Supersonic Music is a unique place to go for drum and guitar stuff.
The owner, Derek Sharp, has been a drummer since 1981, and has hired expert guitarists as managers. The scene is a little mellower than most store-no eagle eyed clerks over your shoulder or "You-Touch-It-You-Buy-It" signs on the wall. The give and take is that you can try it before you buy it, but it might have fingerprints or stickmarks on it. This seems to work pretty well for most folks and we like it.
Topeka Store- (785) 235-3786
117 SE 6th Ave 9am-7pm Monday-Saturday (open 'til 8pm Tues. & Thurs.)
Topeka, KS 66603 1pm-6pm Sunday
Lawrence Store- (785) 749-3700
1023 Massachusetts St 10am-7pm Monday-Saturday
Lawrence, KS 66044 1pm-6pm Sunday
Supersonic Music started in September 1998. Derek had been the manager of a now-extinct music store for a couple of years and returned to buy its Topeka location. About a year and a half later, Supersonic moved downtown where it is headquartered and TreeHouse Custom Drums was born. The next year, Derek bought out the Lawrence location of that other store; Supersonic Music of Lawrence opened September 2001. That same weekend, another venture started-Derek opened a booth at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival located in Bonner Springs, KS. Fast forward to 2008 and Derek bought out the holdings of another store in Kansas City, converting its inventory to a new online retail operation currently working through eBay out of the 3rd floor of the Topeka store. No new ventures planned at this point-two stores, a custom drum company, a traveling show to sell handdrums to folks at fairs and festivals, an online store, and an ever-expanding website. That’ll do.
For all its quirkiness, Supersonic Music is steeped in honesty, honor and integrity. All the staff are mighty decent folks who are real. No slick salesmanship or annoying elitism. Whether you buy a $2.50 part or an $8,000.00 rig, we'll respect and/or tease you just the same.
Turns out that almost everybody who works and teaches here is either a college kid, married, or still eats at mom's every week. Several of us are parents. We're stable and can relate to lots of different people-rich, poor, loners, family folks, proper, slobby, mature, annoying-it's all good. The music we pipe over the house systems have no parental advisories and we welcome kids (I didn't say we're free babysitters!). Soccer moms shouldn’t ever be anxious about being over-testosteroned by a staff who can’t relate; seasoned pros will find great stuff from folks who get it. If you've been to the other stores, but haven't been to Supersonic Music, we think you'll be pleasantly surprised
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Meet the Staff |
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Howdy! First and foremost, I'm a Christian. Not just a church attendant, I'm a sinner who has been saved by God's Grace, through the Holy Spirit, by the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Next in line, I'm a husband of 17+ years, a father of 3 supergreat kids, and a musician of 30+ years. I've been drumming for longer than many of my customers have been alive. I've been teaching for over 23 years in various settings, but now mainly lecture/demonstrations at universities, libraries, schools, etc; and my private studio, currently teaching on Tuesdays. I’m in a Kansas Arts Commission panel reviewed band called Voyager, playing across Kansas at schools and for community events. I also venture forth to various music festivals and conventions where I represent the stores &, demonstrate drumming techniques, and sell drums to folks.
I grew up with music. Dad was a high school band director, and I just loved whacking on stuff. I'd always visit garage sales, flea markets, and music stores wherever I went. I was always looking for that cool cymbal or nifty snare. I was just bothered by the haughty attitude of the stores I visited. Over and over, I didn't seem good enough-sales dudes creepin' around like I was going to sneak that new drumrack up my sleeve (or more often just never bothering to talk at all); cool stuff in out of reach places WAY too often; and most frustrating of all, staff who didn't know what they were talking about but acting like they did. I thought that if I ever had a store, folks could relax and we'd never be afraid to say, "I don't know."
I love to chat and make you think. If I can make you laugh, all the better. Trouble is, with 5 businesses (2 stores, a drum company, an internet venture, and the portable vending booths at music festivals), family and church activities, and an occasional nap, I don't have as much time to chat as I'd like to. Feel free to catch up with me and wax philosophic all you like-just don't be too bummed if I gotta cut short for an appointment or tend to the Spanish speaking customers (I'm still the only one 'round here who goes there).
I am of the opinion that the buck stops here. I feel ultimately responsible for the actions of those in my employ and urge you to bark at me if they screw up. This is how I can know if you are being disserved. Otherwise, if someone 'round here ruffles your feathers too much but no one knows, how can anyone fix it? Please offer me the honor of an opportunity to repair any wrongs. Know, though, I don't subscribe to the adage that the customer is always right. If you're lying, you're wrong.
What else to say? I could go on for hours, but you have the rest of a website to surf, so just ask if you wanna know more.
Dear Friends at Supersonic Music:
I am writing this letter to say thank you for the wonderful service I have received as a customer at your Topeka store. Recently, I purchased a beautiful new Ibanez GSR bass guitar from you guys; a really great quality bass at a truly amazing price. Of course, that's one of the main reasons I frequent your store: I can find professional quality gear at reasonable, affordable prices.
It gets even better. When I got my new bass home, I discovered a tiny defect: a small mar in the finish that must've simply gotten past the factory inspectors at the manufacturing plant. It was such a minuscule problem, I was afraid I was perhaps just being nit-picky... you know how musicians can be about their instruments... I decided to bring it in and show my problem to the sales guy, anyway, and I am so glad I did!
Not only did you guys examine the guitar and listen patiently to my problem, but you actually took my problem seriously. And, rather than simply send my guitar away to be repaired, you ordered me a spanking-new replacement: The same model, brand.. even the same color, absolutely free!
Back in the days when I used to shop the pawn places for musical instruments, I'd often have to take the junk back and complain... only to be sneered at, and treated like a leper. But at Supersonic Music, I was treated like a valued customer. Dave, the guy who helped me, got right on it. He called the guitar company the same day I came in, and my new, perfect replacement arrived in only one week's time! He even made sure I had a bass to play in the meantime, while I waited! I am very pleased with the outstanding level of service I received.
Overall, Supersonic Music is now the only place I go with my musical needs. I've been to a few of the other “music stores” here in town, only to be followed around and treated like some kind of homeless guy or shoplifter by some summer-job clarinet-nerd sales dude, because of my tattoos and rock-and-roll appearance. But the guys [and girls!] at Supersonic are always friendly, super knowledgeable, and always willing to do whatever it takes to keep me rockin'! Thanks for running the BEST MUSIC STORE IN TOWN!
Super-Satisfied, Super-Sincerely,
Paul Sabel
Derek and Staff,
I just wanted to take a minute and say thanks again for all your help. I don't know if you remember me or not, but I'm the one who broke the back off of a Roc 'n Soc seat. You sent it back for me at no charge. Not only that, but you gave me a loaner while it was gone. I think of your service every time I get my throne out to play.
I'm sorry I didn't write sooner, but I finally decided just telling you “thank you” when I picked it up wasn't enough. I am very impressed by your business ethic. Your kind of customer service is, sadly, becoming rare these days. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that! I play about two four-hour jobs a week and having a good seat makes all the difference in the world. The fact that you did all that for me (and I had that loaner several weeks!) at no charge is wonderful.
I'm not even a particularly special customer. I don't spend hundreds of dollars at your shop every month. But I'll tell you one thing, I liked your store before. I've always thought you were friendly, helpful, and fair. But with service like this, you have a loyal customer here for life! Not only that but I've become a promoter. I tell everyone I know to shop at your store! You are the greatest. Keep up the good work. I wish you the best and all the success that you deserve!
Your Loyal Customer and Friend,
Troy Heidner
Frisco, Texas
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