If you read my other post you would know my birthday was recent and I had cash in my new bass fund. So on Monday I down to guitar center to pick up my Yamaha bass. I loved it and when I got home I just couldnt stop playin it. So i was all pumped up when i was going to lesson today (tuesday). :hyper: When i got in my guitar teach chuck asked if he can see my new purchase. Then he said hey not to burst your bubble but this has a curve/bow on the neck. He said nobody adjusted it from getting it out of the box. Surprised about the defect i went strait to guitar center after lessons. The guy was incapable of fixing it. He was asking guys what way was right for righty tighty lefty loosey. Then he called many people on the phone for instruction. After a half hour it was 7 30 when i asked if I could just have my money back. After fifteen minutes in the back he came out with my check, and said he was very sorry. So I asked him how could they let people walk out with defective merchandise. My exact word were "How could you let people walk out of your store with this, don't you even check this stuff on all new instruments??" He said " Oh no we don't check it because there are too many to be checked." So they are skipping out on quality for quantity. Whats the moral here don't by from Guitar center?? I know they left a bad taste in my mouth.

Many people buy from Guitar Center for their large selection and low prices. Then some have issues with poor service. How do you think largish-selection and low prices are possible? What has to 'give'?

It is common for new basses, especially GC basses, to need a setup. The moral of the story could be: ask for one before finalizing the purchase, or budget for a setup from a pro or local tech, or learn to do your own setups.

There was probably nothing wrong with the bass other than needing a half turn or so on the truss rod. Someone at the store should have been able to do it, too bad they could not at the time.

But they gave you your money back on demand. A lot of stores wouldn't have done that, I'll bet.

Sounds like a pretty good store to me, other than needing someone to adjust a truss rod.

Nice joke!!

http://disabilitiesunlimited.org/blogs/media/HumourLaughingKitten.jpg

the guy on site was trying to fix it for a half hour and pretty much gave up

You expect Best Buy to boot up every peice of electronic gadget before you walk out of the door(?), because Guitar Center is the Best Buy of Music Stores. Moving product and making district sales numbers, as most corporate retail establishments.

Buy local, pay a few extra bucks more for the same item, but you get personal service. Or buy from people on TB, they usually have the basses fit and finished and you are almost set to get a well playing bass.

I find most guitar centers aren't humid enough and the necks get dried and warped from the lack of moisture. You have to pray that the bass hasn't sit on the hanger for more than 3 months or you are screwed.

Not to sound like a jerk but if it was that bad you should not have walked out of the store with that bass. Maybe you should have picked a different one. At least the guy tried to do something. GC does not work on guitars or anything so they really had no obligation to do anything except exchange it or refund your money. It sounds like they actually tried to go beyond what they were supposed to do.

Two of the local GC's in my area use an outside company to come in a do set ups. It's not like what you would get at a pro shop but it's not as bad as some. It still can't keep up with all of the goofs who go in there and screw with everything.

Remember that that kind of set up and prep ads to the overheads and cuts into the profit margins of smaller retailers. So don't expect the GC price when you buy it at one of those stores that don't "suck"...And don't try to low ball them when they won't do your set up for free, throw in extra strings and a strap and sell you an SKB44 case at cost...Because what are you gonna do? Tell them that you can buy it for less at guitar center? Waaaaaaahhhhhhh

I wouldn't call a truss rod adjustment a defect. Now, if the truss rod was broken, thats a different story. If you are serious about your instrument, you should invest in some tools and learn how to do a basic setup yourself.

My first bass i bought at a local music store and i broke a tuning knob. It was completely my fault and they fixed it for free. Thats where i'm getting my next one.I eve offered to pay like 5 times.

I would rather do the setups myself than trust guitar center employees to try it.
I went into my local GC to play around, had some nice new stingrays sitting out, they were awesome.
A few weeks later i went in again, found the same stingrays, but someone had done absolute atrocities to the setups. I'm pretty sure someone was TRYING to do a setup and failed, the saddles were all over the place, the action was terrible, i couldn't even play on it.
Another time i picked up a SR505, tried it out, the action was so low that the strings couldn't even vibrate, they were up against the frets.

I wouldn't call a truss rod adjustment a defect. Now, if the truss rod was broken, thats a different story. If you are serious about your instrument, you should invest in some tools and learn how to do a basic setup yourself.

The guy said the truss was broken and thats why he could not fix it.

Doesn't sound like it was defective, but maybe just badly needed a set-up. You seemed pretty happy with the bass before someone told you it needed a set-up. Why didn't your guitar teach chuck adjust it for you, or show you how?

Tell me something i dont know :hmm:
Whenever i go there now i insist on dealing with a manager for anything other than small purchases (cords, strings etc)
That is the only way to go over there. As a former salesperson and a alumni of the guitar center training program i can tell you that most low level gc employess have been at the strore for less than a year or so. The turn over rate is ridiculous. And they are not exactly picky about who they hire.
And as far as getting a in store set up good luck. That is why most gc's outsource repairs to another shop
BTW i lasted a month before i wanted to blow my brains out everytime i walked into that store. :smug:

Not to sound like a jerk but if it was that bad you should not have walked out of the store with that bass. ...

Yes but i am only playing a year and i should have taken a experienced person with me. You are right.

