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Is Anyone Here Generally OK With Guitar Center?

#161
Gc is ok with me I scored a Kramer era Spector NS2 for 699!!!! In my hometown GC, they once had a Stingray 4 for 699! It was a funky orange color they could not sell. I did not have the money for that one:crying: I buy my strings there and have always been treated with respect. The manager is a incredible guitar player who used to play with Tricia Yearwood HE does not take crap from slackers and employees with attitude. I have no problem with GC. I just tell everyone do your homework if you plan to make a major purchace there.
 
#163
My name is Mudd said:
I totally agree here...if the on-site tech doesn't have a paying customer at any given moment, he should be working on store stock. It doesn't cost the company any more and both the store and customers potentially benefit by increased sales of instruments that are worth buying, since they (hopefully) work properly.

I disagree with the "...logical thought process..." part tho (not a dig at Gus, btw)...if that's corp-think, someone not thinking too well, IMO.
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Not taken as a dig at all, my comment in itself is a dig at GC. Thing is the tech st my local GC is an outside contractor.
 
#164
The one here was already an employee who had worked guitar sales until corp came up with the tech position. I'm guessing that local mgmt didn't want to hire (and pay) an outsider for the position, given that the store is literally across the street from a service/repair-oriented guitar shop run by a total wizard at his job....even GC employees take their guitars to Doug when setups, etc are needed.
 
#165
the majority of gc employees are morons. that being said, the manager at the one near me is very good with customer relations. he remembers every single thing he sold me. and he asks about them when i walk in everytime, he doesnt just ask me about my ibanez, he asks me about my ibanez btb 5 string. not just my half stack, but my gallien krueger 1001rb with a neo 410. hes very good and its nice to have that kind of relationship with your customers, it makes me feel like he knows me
 
#166
Some people trash GC because they are in it to make money first. Well, that's business. Is GC the best place I've ever been to? No, but they always have the stuff I need, and their prices aren't terrible. I think they're a better company than Sam Ash. If you walk in both places you'll notice a stark difference. GC employees are either sellling gear, talking to customers, or restocking inventory. You go into Sam Ash, and you see groups of employees just chit chatting and hanging out.
 
#167
bryan gibson said:
I do the same thing. I'll look online for used stuff at my "local" stores (6 in 120 mile radius) and then drive over if I see something cool. For instance, new/overstock Jay Turdster '51 P reissue for $89 last week:) I just needed the neck, so what the hey. I also scored a used MIM Jazz last fall for $255.
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On the flipside, this time...one of the "local" GC stores was advertising a used Warwick doublebuck for $699, which seemed fair. Until I got there and it was a Chinese Rockbass version. Nice bass, but not worth anywhere seven Benjamins.
 
#168
There's one of those at my local second hand store for $150. :hiding: Thought about it, but haven't had a chance to look it over properly, yet. There are a few others I might be interesed in as well in that price range.

Getting back OT, I did an online comparison between GC and my local Long & McQuade, and they have similar pricing for similar gear, some things are cheaper by a bit and others a bit pricier, so ordering from the U.S. isn't really an option. When I'm ready to get some good stuff, I'll get it locally. Also, L&M isn't the only player in town. :smug:
 
#169
I bought from GC when I first began playing bass...huge mistake.

Now. I go to GC just to play random guitars and bass guitars.

I prefer to do my music shopping online, or nearby pawnshops.
 
#170
I've shopped at the East Brunswick, NJ GC for 7 years. My experiences having always been good with buying and trading gear. The staff is friendly and willing to help. Plus, they will leave you alone if you say "just looking, thanks." The stock is lower these days, but that a sign of the sucky economic times. The store is being smart by keeping inventory low at least until we get into better times.

The only GC thing that was annoying was a sales tactic where anytime someone would look at something in particular or be playing it, a salesperson would walk up and say, "That's nice, right? Yeah, I'm thinking of getting one of those for myself." I saw that nonsense many times. Thankfully, the management has stopped it and it's been that way for a few years now.
 
#171
Yes, why wouldn't I be?

internet flash mobs who don't buy anything there anyway i'm sure aren't who they're worried about :lol:

i've bought, traded, and sold gear to various locations all throughout TX over the years.

trick is finding a good to really good sales assoc. and then if you actually come in and buy stuff from time to time, they take care of you. same as anything else in retail?? :confused:
 
#173
I've had generally good experiences at my local GC, although I've never found a bass I wanted there - very limited offerings, and little turnover. I've picked up used pedals at good prices there, and accessories, too, as well as some guitar and drum stuff. Online, Guitar Center Used has some really good deals, too - got my last bass there, at a very competitive price, and it was all but brand new.
 
#175
Like most stores, if you time your visits to low flow times, and you take some time to get to know a manager of salesperson, you reap the benefits. I love the fact that they have an acoustic room, and multiple guitars of the same model to try so you can pick one that is a good fit. They also have been pretty generous with throwing in a couple of sets of strings/a strap/gig bag/etc. I have not found the same quality control over electric instruments, but I know I can get a cheaper price on strings, cases, stands, etc. than at Music go Round or a couple of the locals. I'd never use them for a repair, nor would I go to them first on a purchase--I always price check the local guys first.
 
#176
I told one kid that I was looking for a cheap guitar for my nephew so he automatically assumed I didn't know how to play. He went around the store and strummed guitars for me. After awhile I was in a conundrum. Watching him struggling with chords I felt bad and didn't want to hurt his feelings by picking up a guitar and playing it. So I had to sit through 15 minutes of this kid playing Knocking on Heaven's door on various guitars. I liked his enthusiasm. He was actually a really nice kid so I just played along, but damn don't assume things.
 
#177
My only gripe with the GC near me (West Palm Beach) is that there is this douche there who looks like Iggy Pop. Everytime you try something and he's near by, he comes over and gives you the line, "That's the last one we have left, and we're not getting anymore in." It's so annoying, and he says it about stuff that GC has to carry, on a daily basis.
 
#178
bassgod76 said:
My only gripe with the GC near me (West Palm Beach) is that there is this douche there who looks like Iggy Pop. Everytime you try something and he's near by, he comes over and gives you the line, "That's the last one we have left, and we're not getting anymore in." It's so annoying, and he says it about stuff that GC has to carry, on a daily basis.
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Haha- i'm also local to the West Palm store and am familiar with Iggy.

I use to love hanging in music stores when I was younger, now I'm in, buy my crap and sprint for the exit
 
#179
Coughdrops said:
Haha- i'm also local to the West Palm store and am familiar with Iggy.

I use to love hanging in music stores when I was younger, now I'm in, buy my crap and sprint for the exit
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Just an FYI. My luthier Holly now works at that GC in West Palm. She is excellent.

Yeah, when Iggy is in, I usually avoid him like the plague.

I had the misfortune of having to buy a Cort Axe-2 for a KISS gig. He sees me with it, while I was waiting to talk to Holly, and comes over to look at it. Eyes rolling.
 
#180
I've mostly bought little things from them over time, such as stands, cables, strings, etc. Of the two larger ticket items I bought from them a while ago was a Warwick corvette 5 string and a Markbass LMII. Both were in new condition, the Warwick was actually set up very well, and I have no complaints. I don't own either of those things anymore, but I've never had any real issue with the Albany, NY store.
 

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