TubeNet

What are the good ones? I know BrokeMays ist kaput, so where can you get a good deal on beginner band instruments in Dallas Metroplex?

Holze Music from Waco is moving into the Metroplex to fill the school music void left by Brook Mays' demise. I have no personal experience with them but have heard nothing but good things about them. BTW- Brook Mays is still in operation, but will sell nothing other than what is is stock right now.
http://www.holzemusic.com/

The music stores around here cater to high school bands. I'm sure you know the big franchise names.

I've heard some really good things about Rivard Brothers in Arlington. (only thing I've bought from them, though, is accessories.) Rivard Brothers-Band Instrument Specialists
2425 West Arkansas Lane, Arlington, TX 76013
Tel: (817) 459-2263

You may want to check with Eric Swanson - repair guy in Hurst, Bass Bone Dallas Opera, he may have some horns for sale, or perhaps some good leads.

Eric Swanson has no beginner horns. Don't bother.

Use Dennis Houghton if you are in the Keller area. He knows his stuff.

Williamson Music has been around a long time with a couple of locations on the Dallas side of town.

If you don't live in Texas it would be hard to understand the effect that Brook Mays closing will have. The band programs in this area are numerous and popular. Usually by this time, directors have scheduled the beginners so that they know when to pick up their new instruments along with the care kit, including tuner and metronome. This affects many thousands of beginners in the DFW area, maybe ten thousand or more beginners throughout the state. Unbelievable that this could happen at this time of year. It's like a retailer closing at Christmas.

Brook Mays was probably the largest retailer of musical instruments in the nation. A recent lawsuit loss cost them $16million but they should have survived that.

Check out Mr. E's in Bedford - I've purchased valve oil, etc from them. They have relationships with some school districts in the mid-cities. http://www.mr-e-music.com/

The lawsuit loss was covered by insurance, but many financial backers panicked after that and pulled out.

A recent news article stated that BM had 60,000 rental accounts nationwide (Whoa!), a great majority of which I am sure is in the Dallas/Houston areas. Those existing accounts have been bought by another party.

Asset

"For those customers who have rented instruments from Brook Mays, there will be no difference in the level of service," he said.

The liquidation, which will result in the closure of 62 stores in eight states, including 12 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is expected to wipe out hundreds of jobs.

In short: "We're closing 62 stores in 8 states, but rental customers can expect the same fine level of service from us."

Okay, I give--how are they going to do it?