Doesn't sound like it was defective, but maybe just badly needed a set-up. You seemed pretty happy with the bass before someone told you it needed a set-up. Why didn't your guitar teach chuck adjust it for you, or show you how?

He didn't have the tools or anything. Any way i am going to get it at a local store.

Tell me something i dont know :hmm:
Whenever i go there now i insist on dealing with a manager for anything other than small purchases (cords, strings etc)
That is the only way to go over there. As a former salesperson and a alumni of the guitar center training program i can tell you that most low level gc employess have been at the strore for less than a year or so. The turn over rate is ridiculous. And they are not exactly picky about who they hire.
And as far as getting a in store set up good luck. That is why most gc's outsource repairs to another shop
BTW i lasted a month before i wanted to blow my brains out everytime i walked into that store. :smug:


HeHe but the strap I got was good and the hook, but how could they mess that up.

looks like GC refunded the cash, so what's the joke ? their policy is,,, if for any reason you're not saatisfied with your purchase, they will replace or refund within 30 days.

sounds like a great policy to me

i think the jokes on you,, as it took your " teacher " to inform you that your neck was tweeaked....:hmm:

I bought a brand new bass. Nothing should be wrong with it. They should look over the new stuff when it gets shipped in.

They don't care about you, they just want the commission!

I bought a brand new bass. Nothing should be wrong with it. They should look over the new stuff when it gets shipped in.

Quit Whining and playing the victim. YOU chose the bass. You enjoyed it until your bass teacher told you there was something out of order. If you are not qualified to choose the bass in the first place, why did you take it upon yourself to do so?

If you don't know how to service your own instrument, why are you even playing? :ninja:

I bought a brand new bass. Nothing should be wrong with it. They should look over the new stuff when it gets shipped in.

You mean... Test every instrument they sell? C'mon... Buy from Roger Sadowsky...

They don't care about you, they just want the commission!

+1

I went to a guitar center here in town and I picked up an MIJ Fender 24 because I was really interested in buying one. I plugged it in and turned up the volume knobs on the bass and the amp and got nothing. I checked the battery and it was in, checked the mute button, nope that wasn't the problem. The bass just didn't work. I gave it to the guy behind the counter and he said he'd look at it. A week later I went back in and saw the same bass on the wall. I picked it up and plugged it in and still got nothing.

That's just one of many stories I have about the local GC here in town. I don't think GC is the Best Buy of music stores, it's the Walmart of them. I'm sure that every one them is different and some are better than others but that was my first impression and it will stick with me for a long, long time.

yah guitard center sux its for tools

Quit Whining and playing the victim. YOU chose the bass. You enjoyed it until your bass teacher told you there was something out of order. If you are not qualified to choose the bass in the first place, why did you take it upon yourself to do so?

If you don't know how to service your own instrument, why are you even playing? :ninja:

Hey now, you see alot of people driving cars, yet how many do you think could service their own car?

Sure its his fault for picking up that bass, but shouldn't it be GCs fault for having bad quality instruments on their shelves? I do find that kind of ridiculous..

Damn people, lay off the guy. He says he has only been playing for a year. He probably has never played a properly set up bass. Ignorance due to inexperience should never be punished. He went to a well known national chain and expected a non-defective bass as he should have gotten. It was defective and they refunded his purchase. Consider this a good lesson learned.

I bought my last bass from GC but I played every one they had in the store and promptly brought it to my local music shop to have a bone nut cut, a full setup and the frets checked. GC is known for not setting up basses, they go from box to wall.

the way i see it,,, the OP bought a MASS PRODUCED bass,, then took it back & let a guy that probably is making minimum wage work on his bass (that probably wasn't propelrly trained to do so ) & he probably stripped the truss rod,, & diidn't want to fess up & say he stripped it,,, so,,, he just said it's broke

so you just make a statement that GC is a joke ????

what,,, are you like 12 or something ? ( if you're under 20,, that explains this whole thread )

they resolved the problem.... so move on

If you don't know how to service your own instrument, why are you even playing? :ninja:

Hehe! :smug: Sorry, I had too! :hiding:

Anyway, Guitar Center hiring standards must be pretty low for a salesman to not know how to use an allen wrench.

It doesn't take a degree in Mechanical Engineering to adjust neck relief. It's not on the same level as working on a car either. Well maybe the same as changing a flat tire.

Many internet sites deal with adjusting neck relief.
Heck even Wikipedia can be counted on to explain what a truss rod and neck relief is and how to fix it.

And yeah the teacher could've fixed it.

It doesn't take a degree in Mechanical Engineering to adjust neck relief. It's not on the same level as working on a car either. Well maybe the same as changing a flat tire.

Many internet sites deal with adjusting neck relief.
Heck even Wikipedia can be counted on to explain what a truss rod and neck relief is and how to fix it.

And yeah the teacher could've fixed it.

AMEN BROTHER

Damn people, lay off the guy. He says he has only been playing for a year. He probably has never played a properly set up bass. Ignorance due to inexperience should never be punished. He went to a well known national chain and expected a non-defective bass as he should have gotten. It was defective and they refunded his purchase. Consider this a good lesson learned.

