Guitar Center again....

[Bernie]

From craigslist music discussion forum (San Francisco). Pretty funny...

http://forums.craigslist.org/?forumID=24&all=N

snip----

The biggest tool in my musical world < youngtonydanza > 12/16 14:34:59

The long haired faux-goth rocker dipsh*t who works the guitar accessories counter at guitar center.

Ok, so you work at guitar center. Your life sucks. We get it. But being that you showed up to work today, having someone ask for a pack of strings AND some picks should not come as a anything of a surprise. It certainly should not elicit a extended sigh and eye roll, as though you are an 8 year old girl who just got told by their parents that you can't get your ears pierced. Also, acoustic guitars have a bridge. Your store may even have some for sale. It's not that odd a question to be asked if you do. And throwing a bag of unidentified plastic pieces at me is not an aswer to said question.

When you're done huffing glue in the bathroom, try WORKING for a minute or two.

---end snip

[hippietim]

Ya know, the GC flames are one thing (stupid, but that's another issue), but passing judgement on the salesman based on his appearance is bullsh*t.

I really don't understand all the stupidasswhiners that have such "horrific" experiences at GC and then they GO BACK. Why? Is it so they can post some BS on an Internet forum about how they "lowered" their standards and went to GC and it still sucked? Or are they masochists? To all you people passing judgement about GC, take a look at your coworkers - do you want your reputation to be judge based on their behavior?

Sure, I've had lame experiences at GC. But, I've had WAY more excellent experiences. I'm not sure why some of you can't have a good experience. I'm sure it's not because of the chip on your shoulder, clearly it's GC that's bad. About a week ago, someone here posted how they went to GC and they didn't carry his strings so that meant GC sucked. Whatever. So when you go to the hardware store and they don't carry your brand of sandpaper do you say they suck?

Look, I've got long hair so I get treated like crap all over the place. Here's a list of places that piss me off WAY more than GC ever has because of lousy customer service and crappy selection: any high end restaurant, Home Depot, Circuit City, Best Buy, WalMart, Target, Lowe's, and Food Lion.

To all you GC flamers, just stay away. Problem solved.

Note to Bernie: none of this is directed at you personally - it's the GC flame posts in general.

[Oskar]

I think it's unfair to lash out with every conceivable stereotype available and lay it on the heads of kids and others working (and hanging out) at GC. Are we all so "perfect" in our lives that we are beyond being stereotyped? Of course when we were 15, 16, 17 we played the most sophisticated of music and our chops were perfect and respectful. We also were up-to-date on courtesy and manners and treated everyone with the dignity and respect they deserved. Gawd, give these kids a break. I think if we all look in the mirror ( I know I find it scary ) there is plenty there we can find that may not be so perfect.
When I hear these rants I think of my parents who (it was their job as parents) were critical of my lifestyle, age, music, habits, friends, etc., etc. when I was a teenager. Seems like there are two types who go to GC. The stereotyped teen (Smoke on the Water, doesn't know what a pickup is, etc.), and the old, grumpy, snarly, overly critical geezer, just looking to be treated poorly.
And I concur with Tim. It seems there have been numerous posts by people who keep going BACK to GC, even AFTER they have talked about the consumer experience from Hell. I don't get it, why do you do that?
I know this thread will continue with probably an additional 30 posts on how terrible GC is. I know, I know, I've just contributed to it myself, but frankly, in my personal opinion, it's tiring to see the same old bash come around and around and around. Let's try and get original for a change.

[Andi]

Thinking back about those negative experiences at GC that left me feeling icky inside I admit I do have some regrets, I guess...

Now being a least 6000 miles away from any over here, I lament only at myself for the worthless thoughts I've been foolish enough to embrace long after a not-so-favorable visit to the local Guitar Placenta, when I could have called a local shop in the yellow pages for some real parts and service and often some comforting sounds. It just hit me that there really is a simple way to "enjoy" GC.

