Done with Sweetwater

[Kukulkan61]

Thanks. The information is very helpful. I have read repeatedly that the Mesa Walkabout is something special tone wise. My understanding is that the new Mesa WD800 has the Walkabout preamp circuit coupled to a class D power amp section. It will be interesting to hear / read some comparisons between the D800+ and the WD800.

I wanted to give the WD800 a test drive but from what I’ve read is that it’s a little similar to the WA But not enough to say it’s a WA with 800 watts, I hear it’s great amp but the big box online stores don’t offer Mesa products with special financing promos, I have the GK Legacy 800 arriving today or Monday, hopefully I can gel with it!

 

[Matty Koff]

No, it didnt... but I was trying hard not to say anything negative . The amount of praise for SW and bashing of MF here though makes it tough.

I really don't get it.

Yep. I am a MF/GC fan which is not typical here it seems. The deals and service have been outstanding.

My town had more music shops before Musician's Friend and Guitar Center moved in. Used to shop at a store about 10 minutes away, but they're long gone. Mom and pop shops, and a little more variety to be found on the walls. Now there's pretty much just Guitar Center.. with plenty of guitars on the walls and a small selection of bass guitars, limited selection of strings/guages, and it's a 30ish minute drive through one of the busiest parts of the city.

Kind of like how we used to have more grocery stores before Wal-Marts started popping up everywhere.

I shop there because sometimes I need things sooner than later.. have bought a discounted bass off the wall.. almost ordered my Sire P7 through them but sire-usa had it in stock sooner. GC would've honestly been more ideal in that regard, returns are less of a hassle.

Not bashing anybody for their opinions and preferences, but I use Sweetwater for accessories, pedals, things that don't break the bank so much. Speakers, headphones and recording stuff perhaps as wewll. Idk for me personally getting that phonecall to check up on if I'm happy with my purchase, where I've been asked if I wanted to return it for any reason in the past kind of reminds me of the days when there were more stores in town.

 

[jnewmark]

No, it didnt... but I was trying hard not to say anything negative . The amount of praise for SW and bashing of MF here though makes it tough.

I really don't get it.

Probably because both are true: some people have great experience with both retailers, others don't. But, since MF/GC does way more business, I'm guessing, than SW, the chances of some customers having bad experiences goes up. I was a Carvin customer for many years, and if any business got bashed more than another here on TB, it was Carvin. Yet, I have nothing but good things to say about them, never had a problem returning anything, or getting something repaired within warranty period. It happens.

 

[krovx]

My town had more music shops before Musician's Friend and Guitar Center moved in. Used to shop at a store about 10 minutes away, but they're long gone. Mom and pop shops, and a little more variety to be found on the walls. Now there's pretty much just Guitar Center.. with plenty of guitars on the walls and a small selection of bass guitars, limited selection of strings/guages, and it's a 30ish minute drive through one of the busiest parts of the city.

Kind of like how we used to have more grocery stores before Wal-Marts started popping up everywhere.

I shop there because sometimes I need things sooner than later.. have bought a discounted bass off the wall.. almost ordered my Sire P7 through them but sire-usa had it in stock sooner. GC would've honestly been more ideal in that regard, returns are less of a hassle.

Not bashing anybody for their opinions and preferences, but I use Sweetwater for accessories, pedals, things that don't break the bank so much. Speakers, headphones and recording stuff perhaps as wewll. Idk for me personally getting that phonecall to check up on if I'm happy with my purchase, where I've been asked if I wanted to return it for any reason in the past kind of reminds me of the days when there were more stores in town.

Thing is, that's true almost every industry and has affected almost all of my hobbies and interests. It's been very characteristic of Americans to choose convenience and price over the support. Maybe that's a generational thing? But almost everyone I know my age would prefer Interacting online than stepping into a store. I'm not saying it's better or worse, it just is. The shops in my town have been able to stay open because they've adapted and have changed their business model to offer things that the other people can't. I still go into those stores too.

To be honest, these stores don't really care about me as I only buy accessories and occasionally get repairs that are too complicated for me to figure out.

