Unique/quirky or terrible? Does my site stand out?

[deepsand]

Updated the add to cart for the small items to compare against the bigger items.

Which one you do you prefer?

Not quite sure what is to be compared with what.

If you refer to the appearance of the "Add To Cart" element itself, I'm leaning toward the one currently shown on the small panels, as it's more crisp.

As for the background, the blue/black/gray combo. works for me.

[LD]

I'm sorry. But I don't "get" the imagery re dusk, bats and the silhouette. Honestly, it gives me the feeling I'm looking at a graveyard - and looking at the Menu nav choices just under the search field - looks kind of like a headstone. Sorry, but it just looks spooky.

[Plecpicker]

We are going for an alternative look.
Out of curiosity, is it the gothic cartoony style or the graveyard theme that puts you off LD?

[LD]

We are going for an alternative look.
Out of curiosity, is it the gothic cartoony style or the graveyard theme that puts you off LD?

I think there is a big "disconnect" between what you are selling and the effect the design conveys is all. I don't see or feel "guitar" at all when I look at the current site. I understand wanting an alternative look, and I see the bat with a silhouette of a guitar. But visitors should feel something related to "guitar", "guitar accessories", "music" or even to a lesser extent, "audio", when they arrive at the site.

[Plecpicker]

I've been meaning to add in a guitar and bass neck silhouette around the company name along with a few music notes scattered around.
Would this be enough?

[LD]

Here's the thing - there are some here that like the design, but it's not what I'd suggest for a client in your industry - even if the client wanted to stand out and have a different "look". I know you don't want to hear this, but if a client came to me with this to manage/update, right away I'd suggest a redesign. Sorry.

[Plecpicker]

That's OK, it's just cosmetics really. I'm by no means a graphic designer.
We intend to add a option to change the site graphics at a click. Genre themed.
The default will not be spooky.

Layout wise how do you find the site to navigate and does it "feel" on a interactive level?
This is where our efforts have been placed.

Also does the gold/grey work with the purple and blue?

Thanks,
Night all

[weegillis]

What has been your customer reaction to the redesign/makeover? Personally, I don't have a fondness for the site, but I'll never be buying anything so my opinion is of little merit compared to your users/customers.

I'm not a big fan of the color scheme, and the bold Georgia font really puts a blur on the whole picture. The navigation should be in a more standard sans-serif font and the buttons could be made to stand out with a little gradient, a 3-D effect and text shadow. I don't see how the Hallowe'en theme fits in, either, so 'quirky' might be the best description. But I repeat, your customers comments are what you need to be reviewing.

[Plecpicker]

What has been your customer reaction to the redesign/makeover? Personally, I don't have a fondness for the site, but I'll never be buying anything so my opinion is of little merit compared to your users/customers.

I'm not a big fan of the color scheme
I wish to change the menu buttons, would green work?
the bold Georgia font really puts a blur on the whole picture
Much better, thank you for the suggestion
The navigation should be in a more standard sans-serif font and the buttons could be made to stand out with a little gradient, a 3-D effect and text shadow.
Very true, will be working on this
I don't see how the Hallowe'en theme fits in, either, so 'quirky' might be the best description.
I've changed the bottom now

But I repeat, your customers comments are what you need to be reviewing.

We're not a seller yet, wish to perfect the site before we start as a business. The monster isn't ready yet

Brilliant post weegillis. I've answered your questions and suggestions within the quote.

[Calibre 24]

I like it It's definitely quirky it looks a little dated but I like that. Reminds me of the early days of the internet.