too bad, because he is definitely the last of a dying breed of musician.\r\rIf you are a true musiciannot some soccer mom who has no time to look for a decent instrumentthen Dekalb Music in Decatur is your place....