TalkBass has skewed my buying habits. I've not bought a brand new instrument in over 9 years. Outside of a guitar combo amp I bought last year, which cost less than $200, I've not bought a new amp In almost 10.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Thing is, that's true almost every industry and has affected almost all of my hobbies and interests. It's been very characteristic of Americans to choose convenience and price over the support. Maybe that's a generational thing? But almost everyone I know my age would prefer Interacting online than stepping into a store. I'm not saying it's better or worse, it just is. The shops in my town have been able to stay open because they've adapted and have changed their business model to offer things that the other people can't. I still go into those stores too.

To be honest, these stores don't really care about me as I only buy accessories and occasionally get repairs that are too complicated for me to figure out.

TalkBass has skewed my buying habits. I've not bought a brand new instrument in over 9 years. Outside of a guitar combo amp I bought last year, which cost less than $200, I've not bought a new amp In almost 10.

The problem is, the "support" really wasn't all that great. They never really knew much about basses and only carried a few items. The ones that did have selection and service are still around (they usually have a band instrument contracts with local school districts as a cash cow).

 

[Mark Sellers]

I've never had any problem at all with Sweetwater. My customer service guy Daniel calls me a couple times a month to ask if I need anything. Much better than the customer service at Musicians Friend!

 

[pcake]

I am biased, I have a lot of friends there. As a Fort Wayne native and a guy who visited them repeatedly when they were just a few guys in a garage out on Bass Road, I will say this. They are not a discount house. That isn't where they shine. Where they shine is in their support, which is unparalleled in the industry. If you want to shop competitively for a guitar, an amp or an effects pedal, I can tell you straight out, they aren't going to beat anyone's price. It's not what they do. Usually, they won't even try and ultimately, they don't really care. That frustrates a lot of folks, but there is a reason for it. For me, it's always worth a few extra bucks to get their tech support staff on the phone, if needed, who are always readily available for free, and highly trained to straighten out problems - especially if you have a sophisticated DAW and do a lot of recording.

I always considered them a "pro" place and I will tell you why. When I upgraded my studio a few years ago, and bought a new Mac from them, they asked for all of my log-ins and serial numbers and they literally installed all of my software for me - and I mean all of it. Then they spend a day testing everything to make sure all of my software versions were up to date - and that everything worked perfectly. There was no charge, it was all included in the price of the computer. I am sure it took hours and hours and it was free for me. Anyone who has gone through a major Studio computer upgrade and software install with Logic X or ProTools knows exactly what I am talking about. There was no prompting or sales calls, trying to sell me anything additional, they merely installed and optimized everything that I already had.

When I got the computer, it was literally turn-key. I fired up the Mac and I was back at my recording project in a matter of minutes. That kind of stuff matters to me. This is the kind of thing they excel at. Also, their tech support department is superb. In fact, a friend of mine told me that he won't even call Digidesign if he has a Pro Tools issue any more. He told me that the high end Sweetwater techs are much quicker and better at Pro Tools support than the Digidesign techs. That kind of thing says a lot. My experience has been, as long as you bought the software from them, whatever it is, they will continue to support it as long as you keep your versions current. When I have an issue, I get them on the phone, they dial into my computer remotely, and in a matter of minutes my issue is normally resolved.

I don't know any other companies that are even capable of doing a software install like this, and then standing behind it and supporting their work on an ongoing basis for free - not Sam Ash, Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Alto Music or (insert name here ________ ). If you are shopping for something off the shelf - of course you should shop around - and if price is your only criteria, 9 times out of 10 Sweetwater won't be your final stop. They just don't care about matching prices with anyone. It's not their focus. I can't vouch for the myriad of "sales engineers" they employ in the cubicles, but the management and the staff at the top are pros with a real commitment to making other pros happy. That's the focus.

i've never had better customer service from sweetwater than any other music store online except that they're willing to weigh instruments for me to find the lightest, and due to shoulder issues, that's a big thing for me. otherwise i've had excellent support from MF, GC and sam ash, and used to get great support from AMS.

i once got stuck with a practice amp when sweetwater dropped the ball several times from several people. that's in the past at this point, very possibly because i'm more assertive these days.

