Why not GC?

[strummer]

Ok, so I understand there is some lack of love here for GC? I have had a really good experience with them, so I'll share:
I was in Vegas last week, and since I had a really cool Bongo in my hotel room I wanted a strap too.
So at the CES I went to the G*bso* tent (fun ) and met a guy from the local GC and asked him about a strap. He said come back tomorrow and I'll have a strap here for you. And the next day I could strap Ed on

 

[Rayan]

GoodBassKeeping Award

... Ok, so I understand there is some lack of lover here for GC? I have had a really good experience with them, so I'll share: ...

~
Ye Know I Believe Ya,
- Doncha reckon 'customer service' is more about 'people' than $$$
- and I always try to keep a small, soft spot in my heart,
just in case the 'corpo Rat' dude across the counter is actually a human being just lovin' music and tryin' to feed his wife and his girlfriend and all their kids

Ye know, I've also worked a few hours in 'customer service'
- and some customers are not all that much fun to serve
~
/R

 

[Jazzbassman23]

I feel the same way about Musicians Friend. There are guys on the various forums that refer to MF in the same way they would the antichrist. Musician's Enemy. I've had nothing but positive experiences with them, and I've had well over twenty. They are what they are; a huge hugely successful business model. I guess I missed it when that was made a crime.

 

[Dr Stankface]

I second the "some customers aren't that great to serve."

Especially drunk rednecks that come in Burger King and try to harass the only person that's trying to be nice to them.

Andrew

 

[Joe Nerve]

Musicians Friend is OK. I just got bummed one time when they sent me an M-Audio soundcard with no directions, and then mailed me the wrong ones that they had photocopied. Other than that... hmmm... actually, I ordered a bass that was on clearance once and it took them weeks before they told me it was sold out...

I'd still use them again though. People are human.

I like www.americanmusical.com much more. They have a nifty payment plan that you don't need any credit history to use, and when I order from them I get whatever I ordered the next day (2 days tops). They also have an incredibly good customer service dept. No waiting, friendly, really quick and really efficient.

edit: oops. why'd I think this thread was about Musicians Friend. I have no problems whatsoever with Guitar Center. They've always treated me great, and I got some AMAZING bargains there. Warwick Streamer Pro-M for $499, that I immediately sold for $1000 with no problem at all.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I buy stuff from all of them, but since this thread is about GC I share my experience with them.

A large volume dealer like GC is going to be able to give a deal that your local mom and pop store just can’t touch. I still buy from the mom and pops, but certain things the bigger stores are the only way to go. When I bought my bigass Ampeg stack a couple of weeks ago I just walked into the Raleigh CG told them what I wanted and asked what would be the absolute best deal they could give me. The sales guy asked me if I would buy it on the spot or if I was going to have to think about it, I said on the spot. He went to the computer, did some tapping and then gave me a great price! I may have burnt his hand with the speed I slapped the credit card in it. THEN, I found out that price already included the tax! I got the whole rig for only a couple hundred bucks more than MF’s price for the head alone… incredible! A very quick and easy trip to the GC.

My only other experience with GC was a couple years ago when I bought my Bose PAS. I had called ahead to make sure they had them in stock and asked if I could try it out with my wind controller. A very nice guy on the phone said come on down, so we did. This was just a couple of days before Christmas and they had a couple of temps working security at the door and demanded the serial numbers of my wind controller stuff, which is equipment they don’t carry at all and it’s a pain to take a rack apart just for this. I told the kid to get the guy I had talked to on the phone or I was going to leave. Brad I believe was his name came to the front and straightens out the kid and once again I left with some very cool gear.

So all and all I like the Guitar Center. I know some here bad mouth the place, but I think that should be directed at just a couple of bad employees, not the whole chain.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to morph this into a thread about MF. Just that the mega-sellers seem to get bashed quite a bit when the reality is that there are likely far more positive buyer experiences than negative. Otherwise, they wouldn't continue to be mega. Since I don't have a GC close by, I've only been in the Towson, MD store twice. Everybody was nice and helpful, they just didn't have what I was looking for: a Bongo. Nobody pressured me for anything even when I inquired about some cables I eventually bought there.

 

[BigBallz]

I have a GC close by, and have bought a M/M from them as well as Spector (2). They were ok. I don't like the security hassles at entering/leaving, but so is the way of the world today. GC has told me one thing, only to get there and be told somthing else. The M/M I got from them had some "issues", but could of been previsouly messed with, (setup).

