Wilmington DE GC is 2 hours from my house and the other in Moosic PA is 40 min from my vacation place. Both have a great staff but neither has ever had anything that gave me GAS. I will continue to visit those stores when in the area
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positive GC stories, please
- Thread starter pcake
- Start date
My experience with GC has, overall, been pretty good. I’ve had good experiences with both the bass and guitar departments, and VERY good experiences with their Pro Audio staff. I’ve outfitted my church’s PA system, and they worked with us well on price and recommended equipment.
My experiences with Sam Ash have been even better. Both used in the NY area shipping to South Florida, and locally here for both used and new gear.
My experiences with Sam Ash have been even better. Both used in the NY area shipping to South Florida, and locally here for both used and new gear.
1. Got a great deal on a Markbass that the ad writer forgot to "exclude" from the discount pricing. They recognized the mistake but it was honored. Big win here.
2, My Squier Jazz VM -5 came with a perfect setup right out of the box (unpacked in front of me). Had it shipped to the store.
How's that??
2, My Squier Jazz VM -5 came with a perfect setup right out of the box (unpacked in front of me). Had it shipped to the store.
How's that??
Generally dislike national chain stores, but... I've worked at a local chain and don't feel bad about not supporting them.
GC return policy is great. I've had to return a used instrument, and it was very easy. Having used inventory shipped free from other stores is great. You risk paying the shipping (one way) if you return in that scenario, but I got a pretty sweet deal on a used bass doing this. New, I picked up a MiM Telecaster for myself, because I've literally wanted a tele since I was a wee lad, and a Yamaha acoustic for my daughter. They have enough inventory that you can usually try at least a couple instruments of a given model... pretty critical, IME, especially at the lower end.
In general if you know what you want/need, they're fine. Sometimes some of the crew can even be helpful, if you can flag them down. In general, I avoid weekends at any music store. Weekday mornings are the best.
GC return policy is great. I've had to return a used instrument, and it was very easy. Having used inventory shipped free from other stores is great. You risk paying the shipping (one way) if you return in that scenario, but I got a pretty sweet deal on a used bass doing this. New, I picked up a MiM Telecaster for myself, because I've literally wanted a tele since I was a wee lad, and a Yamaha acoustic for my daughter. They have enough inventory that you can usually try at least a couple instruments of a given model... pretty critical, IME, especially at the lower end.
In general if you know what you want/need, they're fine. Sometimes some of the crew can even be helpful, if you can flag them down. In general, I avoid weekends at any music store. Weekday mornings are the best.
I have never had a bad experience GC. I have always found great deals on used gear and every time but once the gear exceeded my expectations. I did get a used LTD B-50 that had some issues with the pickups. I took it to the Jackson Ms store and the tech popped it open. He told the salesman to do a refund because it was not going to be a quick fix. We found another B-50 and got it on the way before I left the store. No complaints on the staff in Jackson from me.
I have bought several basses and amps used from guitar center, as well as tons of new accessories - straps, strings, picks, pedals, cables etc. I've never had any negative experiences.
One time I received an item different than what was advertised in the picture and description on the used site. I was buying a "good condition" MIM Jazz 5 string with no case, and received a "like-new condition" MIM Jazz 5 Deluxe with brand new road-runner gig bag.
One time I received an item different than what was advertised in the picture and description on the used site. I was buying a "good condition" MIM Jazz 5 string with no case, and received a "like-new condition" MIM Jazz 5 Deluxe with brand new road-runner gig bag.
IMO, as with any of a number of box type stores, it can be hit or miss.
Positive story about GC?
A few months ago, I had wanted to expand my bass corral to include a single Humbucker EBMM Stingray. The hunt began, and I wasn't necessarily looking for a new instrument and focused on the used market. Search here, search there online etc... FOUND IT!
Right in the price range, well at the high end of it anyway. It was apparently at one of their stores in Las Vegas, so I rang them up.
Asked a few questions like, "Does it come with a hard case as advertised?" "What's your policy for returns for online purchases?" yada yada,and I clicked the mouse. Since it was used, and I realize high volume companies cannot keep up with all their inventory, I was ready to return it immediately if it didn't pass muster so to speak.
After arriving a few days later, I plugged it in, cycled the controls, inspected for cracks and or other mechanical imperfections, and played it/checked for neck/fret issues etc. I decided she was a keeper. The original EBMM case was a little disconcerting; chewed up on one end and the separating of the external shell from the internal molding, but otherwise fully functional and sans smelly rot of potential humidity/water infiltration.
