I would guess more incompetent than dishonest. I am constantly amazed at the uselessness of many sellers. Too many clerks with no knowledge/experience/passion.Once you find the store where its 'about the music and instruments' and not the paycheck you'll never want to go anywhere else.

Hey, excellent. So glad the Music Ground thing worked out - hope they were friendly too? It's a weird and shabby little den they have in the basement there, but I've always found them decent and knowledgeable.

BTW: can't think of a guitar shop in Kensington (apart from Harrods of course, where I suspect you did not go for technical advice!). Just out of curiosity, what's the name of that shop, please?

Cheers - C