+1, but I don't agree that the bass was defective if it only needed a setup. Lots of instruments need to be setup right out of the box and most local shops will take care of this for you if needed. I don't buy the response that the truss rod was broken on a brand new bass, especially when the guy trying to adjust it doesn't know which way to turn it!

They gave you your money back so there's nothing to be upset about. In the future it would be a good idea to learn how truss rods work so you can adjust them yourself - but don't touch it if you're not sure how to do it, and you shouldn't have to do it often at all.

Quit Whining and playing the victim. YOU chose the bass. You enjoyed it until your bass teacher told you there was something out of order. If you are not qualified to choose the bass in the first place, why did you take it upon yourself to do so?

If you don't know how to service your own instrument, why are you even playing? :ninja:

How does this work? Theres plenty of things that go wrong with basses that people can't fix themselves. Thats like saying if you don't know how to fix your own car why drive?

However, When the GC people get the bass at the register they should do a quick overview of the bass. Checking for neck problems, nicks and chips...etc and prevent these problems from occuring before the customer walks out the door

However, When the GC people get the bass at the register they should do a quick overview of the bass. Checking for neck problems, nicks and chips...etc and prevent these problems from occuring before the customer walks out the door

Sorry, I disagree. GC is only about selling items for low prices. Period. They don't do any setups or repairs. They don't service the equipment. They're not experts on the gear. If you want that kind of service then go to your local Mom-N-Pop store and pay more for the instrument. The only reason to shop at GC is for low prices. I actually think the Wal-Mart comparison is a pretty good one.

Accept GC for what it is. Don't expect anything more and you won't be disappointed.

At least that's how I see it.

Well, I do know a guy at the local GC, actually a fellow tber, who actually sets up many of the basses in the store, so I can always go in and play a set up instrument, although it may or may not be to my liking. After I bought the corvette from them, I set it up for my own liking anyway. But at least he tries to make a little bit of a difference.

Yes but i am only playing a year and i should have taken a experienced person with me. You are right.

It's time to learn how to adjust a truss rod. I was making truss rod adjustments to my bass well within my first year. You can too...

It's not difficult in the least. You've just gotta take it in small increments, be gentle, and adjust your approach based on how well your instrument responds...

MM

Sorry, I disagree. GC is only about selling items for low prices. Period. They don't do any setups or repairs. They don't service the equipment. They're not experts on the gear. If you want that kind of service then go to your local Mom-N-Pop store and pay more for the instrument. The only reason to shop at GC is for low prices. I actually think the Wal-Mart comparison is a pretty good one.

Accept GC for what it is. Don't expect anything more and you won't be disappointed.

At least that's how I see it.

I'm not saying to do a repair, they should look at the instrument. If they see something wrong, go in the back and get another one.

First off, any employee of Guitar Center knows they shouldn't even be setting that bass up, and if it's defective it shouldn't be on the floor. That being said, I'm sure it wasn't defective; I'm sure that since they are shipped without being set up, most are thrown on the floor as is. They are tuned up and thrown on hooks. But I want you to think about this. There are 60 basses in my Guitar Center. There are well over 100 electric and over 80 acoustic guitars on the walls in my Guitar Center. That's a ****-ton to setup, and with the amount of guitar sold DAILY, there is NO FREAKIN way to set each guitar up. Just not a way in hell. So his response to you was right, not BS, it's not his fault.

Most employees are NOT supposed to set up the guitars, and many aren't able to professionally do it. That's why we have cards of repairmen.

Guitar Center is a distributor of quantity, but it isn't our fault if the gear is bad, it's the manufacturers. So, I suggest you change your title to "Yamaha is a joke" and as for the guy trying to repair your newly bought bass, he was doing you a favor you clown. At least, he was trying.

And honestly, I cannot believe half of the story you've said, because if it DID have a bow in the neck, what they would have done was tried to replace it before giving your money back. And if he WAS trying to set it up for you, he would have gotten another guitar guy to do it (if he was smart, maybe he was a new guy) for you because he obviously didn't know how to.

Second off, I would bet that you're not going to find that same bass for the same price. I'd put money on that. And I doubt you'd fork over the extra cash to get it from a local shop. And if you did, well your loss because if you even did, EVEN IF YOU DID, you could EASILY haggle down to that price, hell you'd get it lower.

If that bass you bought from even had a decent return policy on that bass, they'd a) make you pay a restocking fee, and b) You'd likely have to pay a fee added onto what you're already paying (hidden fee) for that bass's setup.

First off, any employee of Guitar Center knows they shouldn't even be setting that bass up, and if it's defective it shouldn't be on the floor. That being said, I'm sure it wasn't defective I'm sure that since they are shipped without being set up, most are thrown on the floor as is. They are tuned up and thrown on hooks. But I want you to think about this. There are 60 basses in my Guitar Center. There are well over 100 electric and over 80 acoustic guitars on the walls in my Guitar Center.

Most employees are NOT supposed to set up the guitars, and many aren't able to professionally do it. That's why we have cards of repairmen.

Guitar Center is a distributor of quantity, but it isn't our fault if the gear is bad, it's the manufacturers. So, I suggest you change your title to "Yamaha is a joke" and as for the guy trying to repair your newly bought bass, he was doing you a favor you clown. At least, he was trying.


agree

You should have gone to Sam Ash.