I use Musiciansfriend, and American Musical and have always been treated well. They have matched or bettered prices of other online retailers. Good customer service from both. I'd have to say, GC gets a bad rap because of some of the (trained?) staff that works at the stores.

I also like the front door service of delivery. I don't have to worry about driving to and from and borrowing a truck for picking up large items. But then again, the shipping stories I have are the downside, but I don't want to be accused of "bashing" shipping companies.

 

[chazmusicman]

I guess some GCs I've been to have people that know a bit about there areas and they seem to be pretty cool. But with my local GC the turn over is crazy, the people don't know **** about anything and they just have image of a wanna be rockstar so they hire em.

In the world of large corp. and slashed prices I like to keep my money in local businesses, so if I have to pay $10 or $20 more or whatever to go to my little corner music store and have the guys who know there **** help me out I have no problem doing that. Plus I know building a relationship with a small mom and pop shop is going to benefit me way more in the future then saving some instant cash at GC.

Also isn't it great how since GC gets to buy in larger quantities if something happens to a floor model or whatever they can blow it out at crazy low prices, what does that do? puts a smile on some kids face and lowers the value of quality instruments for everybody else, YIPPY !!!!

 

[SteveB]

I just have a few points.

1) GC *is* MF. GC bought MF a few years back.

2) No matter what tales we have, they *do* carry EBMM instruments, which is a good thing.

 

[BigBallz]

Also isn't it great how since GC gets to buy in larger quantities if something happens to a floor model or whatever they can blow it out at crazy low prices, what does that do? puts a smile on some kids face and lowers the value of quality instruments for everybody else, YIPPY !!!!

Well, I think equiptment that can be obtained by someone who could not afford it at the "regular" price is good. I don't think "blowouts" affect the market that much unless you are talking, hundreds of the same model bass for instance being sold for 60-70% off. I think quality will always win out over cheap prices.

But I also understand supporting your mom and pop store. I have an Ovation on it's way, and I will drive 45 mins to a small store who does great setup work to have it worked on.

 

[Dargin]

Jack,

Have you ever been to Guitar Center????

 

[bovinehost]

I just have a few points.

1) GC *is* MF. GC bought MF a few years back.

2) No matter what tales we have, they *do* carry EBMM instruments, which is a good thing.

Those would be my same points. I have spent more than a few thousand dollars with them and my experience has mostly been positive. I wish they would pay their sales people more and keep them around longer, but it's not like they're asking me for advice. It seems to be working for them, and if I know more than the salesman, good for me.

Have you ever been to Guitar Center?

I'm headed down that way after lunch. Want to meet me at Denny's?

 

[0557]

GC Sales

I used to dog GC but, once you find one or two good contact sales persons,
they will treat you right. I bought all my current EBMM's from them and was satisfied in the end. If they know your not an idiot, they can't manipulate the sale.

 

[Mr Light]

My Guitar Center Experiences

I feel compelled to speak, as I have been a GC hater on this forum, as well:

Being originally from Las Vegas, I must say that the Guitar Center there is awesome!

They have since opened up another one in the Summerlin (West Las Vegas) area since I've relocated to LA, so I can't comment on that one. However, I've had nothing but a good time at the original one though, and everyone there got to know me, as I was there every week for private lessons and yes, my Fender and Ampeg purchases. (I wasn't a MusicMan convert until later). I still think they should look for bass players to sell their basses, then perhaps most of them might be set up and in playable condition, but I digress.

Anyway, I went from outstanding Customer Service in Vegas, to terrible CS in Hollywood, which is walking distance from where I live. Now, if I need something from them, I go to the one in Sherman Oaks. The GC in Hollywood staff did not treat me as a serious customer, or musician for that much. I felt like they thought I was another one of those people who buys stuff and returns stuff repeatedly. Not to mention, it is a tourist trap because of the "Rock Walk."

So last year, I decided that from now on, now that I am a MusicMan convert entirely, I will order my basses from the mom and pop store that, when I was still there in Vegas, took a risk with me where GC didn't.
The "Mom and Pop" store manager special ordered my primary axe with way below half the price of the bass for deposit, as I was recovering from debt due to car repairs. In addition, he gave me a good deal. So, when it came time to order my SR5 with the money I was saving for a Sadowsky! I called him up and placed the order with him in December. He remembered me and gave me another good deal. It was almost a year to the day when I picked up my SR4 from them. You can guess what will happen when I order a Bongo.

They even adjusted my bass for free! It was the great service that I had come to know while in Vegas. LA has been a culture shock!

 

[Big Poppa]

check my new thread regarding Marty Albertsen, CEO of Guitar Center on the special event section.

