ez_willis
.
I can't wait for Walmart to start stocking more gear.
8
89gtsleeper
New member
Yeah, I guess I've really been going to guitar center so long that I forgot about how alot of the other stores won't let you try anything before you buy it... or some will play the guitar for you so you can here what it is capable of sounding like through their amp in their store. These people are more commonly referred to as pricks, chumps, and idiots.... among bad sales people. It's like a car salesman trying to sell you car by driving you around the block in it while you're in the passenger seat, and telling you how great it drives...
pikingrin
what is this?
GC is especially great when you make a friend with a salesman, let's just say, 3 or 4 months before he plans on walking away from the bullshit sales tactics that they use. I was fortunate enough to have that experience, although it was too short-lived to really take complete adavantage of. The first purchase I made from this guy was at cost + tax... So were all the rest... Got some really nice stuff cheap. Then he quit and I almost cried... 
M
Micter
No Title
I live in the L.A. area and there are 3 GC's within a 10 mile radius of me. 2 are great and one is just OK. I tend to get better deals at GC than I could get at some mail order warehouse. All in all I am one thgat doesn't go to GC to ask for advice. I gather my own information and go there for purchases. I think where GC gets a bad rap is from customers expecting an 18 year old kid to advise them in their needs.
guitar junkie
Guitar User.
I work less than a mile from my local GC and what I have found is check your prices, and see what you can find at other stores, and if you find a better price call em on it. If you want to know something about some gear... Ask them about it and run it through a BS strainer and if it still runs true then buy from the dude. I got a couple guys here that have turned out pretty well for me, and I shop with them at any time when I buy something.... I just got a new Hohnner Marine Band harp last week, and the dumb guy working the counter asked me what key, and I told him exactly what key I wanted and re confirmed the brand then he asked me if I wanted any beginner books with it..... Well I have worn my last one out.... Gee I guess I know how to play one well enough to gig out every week with it, and all that.... No I don't think I need a book.....
I have had some dumb guys, and most of the time they walk away feeling a little dumber for having screwed with me....
I have had some dumb guys, and most of the time they walk away feeling a little dumber for having screwed with me....
ez_willis
.
Which ones do you consider great, and which one just okay?
Nick The Man
New member
i dont think ive ever seen the same employee twice in the store.. they hire a new person in each department everyweek because someone quits
M
makeasound
New member
That would be a shame... Its all evolving. Grocery stores used to be corner stores now they are dime a dozen but just like they used to be but now they all have the same name. Kroger, Giant Eagle, so on... Plus the smaller stores are the people who actually care and arent just there to look cool and or get a paycheck. True musicians and music lovers... Think about it before you run into GC and spend loads of money. Also I have always no matter where no matter who, talked/haggled with the clerks at GC never pay full price. They usually always say "____ price well thats as low as I can go and Im not even making any money off of this sale." Even then they are lying however I feel justified!
Armistice
Son of Yoda
You're kidding, right...? Aren't ya, aren't ya?
There are stores where they want to sell you guitars but won't actually let you play them first? Wow.... serious bummer
T
travelin travis
New member
You're kidding, right...? Aren't ya, aren't ya?
There are stores where they want to sell you guitars but won't actually let you play them first? Wow.... serious bummer
believe it. i've been in a couple myself. the best thing about guitar center is being able to pick up anything and try it out on the spot. the worst thing is that everyone else in the store is doing the same.....oh, and the dipshit employee here and there.
T
the cool one
Banned
I always liked the Covina store.
I
isfahani
Disciple of Wong Jing
lol
GC, man...there was this dude in pro audio that looked like he really wanted to be Billy Corgan, same facial structure and bald and all -and I told him exactly what I wanted: 2 livewires 20 foot XLR to XLR mic cables...
Billy then spent 10 minutes 'not finding' the cords and then tried to sell me monster cables... I finally told him that if he didn't stop trying to sell me something that I repeatedly told him I didn't want that I'd just as soon talk to the manager. Guess who I ended up talking with?
God I miss my buddy that used to run the pro audio section, there was no problem there: this is what I want, this is the lowest price you can get the computer to move it for, SOLD! Over and over.
Shit, I blew more than $90,000 there one year outfitting a club (well, not my money but on my account and advice) so when they see that they tend to get real nice. I split my business between sweetwater and GC and a local store or three here now.
GC opened up a new store closer than the other two here and I noticed the kid didn't come over and start with the BS talk and chat me up like a pawn shop salesd00d when I was looking at keyboard amps and pro audio stuff, and as we were checking out I told him that was weird and asked what was up with that - his reply was that the corporate office had told all of the GC employees that they were going to be taking a new sales aesthetic and it was going to be way more relaxed now... I hope that's true, so far at that store I have had NO PROBLEMS. Weird, but true.
GC, man...there was this dude in pro audio that looked like he really wanted to be Billy Corgan, same facial structure and bald and all -and I told him exactly what I wanted: 2 livewires 20 foot XLR to XLR mic cables...