1. Go there to try out new gear...And leave. The staff is there to indirectly bother you, but they're just doing their job, and heaven bless them for not forcing anything on us...Although I could've sworn a few either didn't take me seriously or were hitting on me like a drunk kid.
2. Take that annoying flyer out of your mail stack that claims for the 674th time that this is the "biggest sale of the year, millions of dollars in gear must move by Monday or we're...um....in big doo-doo". Find an item on sale in it that you think you need. Check local GCs for stock. Buy it and know you got a new item for really cheap.
3. Order similar items from THE FIEND, er...musiciansfriend.com or one of those other monster behemoths you can potentially avoid being taxed with and pretend you are shopping at GC for pretty the same items sans Sum41/TakingBackSunday/Blink182-lookalike salesboy.

Y'know what I mean~

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by hippietim

Ya know, the GC flames are one thing (stupid, but that's another issue), but passing judgement on the salesman based on his appearance is bullsh*t.

I did not see any judgement placed on anyone because of their appearance. Rather, Bernie described the person he had the problem with. If he had said the tall, red-haired guy would you have assumed that he was judging all red-haired males because of the color of their hair?

Jim

[Durtdog]

I have my GC visits mastered...no more bad experiences. I go there for strings, picks, accessories mostly. I keep my visits short due to the sheer volume of the noise in there. Our GC is always VERY crowded, so to get waited on by someone behind the counter, I simply hold up a credit card and I get immediate attention. Hassles eliminated, mission accomplished.

[Oskar]

I did not see any judgement placed on anyone because of their appearance.

The long haired faux-goth rocker dipsh*t

[DAK]

I usually visit the Sherman Oaks (SF Valley) store. Have bought strings, stands (music and guitar), cables, a tuner, a metronome, a DigiTech RP80; i.e., accessories. Also bought my Fender Frontman 25R at the Hollywood GC. Have also spent more than my fair share of time playing an array of guitars and keyboards at both stores.... without hassle from anyone. Seems like the selection of instruments and amps is good at both stores. And I've been happy with the sales folks who've helped me, keeping in mind that I haven't gone thru the process of buying an instrument there - and that I usually go in knowing what I want.

[stantheman]

I'm lucky in the fact that Guitar Center is an "also-ran"
here in New England - We're blessed with an abundance
of really good Mom&Pop Stores and The Daddy's Stores
who take great pride in always blowing away G.C. - most
of the G.C.Stores have a high turnover rate because anyone interested in being a sales associate can do much
better at the competition's stores. PLUS, when someone
goes to buy a Bass or Guitar around here it's EXPECTED
the instrument will be in tune.
I walked into the Natick G.C. a couple of years back with
2600 bucks in pocket fully expecting to walk out with a
"Glenn Buxton-Style Triple Pickup White SG/Les Paul Custom".... they had one - may a bolt of lighning strike
me dead if I'm lying - each of the strings had ONE WRAP
around the post.....one wrap....
I'm sorry THEY SUCK.

[JoeyV]

Well,,,,It took me some time to get to know a few of the guys at the Danvers GC and we are all on pretty much a first name basis and I have received some great deals on some stuff however ..when they first came around here there was a few snippy little know it alls that i didnt really care for, I even grabbed one by the shirt once for being a dic% to me however there are jerks in any business you go into..they usually get fired after a while as a jerk is a jerk...Try this next time you go into GC, remember alot of em are kids so keep in mind there not going to know the difference between brass compensated saddles and vintage style ones so take the time to clearly explain to them what you are looking for, educate them a little if you feel like sharing..get to know them a little bit and Im sure they will treat you right...I've gotten to know a few of them over the last couple of years and I have even turned a couple into tele players, I even make fun of a few of them and enjoy some good hearted ribbing and teasing with them...And my advice to the poster who said he gets treated like crap in resturants and stores because of his hair, maybe you need a make over, new hair style or you are putting out a wierd vibe that is putting folks on the defensive. Nothing wrong with blending in , lots o people do it...look has nothing to do with guitar playing so why make it a problem, hair never made you play better..

