Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Work.
Currently I'm working part-time for Maestro Guitars. We just opened our fourth outlet at Parklane. So there's the Maestro Concept Store and Zen Guitarwerkz at Peninsular, Maestro@Esplanade and now, Maestro@Parklane.
I alternate between all outlets, but mostly I'm at Esplanade. Because somehow I bring luck to that outlet, and I've grown to be very comfortable there. And the Maestro family is a sweet bunch, I enjoy working with like-minded, friendly folk like them.
One reason why I like to work at Zen Guitarwerkz is because it's the place where most of the repairs are being sent to, so sometimes you get to try out some really awesome and rare guitars there.
But Zen is also a mat-magnet, no offence, but sometimes, SOME of them are just downright irritating, inconsiderate and rude. Most of them are pretty cool, I've to admit. But it's always the few rotten apples that stink up the whole place. I must disclaim that I comprehend the distinct difference between mats and our friendly malay compatriots. Furthermore, there are a lot of Vietnam/Thai/Indonesian foreign workers who frequent the area. I've nothing against them, aside the fact that they totally ignore me when I greet them and then go touching and knocking my guitars. I assume they don't understand the many signs around the shop that says 'Do not handle instruments without the staff's assistance'. I say this as an observation and without any sarcasm. That's why I take the extra effort to tell them not to touch anything without my help, but they just simply ignore me again. That's why I can't stand them. Plus, they never buy anything.
Esplanade is pretty cool because the crowd there is more refined. And since the human traffic there is very slow, the people that actually come into the shop know what they want. And most times, can play damn freaking well. Which is what I love, damn. When I hear them playing something interesting, I'd always ask them to teach me that lick or chord progression. And guess what, they never ever ever refuse. Somehow, people like to impart knowledge. Maybe it makes them feel good, gives them a sense of superiority over me. But heck, as long as I get to learn something new for free and make a new friend, it's totally fine with me to be just a humble student.
On the contrary, most people don't like to be taught. So that's why I've learnt to keep my advice to a minimum. Unless they're beginners, I don't usually dish out advice on playing.
In the picture above you'd see Mani. He used to be the guitarist in an old local band called Heritage. They're pretty famous, having played in many stadiums and such. He's a really nice, and down-to-earth fellow who is a master at chords and rhythm. He taught me lots of good stuff, and I really appreciate it. He spent 3 full hours in the shop with me, but I didn't notice it until later on because I was having a ball of a time.
As mentioned, sometimes I get to meet some really cool people. I've also made friends with the guys from local bands Plain Sunset and WGB. Again, they've valuable knowledge to impart and are very glad to dispense them, so I'm more than happy to be at the receiving end.
Cheers and out. 
