Guess it's official, Sam Ash files for bankruptcy

[Clark W]

After announcing they were closing stores a couple of weeks back this hit the news today

Sam Ash filing for bankruptcy
“In today's post-COVID environment, the challenges to our brick-and-mortar business have necessitated a restructuring”: Sam Ash Music files for bankruptcy after announcing the closure of all its stores

Not a Sam Ash fan or customer even, but 100 years in business, sad to see it end. they must have done something right to be in business that long.

 

[fhm555]

After announcing they were closing stores a couple of weeks back this hit the news today

Sam Ash filing for bankruptcy
“In today's post-COVID environment, the challenges to our brick-and-mortar business have necessitated a restructuring”: Sam Ash Music files for bankruptcy after announcing the closure of all its stores

Not a Sam Ash fan or customer even, but 100 years in business, sad to see it end. they must have done something right to be in business that long.

You don't think they are simply adapting to the slow death of brick and mortar retail. Maybe come back as an e-store?

 

[Clark W]

You don't think they are simply adapting to the slow death of brick and mortar retail. Maybe come back as an e-store?

After reading that article, nope.

 

[fhm555]

After reading that article, nope.

Guess I should have done the same.

 

[Clark W]

Guess I should have done the same.

yeah, reading helps...

Sam Ash is also said to be evaluating potentially selling its e-commerce operations and related intellectual property.

And

According to Guitar.com, the hugely popular gear store, which was established in 1924, is reportedly set to auction off its assets. According to court documents, these assets are said to value up to $500 million.

A “stalking horse bidder” has reportedly already been found. Their reserve bid for most of the firm’s assets will be successful unless a potential auction – reportedly set to take place next month – results in a better offer.

Sounds like they're selling off everything. If they were going to keep inventory for e commerce, why sell off inventory?

I suspect most of their assets will be inventory as most stores are probably in leased locations and not actually owned by Sam Ash as most brick and mortar stores are.

 

[-Stingray]

Sadly, it’s a dying industry. We all need to enjoy that last decade or two that we have.

 

[Clark W]

Sadly, it’s a dying industry. We all need to enjoy that last decade or two that we have.

It definitely is. I doubt we have a decade or two left. I don't mind buying amps, cabs, pedals, etc... online, especially with the return policies that the likes of GC, MF, SW and others have. But normally I want to put my hands on a bass first. There's just something about getting to try a bass out before buying out, even if it doesn't get plugged in. I still want to feel the neck first, how the body feels, etc...

 

[coalbass]

Every time a person buys online, it’s another death blow to brick and mortar.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Brick and mortar in most places doesn’t seem to be putting up much of a fight. I used to hit music stores every weekend but now it’s quarterly or so.

 

[InhumanResource]

Brick and mortar in most places doesn’t seem to be putting up much of a fight. I used to hit music stores every weekend but now it’s quarterly or so.

Same, and it’s always the same disappointing stuff hanging on the wall every time. The days of the “whoa, it’s a…!” surprise find are long gone.

 

[J Wilson]

I think it's the end of the big box music stores. On the other hand, specialist shops are thriving here in Nashville.

Of course, full line stores here locally got kicked in the teeth by The Gibson Garage (aggravatingly, the ONLY Mesa dealer here in town; just GUESS how much Subway bass gear they have on hand . . .) being right downtown. Primo stock, and if your store orders it, well . . . .

But the vintage is strong here. Specialists in fine acoustics thrive. We have two drums-only stores.

Of course, there's enough musicians (and tourists) here to make these businesses work, but the strategy of a smart retailer with a solid online presence still works, bigtime.

The thing that's concerning is if you're a major manufacturer, as these big box retailers fade out, the only alternative they have is to sell direct to make those numbers up, kicking their traditional dealers even more.

It will be interesting to see what the world looks like when the dust settles.

I went in the Nashville Sam Ash Thursday, and they still had quite a bit of stock, but all the real items were only 5% off. Today (Saturday) I passed, and there's a 'AS MUCH AS 30% OFF' signs at the curb. The guys tell me they think by June it's dead and buried. I feel for them.

I got to admit I was circling a rack of Mogami Gold cables like a shark . . .

 

[Ellery]

Brick and mortar in most places doesn’t seem to be putting up much of a fight. I used to hit music stores every weekend but now it’s quarterly or so.