[Bernie]

Hey All,

I did not write the post in my post (yeah, it's confusing...) - I pasted it in from another forum. The experience described was not mine. I was just wasting time on craigslist's music forum yesteday and laughed when I read the post I pasted.

I just thought the scene a funny, that's all. It sounded like a scene in a movie. I thought it was funny because I understand the frustration the guy felt. I've felt it, for sure, and not *just* at GC. Experiences like the one described taught me to do my homework, know what I want and what I'm willing to pay before I walk in, and make it my business to inform the salesperson if need be - I found that more often than not the sales person is appreciative of informed customers. I used to trust those guys when I was 17. Now I'm 44 and the sales people are 17. Now for me it's "in and out, nobody gets hurt..."

I do go to GC every once in a while, but not for anything substantial. I try to give my business to the locals - I find I get treated better. Not a slam on GC, a place that moves that much merch can't afford to provide the environment I like to buy in - relaxed and no pressure. In fact, check this out - proof that the two can peacefully co-exist:

http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Gene...rrythomas.html

Happy holidays, all. Didn't mean to raise any hackles.

-Bernie

ps - hippietim - no offense (at all) taken, thanks for mentioning though, that was nice, making sure things stay peaceful. BTW, you've got some cool stuff - I would've loved to have seen your new neighbor's faces when the movers were carting in all those guitars and amps!

[InstituteOfNoise]

I agree with DAK. I always go to the Sherman Oaks store. Personally aside form the Hollywood store that attracts more of the Hollywood types, the Sherman Oaks store probably sees the most celebrities due to the sheer numbers of name muscians living in that area. Even the younger guys don't have an attitude there and are not snotty. Could also be due to that that store is the closest to their corporate office and actually institutes some standards.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by Oskar

No, Bernie was describing that particular person...he did not say that his description applied to all people who look that way.

If he had said red-haired, pencil-necked geek would you assume he was talking about all red-haired, pencil-necked geeks?

Jim

[d. meyers]

Hey Bernie- just so you know, it wasn't that hard to figure out that was a snip from craigslist. I also found the scene amusing, mainly because I've been on both sides of the counter. Sometimes I forget this fact, but I was at one time a 17 year old complete moron too, although in my case it was of the faux-hippie variety, and I was selling records in a mom and pop store instead of GC. That fact didn't stop me from providing horrible service, and thinking I knew more than the customers about the product, which I assure you I did not! I always take the young sales monkeys at music stores (notice that GC is not the only store with simian sales associates) with a grain of salt, because not so many years ago, 'twas me. It really is pretty funny stuff.

[Telemaniac]

Just be grateful they exist, otherwise you'd have to invent them!

Outside the US, there aren't GC. GC or Musician's Friend don't ship outside the US.

We don't get a shot at the setneck FMT Teles they sell off for next to nothing, nor do we get a chance at a Monday Stock Sale. You guys over there don't know how lucky you are. 8)

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by hippietim

I really don't understand all the stupidasswhiners that have such "horrific" experiences at GC and then they GO BACK.

HT, I truly hate shopping at GC, but when it's Sunday and your tuner breaks on the middle of an important set up, one has no choice... It's like Wal Mart. I hate going there, but it's close, open a bunch of hrs, and cheap.

BTW, have you been in the BDC lately? someone is asking for you...

[OutlawSteph]

Just my two cents from my personal experience: I'm a grown woman with various experiences in the music business. I tried to start a career at GC but ended up leaving after eight months. I earned not much more than minimum wage and was the top salesperson for many months, but after five years climbing the corporate ladder, I like the change of pace. I did get really sick of the store imposing their 'vibe' on me, and they wouldn't let me play more mainstream adult-oriented country and classic rock as their target audience is boys and young men 14-24 years old. I would generally be in favor of changing the system rather than trying to knock it down, but the bottom line is the bottom line. Sometime, the customers treated me badly perhaps because I am a woman in a man's world, or they walk in their holier-than-thou attitudes and don't want advice from someone else.

