I'm not particularly versed in music stores, but i've been to a fair share while looking for a gift for a musically talented friend. steve's has a huge assortment compared to other stores i browsed. everything (instruments, books, etc) looks hands-on, as though experimenting is encouraged. grrrrrrreat!
EXCEPT. as a musical-know-nothing-friend, i don't want to try-it-and-buy-it. i want a sales person to help me, please!
there were staff "available", but i had to approach (and interrupt their conversation amongst themselves) before anyone even seemed to notice me. and then, musical snobbery was felt. when i finally broke down explicitly that "I AM A MUSICAL DUMMY", they finally treated me like a customer (instead of challenging and sussing out my worthiness of the gift i planned to buy).
this store makes me want to become more musically-inclined, but it also intimidates me from trying.