I've never been to a Guitar Center

[mildwild]

I live in Toronto and never been to a Guitar Center.

My wife's mother lives in Michigan and I always spend some time at Elderlys when we visit.

Was wondering whether it would worth a trip to the Guitar Center in Flint just to check it out.

Do they much a selection of used guitars ?

I will there for about a week much nothing much to do.

[Fatmanstratman]

Don't worry - I've never been to a Guitar Centre either.

Mind you, I'd have a job - we don't have any here in the UK....

[Pete Galati]

I was in a GC once, shortly after they came to the area. The bass player wanted to go there on a trip where we were checking the pawn shops in the area.

I didn't like the place, so I've never been in another one. I do occasionally buy things from MF though, which is very closely related to GC.

[Ivan]

Originally Posted by Fatmanstratman

Don't worry - I've never been to a Guitar Centre either.

Mind you, I'd have a job - we don't have any here in the UK....

im in UK too, and ive never even been to a guitar shop with more than 100 guitars.

[Robert H.]

GC gets routinely maligned on guitar websites---much of it deserved. But there are not many places where you can play virtually any new Fender, Gibson, PRS, Gretsch, etc toyou hearts content. Not much vintage or used gear, except in S. Cal., but still a good store to see what is new.
Don't go there for expertise advice on anything music or guitar related. Very slim chance you'll get what you are hoping for.

[PeterUK]

Originally Posted by mildwild

I live in Toronto and never been to a Guitar Center.

My wife's mother lives in Michigan and I always spend some time at Elderlys when we visit.

Was wondering whether it would worth a trip to the Guitar Center in Flint just to check it out.

Do they much a selection of used guitars ?

I will there for about a week much nothing much to do.

Don't bother! Look for the Mom and Pop stores if you're travelling to the US an don't bother with GC. Staffed by tossers and wankers who call you "Dude" and know NOTHING about guitars or music.

Oh, I'm from England and hate GC. Glad they're not over here!

Peter

[andrew]

Just got out of one actually. Today was my day off so I went down to the one near my house where they have a great room with several Custom Shop guitars. If your looking to buy a new guitar straight from Fender they are the place to try them all out as said above.

Found a nice '52 NAMM tele, and an Esquire that were both very nice.

[stevieboy]

Guitar Centers are big places with a lot of gear, including drums, keyboards, and audio, besides guitars and amps. They do have lots of guitars and amps. They're really noisy, with several fifteen year olds showing off their hot licks at any one time plus fairly loud music on the house system. They obviously fill a need because there are so many of them, and I visit once in a while. I don't love them, but they are ok for what they are. I guess it would depend on how far you are from Flint, and how bored you get!

I've never been to Elderly, but from what I've seen on the their website, I'd gladly trade ten trips to Guitar Center for one to Elderly!

[teleclarkster]

I go to the local GC for strings and such. That's about it. The one near me never seems to have and of the Fender models I'm interested in. I guess I'm just not part of their demographic.

[dr_twangenstein]

I stop by one of the local GC's pretty often to look for used stomp boxes and the like. I'm actually in the process of trying to get a job with them right now, although according to Robert and Peter I'm probably not qualified being as I'm pretty well eduacated about guitars, amps and music and neither a tosser nor a wanker.

GC does, in fact deserve some of the bad rep they get (ie being the WalMart of guitar shops), but on the other hand, they have a great try before you buy it attitude, they do easy financing and layaway, and the 30 day return policy is rock solid. I think they are invaluable for doing your homework to learn what you want before you shell out the cash for it. Plus, there's not much pressure to buy, and you can always use them as a resource then find what you want somewhere else if you've really got a huge moral objection to giving them your money.

There isn't usually much in the way of cool used gear though. Don't get me wrong, they buy and trade for a ton of it, but the employees usually snatch up the good stuff before it ever hits the floor. (understand why I want to work there, boys?)

Besides, have you tried getting a job in one of the mom and pop stores that remain? Go to your corner shop and ask for an application, and see what they tell you.

[mildwild]

Stevieboy

I think you hit the nail on the head. I am not going to bother as it wouldn't be close.

Just curious as I keep reading about blowout sales.

Besides Elderly always has used guitars.

With the CDN dollar at over 88 cents US buying a guitar would be tempting.

[esquirej]

Originally Posted by PeterUK

Don't bother! Look for the Mom and Pop stores if you're travelling to the US an don't bother with GC. Staffed by tossers and wankers who call you "Dude" and know NOTHING about guitars or music.

Oh, I'm from England and hate GC. Glad they're not over here!

Peter

That's why I prefer to shop "GC" with the knowledge I bring there, myself.