That was a joke.

we don't have GC here in australia, but when i gont my bass from the local store it was a bit warped it was un-slapable
so i fixed it myself :)

If you read my other post you would know my birthday was recent and I had cash in my new bass fund. So on Monday I down to guitar center to pick up my Yamaha bass. I loved it and when I got home I just couldnt stop playin it. So i was all pumped up when i was going to lesson today (tuesday). :hyper: When i got in my guitar teach chuck asked if he can see my new purchase. Then he said hey not to burst your bubble but this has a curve/bow on the neck. He said nobody adjusted it from getting it out of the box. Surprised about the defect i went strait to guitar center after lessons. The guy was incapable of fixing it. He was asking guys what way was right for righty tighty lefty loosey. Then he called many people on the phone for instruction. After a half hour it was 7 30 when i asked if I could just have my money back. After fifteen minutes in the back he came out with my check, and said he was very sorry. So I asked him how could they let people walk out with defective merchandise. My exact word were "How could you let people walk out of your store with this, don't you even check this stuff on all new instruments??" He said " Oh no we don't check it because there are too many to be checked." So they are skipping out on quality for quantity. Whats the moral here don't by from Guitar center?? I know they left a bad taste in my mouth.


Im with the people saying that you bought it, deal with it! I work at a Guitar Center, and necks change throughout time. If you liked it in the beginning, whats the big deal? It would take three seconds to fix that, why didnt you have your "teacher" do that?

Learn that Guitar Center does what it can, but cant have everything perfect for every little thing! I usually adjust stuff i buy there cause i know how to. LEARN HOW! its not that hard!

Hey gizmo... sorry to hear about your frustrations at your local Guitar Center.. but I'm gonna have to agree with the poster that correctly pointed out that a truss rod adjustment would NOT be considered a "defect" per se. As a matter-of-fact, if you weren't all the way over on the east coast I'd do your bass set-up pro bono.. no problem at all.

You might want to cool off a bit and even give them another chance after a while.

Look i see GC bashed here on TB all the time sometimes it is justified but alot of times its by Tbers who are just plain foolish or misinformed.
GC like any biz will help you in anyway to make you happy and go out of its way to keep you in the store and make you return to shop again. I have bought many basses mostly used but a few new from GC and never have had a problem on service or returns...never!
I always have been treated fair and this is from 3 locations in Ohio. I also have met some great people and made a few friends who work there and some of them are smokin musician's.
I get great deals good service and i'm not a snot noised kid so maybe thats why. Go into a store informed and educated on what you intend to buy from a bass to a waffle iron and you will be suprised at how you are treated by staff and management. Never go into a store misinformed on a purchase you are dead meat and thrown to the wolves and you desirve what happens to you. In the case of the Tber here he was inexperinced in a bass purchase. GC doent set them up so what ...its easy everyone who claims to be a bassest should know how to turn a frickin allen wrench left or right a 1/4 of a turn for gods sake! Educate yourselves and quit downloading tab and porn on the internet learn your bass and how to take care of it.

Ok rant kinda over.I have make killer deals at my local GC and even have had bass necks tweaked and setup right at the counter to see if i wanted to buy them so good customer service is there and all stores are not alike i agree. But dont bash all GC for bad this and that its not true and some have very good CS ,staff and people who care and play music like us.

"I bought a brand new bass. Nothing should be wrong with it. They should look over the new stuff when it gets shipped in."


Impossible....they would have to hire one or two people full time to do that and for the amount of gear that does turn up defective it aint worth it. You should have checked the bass yourself to see whether or not the neck was bowed or brought someone with you. That said, it does suck when you end up in dissapointment. I went the same route buying a bass online. The neck was totally screwed. I have purchased cars for thousands of dollars, some of which spent more time in the repair shop than on the road.....that's life and it sucks. In a perfect world, everything we purchase new should be in great working order. Unfortunately this will never be the case. Lesson learned and now you will be that much wiser when you are looking for your next purchase.

Great story....I got even better ones of the crazy things my customers say and do..... Needless to say Im there for them to inform them and some how not be a jerk when I get the same questions everyday. Your expecting to much outta the box dude. Get over it. And do you really want random 18 year old kids working there to turn a truss rod? I dont. I worked on my own stuff for years before I handle others intruments cheap or custom shop.Although If I did leave my GC NO ONE would be there to set up a bass period. Get to know friendly sales guy and ask questions. You might learn alot. If not find someone that has something to offer other than a low price.

[/B]

How does this work? Theres plenty of things that go wrong with basses that people can't fix themselves. Thats like saying if you don't know how to fix your own car why drive?

However, When the GC people get the bass at the register they should do a quick overview of the bass. Checking for neck problems, nicks and chips...etc and prevent these problems from occuring before the customer walks out the door

IMO if you're driving you should know how to: check fluid levels, top off fluids, change a tire, check air pressure, change the air filter, change the windshield wipers, and change the battery.

All of that is very basic maintenance that even a child can do.

Same goes with anything... you should know basic maintenance and upkeep. Adjusting relief is pretty basic.

If you don't know how to service your own instrument, why are you even playing? :ninja:

I don't want to break it.

I don't want to break it.