Billy then spent 10 minutes 'not finding' the cords and then tried to sell me monster cables... I finally told him that if he didn't stop trying to sell me something that I repeatedly told him I didn't want that I'd just as soon talk to the manager. Guess who I ended up talking with?
God I miss my buddy that used to run the pro audio section, there was no problem there: this is what I want, this is the lowest price you can get the computer to move it for, SOLD! Over and over.
Shit, I blew more than $90,000 there one year outfitting a club (well, not my money but on my account and advice) so when they see that they tend to get real nice. I split my business between sweetwater and GC and a local store or three here now.
GC opened up a new store closer than the other two here and I noticed the kid didn't come over and start with the BS talk and chat me up like a pawn shop salesd00d when I was looking at keyboard amps and pro audio stuff, and as we were checking out I told him that was weird and asked what was up with that - his reply was that the corporate office had told all of the GC employees that they were going to be taking a new sales aesthetic and it was going to be way more relaxed now... I hope that's true, so far at that store I have had NO PROBLEMS. Weird, but true.
CoolCat
Well-known member
in support of GC,hmm...
like someone said you can play the thing. you can get a mini-test drive.
shipping stuff back can cost $40 depending...so GC is good on that, brick and mortar store positives.
but i still like to jazz on GC... they are mega mart ville.
i saw marketing graphs at work. like DLP TV's...HDTV chips.
TV's at $10,000 you might sell 1,000 a month. to George Lucas and CEO's.
But when you get into $129 TV's and your into the millions of units a month. like mcdonald burgers. (personally, there's a big trade off and its not all positive, imo).
GC is into the larger arena now... that first store in LA has now turned into this Mega-Chain.
Similar as Fender, go to Fullerton CA and see where Leo started in this dinky little shop...and then think of Fender now. Its frkn crazy.
GC, is what it is...for better or worse. they got pissed when I kept bringing shit back, after trying it at home...but thats cool.
like someone said you can play the thing. you can get a mini-test drive.
shipping stuff back can cost $40 depending...so GC is good on that, brick and mortar store positives.
but i still like to jazz on GC... they are mega mart ville.
i saw marketing graphs at work. like DLP TV's...HDTV chips.
TV's at $10,000 you might sell 1,000 a month. to George Lucas and CEO's.
But when you get into $129 TV's and your into the millions of units a month. like mcdonald burgers. (personally, there's a big trade off and its not all positive, imo).
GC is into the larger arena now... that first store in LA has now turned into this Mega-Chain.
Similar as Fender, go to Fullerton CA and see where Leo started in this dinky little shop...and then think of Fender now. Its frkn crazy.
GC, is what it is...for better or worse. they got pissed when I kept bringing shit back, after trying it at home...but thats cool.
THX1136
Bonehead
Been to the big stores like GC just to see what's out there, but personally I'd rather buy from a local mom&pop even if it's a few bucks more cause I value the "added value" a mom&pop brings to the table. That's not to say I never use alternative stores be it mail order or big box. We musicians need the best deal we can get at times, especially with big buck items - or at least we hope to get the best deal in those situations. It's a quandry for me at those times.
I have at times had the same run around at a local as I get at a big box. An example, when Alesis came out with the Midiverb it was listing for right around $289 or so if I remember right. I went into a local and asked them about it and what it would cost me to buy one. "Well, let's see," said the salesperson opening up the stores price guide binder. "Says here it lists for $325 and we can sell one to you for $295." Now, at the time, I had a current issue of Mix Magazine in the car with a current ad for the Midiverb showing the MSRP. I was tempted, but decided why bother - I just won't buy anything from this particular store ever. Within 2 years they were out of business.
The only customers stores like that get are the clueless ones. Like someone mentioned earlier do your homework before buying from anyone. That way you can avoid and/or weed out the bad ones and find someone you can trust so you are getting the best value for money spent.
That said, I am discouraged by the apparent demise of the local mom&pop stores. They usually are always there for you after the sale, often giving you a loaner for gear that goes down until yours is fixed or maybe even being able to service some things in store. You don't find that at the big boxes. The catch is, for extras named above, that comes at a cost - you usually have to pay more for stuff. It's a catch 22 of sorts with no real solution on anything but a personal level. Do what you are comfortable with after examining the pluses and pitfalls - at least you know and are ready to deal with the outcomes of your choices. Just my 2.5 cents worth...
I have at times had the same run around at a local as I get at a big box. An example, when Alesis came out with the Midiverb it was listing for right around $289 or so if I remember right. I went into a local and asked them about it and what it would cost me to buy one. "Well, let's see," said the salesperson opening up the stores price guide binder. "Says here it lists for $325 and we can sell one to you for $295." Now, at the time, I had a current issue of Mix Magazine in the car with a current ad for the Midiverb showing the MSRP. I was tempted, but decided why bother - I just won't buy anything from this particular store ever. Within 2 years they were out of business.