It's worth it to me to have to endure the noise, crowd and inept employees just to pay a reasonable price for gear.

GC is what you make of it...and I make it a place to pay a fair price for the same gear most of those "mom and pops" would like to stick it to me for.

This opinion brought to you by:
EsquireJ

[0le FUZZY]

<li> Go !!!

<li> I luv Guitar Centers !!

<li> Jes don't go expecting tew steal a vintage piece or make the best deal you ever made.

<li> Leave yer musicians ego at home and haff some fun.

<li> Don't expect service cause yew prolly won't git it but fer once in yer life yew should dew witt.

<li> Take a couple hunnert bucks along and drag home a Squier Affinity but be sure and test the $3,300.00 Fenners first.






MY KIND OF MUSIC !(click)


SMORE !!(click)


Please visit my page

[zombywoof]

Nope, me neither. But then again I went almost 25 years without buying any guitars or amps.

[ryanrhea]

I like the GC! But, I use them to my advantage. That can take some time, but if you can get to know a responsible person there, like a floor manager or something and always buy everything from them you can get some good prices on just about anything.

Plus, my rule is never ever buy a guitar off the floor. If you like one, just have them order you a new one just like it. If it's not as good as the one you played just return it within 30 days.


RR

[fungusyoung]

They can vary greatly from store to store, especially their used gear selections. The one in Indianapolis is one of the better ones I've been in around the country as long as they haven't changed things much in the past year.

[frogger]

They just opened a new GC here in my town. The staff was friendly and helpful but perhaps to helpful with a different sales person every 20 feet. The noise level is insane with several 15 year olds throwing sonic garbage all over the place and one has to retire to the acoustic room to hear yourself think. The guitars are displayed up to a height of 15 feet, kinda like shopping at Sam's Club. Not a pleasant experience so I won't be returning there for awhile. There is another Fender dealer down the road where I can actually personally remove a Fender without a fire ladder and strum it unplugged. As for the 15 year olds there is only a 1 in 979th chance they will buy that guitar :)

[Gespenst]

We have several GC's in the Detroit area.

If you like Elderly you may also like Motor City Guitar in Waterford. I purchased my Tele at Elderly but take lessons at Motor City. Both have a nice selection of new and used equipment.

[Brian blaut]

Originally Posted by 0le FUZZY

I luv Guitar Centers !!

Hey Fuzzy, I was expecting you to call it "Guitar Sinners"

-Brian

[jwells393]

We've had a guitar center in Albuquerque for around a year ...... maybe longer. I've got no complaints. Salesmen have been known to deal. I bought a used guitar from the dark side and got a deal on it. With a little prior coaching from by brother and myself, my 14 year old nephew got a $50 discount on a $350 amp. If it gets too loud for you, take a break in the acoustic room.

[Brian blaut]

I like to go to Guitar Centers. I have the freedom to grab any guitar off the wall and play it, without having to ask and without the shop owner staring at me the entire time. And I don't have to act like I'm necessarily interested. Somehow, at a small store, asking to play a guitar feels more like asking a car dealer for a test drive. So I like the no commitment freedom. But, when I buy, I'd rather check out the local smaller non chain stores that I like and see if I can get a comparable price.

GC generally has a '52 on deck, a couple MIM standards, a 60 anni, a Nashville B-bender, and lots of Squiers. Lots of Epi les pauls and SGs. Lots of Gibson Les Pauls. Lots of PRS's. A couple of Ibanez hollows. Usually hardly any Gretsch's. Hardly any used guitars (probably vary's per store though).

Funny thing is, here in SF, they seem to at any moment, have more teles than strats. And they seem to feature them more. I guess the tele is gaining in popularity around here.

But the GC isn't any big deal unless you are starved for guitar stores and don't have very many. If I was traveling to another city, I don't think I'd go out of my way to check out they're guitar center unless It was close and I had time to kill.

-Brian

[0le FUZZY]

my rule is never ever buy a guitar off the floor

<li> I haff bought many TELECASTERs from them over the years and I wood never dew the opposite of watt yew typed.

<li> Fi kant touch it and play it I ain't buyin I gar-on-tee. I don't even want the nutter won jes li kit onna floor. Fi play won and li kit I buy that won or don't.

<li> Ats a nutter reason I like Guitar Center vs Ma & Pa. With Ma & Pa many times inna past yew hadda order and the wons they had were jes samples.





MY KIND OF MUSIC !(click)


SMORE !!(click)


Please visit my page

[woodman]

think of it as Kmart without the blue light specials.

[Maj. Lee FUBAR]

Originally Posted by woodman1

think of it as Kmart without the blue light specials.