After some TLC, cleaning, string replacement, set-up, lubricating of tuning machines and bridge, some spray on the pots, and replacing the pick-up adjustment screws ($0.90), fresh battery...
15 year old, EBMM Sr 4H already broken-in, without scratches/rash etc...like butter...for a little over $900 (USD)… oh yeah, and some spray adhesive in the case...
BANG!
Yes, I do not listen to sales personnel either for the most part at box stores. Local "mom-n-pop" shops excluded; why should they BS when the boxstore battleships are looking to dominate and scorch the earth? It's nice when one can go into a local shop, scant as they are becoming, once every 3-5 months and each of the personnel remember the last thing you bought, remember your name, and basically bring the items to you versus you to the items? Sweet.
Positive story about GC?
A few months ago, I had wanted to expand my bass corral to include a single Humbucker EBMM Stingray. The hunt began, and I wasn't necessarily looking for a new instrument and focused on the used market. Search here, search there online etc... FOUND IT!
Right in the price range, well at the high end of it anyway. It was apparently at one of their stores in Las Vegas, so I rang them up.
Asked a few questions like, "Does it come with a hard case as advertised?" "What's your policy for returns for online purchases?" yada yada,and I clicked the mouse. Since it was used, and I realize high volume companies cannot keep up with all their inventory, I was ready to return it immediately if it didn't pass muster so to speak.
After arriving a few days later, I plugged it in, cycled the controls, inspected for cracks and or other mechanical imperfections, and played it/checked for neck/fret issues etc. I decided she was a keeper. The original EBMM case was a little disconcerting; chewed up on one end and the separating of the external shell from the internal molding, but otherwise fully functional and sans smelly rot of potential humidity/water infiltration.
After some TLC, cleaning, string replacement, set-up, lubricating of tuning machines and bridge, some spray on the pots, and replacing the pick-up adjustment screws ($0.90), fresh battery...
15 year old, EBMM Sr 4H already broken-in, without scratches/rash etc...like butter...for a little over $900 (USD)… oh yeah, and some spray adhesive in the case...
BANG!
Yes, I do not listen to sales personnel either for the most part at box stores. Local "mom-n-pop" shops excluded; why should they BS when the boxstore battleships are looking to dominate and scorch the earth? It's nice when one can go into a local shop, scant as they are becoming, once every 3-5 months and each of the personnel remember the last thing you bought, remember your name, and basically bring the items to you versus you to the items? Sweet.
I bought a used trace elliot half stack for $349 about ten years ago. Couldn't pay for it fast enough
I just ordered a used SWR Henry 8x8 from the Rochester, NY location. I'm in NNY and its actually cheaper for me to just order it and have it shipped than to drive down and get it.
Earlier this morning, I called to make sure it was still there and available. The gentleman I spoke with (Elijah?) was pleasant and accommodating. I told him I had to wait till the afternoon to submit the purchase, and he offered to pull it off the floor and hold it for me!
In summation, they took care of me without any hesitation. Now my cab is ready to ship and I'm one satisfied shopper. Thumbs up!
Earlier this morning, I called to make sure it was still there and available. The gentleman I spoke with (Elijah?) was pleasant and accommodating. I told him I had to wait till the afternoon to submit the purchase, and he offered to pull it off the floor and hold it for me!
In summation, they took care of me without any hesitation. Now my cab is ready to ship and I'm one satisfied shopper. Thumbs up!
A few weeks ago I ordered a used PA cab from the GC website. This was mid-morning. Not quite 48 hours later I gave them a call because my card hadn’t been charged and I hadn’t received a shipping email.
I actually called corporate originally, because I suspected it might be my bank’s fault. They can be a little overzealous about flagging unusual activity, and I figured corporate might have more details than the store.
The rep looked up my order and told me it looked fine, and it should be shipping that day. Then he offered to connect me to the store to make sure.
The manager who answered was actually pulling that day’s items for shipping and my cab was on his list. He explained that sometimes the computer takes an extra day to add it to the pull list, and said to call him if I didn’t get the shipping email within 4 hours.
2 hours later, and about an hour before it showed up on my card, I got the shipping notification.
I actually called corporate originally, because I suspected it might be my bank’s fault. They can be a little overzealous about flagging unusual activity, and I figured corporate might have more details than the store.
The rep looked up my order and told me it looked fine, and it should be shipping that day. Then he offered to connect me to the store to make sure.
The manager who answered was actually pulling that day’s items for shipping and my cab was on his list. He explained that sometimes the computer takes an extra day to add it to the pull list, and said to call him if I didn’t get the shipping email within 4 hours.
2 hours later, and about an hour before it showed up on my card, I got the shipping notification.