Have you been reading your own thread? :ninja:

Great story....I got even better ones of the crazy things my customers say and do..... Needless to say Im there for them to inform them and some how not be a jerk when I get the same questions everyday. Your expecting to much outta the box dude. Get over it. And do you really want random 18 year old kids working there to turn a truss rod? I dont. I worked on my own stuff for years before I handle others intruments cheap or custom shop.Although If I did leave my GC NO ONE would be there to set up a bass period. Get to know friendly sales guy and ask questions. You might learn alot. If not find someone that has something to offer other than a low price.

Ehh your right but i don't want to break my bass. If i break it then it will be junk. Where did you learn how to fix your bass and run matnece like fixing the truss rod?

Ehh your right but i don't want to break my bass. If i break it then it will be junk. Where did you learn how to fix your bass and run matnece like fixing the truss rod?

www.google.com is where I learned. There are some tutorials here too.

Oh, if you break your bass then either it was a really crap bass, or you should probably find a different hobby.

Damn people, lay off the guy. He says he has only been playing for a year. He probably has never played a properly set up bass. Ignorance due to inexperience should never be punished. He went to a well known national chain and expected a non-defective bass as he should have gotten. It was defective and they refunded his purchase. Consider this a good lesson learned.

I bought my last bass from GC but I played every one they had in the store and promptly brought it to my local music shop to have a bone nut cut, a full setup and the frets checked. GC is known for not setting up basses, they go from box to wall.

Exactly. I still suck.

I've bought one new bass from GC a couple years ago. It was not on the floor and I specifically asked if the had a model ***** in the back. They checked and did.

I tested it out, and loved it, so bought it.

Before they'd let me leave the store they went over the bass to make sure the action was fine, neck straight, etc.

The OP said the truss rod was BROKEN. If that was the case then using a screwdriver and a wrench is not going to have any effect. Broken truss rods you will need to get under the fingerboard.

Anyway the bigger issue is what you can expect from a big box music store. I think there is a fairly large percentage of people in music (all instruments) that believe they will get better with "better" equipment. It's a "gearhead" type of mentality. GC type stores cater to this type of musician. They like continually changing and figuring out the equipment because they believe it will help their playing in one way or another (I'm not making a value judgment about that BTW). But the average student has only so much time and attention to try and learn a lot of information. So like a dollar bill, you have to decide how to spend this time/attention. Do you want to spend it on learning theory, playing, listening, gear choices and setup?

IMHO the easiest thing to solve is the gear. Because you can buy it. You can't buy understanding intervals, or buy muscle memory and finger strength, or buy understanding of groove.
OTOH the only hard part about gear is figuring out what fits your body and style of play. If you work with a local store you can make a deal to get high values for trade in on instruments if they don't fit you and don't suit your style of play. Many times you figure this out well past the 30 day return period, in which case the box stores will not credit you with a very high value, many times you will get 25% of the original price paid. Also if you send the instrument out for setups that you would get a discount on with a small shop you have to factor that into the price.

So I would say for a beginner, if you can, find a shop that does quality setup and repair work, is willing to give you good values on trade ins etc., understands quality in instruments, has good service, and just accept that you may pay a bit of a premium for all of this. Then get on with expressing yourself in music. :bassist:

The OP said the truss rod was BROKEN. If that was the case then using a screwdriver and a wrench is not going to have any effect.

Wasn't it the same guy who didn't know what direction to turn the truss rod that said this? I wouldn't put a lot of stock in that...

If you really want to learn about how guitars work, get a copy of the Guitar Player Repair Guide. Here's a link (http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player-Repair-Guide-3rd/dp/0879309210/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195068076&sr=8-2) to the newest edition which will be out in about a month, and I might update mine when it comes out. If you want it now, buy the second edition which has been out for years.

This book and a few tools will cost you about what a professional setup (or two) will run. If you're in it for the long haul it's best to know how to do the basics yourself. Say it's Saturday afternoon and you're getting ready for a gig that night and notice that your bass is playing like crap. You'll now know how to fix it rather than fighting it all night.

There is no such thing as a perfect setup. A lot of people like something different than the factory spec setup. Start with the factory spec or what is recommended in the book and down the road decide if you need something different. Basses (most of them, anyway) are made out of wood and a skinny little piece of maple with a lot of string tension on it (the neck) will change just a little bit with the weather. It's normal - some basses are better than others with this, but it happens and is not a defect.

I know this is bash GC time...and I was a basher a few years ago. I love the Mom and Pop attention at small stores...and it helps to know people that work there too. My GC in Bham is a fantastic store where I've only received the best of help and service. I may be more knowledgable about some things than some of the sales people (and I know quite a few of them) but on the most part...I go there for the service and availability. I have had my fair share of bad experiences...but those were at other stores in their chain and not at my local GC. I can understand the bad setup...it happens at all guitar stores...but they were good to return your money and let you go...that is important in the long run. I also like my local GC because I know people...

OK lots of opinions.......

First and not to bash you. As part of your lessons your instructor needs to take you to the repair bench and show you how to make basic adjustments and such. THIS IS IMPORTANT, I am always amazed at how many "players" can't PROPERLY change there strings.