Well said. Although Wal-Mart or other similar big-box store would do just as nicely. When's the last time you got great service at Kmart, or the people that worked there knew something about the product? That's about what you should expect at GC.

[sra2467]

Fact is, if there wasn't for GC's of MF's your local M&P would have you believe that you where getting a great deal at 10% off list price. Sorry, it's Darwin's theory of evolution at work , you can't stop the world from moving on.

[sixty4fairlane]

I don't live there, if I did, I would have going back plenty of times. I'm not getting into the service or lack of knowledge at big chain stores, that should be expected at any of them. I can tell you I was at one of the beloved independent stores before they went out of business, and had to endure one of the employees badmouthing Jimi Hendrix, I wanted to take him outside. So as we all know there are jerks everywhere. But, to my point, I went into overload at that GC, aisles and aisles of any gear you ever thought of looking at. I had to drive home the same day I went there so I didnt stay long. I believe I could have stayed in that place all day if I didnt have nothing else to do.

[endzone]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Nope, me neither. But then again I went almost 25 years without buying any guitars or amps.

Zombywoof, if I had your guitars, I could go longer than 25 years without buying a new one.

[Wildhawk]

The drive to Elderly Instruments in Michigan was worth it for the selection and knowledgeable salespeople. Now that I'm in WI my next store to check out is Dave's in LaCrosse.

One day the floor plan people at GC will figure a way to isolate the amps from the rest of the store. Every person in the place gets a heavy dose of loud non-stop noise from bedroom rock stars.

A sales guy was seeking sanity in the acoustic room on my last visit.

[Tdot]

Originally Posted by mildwild

I live in Toronto and never been to a Guitar Center.

I live in Utah and never been hit on the head with a bowling ball.

But I have visited GC several times, I usually feel like my head was in a bowling ball sandwich when I come out.

Like any big retail chain, stores will vary from site to site. But the nearest GC has never had much more than MIM and Squier Teles. Still no Esquires, (They'll order it, and you can return, but there a restock fee on special orders ) No Dlx Tele, no MIA Teles. Forget Mustangs, Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Cyclones. Strat? Sure but anything interesting is hanging 20 ft up the wall near the ceiling.

But if your a Gibson guy, they have just about everything (mostly dinged and missing knobs). Maybe that's what sells, maybe that's what the manager likes.

I have two favorite local shops and they beat GC prices without asking.

[ibobunot]

I bought a Peavey Classic 30 with upgraded tubes and Celestion speaker for 250.00 at the Colorado Springs Guitar Center.

[shakedancer]

The GC in Danvers, Ma has nothing for me anymore. It's all Standard guitars or high end stuff. No 62 0r 57's, no classic series. Like Fuzzy said, before you leave make sure you play a high ender, like a 56 Relic.

[lonesome.whistle]

Originally Posted by Fatmanstratman

Don't worry - I've never been to a Guitar Centre either.

Mind you, I'd have a job - we don't have any here in the UK....

Well, true for now but maybe you won't have to wait too much longer as the word is that they're looking at going international..

[Fatmanstratman]

Originally Posted by lonesome.whistle

Well, true for now but maybe you won't have to wait too much longer as the word is that they're looking at going international..

Well, if that's true, it will certainly be worth a look.

Having said that, I'll just bet my entire collection on the PRICES not being 'international'. As usual in rip-off Britain, we'll be paying the same amount in GB Pounds as you guys pay in US$ - in other words, around TWICE what you guys pay.

[Colo Springs E]

Originally Posted by ryanrhea

Plus, my rule is never ever buy a guitar off the floor. If you like one, just have them order you a new one just like it. If it's not as good as the one you played just return it within 30 days.


RR

My rule is buy the one that play/sounds good. The fact I actually can play and hear the guitar is a positive.

I'd never order a guitar, you never know if it'll be a clunker or not.

[Tom S]

My local GC is about ten minutes away, so I've spent a good amount of time there since they opened about 10 years ago or so. That was an exciting day, since there were no guitar chains located nearby at the time. I had to drive about 40 minutes in either of two directios just to go to one of the Sam Ash stores, which was never a pleasant experience.

The store has gone through some changes over the years, some for the better, some for the worse. Early on, and for the first 5 years or so, you could describe it much like a lot of people have already, with poorly informed youngster salespeople who were a lot more annoying than helpful. If you had any questions, you might as well have kept them to yourself, because they didn't know squat about models or inventory. But the store did have a good number of interesting guitars and amps, and you could play anything you want for as long as you want (if you could stand the background din, which isn't easy). Over time, though, the staff has steadily improved. Many of the salepeople are older now, and are pretty well informed. I've spent a good amount of money in there, and a few of them know me by sight. These days, they probably know that I'm not going to buy anything, but they don't bug me at all, and just leave me alone to check out whatever I want.