Marty is the CEO of Guitar Center and has been with them since it was a two store operation He and his team have built it into the largest musical company in the world.

Believe it or not Marty takes the time to check out various threads on our forum. I have asked him if he would give all of us a chunk his time to answer questions on the forum much like the Big Poppa JohnPetrucci thread several months back. He is incredibly busy and was kind enough to agree to answering your questions.

I only ask that even if you don't like GC, that you treat this man with respect and if you have tough questions please ask them in a proper manner. You guys are representing not only yourself but our forum and in the end me. The banned for life button will be on. (JK, but maybe a little serious)

THis is a great opportunity to ask this man about the history of GC. What the core goals are, wht the culture is, their relationship with vendors, customers and their vision for the future.

 

[BigBallz]

check my new thread regarding Marty Albertsen, CEO of Guitar Center on the special event section.

Marty is the CEO of Guitar Center and has been with them since it was a two store operation He and his team have built it into the largest musical company in the world.

Believe it or not Marty takes the time to check out various threads on our forum. I have asked him if he would give all of us a chunk his time to answer questions on the forum much like the Big Poppa JohnPetrucci thread several months back. He is incredibly busy and was kind enough to agree to answering your questions.

I only ask that even if you don't like GC, that you treat this man with respect and if you have tough questions please ask them in a proper manner. You guys are representing not only yourself but our forum and in the end me. The banned for life button will be on. (JK, but maybe a little serious)

THis is a great opportunity to ask this man about the history of GC. What the core goals are, wht the culture is, their relationship with vendors, customers and their vision for the future.

I applaud this oppertunity and the chance to ask him some questions, as I have with you in the past. However, it seems that whenever certain "issues" come up, quality control or setup.....I feel that I have to tread lightly.

I would never disrespect someone here, but if I want some answers to tough or embarassing questions, why do I feel I will be banned for life?

I once talked to an Ampeg "field agent"...and his concern was the same as mine and many on this forum...GC has some issues it needs to deal with...I realize they move the most product for you as well as Ampeg...but I will respect your request and be courtious, but I will ask some honest tough questions.

After all, without the customer, (me or others) this would be moot.

 

[JimB52]

I've had good experiences buying at GC, the salesmen can cut prices signifigantly if you are ready to buy. On the other hand, the guitars on the floor are generally pretty beat up, and they offer insulting amounts on trade-ins (like $275 on a '76 Ric 4001)

 

[BigBallz]

I've had good experiences buying at GC, the salesmen can cut prices signifigantly if you are ready to buy. On the other hand, the guitars on the floor are generally pretty beat up, and they offer insulting amounts on trade-ins (like $275 on a '76 Ric 4001)

They are there to MAKE MONEY, not that there is anything wrong with that, however, trade in quotes like that are insulting.

 

[Musicman Nut]

I buy stuff from all of them, but since this thread is about GC I share my experience with them.

A large volume dealer like GC is going to be able to give a deal that your local mom and pop store just can’t touch. I still buy from the mom and pops, but certain things the bigger stores are the only way to go. When I bought my bigass Ampeg stack a couple of weeks ago I just walked into the Raleigh CG told them what I wanted and asked what would be the absolute best deal they could give me. The sales guy asked me if I would buy it on the spot or if I was going to have to think about it, I said on the spot. He went to the computer, did some tapping and then gave me a great price! I may have burnt his hand with the speed I slapped the credit card in it. THEN, I found out that price already included the tax! I got the whole rig for only a couple hundred bucks more than MF’s price for the head alone… incredible! A very quick and easy trip to the GC.

My only other experience with GC was a couple years ago when I bought my Bose PAS. I had called ahead to make sure they had them in stock and asked if I could try it out with my wind controller. A very nice guy on the phone said come on down, so we did. This was just a couple of days before Christmas and they had a couple of temps working security at the door and demanded the serial numbers of my wind controller stuff, which is equipment they don’t carry at all and it’s a pain to take a rack apart just for this. I told the kid to get the guy I had talked to on the phone or I was going to leave. Brad I believe was his name came to the front and straightens out the kid and once again I left with some very cool gear.

So all and all I like the Guitar Center. I know some here bad mouth the place, but I think that should be directed at just a couple of bad employees, not the whole chain.

GC is a cool place Only If you know what you want, If you don't then your in trouble.
Very uneducated People work their that don't know the difference between a stingray or an Ipod.

But they buy in volume so guess what, the bottom line is simple. "They Win"
They buy More winders then anyone we sell to, so yes they get a better Price then maybe a Sam Ash would.
www.turbotune.net