My town had more music shops before Musician's Friend and Guitar Center moved in. Used to shop at a store about 10 minutes away, but they're long gone. Mom and pop shops, and a little more variety to be found on the walls. Now there's pretty much just Guitar Center.. with plenty of guitars on the walls and a small selection of bass guitars, limited selection of strings/guages, and it's a 30ish minute drive through one of the busiest parts of the city.

Kind of like how we used to have more grocery stores before Wal-Marts started popping up everywhere.

I shop there because sometimes I need things sooner than later.. have bought a discounted bass off the wall.. almost ordered my Sire P7 through them but sire-usa had it in stock sooner. GC would've honestly been more ideal in that regard, returns are less of a hassle.

Not bashing anybody for their opinions and preferences, but I use Sweetwater for accessories, pedals, things that don't break the bank so much. Speakers, headphones and recording stuff perhaps as wewll. Idk for me personally getting that phonecall to check up on if I'm happy with my purchase, where I've been asked if I wanted to return it for any reason in the past kind of reminds me of the days when there were more stores in town.

i live within an hour of 7 GCs including their hollywood flagship store, yet we still have brick and mortar stores that aren't part of a chain here in l.a.

i find the mom and pop store employees almost universally unhelpful when they're not downright rude, the selection often - but not always - poor and their prices high. most staff would rather argue with you rather than do an exchange when there's actually something wrong with an instrument. say what you will about guitar center - the worst sales guys i've met there think they're rockstars, which is a far cry on the annoying scale from the mansplaining i'm sometimes the victim of at mom and pop stores. i'm over 60 years old, yet they often talk to me as if i'm just starting out despite the fact i've been playing audibly and tuning accurately. that's never happened to me at a GC. not once.

to be fair, it's also never happened to me at mccabe's in santa monica, and i only dislike boulevard music for their floor space littered with guitars and the fact that it's all one room where staff and regulars will listen to and watch me like i'm playing a concert for them. there's no privacy, no amps to physically hide behind, no walls or rooms. eek!

 

[Joe Nerve]

My customer service guy Daniel calls me a couple times a month to ask if I need anything. Much better than the customer service at Musicians Friend!

Sorry, but I have to chime in...

I'm seeing this does come down to a preference thing.

Some people see that as a friendly, care taking thing.

I see it as solicitation.

I truly believe that the way I see it is closer to the truth , but anyway...

I know what I want and what I need, and if I ever need help I'll ask for it. I REALLY don't want to be chummy with any sales people. It actually makes it a whole lot tougher for me if I DO want to return something. I also cringe talking with someone who I feel is being incredibly disingenuous. Its why I never liked strip clubs . I really don't believe they want my friendship. They want my money.

I'm a super busy guy and often don't have time for "real" friends that call. Which sucks. The last thing I want to do is add to that.

And regarding requesting being off their "call" list, while I'd like to let bye gones be bye gones, that wasn't an easy task when I wanted off many years ago. It took multiple requests, and some angry interaction to finally get off of the list. And I STILL got calls from time to time. I saved them on an old answering machine for comedic, eye rolling purposes. I'm going to hope or guess they've upped their game since then and its currently a lot easier to get off of the call list.

 

[BigBigGuy44]

I have a love/hate relationship with Sweetwater. I love the selection and ability to pick the exact instrument you want. I hate the prices. Customer services has always been okay for me but I've never tried to return anything.

 

[CosmicRay]

My last two bass purchases were from MF. Sweetwater is ok, for certain items. But I find MF to be more competitive on the big ticket sales.

 

[mapleglo]

Sorry, but I have to chime in...

I'm seeing this does come down to a preference thing.

Some people see that as a friendly, care taking thing.

I see it as solicitation.

I truly believe that the way I see it is closer to the truth , but anyway...