The reason I never buy any guitars is that the store never has much of anything I want anymore. For the most part, it's all same old, same old stuff. You know, the cheaper Affinity and Squire stuff, MIM standard teles, MIA standards, some American Deluxe, and an occasional new model. No MIM classics, no thinlines, no U.S.-available Japanese models, etc. Same goes for strats, although they seem a little better in that regard. You can find a few CS models occasionally, but they are usually nothing special. They do sell used instruments and amps, but they are always overpriced. The vintage stuff is usually way overpriced.

Still, if a new model that I'm interesed in is coming in soon (which is rare), they will call me to let me know when it has arrived. Then they'll pull one right out of the box for me to play. That's pretty cool.

Overall, they have become a pretty good place to check out equipment, but the stock has become too limited. There are always hundreds of guitars in the store, but less than a handful worth playing at any given time. They do have a fairly steady stream of amps, though.

For me, GC is at least a lot better than Sam Ash, the other large chain operating here. I have always hated shopping there, since the NYC store days. About two years ago or so, Sam Ash opened up a large store right across the highway from the local GC. So there are two large chains competing right next to each other. By comparison to GC, the Sam Ash is like going back in time...still the same uninformed (and super-scarce) salespeople they always had. Plus, they actually have some guitars in a glass showcase as if they were the holy grail or something. What's in there? An AV52RI. Whoopeee!!! I'm surprised they are actually still in business there, because at any given time, you can walk out of the crowded GC, cross the highway, and walk into a deserted Sam Ash. There are never any customers in the store. At least you are spared, as Pete Galati says, "Smoke on Nirvana."

[brillocaster]

Here in Richmond, GC and Sam Ash are less than 200ft from each other. Literally across the alley. I find the same lack of service that Tom mentions in Sam Ash...if you don't look like you are in a high-gain tattoo pop band you get the 'there's no way I could possibly help you and I'm not really going to slow down much to ask you' "Can I help you."

I like the way the guys at the GC operate though...they pretty much leave you alone when you are messing with guitars and amps and watch you closely when you are near stuff that can be easily shoplifted. It's vice versa at the place where I take lessons; they are right on your six when you get near the instruments and amps but you could walk right out with strings, books, straps, etc.

[Tom S]

Originally Posted by brillocaster

find the same lack of service that Tom mentions in Sam Ash...if you don't look like you are in a high-gain tattoo pop band you get the 'there's no way I could possibly help you and I'm not really going to slow down much to ask you' "Can I help you."

Ha...Not too long ago, I decided (against my better judgement) to give that Sam Ash one more try, only because I once saw a MIM 50's classic in there. There were three, count 'em three, "salesguys" behind their glass counter, unpacking guitars, and BS-ing. I was the only customer in the entire guitar area. I stood in front of that counter for a full five minutes checking out their most expensive guitars. There was nothing special, but I wanted to see how long it would be before any one of them asked me if I was interested in seeing anything. None of them ever uttered a word to me, it was as if I was not even there. Amazing.

Now, I might understand that if I was a 12-year-old kid (but would still find it outrageous), but any salesperson with half a brain would know that a guy in his forties who's checking out their best guitars probably has the wherewithall to actually buy them. Fine, they need people like me a lot more than we need them, especially with GC right next door. It's mind-boggling.

[Big John]

Originally Posted by mildwild
I live in Toronto and never been to a Guitar Center.

Originally Posted by Tdot

I live in Utah and never been hit on the head with a bowling ball.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !!!

[DAVID KORNBLATT]

im sure everybody knows that guitar center used to be a vox amp dstbr primarily and the were reletively late to the gibson vs fender thing

that said im waiting for when musician's friend buys (guitar ctr and gibson and fender) and it will be one happy family

[ryanrhea]

Originally Posted by Colo Springs E

My rule is buy the one that play/sounds good. The fact I actually can play and hear the guitar is a positive.

I'd never order a guitar, you never know if it'll be a clunker or not.

That's what the 30 day return policy is for. I order guitars sight unseen all time, and I'd usually rather have a new one than one that's been on the Guitar Center floor World Tour.

If your ordered guitar sucks, or the neck won't adjust... or whatever, just keep returning them for another order until it's right. I've saved thousands of dollars buying guitars this way. If you buy from a M&P, once you're out the door it's yours, like it or not. Nevermind the truss rod sticks and you can't straighten out the neck (oh yes, that happened to me more than once). Lesson learned,

Now, they do have some great used gear from time to time and I have been known to purchase a floor model or two when they seemed to be in pretty good shape and had that "mojo". But I usually just have a new one ordered for me.

Ryan

Ryan