After breaking the first string I tried to change myself, I called Guitar Center and then a respected local guitar shop to ask if I could have someone show me how to change the strings and how much it would cost.
I'd been to the shop one time in the past, some months ago, and I didn't feel good at all about that experience. I felt out of place and when I asked about a book I was very nervous and felt that I was speaking strangely. And there seemed to be only men in the place when I was there, which added to the feeling that I didn't belong. I left without looking around as much as I'd wanted because I was so uncomfortable.
But I went back today anyway. I explained what I wanted, waited, responded to a couple of people who asked me things, and interacted with the guy who did the restringing, although I was probably a little too quiet while he was trying to be funny and stuff. I don't think I did very well, and I felt awkward and didn't know what to do when he said he wasn't charging me for labor (only for the one string)--should I have given him some sort of tip anyway or something? BUT at least I went through with it and got it taken care of. And I felt more comfortable being in the store after having to wait around in it for a while, seeing women and children inside, having people talk to me, helping someone find something, etc.
I'd been to the shop one time in the past, some months ago, and I didn't feel good at all about that experience. I felt out of place and when I asked about a book I was very nervous and felt that I was speaking strangely. And there seemed to be only men in the place when I was there, which added to the feeling that I didn't belong. I left without looking around as much as I'd wanted because I was so uncomfortable.
But I went back today anyway. I explained what I wanted, waited, responded to a couple of people who asked me things, and interacted with the guy who did the restringing, although I was probably a little too quiet while he was trying to be funny and stuff. I don't think I did very well, and I felt awkward and didn't know what to do when he said he wasn't charging me for labor (only for the one string)--should I have given him some sort of tip anyway or something? BUT at least I went through with it and got it taken care of. And I felt more comfortable being in the store after having to wait around in it for a while, seeing women and children inside, having people talk to me, helping someone find something, etc.