I know what I want and what I need, and if I ever need help I'll ask for it. I REALLY don't want to be chummy with any sales people. It actually makes it a whole lot tougher for me if I DO want to return something. I also cringe talking with someone who I feel is being incredibly disingenuous. Its why I never liked strip clubs . I really don't believe they want my friendship. They want my money.

I'm a super busy guy and often don't have time for "real" friends that call. Which sucks. The last thing I want to do is add to that.

And regarding requesting being off their "call" list, while I'd like to let bye gones be bye gones, that wasn't an easy task when I wanted off many years ago. It took multiple requests, and some angry interaction to finally get off of the list. And I STILL got calls from time to time. I saved them on an old answering machine for comedic, eye rolling purposes. I'm going to hope or guess they've upped their game since then and its currently a lot easier to get off of the call list.

I find it odd that being bothered called a couple times a month is seen as "better customer service" than getting a ~25% discounted price. Perhaps it's an age thing. I am, admittedly, an old person.

 

[Joe Nerve]

And if anyone is questioning my fervor or commitment here ....

I love Musiciansfriend. They've saved me THOUSANDS of dollars over the years and made shopping for gear easier than its ever been. I like to try and help others when I can too, so I share my experience.

I want them to stay open forever, and feel somewhat protective.

I have no endorsement deal with them. Pretty sure they don't do that.

 

[Matty Koff]

i've never had better customer service from sweetwater than any other music store online except that they're willing to weigh instruments for me to find the lightest, and due to shoulder issues, that's a big thing for me. otherwise i've had excellent support from MF, GC and sam ash, and used to get great support from AMS.

i once got stuck with a practice amp when sweetwater dropped the ball several times from several people. that's in the past at this point, very possibly because i'm more assertive these days.



i live within an hour of 7 GCs including their hollywood flagship store, yet we still have brick and mortar stores that aren't part of a chain here in l.a.

i find the mom and pop store employees almost universally unhelpful when they're not downright rude, the selection often - but not always - poor and their prices high. most staff would rather argue with you rather than do an exchange when there's actually something wrong with an instrument. say what you will about guitar center - the worst sales guys i've met there think they're rockstars, which is a far cry on the annoying scale from the mansplaining i'm sometimes the victim of at mom and pop stores. i'm over 60 years old, yet they often talk to me as if i'm just starting out despite the fact i've been playing audibly and tuning accurately. that's never happened to me at a GC. not once.

to be fair, it's also never happened to me at mccabe's in santa monica, and i only dislike boulevard music for their floor space littered with guitars and the fact that it's all one room where staff and regulars will listen to and watch me like i'm playing a concert for them. there's no privacy, no amps to physically hide behind, no walls or rooms. eek!

Man I live in the dirty south, where cost of living and income are much lower than Cali. Comparison from the perspective of L.A. is like Apples and Oranges... when giants move in an area like mine it pretty much shuts everything else down. And pretty much stifles business opportunities for people who were at least getting by.

The stores I shopped at were generally happy for the business, and kept a decent variety of instruments. They were happy to order what they didn't have and generally.. I never bought an instrument from them I felt a need to return. It's a different shopping experience when you're buying from a franchise. YMMV but not all of us are from highly developed cities, where wages are high and everything's expensive lol. I'm in the country's biggest small town.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I find it odd that being bothered called a couple times a month is seen as "better customer service" than getting a ~25% discounted price. Perhaps it's an age thing. I am, admittedly, an old person.

Agreed... I find it odd that the younger people (younger than me) ENJOY the phone calls. Most of the younger crowd I know HATE talking on the phone.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

This is very uncommon for Sweetwater. I once got a bass from them and ended up not diggin' it after playing it for about a month. I returned it for an exchange... no hassle at all. I've ordered stuff from them many times and never had an issue. I think this was a rare occurrence but I understand your disenchantment with the company... I'd probably say "I'm done" too. Many more options out there... however, don't be surprised if you run into a similar situation with another company. Stuff like this just happens, unfortunately.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Agreed... I find it odd that the younger people (younger than me) ENJOY the phone calls. Most of the younger crowd I know HATE talking on the phone.