The only customers stores like that get are the clueless ones. Like someone mentioned earlier do your homework before buying from anyone. That way you can avoid and/or weed out the bad ones and find someone you can trust so you are getting the best value for money spent.
That said, I am discouraged by the apparent demise of the local mom&pop stores. They usually are always there for you after the sale, often giving you a loaner for gear that goes down until yours is fixed or maybe even being able to service some things in store. You don't find that at the big boxes. The catch is, for extras named above, that comes at a cost - you usually have to pay more for stuff. It's a catch 22 of sorts with no real solution on anything but a personal level. Do what you are comfortable with after examining the pluses and pitfalls - at least you know and are ready to deal with the outcomes of your choices. Just my 2.5 cents worth...
M
Micter
No Title
The Cerritos store and the Brea Store have always taken good care of me. The store in Fountain Valley is the one that I consider OK.
Flamin Lip
New member
Here are some universal truths:
Most music store employees are either musicians or guys that want a "cool" job.
Most musicians and guys who want to be "cool" are dicks.
Ergo Sum...... most music store employees are dicks!
Seriously though, I worked in music retail for a long time, and regardless of where you shop, you need to do your research upfront. If you go in without some level of product knowledge and price knowledge, you are either going to get something that isnt right for you, pay too much or a combination of both.
GC pisses me off because they are able to undercut the mom and pops so much, that there just arent going to be many left in 5 years. I am assuming a dastardly master plan, and when they are the only game in town, they wont be so cheap.
The good part, is that they have a huge selection, great prices and dont hassle ya if you want to try something.
Most music store employees are either musicians or guys that want a "cool" job.
Most musicians and guys who want to be "cool" are dicks.
Ergo Sum...... most music store employees are dicks!
Seriously though, I worked in music retail for a long time, and regardless of where you shop, you need to do your research upfront. If you go in without some level of product knowledge and price knowledge, you are either going to get something that isnt right for you, pay too much or a combination of both.
GC pisses me off because they are able to undercut the mom and pops so much, that there just arent going to be many left in 5 years. I am assuming a dastardly master plan, and when they are the only game in town, they wont be so cheap.
The good part, is that they have a huge selection, great prices and dont hassle ya if you want to try something.
guitar junkie
Guitar User.
I see also where gear could get cheaper and cheaper to the point where it is harder to have anything that does have any value... sort of like man made diamonds.... pretty and just as useful but brought down the value of real ones with them....
G
ggunn
Crystal Flavolian
I'm not sure that that is an apt comparison. If I could buy a Les Paul that is every bit as good as the one I have, but only pay $19.95 for it, would I be upset that it wouldn't be "worth" $2500? No, it's a tool, and what it's worth to me is the use I get out of it.
Diamonds have no value for me. Luckily for me, my wife feels the same way. ;^)
G
ggunn
Crystal Flavolian
Here's one thing in favor of GC. I am seriously GASsing for a Bongo bass, but in a particular configuration and color (5 string, gold, HH + piezo). GC is a MM dealer and the only one in town that I know of. I can go in there and order what I want, and I can get their volume discount on it. Where else could I do that? I've looked on line and I can't find that exact bass.
Oh, and if I get it and don't like it for some reason, I can bring it back without having to deal with shipping, RMA's, etc.
Oh, and if I get it and don't like it for some reason, I can bring it back without having to deal with shipping, RMA's, etc.
O
omtayslick
New member
There are 2 "mom & pop" stores in my town.
In one the proprietor is decidedly superior to everyone else in the universe. If you wish to try a guitar, you may do so after removing all of the buttons from your shirt, (only a slight exageration) and then they will stand over you within an arms reach and fret over the process. (pun intended)
The second one is full of Joe Cool musicians. They are much cooler than I am. Their pricing is almost full list. You can try gear there before you buy it, but unlike GC, you cannot bring it back if you find it doesn't fit the bill for you at home. With a little coaxing they will extend store credit, but never a refund.
In these two stores, and at GC, I find that I usually know more about the gear than any of the employees. So......... I usually buy from GC. Better pricing, and if I completely change my mind after getting it home, returns are no problem. If the local stores would deal with me in this manner I would do business with them. Too bad they're so "cool".
In one the proprietor is decidedly superior to everyone else in the universe. If you wish to try a guitar, you may do so after removing all of the buttons from your shirt, (only a slight exageration) and then they will stand over you within an arms reach and fret over the process. (pun intended)
The second one is full of Joe Cool musicians. They are much cooler than I am. Their pricing is almost full list. You can try gear there before you buy it, but unlike GC, you cannot bring it back if you find it doesn't fit the bill for you at home. With a little coaxing they will extend store credit, but never a refund.
In these two stores, and at GC, I find that I usually know more about the gear than any of the employees. So......... I usually buy from GC. Better pricing, and if I completely change my mind after getting it home, returns are no problem. If the local stores would deal with me in this manner I would do business with them. Too bad they're so "cool".
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