Guitar Center - Is it me?

[kirkm24]

I keep getting timed out when I try and post pics. The file is only 360K. Am I doing something wrong or is the server having trouble?

 

[Big Poppa]

Tbone I Think It Is Fly In Fly Out But I Will Let You Know And As It Gets Closer If You Have Any Teeage Kids And You Want To Be A Hero I Can Get Some Tix

 

[oddjob]

I also want to clarify that my bad experiences have only been in the Columbus, OH store. I haven't been to other locations that may be a lot better. I basically just stick to the online stores for now; at least I can get what I want most of the time.

The Columbus store is a bit of an oddity. Horrible location (I actually grew up and went to school about a mile away from there when the neighborhood was nice). I have been in there on several occasions and gotten great service and then gone in and nothing. I actually tried to buy a SR5 there and was waiving my card around and no one could be bothered. Next day I went in to speak with the mgr and I was mobbed as I was coming through the door... go figure.

 

[oddjob]

I had asked about an extension cab. The Traveler 151P. Which they didn't have.

He took my number and said he would call if one came in.

Was told by the higher ups at GC (Pat Stevenson) that they won't be stocking the 151P (they have one in Hollywood that is used for artist but that is it) in the near future but that could change when they reevaluate the line. I was kind of upset by this but then I got the Traveler 102P on Pat's advice. It rocks as an extension and has no problems with the lows.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Kind of gives you the heebie-jeebies, doesn't it?

Another thing I noticed is one of the non-US guys saying something to the effect of, "You lucky, lucky bastards. What we'd give here for a place like Guitar Center."

As I've said before, I remember when there was nothing like Guitar Center in the US, either. I like this futuristic world!

Jack

Yes, that was me. I saw in 15 minutes more music gear than I had ever seen in my life! The only store that comes close to your average GC is Piens in Belgium. I must have been in about 5 or so Guitar Center's and every one has been super helpful (at least by British standards!) and with so much stock on display. You may complain, but you are all very lucky in the good old US of A.

 

[T-bone]

You may complain, but you are all very lucky in the good old US of A.

Right on, Tim. We may complain about taxes, politics, etc..., but we certainly know how fortunate we are. Especially when we return from The U.K. to warm weather, cold beer, and proper english.

tbone

 

[T-bone]

If You Have Any Teeage Kids And You Want To Be A Hero I Can Get Some Tix

No teenage kids hangin at my house anymore (Thank God). It was fun while it lasted, but I'm glad they're flyin on their own now.

Thanks for the offer, BP. You are more than generous with us knuckleheads. However, you'll be in my hood. Which means, I make the offers here. Let me know if you have any spare time at all and I'll make sure you'll have some fun.

tbone

 

[Big Poppa]

okk bone Ill give you heads up as it gets closer.

 

[dlloyd]

Yes, that was me. I saw in 15 minutes more music gear than I had ever seen in my life! The only store that comes close to your average GC is Piens in Belgium. I must have been in about 5 or so Guitar Center's and every one has been super helpful (at least by British standards!) and with so much stock on display. You may complain, but you are all very lucky in the good old US of A.

Some of the stores in the bigger cities here have two Musicman basses in them. Surely it can't get better than that, even in the US???

 

[Kristopher]

Some of the stores in the bigger cities here have two Musicman basses in them. Surely it can't get better than that, even in the US???

You know, you're right. An idea I came across when reading up on Zen: things are defined by their context. Black is black only because it's not white. And so sometimes people who have it very good are unhappy by small things because they don't have the proper context to place their experience in. Not to disrespect the OP at all, I do it all the time, it's unconscious and unavoidable a lot of the time that it happens.

And yeah, the four Guitar Centers in my area, all within 20 minutes driving time, each have at least four EBMM basses at any given time. Sucks to be me!

 

[Aussie Mark]

Some of the stores in the bigger cities here have two Musicman basses in them. Surely it can't get better than that, even in the US???

I read on the internet that the biggest stores are in Texas, and not just because Jack lives there.

 

[1Echo]

I read on the internet that the biggest stores are in Texas, and not just because Jack lives there.

I'd say there's always around 10 EBMM basses in each of the Dallas locations. Still, you're sometimes limited with the variety of pickup configurations in stock. As for guitars, the recipe seems to be 1 JP6, 1 Luke, and 2 ASS .... no more, no less.

 

[Kirby]

I have to say the guys at the Indianapolis sotre are pretty nice. I am always greeted when I come in and they are quick to return calls to me about ordered gear. It probably helps that I spend way too much money in there though!

 

[tadawson]

I'd say there's always around 10 EBMM basses in each of the Dallas locations. Still, you're sometimes limited with the variety of pickup configurations in stock. As for guitars, the recipe seems to be 1 JP6, 1 Luke, and 2 ASS .... no more, no less.

Not Lewisville - they are usually lucky to have two or three, and rarely anything interesting . . . . it's a pretty small bass department compared to the other Dallas stores.

- Tim

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I am really talking about the store in general, rather than the availability of EBMM instruments.

 

[dlloyd]

I am really talking about the store in general, rather than the availability of EBMM instruments.

My post was kind of tongue-in-cheek...

I have nothing to complain about regarding my local music shops, other than the limited choice of instruments and strings, but that's inevitably going to be a product of the demand that's there.

 

[silverburst]

I have bought basses at both the Cerritos and Southbay GC's.

About 3 or 4 months ago, I started getting periodic calls from the salesmen at each of these stores (the guys I always deal with: Kevin Stroud and Alex Yeung). They know I like the EBMM basses, and they let me know what new items they have gotten in, and what big sale is coming up next.

I kind of like it, they aren't pushy or anything. Is this a new GC program?

 

[Marty Albertson]

I've had similar experiences only worse. I went in to buy a fretless stingray. I told the guy I wanted to buy one then and he said he would get back with me in a minute. I sat in their "boom room" playing it for about 45 minutes, never heard from him or anyone else in the store. I went home and bought my fretless ray online. They lost a sale and a commission because they didn't follow through. Unfortunately they can't hire "real" professionals but a bunch of druggy kids that don't care about their job. They are just aspiring musicians holding a "day" job until something breaks through. I got news for them. I swear you have to have a min. of 5 facial piercing and 3 tattoos in order to work there. You'd think a customer dressed decent with a clean cut hair style probably has a good job and money to actually buy something but they apparently feel differently. I digress.

Hi kirkm24......thanks for the heads up on your store visit. It helps us to identify problems when customers like you speak up. I appreciate the candor.

 

[koogie2k]

Marty....just so you know...I have nothing but great things to say about my local Guitar Center....very professional and knowledgeable staff at the Virginia Beach store. I appreciate all your hard work for us "little" people....

Guys/Gals....just so you know....Marty is a great guy and does the best he can. Not everyone is gonna be satisfied with everything. Big Poppa can atest to that. However, Marty runs a very large organization and things happen....just keep that in perspective....he is here answering questions and concerns. Thanks Marty....

 

[asianjeff]

I've been to the GCs in Pittsburg - PA and Greenville - SC, both I have enjoyed my time there... Though, it does make me sad to see the instruments in somewhat of a bad shape... but I love the environment, no pressure, being able to test the instruments and cabs I am interested in. AND you can find the wonderwipes there

ps. Marty, can we have a GC here in Columbia, SC?