GC Clearance

[c7sus]

You guys even bother to go???

The last one of those I went to was tables of open-stock returns and piles of berhinger boxes.

[reshp1]

Originally Posted by c7sus

You guys even bother to go???

The last one of those I went to was tables of open-stock returns and piles of berhinger boxes.

I went last night for some drum heads and had a peek at the store list. It was pretty disappointing, especially in the recording section. I didn't have time to check out the whole list though, and they wouldn't let you leave the store with it . Might be some good guitars and amps, but recording gear was pretty slim.

[MOFO Pro]

I used to love them... I can't count the number of amazing deals I've found over the years. The last couple of events... I've walked out with nothing... and now don't even show up.

The most aggravating part of the recent sales is that no one will take the time to track down anything on the list that's not on the floor (within arms reach)... especially cables and snakes on huge discount.

[Zetajazz44]

Yeah, when I walk in there now and they ask if they can help me find something, I say, "Huh..? You mean you finally got somebody that can..?"

[xstatic]

Most of the time it's just a bunch of cheap garbage. A couple years ago I got a nearly new (I actually knew who the previous owner was) TC Helicon Voiceprism Plus for $600. The funny thing is that they were saying that they did not have the box or the manual. So I bought it and went home and called my friend who had returned it to buy a Eventide Eclipse. He still had the box and the manual

Last year I also got a mint shape Lucid DA 9624 for $99. Three different people had to do an override on the price to get it to not ring in at $649. Each time someone new came over I kept thinking that would be the end of that good price. But, somehow I left with it for $99 out the door

[Ford Van]

Originally Posted by xstatic

Last year I also got a mint shape Lucid DA 9624 for $99. Three different people had to do an override on the price to get it to not ring in at $649. Each time someone new came over I kept thinking that would be the end of that good price. But, somehow I left with it for $99 out the door

Lucky guy!

[hixmix]

I've gotten some amazing deals on guitars and other instruments there over the years. That's what I usually go for. As for rack gear, maybe one or two pieces but nothing special.

It is hit or miss, but the GC near me is only two miles away so it's no hassle.

[BRIEFCASEMANX]

Originally Posted by xstatic

Last year I also got a mint shape Lucid DA 9624 for $99. Three different people had to do an override on the price to get it to not ring in at $649. Each time someone new came over I kept thinking that would be the end of that good price. But, somehow I left with it for $99 out the door

[reshp1]

Originally Posted by BRIEFCASEMANX

Yeah, no kidding.

[bigwillz24]

Originally Posted by xstatic

Most of the time it's just a bunch of cheap garbage. A couple years ago I got a nearly new (I actually knew who the previous owner was) TC Helicon Voiceprism Plus for $600. The funny thing is that they were saying that they did not have the box or the manual. So I bought it and went home and called my friend who had returned it to buy a Eventide Eclipse. He still had the box and the manual

Last year I also got a mint shape Lucid DA 9624 for $99. Three different people had to do an override on the price to get it to not ring in at $649. Each time someone new came over I kept thinking that would be the end of that good price. But, somehow I left with it for $99 out the door

I hate you...

[stetto]

No GC within 300 miles...Hadn't even noticed until now...

Other than some minimal hands-on road testing and Daddy buying Junior his first cheap guitar, I don't understand GC's existance in the first place...The one I visited in Phoenix when I lived there was a dire letdown, never went again. Manned by wannabes who think arrogance equals status and stocked with factory seconds, they shouldn't appeal to those who've been around the block.

...Uh, ok, I'll admit, if a band is gigging nearby and the drummer forgot to order his bulk shipment of sticks, then...

Eric

[notCardio]

they're not wannabe rockers, they're wannabe SALESMEN!

Wannabe rockers I can deal with. Salesmen who won't leave me alone, I can't.

Apparently, they're operating under the misconception that I have money. The joke's on them. I think. Wait...

I miss Mars. Now THEY were wannabe rockers. Actually pretty good guys, except for a couple, but there's always a few 'holes anywhere.

