Hank Lane

lrs2005 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 01:48 PM

Hank Lane

Has anyone had any experience with them? If so, can you please FM with your opinion. I am in the process of contracting them for a band and was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience. I am intentionally not posting what it is - but will respond to FM if you have dealt with them too.
Thanks.

DebMaher Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:04 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Well, they are a recommended vendor and they starting getting pushy from the get go. Calling and calling and calling -- they even called my in-laws. Needless to say, not a very effective sales tactic. We chose our band after seeing them at a wedding last summer and there was no question we would use them -- but we met with a couple of other recommended vendors to get a flavor and some of them are still calling! But HL was among the worst and most pushy. That said, I know girls who have used them and been very happy -- I am only speaking of my experience with their sales technique.

martie331 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:33 PM

Re: Hank Lane

I had a similar experience to DebMaher's with Hank Lane. VERY pushy in the sales department-- my contact person there called me incessantly at work and on my cell phone after we met while I was trying to make my decision. The sales technique was annoying, but aside from that, I was wary of booking a band that I never saw performing (they would only play me a tape and show me a pic of the band together-- ONE pic-- no more than that!)

But I knew someone who went to a wedding where one of their bands played, and she thought they were great, and they've been in business for a long time, so I guess it depends on what you are looking for.

DebMaher Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:37 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Martie:
I am so excited to see another NYbride -- the Parker Meridien is GORGEOUS!

pickles16 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:38 PM

Re: Hank Lane

I met with someone there, and as good as they sounded on the CD, I didn't see them, and I only saw a picture. I've heard that they do a lot of that..and in the end what you heard on the cd isn't who you get...and the picture is, and they just have stock picture and mix members up....I just didn't get a good feeling..they have been in business for a while, I know ppl that have actually used Hank Lane's band or his son's, but you're talking about paying a pretty penny for them

DebMaher Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:39 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Also, I believe HL is a booking agency so they take a commision on what the band makes. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to pay my band!

belle22274 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:43 PM

Re: Hank Lane

I used to work for them in reception/sales... about 5 years ago. Here's what I'd say.

The negatives: They are pushy no doubt about it. And some of their business practices are a bit, um, well....questionable. What you hear/see is certainly not always what you get.

The positives: All of their musicians and bandleaders are super talented, and they do deliver an outstanding product.

You just have to put a ton of faith in their reputation, and be ok dealing with very, very pushy sales people. And read your contract over syllable by syllable!!!

martie331 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 02:54 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Thanks Deb! We looked at the Puck Building too-- great view of the downtown scene! FH loved the fact that the wedding scene from 'When Harry met Sally' was filmed there!

randella Posted: Oct 12, 2004 03:41 PM

Re: Hank Lane

you have FM

alexlynn7 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 07:38 PM

Re: Hank Lane

interesting... i didn't find them to be pushy at all. i told my sales rep that i would need a while to think it over, and that i would call her when i was ready. didn't get a single follow-up call...

i must admit that i'm a little nervous after hearing that HL's business practices are shady... but i also know that of the many bands that i saw or heard on CD, the one i booked was hands down the best (imo, of course).

so what's a bride to do? why are vendors shady?!

belle22274 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 07:47 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Alexlynn... as I said above, the end product, no matter which HL band you choose is going to be top notch. Don't be worried... just aware.

DebMaher Posted: Oct 12, 2004 08:25 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Again, Alex, as belle says, the final works are grand -- people report amazing music. And NEVER EVER let one girl telling you her experience with a vendor be enough to throw you off your gut. Different vendors work for different people. You will have an incredible wedding with fab music!

alexlynn7 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 09:06 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Posted by belle22274

Alexlynn... as I said above, the end product, no matter which HL band you choose is going to be top notch. Don't be worried... just aware.

thanks, guys. i freaked out a little there, but it's really because i have tons of things going on right now (rotation, medical boards, residency interviews, wedding planning...) and i've been anxious about them all day. it didn't take much to send me over the edge. thanks for making me feel better

lrs2005 Posted: Oct 12, 2004 10:17 PM

Re: Hank Lane

Thank you all so much for your emails and FM's they were all extremely informative. I really appreciate the advice.

spring2005 Posted: Oct 13, 2004 12:17 AM

Re: Hank Lane

but i also know that of the many bands that i saw or heard on CD, the one i booked was hands down the best (imo, of course).

Yes, in my opinion too, alexlynn!