I used to practically LIVE at a small Guitar Center in Sherman Oaks from 1986-89. Every evening and most weekends, trying all sorts of gear and occasionally buying some.
Everyone very nice, considering I was the only guy with short hair in there... (Remember, it was L.A. and the 80s, even the keyboard players had long hair!).
Another thing, the store was so small, that it actually felt a bit mom-and-pop! Every 'department' was really separated by very thin walls.. If anyone fired up the JCM800, the keys had to stop playing...
Eventually, they moved to a larger location, with a better parking lot (The old one was stacked parking! Oh, the joy!!!) But the magic was gone!
Everyone very nice, considering I was the only guy with short hair in there... (Remember, it was L.A. and the 80s, even the keyboard players had long hair!).
Another thing, the store was so small, that it actually felt a bit mom-and-pop! Every 'department' was really separated by very thin walls.. If anyone fired up the JCM800, the keys had to stop playing...
Eventually, they moved to a larger location, with a better parking lot (The old one was stacked parking! Oh, the joy!!!) But the magic was gone!
I have many negative GC experiences, but a few good ones.
The best, I guess?
I wanted a 5 string bass a few years back. I did my research online and narrowed it down to three basses:
I decided the Schecter was better for my needs so I returned the Ibanez to the store for a full refund. I used that refund to order the MTD.
I picked it up a few days later when it arrived and did the same testing against the Schecter, deciding eventually to return the MTD for a refund.
So, the best GC story I have is that I had to order three basses I was thinking about buying because none of them were in stock and had to pay for them in advance. But they didn't give me any hassle about returning two of them for a full refund. I suspect it was no hassle because I had worked at that location for several years and had just quit a few months earlier and so knew all the people involved in ordering and returning. If I had been a random Joe off the street, I have no idea how this would have gone.
Full disclosure: in case it wasn't apparent, I worked at both the Hollywood and Sherman Oaks GCs from 2007-2011. I was in the warehouse and not a salesperson.
The best, I guess?
I wanted a 5 string bass a few years back. I did my research online and narrowed it down to three basses:
- Schecter Hellraiser Extreme 5
- MTD Kingston Heir 5
- Ibanez BTB775
I decided the Schecter was better for my needs so I returned the Ibanez to the store for a full refund. I used that refund to order the MTD.
I picked it up a few days later when it arrived and did the same testing against the Schecter, deciding eventually to return the MTD for a refund.
So, the best GC story I have is that I had to order three basses I was thinking about buying because none of them were in stock and had to pay for them in advance. But they didn't give me any hassle about returning two of them for a full refund. I suspect it was no hassle because I had worked at that location for several years and had just quit a few months earlier and so knew all the people involved in ordering and returning. If I had been a random Joe off the street, I have no idea how this would have gone.
Full disclosure: in case it wasn't apparent, I worked at both the Hollywood and Sherman Oaks GCs from 2007-2011. I was in the warehouse and not a salesperson.
Bought my Allen Woody used online, shipped to my local GC. No issues, although if memory serves the packing job was bush league. I'd do it again.
GC was a good resource when I was learning bass (15 years ago) and wanted to try new gear before I bought it.
Once I graduated to more boutique and custom stuff, and GC started only stocking entry-level high turnover stuff (say over the last 7 years), going to GC lost relevance, and I don't go any more. I have gone to a few GC shops in other cities while traveling, because I was bored and wanted to play something.
But look at it a different way, the bass players have it better than some other instruments. The bass department (if you can consider the holes in the wall you sometimes get at a GC a "department") at least has stock. The keyboard department is much worse. Rarely had anything remotely interesting on the floor. Terrible used 'board business, could never find a way to plug one into a speaker to try it out to save my life. Zero help.
Once I graduated to more boutique and custom stuff, and GC started only stocking entry-level high turnover stuff (say over the last 7 years), going to GC lost relevance, and I don't go any more. I have gone to a few GC shops in other cities while traveling, because I was bored and wanted to play something.
But look at it a different way, the bass players have it better than some other instruments. The bass department (if you can consider the holes in the wall you sometimes get at a GC a "department") at least has stock. The keyboard department is much worse. Rarely had anything remotely interesting on the floor. Terrible used 'board business, could never find a way to plug one into a speaker to try it out to save my life. Zero help.
Are you talking about the old location at 14760 Ventura Blvd? The one that's a Goodwill store now? I bought a 5 string bass there back in 91 or 92, so I don't think they moved until a little after that.
Back then, I used to go the Bass Centre in Studio City a lot more than the GC.