Have you noticed that the sale price in their usual flyers is the same price it always is in the store? The only reason I look at them anymore is to see what lines they've started carrying that they didn't before. And I always like to look at pictures of gear. It's my version of porn.

[tourettes5139]

Originally Posted by Cardioidpotent

Have you noticed that the sale price in their usual flyers is the same price it always is in the store?

Exactly what I was going to mention!!!

[punkin]

It seems to me that these big sales they have are simply a way of clearing out old and dated inventory. It's their way of dumping the dinged and scratched guitars and abused amps that have been sitting on the floor a little too long. It seems they have one of these sale just before the new shipment comes in.

I admit to going there from time to time simply because they're the Walmart of gear and supplies. I much rather dealing with their on-line counter part...the inventory better, you know what they have and what they don't and you don't have to listen to the little no nothing jerk off behind the counter saying, "dude...what's a ribbon mic", "we might be able to special order one".

I for one stay away from the "Blow Out Sales".

[drstawl]

I've been. It's usually more crowded and it's harder to actually buy something even if you are willing to pay full pop. That's the whole idea from *their* end. But if you have nothing better to do and are willing to be patient you could get them to apply more aggressive discounts to their normal stock.

Then again you could emerge with little more than a headache and a day wasted. You have to find a motivated sales associate. Or take the reins and "motivate" the sales force yourself. That requires a talent for knowing what would motivate someone just by looking them over and watching them interact with others for a few minutes. Well- that and some unreal hydro!

[punkin]

mental warfare is what I call it...reign in a simpleminded newb bounce all around the store asking about mics then a guitar then ask about software then tell him you're just looking for a guitar cable...get him confused then go in for the kill with a "I thought you said that KSM44 was 50% off!...are you messin' with me?,,,don't jerk me around...we gonna deal or not? You know I can get it cheaper on line don't you?"

[fenderlady]

I don't even want to set a foot in there on the clearance. It is usually so picked over and the store looks like world war three jsut happened. I can usually walk in there and get good deals from them. I try not to give them to much money though.

I will not order from Muscians Friend unless I absolutely have too. I ordered a mixer stand from them. The first one showed up mutilated cause they did such a poor job of packing. So I get credited, they ship another one. It too cames mutilated. So between the two I got one!

[kid klash]

I'm cursed with TWO GC's close by, one 6 miles away, the other 14 miles away. Damn!

Which reminds me - i gotta go pick up another eight channel snake tomorrow...

[Ford Van]

Originally Posted by kid klash

I'm cursed with TWO GC's close by, one 6 miles away, the other 14 miles away. Damn!

Which reminds me - i gotta go pick up another eight channel snake tomorrow...

You either live around 82nd and Burnside, or around Cedar Hills Blvd and HWY 26.

[Ford Van]

I guess you could live in West Linn too! LOL

[mrface2112]

i deal with a couple guys at the GC in richmond who are actually QUITE knowledgable, helpful and friendly. but again, i only deal with those couple guys and have cultivated that relationship over the course of a few years.

outside of them, though, yeah, there are a lot of punks.

i've made a couple good scores at the clearance before--neglected to go this year.


cheers,
wade

[pikingrin]

Originally Posted by punkin

mental warfare is what I call it...reign in a simpleminded newb bounce all around the store asking about mics then a guitar then ask about software then tell him you're just looking for a guitar cable...get him confused then go in for the kill with a "I thought you said that KSM44 was 50% off!...are you messin' with me?,,,don't jerk me around...we gonna deal or not? You know I can get it cheaper on line don't you?"

That always works. It's even better to find one of the "sales associates" who's been there a while, and hates their job too. I got a hookup at GC who gives me the goods for a little over cost... I walked out of there with a brand new Spector Bass (priced @ 399.99), and an amp, can't remember how much that was, only paying about $250.00. All because the guy hated his job, and didn't mind ripping off GC.

[hixmix]

You have to get on their "the list" mailings. Everyone that gets the postcard gets in an hour before they open the doors to everybody else.