Guitar Center Labor Day Sale Question

deathofbalance · #1 08-31-2007, 01:58 AM

Finally being in a position to actually, you know, buy something when one of these occurs, I'm wondering how worthwhile this sale is, and if I really should bother getting out there at 8 AM. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm kinda torn between cheap gear (

) and making that sort of drive so early (

). Is it worth it?

tycobb73 · #2 08-31-2007, 06:22 AM

It depends on the store, but I picked up a Warwick Corvette active for less than $500 at mine last year. Sold it used for more than I bought it NOS.

ergodynebass · #3 08-31-2007, 09:58 AM

Yea I've heard about some really nice buys at that Guitar Center sale. I got an invitation last year but not this year for the getting in an hour early, I wonder why not? I'm gonna be going anyways I am looking forward to it.

BillyB_from_LZ · #4 08-31-2007, 11:59 AM

I have two different answers for you. First, if you'd shop at the same GC location that I would, don't bother, the sale isn't worth your time

and second if you would go to another store, get there early with your elbow spikes on and be ready to go!!!

I've done very well at GC's List Sales. It's hit or miss on super mind bending killer deals because those vary from store to store.

Just be ready to buy and remember unless it's a demo (or from Pro Audio or other excluded items (check with the sales guy before handing over paper or plastic)) it's returnable for full refund.. No, I don't work for GC...

I always get a kick out of checking eBay for GC blow-out items the day of or the few days after the sale.

Good luck!!!

deathofbalance · #5 08-31-2007, 02:32 PM

I suppose it would be relevant to say that I'd probably be going to the one in either Tacoma or Tukwilla. Which would you say is a better bet?

BillyB_from_LZ · #6 08-31-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathofbalance

I suppose it would be relevant to say that I'd probably be going to the one in either Tacoma or Tukwilla. Which would you say is a better bet?

Since I live near Chicago, I'm not sure. I did email a link to this thread to someone who'd probably know. Hopefully he'll respond.

Nightbass · #7 08-31-2007, 09:30 PM

That must mean me.

I've never been to the store in Tacoma, so I can't tell you anything about it. But when I started going to the List Sales many years ago, I'd be at Tukwila at 7 AM, then I'd rush off to Seattle, and then finally to Kirkland. All in a span of 2 hours. In those days GC had good lines of gear and there were great deals. But nowadays GC mostly has junk and I don't bother going any more.

Just pick the store you are most familiar with and get in line at 7. Bring coffee. Watch for when the employees start handing out the lists, and get one. Read it while you're in line. Mark the stuff you want to grab and make a beeline for that dept. when the doors open. And don't be surprised if some of the items are not in the store. They get pre-sold for many reasons - don't sweat it - just move on.

BillyB_from_LZ · #8 09-01-2007, 06:54 AM

Yep he's you...thanks!

Interesting...we don't get to see the list until after we walk in the door. Once I'm in with list in hand, I quickly scope out the mosh pit of instruments directly in front of the door, then head toward the bass nook and scan the list in greater detail.

They do have coffee and donuts set out in the tiny vestibule of the store I go to. Even though I don't drink coffee (and am trying to avoid donuts), I do go in there so I can peek through the front door to see if anything jumps out at me, get a feel for the layout, etc..

To the original poster... if you see something you like but it's not on the list or otherwise marked with a special price, ask for one! They seem more eager than usual to move stuff and the store manager is under pressure to show results! (I've overheard more than one nervous telephone conversation about attendance, sales volume, etc.)

deathofbalance · #9 09-04-2007, 02:35 AM

Score! Picked up a GK 210 Backline combo for $400. Was gonna get it as a seperate head and cab, since the head was on the list, but they didn't actually have the head, so I leveraged it to get the combo for a discount. Saved seventy bucks, and got free donuts [=

BillyB_from_LZ · #10 09-04-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deathofbalance

Score! Picked up a GK 210 Backline combo for $400. Was gonna get it as a seperate head and cab, since the head was on the list, but they didn't actually have the head, so I leveraged it to get the combo for a discount. Saved seventy bucks, and got free donuts [=

Congrats! I like that amp a lot.

I highly recommend that you read fdeck's article on the BL600/BL210 combo's EQ section. I found it very useful!

http://personalpages.tds.net/~fdeck/bass/gkbl600.pdf