Guitar Center took it back and refunded it. It couldn't have been too bad if you bought the bass and played it up through lesson time, However you are right. Alot of the salemen at GC don't know enough about what they sell. It shouldn't take anyone a 1/2 hour to realize that they are adsjusting a broken trustrod. That said this is one of the reasons I love GC. If you know what to look for, it is very possible to find a real Killer out of adjustment and unplayable and marked down to near nothing because of it.

It sounds like the OP is blaming GC for his mistake to me. If he checked the instrument out before leaving the store there wouldnt be a problem. I can also bet that if his teaching didnt tell him the set up was bad he never would have know.

Live and learn.

Or buy from people on TB, they usually have the basses fit and finished and you are almost set to get a well playing bass.


+1

I've bought mostly used basses lately, but I've found a couple good one's at Shark Center.

I found a Spector Euro for $500 during their moving sale a couple of years ago, absolutely nothing was wrong with it. What a steal!

Why didn't your bass teacher adjust it for you?

So on Monday I down to guitar center to pick up my Yamaha bass.
See there's the problem you should have went to Bass Center, Duh.

I know this is bash GC time...and I was a basher a few years ago. I love the Mom and Pop attention at small stores...and it helps to know people that work there too. My GC in Bham is a fantastic store where I've only received the best of help and service. I may be more knowledgable about some things than some of the sales people (and I know quite a few of them) but on the most part...I go there for the service and availability. I have had my fair share of bad experiences...but those were at other stores in their chain and not at my local GC. I can understand the bad setup...it happens at all guitar stores...but they were good to return your money and let you go...that is important in the long run. I also like my local GC because I know people...

People like ME!

Dude come in some time and introduce yourself man, still havent met the man behind that sexy bass avatar of yours.

If you don't know how to service your own instrument, why are you even playing? :ninja:



..... thats probably one of the most immature post's i ever seen on here. So what if your not a guitar tech? Do ALL people who have cars know how to fix them in ways that require assistance from an auto mechanic?? NO...

Hes playing because he likes his instrument.. just like we all do... just why we chose to play the bass in the first place.... theres guitar techs all over... thats there job to FIX guitars... he said hes been only playing a short time too.... such a bad, unthought out post..... BIG -1 :rollno:

Most new basses need a setup when they come in. Almost every bass I pick up in GC, though, is virtually unplayable! Except their vintage used stuff...

Not all GC salesman are alike. I deal with one who sets up my basses just fine. Other haven't a clue. How about deflecting some frustration toward Yamaha? They are the ones putting out the basses without setting them up (like most low end instrument manufacturers).

Not all GC salesman are alike. I deal with one who sets up my basses just fine. Other haven't a clue. How about deflecting some frustration toward Yamaha? They are the ones putting out the basses without setting them up (like most low end instrument manufacturers).

who ever said Yamaha is a low end bass manufactuer?

..... thats probably one of the most immature post's i ever seen on here. So what if your not a guitar tech? Do ALL people who have cars know how to fix them in ways that require assistance from an auto mechanic?? NO...

Hes playing because he likes his instrument.. just like we all do... just why we chose to play the bass in the first place.... theres guitar techs all over... thats there job to FIX guitars... he said hes been only playing a short time too.... such a bad, unthought out post..... BIG -1 :rollno:

If you play an instrument, you should know your way around it. You should know how to change strings, fix loose solder connections, adjust a truss rod, swap a bridge, change tuning machines, change pickups, etc. It's not hard. And if you don't know and need help, you can ask here on this very site. That is what this site is for, not just crying about GC. 95% of repairs that need to be done to a bass aside from when it's thrown out of a moving vehicle can be fixed with a set of allen wrenches, a screw driver and a soldering pen. I've set up and modified all of my basses to different extremes except for one, I've built true bypass loopers and modified effects pedals. All I had to do was come here search the threads or post a question and apply that knowledge.

I agree with the car analogy. Because let's be honest, if you can't change a flat tire, you shouldn't be driving. All you need is a Haynes manual and a few tools and you can do most of the needed maintenance and repairs to your car. Excluding the stuff that requires access to a lift.

It's perfectly within your rights to swear off GC based on this experience. It's also within your rights to decided to never shop there because of the inexperience of one person. My guess is that in the long run you'll lose out on a lot more than they will. I'd suggest you keep your inexperience in mind before making rash decisions.

Did you play the bass before you left the store with it? Did you have any difficulty doing it?

If anything you now have a better idea of how GC works. I've been playing a long time and I know I'll keep shopping there when they have something I'm interested in.

the guitar center i go to has this guy named walt upstairs, whos an outstanding guy. he can do anything. really. its not free of course, unless it's a purchase worth 1000$+. other wise, 40 bucks gets you anything and everything fixed/setup.

but lately ive been doing my own setups. its the best way to go once you learn it.

If you play an instrument, you should know your way around it. You should know how to change strings, fix loose solder connections, adjust a truss rod, swap a bridge, change tuning machines, change pickups, etc. It's not hard. And if you don't know and need help, you can ask here on this very site. That is what this site is for, not just crying about GC. 95% of repairs that need to be done to a bass aside from when it's thrown out of a moving vehicle can be fixed with a set of allen wrenches, a screw driver and a soldering pen. I've set up and modified all of my basses to different extremes except for one, I've built true bypass loopers and modified effects pedals. All I had to do was come here search the threads or post a question and apply that knowledge.