I hadn't thought of it that way but you're right, brick and mortar locations have less enticing gear than ever. I used to be excited about the thought of going to a music store, now I only go in if I need something like strings.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Same, and it’s always the same disappointing stuff hanging on the wall every time. The days of the “whoa, it’s a…!” surprise find are long gone.

My Guild B-301 was one of those about a year and a half ago.

 

[JC BASS 91]

I have found that my local shops (the small, regionally owned stores) are far better than the national stores. My small town has three music stores, two that are regionally owned and operated, and Guitar Center.

Each of the three has their own personality, if you will.

Guitar Center feels 'corporate' to me. I walk into the store and I get no acknowledgement from the staff. I might pull a bass down off the wall and noodle on it for a while, but I am never approached by a member of the sales staff. If I want assistance, I have to go looking for it.

Palen Music, I walk in and I am immediately greeted by someone behind the counter. They tell me if I need anything to let them know. I will grab a bass and noodle around and I am left alone until I leave the store when I'm told, "Come back soon!"

Ernie Williamson Music, I walk in and I am greeted like an old friend they haven't seen in a few months. They ask how I have been, how my band is doing, if I am working on any new music. The manager walks over and asks, "Where have you been hiding?" I tell her what's been going on. She asks if the band is playing anywhere soon. I go to the bass section and grab a bass that appears to be new to the store. I start noodling. Either the manager or someone from the staff wanders over, "That just came in yesterday. What do you think?" I tell them my initial impressions. They nod and listen to what I have to say and acknowledge any concerns I have. They treat me like I'm a rock star, whether I really am or not.

Care to guess which one gets me money?

Now, I will state very clearly for the record that if my favorite local shop can't meet a need I have, Sweetwater gets my business without a moment's hesitation.

 

[Carl Hillman]

Sadly, it’s a dying industry. We all need to enjoy that last decade or two that we have.

There will always be a handful of live bands.

Going out to see live music will be like going to a national park or something. And there's, you know...they preserve the moose. And that's, that's my career up there on stage. That moose, you know.

 

[Don Kasper]

There will always be a handful of live bands.

Going out to see live music will be like going to a national park or something. And there's, you know, they preserve the moose. And that's, that's my career up there on stage. That moose, you know.

Carl "Bullwinkle" Hillman.
It has a nice ring to it.

 

[Carl Hillman]

You've never felt like a preserved moose on stage?

 

[Grinderman]

I have found that my local shops (the small, regionally owned stores) are far better than the national stores. My small town has three music stores, two that are regionally owned and operated, and Guitar Center.

Each of the three has their own personality, if you will.

Guitar Center feels 'corporate' to me. I walk into the store and I get no acknowledgement from the staff. I might pull a bass down off the wall and noodle on it for a while, but I am never approached by a member of the sales staff. If I want assistance, I have to go looking for it.

Palen Music, I walk in and I am immediately greeted by someone behind the counter. They tell me if I need anything to let them know. I will grab a bass and noodle around and I am left alone until I leave the store when I'm told, "Come back soon!"

Ernie Williamson Music, I walk in and I am greeted like an old friend they haven't seen in a few months. They ask how I have been, how my band is doing, if I am working on any new music. The manager walks over and asks, "Where have you been hiding?" I tell her what's been going on. She asks if the band is playing anywhere soon. I go to the bass section and grab a bass that appears to be new to the store. I start noodling. Either the manager or someone from the staff wanders over, "That just came in yesterday. What do you think?" I tell them my initial impressions. They nod and listen to what I have to say and acknowledge any concerns I have. They treat me like I'm a rock star, whether I really am or not.

Care to guess which one gets me money?

Now, I will state very clearly for the record that if my favorite local shop can't meet a need I have, Sweetwater gets my business without a moment's hesitation.

I remember the old Guitar Center deep down in the South Side of Chicago... I think it was on 79th Street. It wasn't corporate back then. That was also 40 years ago.

I bought my first Fender there--it was a MIJ blacked-out Jazz Bass Special PJ

 

[Spidey2112]

The Columbus store is closed and shuttered.

 

[JRA]

Every time a person buys online, it’s another death blow to brick and mortar.

...brick and mortar locations have less enticing gear than ever.

while it's one of those "sad, end-of-an-era" things, the big box joints haven't been able to stock the items/things i've needed for a long time. most of my purchases in the last decade+ have been for specific parts. having them delivered is too easy.