Buying a floor/demonstrator Blues Jr. IV from local music store?

Most music store only have what's on the shop floor.

It's still new.

Until it has marks from being used, I wouldn't expect stores to budge much.

Now, once it has a dent or some marks, that's another story.

 

My understanding of speaker cabinet construction is that there's actually an advantage to using particle board-- it's acoustically
dead and therefore doesn't create any sympathetic vibrations in response to any of the frequencies produced by the speaker.

Obviously, another advantage to the manufacturer is it's cheaper than hardwood. Downside for the user is it's heavier and
possibly less durable (although it won't split).

 

I can get 15% - 20% off new-in-box from MF or GC--with a great return policy. Only you can decide what it is worth to you to establish a relationship with a local shop.

IMO, it is better for a business to make some profit (selling for less than retail) than no profit (no sale)--especially if it means a return customer that will also be an advocate for the business.

 

However, there is a point where "some profit" isn't enough profit to stay in business. Then it's no different than "no profit."

 

Keep in mind:

1. It's already been play-tested so no "surprise" initial electronic failure (dodgy solder, connections, tubes, etc)
2. Speaker is already (somewhat) broken-in
3. You can probably get a slight discount
4. Warranty is still full (from time of sale, not from time put on display)

If it hasn't been obviously abused, I say "go for it".

 

If it's the only one in the shop and is free of dings or damage, pay full price IF you want to support Mom and Pop shops.

If it's a demo model, and they have others new in the back, ask for 10%-15% off.

If you really don't care, get it online with a discount coupon.

Mom and Pop music shops generally don't make as much as you think for the larger ticket items that they only sell a few of. They make more on accessories and repairs.

 

Isn't the BJ IV fairly light for a 1x12?

 

Well? Did you get it?

 

I am in the "support the ma and pa stores". Even when I am just browsing a shop to kill time, I try and buy a set of strings or a cable or something even if I can get it cheaper somewhere else. They will usually remember you next time, on the other hand they may not be there next time!
Thanks John

 

Everything at every Guitar Center is a floor/demonstrator model. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the amp if I liked it. The warranty isn't affected.

 

Thank you for saying this. People who insist on getting one "new in the box" deserve to get it home and find that it doesn't work, after which the store owner tells them to call Fender. Just sayin'...

 

I’m confused. I thought BJ Tweed is, technically, a III (Jensen not Celestion Speaker, no FAT pedal). Is the BJIV now in Tweed as well? If so, which speaker is in it?

 

I got my ProSonic from Brea GC in ‘96. Floor with the tags on. They took $200 off because it was a floor.

 

I could be wrong..But I haven't seen the Tweed BJ'r IV anywhere, only the black tolexed one's.. At 2019 NAMM they only had the black one and the Tweed Pro Jr. but I'm out in the sticks here in Oregon..Eugene, Or. Guitar Center doesn't have one..Keep us posted

 

Most stores work on the basis that they are going to sell a demo anything at a reduced price an dthey factor that in to their pricing etc. See wether they are going to give you a discount first. That the salesperson said that it was a demo model probably indicates that they will discount anyway. Most retailers keep a close eye on how floor stock is treated so I doubt that it will have been knocked about. You'd probably be up for a set of new tubes anyway in the near future so I'd go for it.

 

I got lucky when I bought my Blues Junior III a while back.....it has the "upgraded" birch cabinet.

 

I’ve observed the same. When I bought my IV it was made clear to me that the Tweed is a different earlier amp. I played them both and preferred the celestion at the bottom end. It also beat out a Deluxe Reverb Reissue.
Everytime I read posts on this thread I end up going back upstairs and plugging it in.

 

Here I go again.