I lived around the way from Mesa Boogie and GC Sunset as a kid... As an 8 year old, I was completely obsessed with Rock n Roll. I had just been given a copy of Appetite for Destruction by the same friend I tried to give Bon Jovi's 'New Jersey' tape to.
At this time, BC Rich's and pointy guitars ruled the strip... and the place looked nothing like it does now... every 4th shop was a guitar shop, or pawn shop that had guitars in the window.... Freedom Guitars, Waldo's, Mesa, Carvin, Peavey, etc... but once Appetite hit, it was all Les Paul's and ES style guitars (because, Izzy lol)... I remember being overwhelmed by the sounds on every corner, the crazy rock n rollers and punks, and while my parents were at work, I'd ride my beach cruiser (a Sears Kent cruiser) up and down the strip and Santa Monica Blvd... it was probably not as safe as I thought, but I didn't care at the time. I'd play sick and get to stay home, and then hit the strip with my bike and stare into the windows of all the stores, looking at the fretboards like a big piece of graph paper with the strings on top of the frets, thinking... "man, I'll never figure out how to play one of these!"
One day I inched up the courage to ride as far down as GC Sunset. I walked in an began looking at all the Les Pauls and guitars they had on the floor and walls. Every color (not blueberry burst though)... I was sitting there in a daze when a rep walked up to me. Teased hair, tattoos, he may as well had been in my favorite band, because I was scared to death. He asked if I wanted to check one out. I told him no, and that I didn't have any money (but of course he already knew that)... He grabbed a sunburst Lester off the wall and let me hold it. I gave it a few strums and laughed like crazy -- half embarrassed that I didn't know any songs, half excited as hell, and 100% grateful. He left me alone with it while he went to go talk to someone. I swear I felt like Slash for a few moments... and from then on it was on -- I had to get an electric guitar.
After he came back, I thanked him, and went back outside and grabbed my beach cruiser (still unlocked and sitting there in those days) and rode home listening to my Walkman and orange sponge headphones. Sorry for the long rant, but I think it was necessary as ever since then, I had a bond with GC and I never forgot that dude. Over the years, I probably purchased close to 30-40 instruments from them, some cheap and used, some expensive and rare. I realize not everyone has a great experience with GC, and mine haven't always been 100% clean -- there have been issues, but none they weren't willing to resolve, even to this day. For anyone buying used from them, sometimes it's a gamble on the turnout -- but 9 times out of 10, I have had great experiences and the instruments were in better shape than listed.
I do call the store; I do speak with a manager, and I always ask for more pics. I also love that they offer a 45 day return policy and that I have 3 GC's close to me here in Orange County. If I hate it or if there's something wrong, I email their CS team -- they're awesome. If it's unfixable or I feel like something went terribly wrong during shipping (each store is different -- different mgr, different operations team etc)... then I will simply take it in and get a refund, and if it was misrepresented or shipped incorrectly, I've never been liable for the shipping fees (which are really reasonable to boot --- $25 or so on a guitar, and not too much even when buying an 8x10 cab -- they really eat it sometimes for the sake of moving gear).
Are there online retailers I love? Yeah. Chicago Music Exchange all day. I love my team there -- Marc, David A, etc... but sometimes things will pop up at GC and I have no reservations when buying from them. I want to support brick and mortar. I have had crappy experiences elsewhere about big online retailers that others can't stop raving about. I've been assigned reps at other companies that you can tell, only care about the dollar at the end of the day. For me, it's like this no matter where you buy -- people are people -- and how you work with them both upfront and in resolving any issues, is 90% of the deal.
I'm not affiliated with GC, and have had some not so great experiences, but nothing they haven't fixed and the team at GC Brea is my favorite -- a great Manager at that store who has bent over backwards to make a long time customer happy (thanks Shane). Good luck gear heads!
At this time, BC Rich's and pointy guitars ruled the strip... and the place looked nothing like it does now... every 4th shop was a guitar shop, or pawn shop that had guitars in the window.... Freedom Guitars, Waldo's, Mesa, Carvin, Peavey, etc... but once Appetite hit, it was all Les Paul's and ES style guitars (because, Izzy lol)... I remember being overwhelmed by the sounds on every corner, the crazy rock n rollers and punks, and while my parents were at work, I'd ride my beach cruiser (a Sears Kent cruiser) up and down the strip and Santa Monica Blvd... it was probably not as safe as I thought, but I didn't care at the time. I'd play sick and get to stay home, and then hit the strip with my bike and stare into the windows of all the stores, looking at the fretboards like a big piece of graph paper with the strings on top of the frets, thinking... "man, I'll never figure out how to play one of these!"
