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GOOD Guitar Center experiences?
- Thread starter rapturebass
- Start date
Whoa.......calm down, buddy. Take a deep breath. It will be all right.
I'd disagree with you but I am worried you might blow up out of anger.
I'd disagree with you but I am worried you might blow up out of anger.
Alright . . . I've heard enough (nothing personal!)
99 out of 100 GC guys ARE COMPLETE F$$##KING MORONS!
They're young, <21 years, they have zits, and they think they know more than you do . . . There's nothing worse than talking to some dink pink-hair punk who thinks he knows more than you but -painfully- doesn't.
If you talk about something they don't know about or haven't heard of they behave like YOU'RE the moron . . .
They try to come off dressing and acting f$$king cool and hot, but they couldn't play you a meaningful lick if their miserable life depended on it!!!!
Thus, I object to the, "These guys are musicians, you can tell, and it's good to speak from musician to musician," statement.
YOU CAN TELL????@@@@!!!! YOU CAN TELL???? HOW IN THE HELL CAN YOU TELL???? GAWDALMIGHTY GIMME A BREAK, B.S.!!! If YOU can tell then criminey, I sure can't!
I ain't met one yet who could read a 12 bar blues.
They might pretend to be musicians but . . . they are morons . . . and in nearly 20 years of GC visits, I've only met one guy who I had any respect for . . . and even he was a tad peculiar.
GC is more like "Zits -R- US", and bring your (illegitimate) kids along for the ride! They are fresh-out-of-high-school (or less) kids who don't know a C# from a Db.
I've only bought from GC out of necessity . . . it's never been a "good experience",
whew . . . damn . . . where's the bar?
- Jul 8, 2007
- 1,272
- 9
- Disclosures
- Lead Designer, Zeibek Boutique Pedals
GC North Houston and Clear Lake are not-so-bad.GC Westheimer however.........
Pretty good experience with North store,maybe because I have a bass playing bud that I deal with there.When my tweeter in my Markbass 2-10's cab started making strange noises,all I had to do was bring it back to the store.
They took care of the shipping(and charges)back to the GC warehouse and had a new one sent out the same week.
Too bad my bud wasn't working the day(a few years ago) I needed ONE bass string and was charged TEN dollars for it.
The great thing about that is every time I go to North GC now,the same guy who charged me ten bucks for the string always tries to wait on me.
It felt great the day I told him I was just looking,then went over to my friend and bought $1,600.00 worth of Markbass equipment!
Westheimer store is a zoo,will never buy there.Clear Lake store is small enough that its not a huge noisefest every time I walk in.
(Sorry for the gratuitous use of the word "Markbass")
Yes, there is something wrong with the Westheimer store and I love the zoo analogy. I don't think you can describe any other thing that accurately using a single word
I couldn't be "able" to buy anything from there and there were times I really wanted to. Not because I didn't have the funds or I couldn't make up my mind, just because I felt extremely uncomfortable at that choatic environment.
Here in Australia, the main guitar center thing here is Billy Hyde.
There is always knowledgeable helpful people there willing to help you and give advice.
I have yet to have a bad experience.
I mean sure you get idiot kids sometimes, but for the most part it is an awesome place to be.
Only one problem, if you let them show you something. It takes at least 30 mins to get the bass back haha.
There is always knowledgeable helpful people there willing to help you and give advice.
I have yet to have a bad experience.
I mean sure you get idiot kids sometimes, but for the most part it is an awesome place to be.
Only one problem, if you let them show you something. It takes at least 30 mins to get the bass back haha.
Well, I can't say that I've ever had a bad experience at GC, myself.
Of course, I've only set foot in the store once and that was just to look around to see what was available. The salesmen respected my "Just looking" statement, though, and let me be.
Even though the one time I went into a GC was alright, I don't expect to do much business there. I'm pretty loyal to a smaller locally owned store that I've been using since high school. I've gone in there after having not been around for over 10 years and as soon as I step through the door they guys look up, greet me by name, and inquire about the specific gear I bought over a decade before. I may be able to find better prices somewhere else, but that impressed me enough that I'll always give them first shot at my business.
Of course, I've only set foot in the store once and that was just to look around to see what was available. The salesmen respected my "Just looking" statement, though, and let me be.
Even though the one time I went into a GC was alright, I don't expect to do much business there. I'm pretty loyal to a smaller locally owned store that I've been using since high school. I've gone in there after having not been around for over 10 years and as soon as I step through the door they guys look up, greet me by name, and inquire about the specific gear I bought over a decade before. I may be able to find better prices somewhere else, but that impressed me enough that I'll always give them first shot at my business.
