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Sam Ash is closing 18 stores
- Thread starter bassfiddlesteve
- Start date
That is very much what I was thinking this morning.
Bummer for those dudes behind the counter. They seemed generally knowledgeable and interested in gear, and way less jaded than the crew at Guitar Center.
The bass and bass amp selection was pretty bad at the Hollywood location in recent years. I appreciated their want in taking in esoteric used gear.
The good news is someone's about to get a killer deal on a PRS guitar!
The bass and bass amp selection was pretty bad at the Hollywood location in recent years. I appreciated their want in taking in esoteric used gear.
The good news is someone's about to get a killer deal on a PRS guitar!
Anyone make it out there? How good are the deals?….gonna have to check it out.
Regarding the topic I personally always disliked Sam ash, compared to guitar center. GC gets a lot of crap but they’re way cooler about letting you play and try stuff out without hassle. I’ve actually bought stuff from GC just cus I tried it and ended up liking it.
I’ve lived in FL, NYC and LA and all the Sam ash stores I’ve been in seem a little cold when it comes to trying stuff out.
Bummer, the Industry store is the closest "big" music store to my house. There's a GC in Brea but it's relatively small.
That's correct. It was originally the Kapok Tree restaurant and then became Thoroughbred Music. Jeff Berlin had his Players School of Music in the adjacent building. The owner of Thoroughbred sold his stores to Sam Ash when he revived the Dean Guitars brand name. His family still owns the building which is unfortunately in bad shape.
- Steve
I was astounded at the stock in guitar centre and Sam ash. We have guitar shops in Australia but the biggest ones were about 1/2 the size of Sam ash.
if I recall correctly, Jack Bruce’s Wal bass was on display at the 34 street shop. I don’t know why I didn’t take a picture of it. I did take one of claptons blackie and 335 at guitar centre.
I bought a mandolin at Sam ash in Nashville. I hope that store survives.
if I recall correctly, Jack Bruce’s Wal bass was on display at the 34 street shop. I don’t know why I didn’t take a picture of it. I did take one of claptons blackie and 335 at guitar centre.
I bought a mandolin at Sam ash in Nashville. I hope that store survives.
Try the Pigalle guitar shops in Paris, if you do not look like you have money and are going to spend some, those shop will not talk to you, so touching the guitars is off the table obviously, and if you try to interact anyway, THEY WILL SHOW THE DOOR.
Like it is the FKN Louvre in there...
Got my first bass & amp ever at the White Plains, NY Sam Ash.
1985 Kramer Pioneer JJ with a Peavey TKO65 1x15 amp!
1985 Kramer Pioneer JJ with a Peavey TKO65 1x15 amp!
I love it Core Creek - you’re from Philly yet haunt Long Island music venues and music stores! We should meet up next time you’re playing out in these parts!
Great! They’ll refill the store spaces vacated by the closed Sam Ash with another ULTA makeup or handbags store… or a Spirit Halloween store. 
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I have mixed feelings when music stores like Sam Ash and GC close branches.
In the one hand, the “end of an era, things are changing” feeling is always a little sad. And some of my first instruments came from these wonderlands of gear. I remember going there with my friends and it was wondrous and exciting. Great memories.
On the other hand, Sam Ash and GC always felt shystery, with shady used car dealership vibes and tactics. So part of me says good riddance.
In the one hand, the “end of an era, things are changing” feeling is always a little sad. And some of my first instruments came from these wonderlands of gear. I remember going there with my friends and it was wondrous and exciting. Great memories.
On the other hand, Sam Ash and GC always felt shystery, with shady used car dealership vibes and tactics. So part of me says good riddance.
Bummer, in the abstract, and concretely for the folks let go. But their website was so bad for so long. I tried to buy stuff, or even just check out the used inventory for regional stores, and always bailed out before finding anything. Then just didn’t try anymore. Honestly, didn’t realize they had updated it.
Love brick and mortar, but if you don’t also have a robust online storefront these days, you’re done.
Love brick and mortar, but if you don’t also have a robust online storefront these days, you’re done.
New Haven too, apparently. First Daddy’s Junky Music and now this.
My son’s friend’s dad worked there. Nice dude in drums.
My son’s friend’s dad worked there. Nice dude in drums.
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