I agree with the car analogy. Because let's be honest, if you can't change a flat tire, you shouldn't be driving. All you need is a Haynes manual and a few tools and you can do most of the needed maintenance and repairs to your car. Excluding the stuff that requires access to a lift.



yeah.. but i cant see kids who play bass these days that know anything about how to setup a bass, relief tension, string height, pickup height, etc.... theres alot of unknowlegded people out there and alot of people to help out there....the guy who made the OP, should of worded it better.


Some do.. yes.. but theres still alot of unknowledged people out there..

If the OP's AIM SN is any indication of his age, then he's the same age as me. Granted I don't know how long he's been playing, while I've been at it for 7 years now, a whole third of my life, wasted... kidding of course. Age isn't so much a factor as is a willingness to learn more about your instrument. And I'll admit, when you first start out, you don't care about learning more about it, you just want to play your favorite songs. It isn't until you really get into it that you care about theory, your sound and how your equipment works.

[QUOTE=grovest;4904882]Many people buy from Guitar Center for their large selection and low prices. Then some have issues with poor service. How do you think largish-selection and low prices are possible? What has to 'give'?
QUOTE]

your gc has a large selection and low prices? hm thats news to me

[QUOTE=grovest;4904882]Many people buy from Guitar Center for their large selection and low prices. Then some have issues with poor service. How do you think largish-selection and low prices are possible? What has to 'give'?
QUOTE]

your gc has a large selection and low prices? hm thats news to me

Find a price lower and they beat it, and if they don't have what you want per se, you can special order it. Guitar Center can get ANYTHING, even if they don't have it on their wall.

If you read my other post you would know my birthday was recent and I had cash in my new bass fund. So on Monday I down to guitar center to pick up my Yamaha bass. I loved it and when I got home I just couldnt stop playin it. So i was all pumped up when i was going to lesson today (tuesday). :hyper: When i got in my guitar teach chuck asked if he can see my new purchase. Then he said hey not to burst your bubble but this has a curve/bow on the neck. He said nobody adjusted it from getting it out of the box. Surprised about the defect i went strait to guitar center after lessons. The guy was incapable of fixing it. He was asking guys what way was right for righty tighty lefty loosey. Then he called many people on the phone for instruction. After a half hour it was 7 30 when i asked if I could just have my money back. After fifteen minutes in the back he came out with my check, and said he was very sorry. So I asked him how could they let people walk out with defective merchandise. My exact word were "How could you let people walk out of your store with this, don't you even check this stuff on all new instruments??" He said " Oh no we don't check it because there are too many to be checked." So they are skipping out on quality for quantity. Whats the moral here don't by from Guitar center?? I know they left a bad taste in my mouth.

I would generally have to agree with many things said in this post. Whenever I walk into a GC, I ask myself why I just did what I did. I call that mental illness on my part...or at least, stupidity.

After working in a music store, I can tell you that even stores that don't have half the inventory (or a quarter of the inventory) don't set up their guitars either. Take 'em out of the box and hang 'em on the wall. Their job is to sell them - not set them up. Then you see how many people come in and play (sometimes poorly) them. Of course they don't wipe the strings down when they're done, and of course they don't dehumidify the store, so strings will rust and necks will bow.

If GC gave you your $$ back, that's actually quite strong. Most stores wouldn't do that - except for high-end instrument stores. They usually focus on the customer's wants and needs, rather than the stores need to move product.

Z

[QUOTE=MarkMyWordsXx;4909720]

Find a price lower and they beat it, and if they don't have what you want per se, you can special order it. Guitar Center can get ANYTHING, even if they don't have it on their wall.

+1. You also dont have to buy whats on the hook ask for a new one in the back if they have it they will get it. You can order a different color if its not in the store and it comes in normally under 2 weeks. Also if you find wear on a bass scratch,chip etc they will discount it at GC. Mom and Pops although i like em dont do this...mostly its whats on the hook take it or leave it and in one or two colors. I almost never get a return policy at M&P but they will fix it they say:hmm:

Basses are REALLY hard to break. Learn to do a set-up. Set-ups should be a "personal feel" thing anyway. Truss rod adjustments and saddle height adjustments are an important part of understanding how a bass actually works, and sometimes will even improve your sound and ability.

Basses are REALLY hard to break. Learn to do a set-up. Set-ups should be a "personal feel" thing anyway. Truss rod adjustments and saddle height adjustments are an important part of understanding how a bass actually works, and sometimes will even improve your sound and ability.

Agree. Before i learned to setup my own years ago i had two of my basses set up by local shops. One was setup so low the neck must of continued to backbow until it buzzed at the first fret really bad. I had to call the shop and they talked me thru adjusting in more relief so i learned how.

Second one came on a bass i bought and it also was to low for my liking. I play pretty hard and like to thump and dig a bit so learning your setup to your playing style is huge.

I ran the guitar floor of our local GC for about a year. ALL of my guys knew how to do a basic setup, and were more than happy to do so if a customer asks - before or after the sale.