I feel sorry for the older people who work at GC as they have less employment options than I do. The younger staff are being given an opportunity they wouldn't get anywhere else. (Yes, sometimes I felt like I was baby-sitting the teenagers who worked there.) At the end of the day, it's no use knocking anyone else. They do their thing, i'll do mine. I'm thankful I live in America and have many options for shopping, on-line and in person. I like elderly.com the best myself. And it is sad that the big chains have put the 'mom and pops' out of business. In my area you basically have GC or George's to choose from, and George's is even worse.

[skinnyguy]

Here's my prob with Guitar Center (at least the one here in my neck of the woods).....unprofessionalism. As mentioned in other posts, I go there for strings, cords etc occasionally. Every time I go in there's some "hip" sales person who says "sup" or "hey dude." And is it like a requirement to have every possible appendage pierced to work at GC? Is that judgmental? I'm sure there are alot of nice people with pierced toungues but frankly GC could use some diversity training. How about at least one guy or gal that DOESN'T look like they're on the Ozzfest tour? I don't care if you're in the music biz or the banking biz or whatever, a professional demeanor and appearance make a big difference. I'm not saying guys at GC should look like Beach Boys, but come on. I wouldn't want people who look and act like the guys at my local GC representing my company - and I'm not just judging their appearance - obviously "music store professional" is going to be different than "IBM professional" but there should be a few common denominators (i.e. speaking proper grammer, smiling occasionally, and actually acting like you enjoy your job). I come from a customer service and mgmt background and can't help getting irritated when I go in to GC. I guess my frustration comes from the fact that thay do so many things well - pricing, selection, etc...but I think in some ways they're shooting themselves in the foot by having (at least in my experience) such an unprofessional staff.

[shakedancer]

I seen your gear on your site. Can I come to your house instead of GC?

[OutlawSteph]

Originally Posted by skinnyguy

How about at least one guy or gal that DOESN'T look like they're on the Ozzfest tour? I don't care if you're in the music biz or the banking biz or whatever, a professional demeanor and appearance make a big difference.

That was me, and they didn't want me there. I was even told to wear more makeup. The store managers are supposed to enfore standards of dress but basically let the kids wear what they want as long as their shirt have collars.

[stantheman]

who gave me that 4X10 Rivera-Era Concert ??
What a great Amp - everyone and their brother wants to
buy one since they've heard mine. If it was You I gotta say "thanks" from the bottom of my heart.
stan

[T Prior]

Kids say the darndest things..

My wife was standing in line at Abercrombie and Fitch last year before Christmas wanting to exchange something.

My 16 year old daughter and I were on the sidelines in hysterics..

The purchase line and the return line were the same line.

there were 2 Teenage type cashiers chatting away ( boy and girl) and helping customers in between little flirty laughs and chasing each other around the register area.

My wife is steaming in this endless slow movng line
and tells us she is gonna raise Cain with the manager when it's her turn..her blood is boiling.. we're still laughing..

Well she gets to the counter, tells the young girl she wants to talk to the on duty manager., the young gilrl says..sure.. taps the young guy next to her on the shoulder and says " This lady wants to talk to you"..

My daughter and I rolled over in hysterics..my wife looks at us..and clearly has no choice but to break out in a full laugh as well..

Like they say..when ya got kids running your business ya got a business run by kids ...

I love it when I go into GC to get strings and a young gun asks me what style I play..then proceeds to explain to me that in his "experience"....

This is when I usually ask if we are on Candid Camera...or if this is a Seinfeld talent search...

I know they are just trying to be helpful but the first question they should probably ask an older left over hippie dude is " How long have you been playing"..and when they hear 45 years they may want to reconsider using the "In my experience" line..

Think about it, how much experience in guitar playing and selling does a 20 year old actually have..? Certainly not more than 19 years it would seem...

Don't get me wrong, I really like the folks over at the local GC..I find them all to be pretty cool folks..

t

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by OutlawSteph

In my area you basically have GC or George's to choose from, and George's is even worse.

