Accessories
Shopping at Gelb
1 - Do you match prices?
2 - What about repairs?
3 - Do you give lessons?
4 - Do you rent to own?
5 - Can you layaway an item?
6 - Do you have gift certificates?
7 - Why is there not a case included in the price of this guitar?
8 - Do you give special discounts to churches, students, non-profit groups, etc?
9 - I lost my receipt and now have a warranty issue, can you help me?
10 - Do you take trade-ins?
11 - Do you guys sell DJ gear?
12 - Do you offer drum delivery?
Instrument / Product Questions
14 - Is there anything I can do about my tension rods loosening?
15 - How often should I change my guitar strings?
16 - Which strings won't break?
17 - Should I mic the top and bottom of my snare drum?
18 - How do I stop funky overtones from my drums?
19 - What is MIDI?
20 - What is phantom power?
21 - Why should I use Pro Tools?
22 - Can I use my home PC for recording?
About Gelb and our staff
23 - Who is Gelb?
24 - Do you guys play gigs? Are you guys in bands?
25 - Did Jerry Garcia really shop at Gelb?
Q: Do you match prices?
A: Absolutely. We guarantee our price to be as low as any
advertised price, provided it comes from an authorized US dealer and is for
a new, in stock, current model. [This excludes used, demo, or
discontinued items.] Just bring in the documentation- catalog,
newspaper, or online printout.
Q: What about repairs?
A: We do not do warranty repairs but if you should have a problem
during the warranty period with a new product purchased from us we
will make the arrangements necessary to get if fixed for you. We will make the
calls and ship if necessary.
We do minor repairs in our Rental/Consignment Shop, and our very own Al, the Drum Doctor, can handle most drum/hardware repair and refinishing.
Of course, if you bought something new from us that requires minor adjustments, we can generally do that in the shop for as long as you, the original purchaser, own the item.
Q: Do you give lessons?
A: Yes. The Gelb Music Teaching Institute is located around the
corner from the main store at 2726 Broadway. We offer guitar, bass,
drum, piano, and vocal lessons Monday through Saturday. Phone for
price and availability at 650-365-0875. Check this website for more
information.
Q: Do you rent to own?
A: Since we give a large discount on most everything we sell in the
store we cannot “rent to own” and offer this same discount price. Rent
to own contracts are usually based on retail prices.
Q: Can you layaway an item.
A: Yes, you can layaway for up to 60 days with a 1/3 deposit.
Q: Do you have gift certificates?
A: Yes, in any amount!
Q: Do you give special discounts to churches, students, non-profit groups, etc?
A: EVERYONE shopping at Gelb gets a discount. Stores that give
“special” prices to specific groups are charging someone else too
much. We give everyone a break, period!
Q: I lost my receipt and now have a warranty issue, can you help me?
A: We archive your receipt for a period of one year. After that, we
cannot help you unless you know the exact date you bought the stuff.
The bottom line---keep track of your receipt.
Q: Do you take trade-ins?
A: We take trades, we buy outright and we provide you the option to
sell your instrument through our consignment store. Bring in
whatever it is you are trying to move. If you are unsure, call us first
to see if it’s something we can help you with. Our Used /
Consignment store does not allow trade-ins against consignment items.
Q: Do you offer drum delivery?
A: Al, the Drum Doctor will deliver and set up your kit. Call for an appointment and rates.
Q: Is there anything I can do about my tension rods loosening?
A: Lug locks or tension rods with a built in locking system should stop any loosening.
Q: How often should I change my guitar strings?
A: It’s up to you. Any guitar will play and sound better
with fresh strings. When the strings look dark & tarnished or start to break, it’s time. If you play regularly, once or twice a month
is not unusual.
Q: Which strings won’t break?
A: There is no such thing as a guitar string that won’t ever
break. All of the strings we offer for sale are quality, proven
products but if you have a really heavy attack and/or don’t change
strings regularly, they may break. If you are always breaking strings at
the same place,especially at the bridge, it might indicate an minor
issue with the instrument which may require the attention of a
repairman. If you bought the instrument from us, bring it in and we
will be happy to take a look.
Q: Should I mic the top and bottom of my snare drum?
A: Yes, if you have the mics and the channels in the mixing board,
it’s a great way to dial a cool snare sound. Try mixing dynamic and
condenser mics or add an ambient room mic for a fat blended sound.
Q: How do I stop funky overtones from my drums?
A: Try Moon Gel. It’s like magic! It works on cymbals too.
Q: What is M1D1?
A: It's actually MIDI, which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
2Q: What is phantom power?
A: Condenser mics need to be powered by up to 48 volts and require a
separate power source. Phantom power is usually built in to most mixing boards.
Q: Why should I use Pro Tools?
A: Pro Tools is THE standard in our industry for digital recording.
It is powerful, intuitive, and completely supported by Gelb Music.
Q: Can I use my home PC for recording?
A: Absolutely. We offer interfaces and software from many manufacturers.
Q: Who is Gelb?
A: Sidney Gelb, a violinist originally from Chicago, started
teaching and renting instruments out of his home in Redwood City in
1939. He specialized in violin but he also taught steel guitar,
accordion, sax, trumpet and guitar. As his business grew he moved
several times before ending up in the current location. If you are a
Peninsula native, we’ll wager that you or someone you know probably
took lessons from Mr. Gelb. Sidney and his wife Marion retired in
1972.
Q: Do you guys play gigs? Are you guys in bands?
A: Everyone at Gelb is a musician and does now or has played in a working local band.
Q: Did Jerry Garcia really shop at Gelb?
A: Yes, Jerry bought the Fender Twin Reverb he used his entire life
from Mr. Gelb. Jerry was very good friends with then store manager
Norm VanMaastricht, who was the best man at Jerry’s first wedding.
Norm is seen often walking the streets of Redwood City holding a cane & sporting a large feather in his hat. He is still a
dear friend of the store and quite a picker in his own right.