Were there guitars (and basses) on the floor that needed work? Absolutely. But that's mostly because the problems arose after the guitar had been on the floor for a bit and acclimated to the environment. Any instrument that had a noticeably bad setup out of the box was addressed. But with 400+ guitars on the floor, it's virtually impossible to 1) give customers the service they want and 2) check the entire floor for instruments that need attention. Again, if we found one that was bad, we'd set it aside and fix it when there's time, and certainly would fix it on a sale.

It's a shame your salesman couldn't set up the bass for you. At least he should have either gotten another salesman involved to do it, or given you a new bass as a replacement - just to save the sale, if nothng else! He was probably fairly new. Just know that a GC salesperson has a LOT to do in the course of a shift, and they keep up as best they can.

And yes, you should learn how to basic setups on your own - not to make up for the deficiencies of the store, but to keep your bass in good playing condition when it does move with the weather, to account for changes in string gauge, etc.

I think a lot of good points have been brought up in this thread.

OVerall, by GC experiences have been good. Personally I've switched to mostly buying used gear (How else do you score an MIA Fender Jazz V for $300?), but I still go to GC for bulk items (strings and whatever) and occasionally find things there that I want in the higher priced department.

One thing I've learned over the last few years is knowing more than the salesman can work to your advantage because you can pick up flaws that he can't and get a discount for it. Also, GC (at least the La Mesa store) is willing to haggle a little with people. My most recent purchase from GC was a digital piano for my wife. We went in with a budget around $600 and the piano that we wanted was the last one in the store and really dirty. I told the salesman that I wanted that one but only if there were some in stock. When there weren't he offered us the next model up. I told him it was more than we wanted to pay (I think it was about $200 more than the model we were looking at) and he was more than willing to drop $140 off of the price.

Also (and this is salesman ineptitude) he told us it came with a piano bench...well it didn't. I called GC the next day and told them that we bought a piano and were told it came with a bench but it didn't. The guy on the phone told me they could give me a discount on one if I came in. I told him that the bench was a big selling point for us and since we were told it came with one and it was within our budget we didn't want to pay more. The guy once again offered the discounted bench. I told him that I didn't want to disassemble the piano but if I had to pay more to get what I thought I was already getting, I would just take it apart and bring it back to them and get my $600 back. At the mentioning of the price point, the salesman was more than happy to talk to a manager and get permission to give me a free bench.

All this to say that GC isn't all that bad if you know what you're looking for and understand (as has been said) that they're a big-box store. They have one of the best selections in low end to lower high end gear around and prices that can't be beat. I know some folks purchase from GC all of the time and ask for $50 off of the purchase because the instrument isn't set up quite right and they want that money to pay for the set up fee at another place. GC is making so much money on their guitars and basses that dropping $50 on a $400 instrument isn't a big deal at all.

the guitar center i go to has this guy named walt upstairs, whos an outstanding guy. he can do anything. really. its not free of course, unless it's a purchase worth 1000$+. other wise, 40 bucks gets you anything and everything fixed/setup.

but lately ive been doing my own setups. its the best way to go once you learn it.

+1........

I don't even live up there and I heard about how good that guy is.....

I know at my local guitar center. Phil a talkbass member normally sets up most of the nicer basses and keeps the polished and tuned. And last time I bought strings he polished my frets and did a quick set up to get the action I had before the string change. Now we may be buds but that's good service there. Now I admit I hated going there no bass players workng there

I would generally have to agree with many things said in this post. Whenever I walk into a GC, I ask myself why I just did what I did. I call that mental illness on my part...or at least, stupidity.

After working in a music store, I can tell you that even stores that don't have half the inventory (or a quarter of the inventory) don't set up their guitars either. Take 'em out of the box and hang 'em on the wall. Their job is to sell them - not set them up. Then you see how many people come in and play (sometimes poorly) them. Of course they don't wipe the strings down when they're done, and of course they don't dehumidify the store, so strings will rust and necks will bow.

If GC gave you your $$ back, that's actually quite strong. Most stores wouldn't do that - except for high-end instrument stores. They usually focus on the customer's wants and needs, rather than the stores need to move product.

Z


Exactly... most stores won't simply give you your money back.

I bought a bass from a large local store (Washington Music Center and no, they don't set up their instruments either) and on the first gig, before I even got to play it, the scarf joint on the neck separated.

Fortunately I had another bass with me. When I took it back to the store the next business day I was told no refunds... I would have to have it sent out and repaired under warranty.

Sorry but that was unacceptable.
:eyebrow:

It took a while but I convinced them it was in their best interest to refund my money, something they typically don't do.

So getting your money back from GC with no hassle is a problem? We should all be so lucky;)

Thanks to all who agreed with me and posting your opinions. I posted this thread when i was mad because of lack of experience with doing my own setup and at gc because i liked that bass sooooooooooo much. I just felt that for spending 200 it should kindanot need work( I know 200 on a bass was low But I spent alot of my money and i don't have a job so i was lucky to get a 200dollar bass.) I would apreciate if everyone let this thread die down. I KNOW I WAS WRONG.

^^^ cool dude,,,,

This whole post reminds me of why Sam Ash is better. which is why I work there. SCORE! kid in a candy store!

This whole post reminds me of why Sam Ash is better. which is why I work there. SCORE! kid in a candy store!too bad the nearest Sam Ash is 76 miles away from me...considering how many musicians there are in San Diego, you'd think there'd be a Sam Ash here too.