Ah...the other part of the country with George's. We have them in Pennsylvania too. My bet is that whoever owns them lives in Pa. but has a winter home in Florida. By having stores in Florida, he gets to write off the travel expenses to his winter home by visiting those stores.

Do the salespeople at George's down there hover around and ask your name every time you walk in the store? It is very annoying to me. The only positive thing about George's is that they keep the strings in racks so I don't have to find someone to get me what I want. But other than that, it's all the bad things about GC combined with pushy and phony sales people , poor inventory and higher prices.

Jim

[Stickyfingers]

Either I have missed something, the world has passed me by, or I was takin' a "old man nap", but what the heck is a Guitar Center???

[DADGAD]

Ever been at a GC when the corporate big wigs are in the store? The staff is in hiding and they give the place an eery feeling.

[skepticult]

I can deal with the salespeople, even if they aren't being very helpful. I generally only buy accessories there (got a great deal on a keyboard for my wife, though) so it's not really a problem.

What I hate about Guitar Center is the parking lot. It's way too small. 80% of the time you have to park in down the street. Heaven forbid you turn down a row with no spots, because you're going right back out into the street.

If the 500 grocery stores and shopping centers in the general vicinity can afford ample parking spaces, why not Guitar Center? I say raze the apartments and homes behind it so I don't have to walk. They can find a new place to live. What a bunch of inconsiderate jerks.

Sheeeeeesh.

[jaybee001]

Originally Posted by JoeyV

.....And my advice to the poster who said he gets treated like crap in resturants and stores because of his hair, maybe you need a make over, new hair style or you are putting out a wierd vibe that is putting folks on the defensive. Nothing wrong with blending in , lots o people do it...look has nothing to do with guitar playing so why make it a problem, hair never made you play better..

never made anyone play worse either, I guess, I sure didn't play any better when I cut MY hair, I didn't even feel like I "blended in" with people like you who treat "long-haired lazy bums" like crap, then tell them it's all their own fault, if only they'd cut their hair they'd be trerated with respect, get a better job, win the lottery, find a girlfriend,... I thought this was the 21st century but obviously I've been tele(!)-ported to the 20th century's 60's

[hippietim]

Originally Posted by JoeyV

And my advice to the poster who said he gets treated like crap in resturants and stores because of his hair, maybe you need a make over, new hair style or you are putting out a wierd vibe that is putting folks on the defensive.

Have you never heard the phrase "don't judge a book by it's cover?" My 9 year old knows the meaning of that. Sheesh. Why do I need a makeover to be treated well? Would you say that if I was <insert some other minority/stereotype here>? The funny thing is that the folks that treat me that way are the ones missing out - I reward people that provide me with good service - either with nice tips or repeat business. It's their loss, not mine.

Originally Posted by JoeyV

Nothing wrong with blending in , lots o people do it...look has nothing to do with guitar playing so why make it a problem, hair never made you play better..

Blending in? Why should I blend in? What the hell is so great about blending in? There's nothing wrong with blending in. At the same time THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH NOT BLENDING IN!!!!

Bah. Nevermind. There's no point to this discussion. You go blend in.

[OutlawSteph]

Originally Posted by stantheman

who gave me that 4X10 Rivera-Era Concert ??
What a great Amp - everyone and their brother wants to
buy one since they've heard mine. If it was You I gotta say "thanks" from the bottom of my heart.
stan

Not me; glad you're having fun though!

[OutlawSteph]

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Do the salespeople at George's down there hover around and ask your name every time you walk in the store?

Jim, here it's just the opposite. The salespeople greet you at the door, which I find rather annoying, then once you are in the store they ignore you. I've messed with some of the guys there asking questions about gear and getting lame answers. They have a huge store adjacent to a mall, but it's stocked with all low end stuff. I like that the strings are accessible to customers too, and they have small parts like nuts and bridges that GC doesn't normally carry.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by hippietim

At the same time THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH NOT BLENDING IN!!!!