I fail to see the point in bashing GC. They do what they do and if you don't care for it don't buy stuff there. I like the selection and the fact that they buy in such volume means they have wiggle room in pricing that smaller shops don't have. And don't give me the nonsense that just because its a "mom and pop" that its automatically good, nor that a boutique music shop is going to be great. I have had my share of lousy customer service at small time operations too, and I don't deal with them anymore. I look at them like wal mart. If I need some generic silly thing where brand is not a real isue to me (which is a lot more stuff than not), I go there because its cheap and I don't feel a need to show off to everyone my "solidarity" with the small business if they don't offer me a better price or customer service. If you need some picks, a set of popular strings, some cables, speakers, pedals and any of the periphery of your gear, GC has it, its cheap and I don't need any advice on it. Going into GC as a know it all just to punk out the sales guy and then later complain about it is pretty silly to me. If you already know more than they do, why are you asking them questions? Bottom line is that I go where I need to go, and just like GCwon't service my Elrick, the local mom and pop won't get 50 bucks for a 30 dollar cable. Just my opinion.
Honestly, I shop daddy's junky music more than GC since its closer, but its the same deal.
Honestly, I shop daddy's junky music more than GC since its closer, but its the same deal.
Depends largely on if you have a good working relationship with a GC employee and how big of a micromanager the store manager is.
There are plenty of GCs in the Chicago suburbs. Of the four that I've been to, Highland Park is the best, hands-down. I haven't had any of the horror story experiences that I've seen in other threads.
I know that some guys will push the "mom and pop" stores, but my experience has been that they have a more limited selection and tend to be a little more expensive. There are three smaller places relatively near where I live. The two that I've stopped in just don't have much of a selection of basses (one of them doesn't have much of a selection of anything, I think they're making their money off of repair and lessons, though I certainly wouldn't trust the tool manning the counter with my bass or my time).
Anyway, I know that there are always going to be bad experiences with any chain, but I don't think you can judge the whole chain on one sales guy in (insert whatever town here).
I know that some guys will push the "mom and pop" stores, but my experience has been that they have a more limited selection and tend to be a little more expensive. There are three smaller places relatively near where I live. The two that I've stopped in just don't have much of a selection of basses (one of them doesn't have much of a selection of anything, I think they're making their money off of repair and lessons, though I certainly wouldn't trust the tool manning the counter with my bass or my time).
Anyway, I know that there are always going to be bad experiences with any chain, but I don't think you can judge the whole chain on one sales guy in (insert whatever town here).
- Mar 30, 2007
- 4,017
- 321
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Genzler Amplification/Spector Basses/Mojo Hand FX
+1...I used to use the Plano, TX store a lot, mainly because it was convienount and I had a great relationship with the manager of the accessories dept, but he's not there anymore...I typically only bought small ticket items like cables, etc that I needed right then...
I do a lot more "on-line" shopping because it just drives me nuts to go into GC...You typically have 10 people all playing "Crazy Train" about one measure apart, and 3 or 4 DVD's playing in the background as well...a 50 year old guy can't hear himself think in there...LOL
I do have a gift card from GC someone got me...I may swing throuhg there tonight and spend it on a cable or something.
Only good experience I've had there is when I bought my MTD Kingston.
The way it seems to me, no matter how much we hate on Guitar Center, we all will still shop there. Monopoly. lol jk
The way it seems to me, no matter how much we hate on Guitar Center, we all will still shop there. Monopoly. lol jk
LedBelli Bass, did you forget to take your lithium?
You can't get yourself all worked up about a Web post.
My experiences at these stores have always been positive.
I asked about preventing the squeesh sound on a bass guitar and the guy gave me all the right answers, including a "this is what I use" (while picking up the product).
I usually ask all sorts of questions when trying an instrument or an amp and am always pleasantly surprised to hear the right answers.
I always do the same when shopping for a car of a new computer. I already know what I want, I already know what the car or computer has in its gut, but for kick I always ask all sorts of technical questions and never get the right answers, although they are always delivered with a straight poker face, AKA "B.S. face".
I don't know about YOUR Guitard Center, but the two I visit in my area are pretty well staffed.
You can't get yourself all worked up about a Web post.
My experiences at these stores have always been positive.
I asked about preventing the squeesh sound on a bass guitar and the guy gave me all the right answers, including a "this is what I use" (while picking up the product).
I usually ask all sorts of questions when trying an instrument or an amp and am always pleasantly surprised to hear the right answers.
I always do the same when shopping for a car of a new computer. I already know what I want, I already know what the car or computer has in its gut, but for kick I always ask all sorts of technical questions and never get the right answers, although they are always delivered with a straight poker face, AKA "B.S. face".
I don't know about YOUR Guitard Center, but the two I visit in my area are pretty well staffed.
I think of Guitar Center as a supermarket. If there is something I need, especially a little supply or something kind of random, I can go in there and they will have it. I don't count on them for major music purchases, just as I might go to a butcher instead of the grocery store if were going to buy a nice prime rib or something.
To me, Guitar Center serves a purpose. I have one about 15 minutes away (Lone Tree, CO), and I would miss it were it gone. I don't hold out unreasonable expectations, and I use it for what it is good for.
To me, Guitar Center serves a purpose. I have one about 15 minutes away (Lone Tree, CO), and I would miss it were it gone. I don't hold out unreasonable expectations, and I use it for what it is good for.