I dislike them because I know that they're not calling to see how my octave pedal is working, they're calling to sell me something else. And then it becomes obvious that their knowledge is really limited.

 

[pcake]

Man I live in the dirty south, where cost of living and income are much lower than Cali. Comparison from the perspective of L.A. is like Apples and Oranges... when giants move in an area like mine it pretty much shuts everything else down. And pretty much stifles business opportunities for people who were at least getting by.

The stores I shopped at were generally happy for the business, and kept a decent variety of instruments. They were happy to order what they didn't have and generally.. I never bought an instrument from them I felt a need to return. YMMV but not all of us are from highly developed cities, where wages are high and everything's expensive lol. I'm in the country's biggest small towns.

i have only lived in the los angeles area, and it's insanely expensive here, but i didn't fully realize that until someone here on TB bought a house with land for less than we paid for a 906 square foot condo. a nice house, too.

your store experiences sound really nice.

Agreed... I find it odd that the younger people ENJOY the phone calls. Most of the younger crowd (younger than me) I know HATE talking on the phone.

everyone i know of all ages hate phone calls these days. they usually won't answer calls at all. from almost anyone.

 

[Joe Nerve]

i've never had better customer service from sweetwater than any other music store online except that they're willing to weigh instruments for me to find the lightest, and due to shoulder issues, that's a big thing for me. otherwise i've had excellent support from MF, GC and sam ash, and used to get great support from AMS.

i once got stuck with a practice amp when sweetwater dropped the ball several times from several people. that's in the past at this point, very possibly because i'm more assertive these days.



i live within an hour of 7 GCs including their hollywood flagship store, yet we still have brick and mortar stores that aren't part of a chain here in l.a.

i find the mom and pop store employees almost universally unhelpful when they're not downright rude, the selection often - but not always - poor and their prices high. most staff would rather argue with you rather than do an exchange when there's actually something wrong with an instrument. say what you will about guitar center - the worst sales guys i've met there think they're rockstars, which is a far cry on the annoying scale from the mansplaining i'm sometimes the victim of at mom and pop stores. i'm over 60 years old, yet they often talk to me as if i'm just starting out despite the fact i've been playing audibly and tuning accurately. that's never happened to me at a GC. not once.

to be fair, it's also never happened to me at mccabe's in santa monica, and i only dislike boulevard music for their floor space littered with guitars and the fact that it's all one room where staff and regulars will listen to and watch me like i'm playing a concert for them. there's no privacy, no amps to physically hide behind, no walls or rooms. eek!

I missed this earlier... but agree completely.

I just realized too that maybe I take issue with someone talking down to me when I know more than they do about what they're talking to me about. Nobody at Sweetwater knew more about the the MIA Mustang, nor about the differences between that and the MIM.

And ya know, in fairness also, I'm going to toss a bone out there....

If I were buying expensive electronic/recording gear, I would consider them. Regarding that stuff, I know nothing, and they ARE willing to help. In the late 80s I purchased one of the very first digital recording systems from them, Digidesign Session 8. Nobody knew what they were doing at that time, and they spent hours on the phone with me figuring it out. It was however 30 years ago. I think (hope) they'd do the same today, but who knows.

 

[Matty Koff]

I dislike them because I know that they're not calling to see how my octave pedal is working, they're calling to sell me something else. And then it becomes obvious that their knowledge is really limited.

I've never gotten a call from a sweetwater rep trying to make a sale. Usually the followup calls are just "Hey your order shipped! just wanted to let you know!" "Was just calling to ask how you were enjoying that thing you ordered? Cool, well just give me a call if you need anything". (this happened once after months of owning an instrument I ordered through them)
I'm not saying it doesn't happen.. just I've never felt like I was talking to someone trying to sell me something, unless I was describing something I needed.

*edit* don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to discredit anyone else's experiences.. with another poster describing his work number being used that might bug me.. but the dude at SW I talk to seems like the kind of guy who would ensure that wouldn't happen again if I mentioned it.

 

[peter nicholas]

Do you work for sweetwater?

somebody didn't read post #25. FAIL