It depends why you don't blend in. If you don't blend in because of the length of your hair or the style of your clothes, there is nothing wrong with it. It you don't blend in because you haven't had a shower in a week and you stink, or you are behaving in a way that is a pain to others, then there is something wrong with.

Jim

[sparky]

Originally Posted by hippietim

Have you never heard the phrase "don't judge a book by it's cover?" My 9 year old knows the meaning of that. Sheesh. Why do I need a makeover to be treated well? Would you say that if I was <insert some other minority/stereotype here>?

No need to insert anything, he's already insulted enough minorities. Lots of people don't cut their hair for religious or cultural reasons.

[Aen]

I was just so incredibly excited about going to guitar center a few months ago. I had never been there, and since the website said it was the "biggest music store in the known universe" or something, I was sure they would have all the fancy fenders I ever wanted to try out.

So I made the 2 hour trip, and as soon as I walked in, I knew I had wasted 2 hours. At least 4 REALLY bad SUPER commercial songs were blasting. Sorry GC, but music stores without music knowledge are no good to me.

I was further horrified when i made my way to the Fenders. About 100 strats (pretty much the only fender I wasn't interested in) and about 4 teles, no lie. AND THAT WAS IT!

It was too loud to try out any effects, or plug in any guitars for that matter, and the poor employees didn't know up from down on the demos. I was visibly crabby, and the gal trying to help me out looked pretty flustered as she attemted to rig up the delay pedal demo.


Sorry I was crabby, girl with dreads from GC.

[Stickyfingers]

I did a search and found a store down by Cincy. Guess I should have done that before I asked here........Will have to crawl down that way one of these days and see what's up. I usually deal here in town, or with individuals. It seems like music stores are just like everywhere else. Cheap help, no training, and a lot of people have just quit trying.

[Colo Springs E]

....if there was constant criticism on this site about Midas muffler employees, Wal-Mart employees, General Motors employees, used car salespeople, etc.

I'd like to see the performance reviews of some of the people here who constantly criticize GC employees.

You guys ever consider maybe some of those people visit this site, and are just like the rest of us, trying to make a living and enjoying guitars as a hobby?

Oh that we could all be as perfect as all of you...

[Colo Springs E]

Originally Posted by T Prior

Think about it, how much experience in guitar playing and selling does a 20 year old actually have..? Certainly not more than 19 years it would seem...

...S/he may not have more than 19 yrs playing/selling experience, but it's actually possible they may have more knowledge about guitars (and other things for that matter) than you, no matter how old you are.

-Eric

[JoeyV]

Hippietim wrote

"Ya know, the GC flames are one thing (stupid, but that's another issue), but passing judgement on the salesman based on his appearance is bullsh*t. I really don't understand all the stupidasswhiners that have such "horrific" experiences at GC and then they GO BACK. Why? Is it so they can post some BS on an Internet forum about how they "lowered" their standards and went to GC and it still sucked? Or are they masochists? To all you people passing judgement about GC, take a look at your coworkers - do you want your reputation to be judge based on their behavior? "

JV - I'm sure glad you don't work with me!!!

[JoeyV]

gfys

[Aen]

Originally Posted by Colo Springs E

....if there was constant criticism on this site about Midas muffler employees, Wal-Mart employees, General Motors employees, used car salespeople, etc.

I'd like to see the performance reviews of some of the people here who constantly criticize GC employees.

You guys ever consider maybe some of those people visit this site, and are just like the rest of us, trying to make a living and enjoying guitars as a hobby?

Oh that we could all be as perfect as all of you...

Hey man, i apologized. I don't blame the working stiffs, cause I am one. i blame THE MAN!

[petebradt]

If you don't like GC, don't go.

If you don't like people whining about GC, DON'T READ IT!

Jumpin' Jehosophat, all this sniveling, on BOTH SIDES. You have nothing better to do?

Face it, we know GC and we know most of the people working there are idiots. YOu know when you walk in what you're going to get.

But if you're a vet of the TDP, you know people will whine about GC.

So both sides, lighten up.