Maybe it is the location, but the store here in Sherman Oaks is quite good. The sales people are very knowledgeable and friendly, the gear is in generally good condition, and the sales guy I work with always grinds the prices.
The only thing I can't stand is the BLARING loud crap-rock over the PA while you are trying to listen to the sound of an instrument. I would go insane working in a place like that. Maybe this is the reason for the poor service in most places??
The only thing I can't stand is the BLARING loud crap-rock over the PA while you are trying to listen to the sound of an instrument. I would go insane working in a place like that. Maybe this is the reason for the poor service in most places??
LedBelli Bass
Fine, Handmade Custom Bass Guitars
Sorry I blew up.
It was the good musicians part . . . I . . I . , just couldn't take it anymore.
But I'm okay now
Now pass me another shot before I have to go back to a GC!!
It was the good musicians part . . . I . . I . , just couldn't take it anymore.
But I'm okay now
Now pass me another shot before I have to go back to a GC!!
I've always had good experiences at GC. I've learned over the years that the typical GC employee will probably be less well versed in the gear I'm interested in, so I don't expect them to give me information. I research things and when I'm ready to buy, I go there, test drive the gear and buy it. I don't ask for advice.
Wow, I call selection bias. At my local store, not a single employee is under 25 as far as I can tell, other than maybe the girl checking receipts at the door. All the rest are in their late 20's to early 30's, and about half of them are gigging musicians who work at GC for their "day job" and for the discount.
But hey, I guess if you go looking for morons you're going to find one or two and claim the whole world is dumb, right?
The best thing you can do is have a good working relationship with one of the assistant managers. Hang around, wait for somebody to call for a manager to approve a discount from somebody, buy from the guy that shows up. Mine is Eric, and it's handy that he normally works in keyboards and pro audio, where I buy almost all of my big-ticket stuff (excluding actual bass gear).
I'm in the greater valley area here too and wanted to chime in regarding the GC in Scottsdale and Tempe. Both stores are first rate and don't seem to be filled with the usual "tat and pierce" type of sales force we all know and love at GC. The two times I was in the Scottsdale store to buy, they were great and took care of me with no problems.
I'm on the far side of the valley so usually hit the GC in Peoria or Avondale. Peoria is good, but only if you deal with the managers or upper level sales force. Same with the Avondale location. They "always" get me priced out right on anything I buy. The other local stores can't touch em price wise.
The sales persons I deal with at GC know that I'm a 35+ year player and if I come in it's because I'm going to purchase that day or soon thereafter. They know that I've researched pricing and they WILL match or beat any price I bring in.
IMO GC is in the business to make money. They don't want to lose you as a customer. If they know you are a pro, they will treat you accordingly. I've been in enough GC's to know that they have a different set of rules when dealing with a pro versus just some kid off the street.
I have NEVER had a problem with a return ever at any GC. One advantage of the "big box" store over the little guy. I've bought at one GC and returned at a different one. Still no problems. I've also been in the store two days later and seen that same return hanging back out there on the wall being sold as new. I personally think it's wrong to do that but that's just my opinion. As with any purchase, it's always "caveat emptor" anyway. If in doubt ask for one in a box.
You have to sift through the basses as most are not set up and play like crap. I still don't get the reason for the unbox, hang, and tag thing at GC but I'm sure they have a reason for it. Again if in doubt, ask them to do a set up on it before you buy. They will do this if you ask. There's plenty of times you can get a great deal on a new "shop worn" bass. They do get banged up in the store and GC WILL deal to move these instruments. If you don't mind a few nicks and scratches, you can score a deal
Hey, who doesn't like that idea!Lot's of people have had a bad experience at GC and lots of others haven't. Just like any other store.
Keep Low
I have one guy at my local GC that i go to, but he used to work at the mom and pop shop in town for something like 10-12 years. "bad politics" or whatever caused him to leave and he's at GC now. I got all my gear from him at the mom and pop shop for the first 5 years that i played, so if there's something i need, i go to him....and he's just as nice as he was before......and since he has more knowledge of music/sales than the entire staff combined, he basically runs the place and hooks me up with great deals.
I've always really liked the GC in Castleton, IN.
They have a nice selection of basses and a great selection of used basses. I've been told the manager there really likes his "high end" gear. Believe it or not, it's where I played my first Sadowsky.... a used NYC in a hideous purple, but I fell in love with Sadowsky then and there. Got raped there a few times and feel like I stuck it to them a few times.
Most others i've been in are just, meh.
As long as you know what you want, you can get a lot of good deals from GC. Just don't expect to take your $1000 bass in and expect to get more than $3/400 for it.
They have a nice selection of basses and a great selection of used basses. I've been told the manager there really likes his "high end" gear. Believe it or not, it's where I played my first Sadowsky.... a used NYC in a hideous purple, but I fell in love with Sadowsky then and there. Got raped there a few times and feel like I stuck it to them a few times.
Most others i've been in are just, meh.
As long as you know what you want, you can get a lot of good deals from GC. Just don't expect to take your $1000 bass in and expect to get more than $3/400 for it.