One day I inched up the courage to ride as far down as GC Sunset. I walked in an began looking at all the Les Pauls and guitars they had on the floor and walls. Every color (not blueberry burst though)... I was sitting there in a daze when a rep walked up to me. Teased hair, tattoos, he may as well had been in my favorite band, because I was scared to death. He asked if I wanted to check one out. I told him no, and that I didn't have any money (but of course he already knew that)... He grabbed a sunburst Lester off the wall and let me hold it. I gave it a few strums and laughed like crazy -- half embarrassed that I didn't know any songs, half excited as hell, and 100% grateful. He left me alone with it while he went to go talk to someone. I swear I felt like Slash for a few moments... and from then on it was on -- I had to get an electric guitar.
After he came back, I thanked him, and went back outside and grabbed my beach cruiser (still unlocked and sitting there in those days) and rode home listening to my Walkman and orange sponge headphones. Sorry for the long rant, but I think it was necessary as ever since then, I had a bond with GC and I never forgot that dude. Over the years, I probably purchased close to 30-40 instruments from them, some cheap and used, some expensive and rare. I realize not everyone has a great experience with GC, and mine haven't always been 100% clean -- there have been issues, but none they weren't willing to resolve, even to this day. For anyone buying used from them, sometimes it's a gamble on the turnout -- but 9 times out of 10, I have had great experiences and the instruments were in better shape than listed.
I do call the store; I do speak with a manager, and I always ask for more pics. I also love that they offer a 45 day return policy and that I have 3 GC's close to me here in Orange County. If I hate it or if there's something wrong, I email their CS team -- they're awesome. If it's unfixable or I feel like something went terribly wrong during shipping (each store is different -- different mgr, different operations team etc)... then I will simply take it in and get a refund, and if it was misrepresented or shipped incorrectly, I've never been liable for the shipping fees (which are really reasonable to boot --- $25 or so on a guitar, and not too much even when buying an 8x10 cab -- they really eat it sometimes for the sake of moving gear).
Are there online retailers I love? Yeah. Chicago Music Exchange all day. I love my team there -- Marc, David A, etc... but sometimes things will pop up at GC and I have no reservations when buying from them. I want to support brick and mortar. I have had crappy experiences elsewhere about big online retailers that others can't stop raving about. I've been assigned reps at other companies that you can tell, only care about the dollar at the end of the day. For me, it's like this no matter where you buy -- people are people -- and how you work with them both upfront and in resolving any issues, is 90% of the deal.
I'm not affiliated with GC, and have had some not so great experiences, but nothing they haven't fixed and the team at GC Brea is my favorite -- a great Manager at that store who has bent over backwards to make a long time customer happy (thanks Shane). Good luck gear heads!
Bought a used Reeves Custom 225 from them online for a great price a couple months ago. It was packed very well and apart from a small scuff looks brand new.
Bought a used USA Geddy Lee last year in-store, decided it wasn't for me, and returned it a week later with no trouble at all.
Several years ago I bought a Modern Player Jazz on clearance and after changing the strings a few days later noticed some finish cracks on the headstock. I brought it back as a return and the manager offered a partial refund down to $1 over the store cost (he showed me in the inventory system), which I agreed to.
Honestly, GC has been really good to me and are usually the first place I go when shopping. In-store customer service is basically non-existent but I generally walk in knowing what I'm looking for anyway.
Bought a used USA Geddy Lee last year in-store, decided it wasn't for me, and returned it a week later with no trouble at all.
Several years ago I bought a Modern Player Jazz on clearance and after changing the strings a few days later noticed some finish cracks on the headstock. I brought it back as a return and the manager offered a partial refund down to $1 over the store cost (he showed me in the inventory system), which I agreed to.
Honestly, GC has been really good to me and are usually the first place I go when shopping. In-store customer service is basically non-existent but I generally walk in knowing what I'm looking for anyway.
I normally and consistently have good experiences in my local GC. There's a specific sales guy there who I always look for, as he always takes good care of me. As an example, I went in a few weeks ago for a hard case for my Strat. They had a few to choose from on the floor, but I said I'd be happier if I could get a Fender branded case. He went in the back and found one for me. Afterward, I looked on line to see what kind of a deal he gave me. It was about 25% less expensive than the prices I could find.
That's the one!
And my reference about '89, it wasn't directly related to when the store moved, but when I had to "grow up"... I could not be spending all my time at a Guitar Center now, could I?
Actually, back in those days, I found the Bass Centre very intimidating... Never set foot in there. Now, of course, I regret it!
