guitar center
pete
buy it.
it was funny though, i told the guy "I'm looking at an svp-pro preamp, but
you don't have one, so I'm trying this head to check out the preamp section.
I'm going to get a power amp to go with it"
"A power amp for a bass? That'll sound cold and sterile. Nobody does that
nowadays. You should just buy this head (points to $1300 head)."
Thanks for telling me what people do and don't do Guitar Center Employee.
I tried the ampeg b5-r, with built in distortion. sounded like shit, imo.
I'm not sure I'll buy anything from guitar center... that and the fact that
the roads leading to this particular one (in natick mass) are fucking
CONFUSING.
pwrw
Edward G.
>the roads leading to this particular one (in natick mass) are fucking
>CONFUSING.
>
>pwrw
>
And WHERE exactly is this? I'll be sure to avoid it.
Edward G.
'It's not a gang; it's a club.'
JByers1044
from Lord Valve and it would be cheaper than the SVT4.
Aloha, Jerry
Rob Kloka
had recently retired from a corporate job, and started working there two
weeks ago. Older, AND a gentleman... really nice guy.
--
-rob
O>
/(\)
^^
"pete" <ai...@wpi.edu> wrote in message
news:9bqkik$ca8$1...@bigboote.WPI.EDU...
Joe Hoyle
"cold and sterile".
Joe
"JByers1044" <jbyer...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010420211446...@ng-cu1.aol.com...
PG51
though,who's buying all those instruments? Stock turnover must be interesting
to watch.
PG
Wes Rhoades
stand the friggin' hord of idiots (not to mention some of the employees).
Wes
Tom Susala
why.
Fender , in some instances offers a case as standard equipment with their
instruments. Also, with most instruments, is included a package with a
strap, cord, instruction booklet, and some bridge cover or pickup cover.
Guitar Center charges EXTRA for these things that should be INCLUDED per the
manufacturer.
I've heard stories about people who've purchased Tascam studio recorders and
had to pay EXTRA for the instruction manual, patch cords, and AC converter
that should be INCLUDED in the price of the unit!
This happens on a daily basis.
First off don't buy a line of bullshit from the salesfool about profit
margins, Guitar Center has over 35 stores in the US and buys stuff by the
BOXCAR! That translates into a absolute bargain cost for GC and a markup
anywhere from 85 to 200% for those of us who should know better.
Gibson got fed up with the bullshit and no longer is available at GC.
I get better deals at the privately owned guitar shop in my town.
Caveat Emptor
If ya wanna get kissed before ya get fucked, don't buy from GC!!!
That's my $.02
--
Tom Susala
In Honor of Duck Dunn
("The Original Groovemaster")
"Wes Rhoades" <wes_r...@eli.net> wrote in message
news:3AE459F0...@eli.net...
Edward G.
Strangely enough, these are probably where most of their net profit comes from,
as well as books and music.
Brad Johnson
on it's mutual. Sure, they could offer everyone rock bottom prices but why? The
way I look at it, I'm able to get lower prices because others won't take the
time to find out how to do the same and subsequently pay higher prices.
It is not mandatory to buy from GC...you do have a choice. You may not like the
choice(s) but they're there.
No store that I know of is required to sell below suggested retail. Anyone who
is not willing to find out how to get the best deal, IMO, has only themself to
blame.
Anyone who participates in this NG or elsewhere on the net and gets "screwed"
has only themself to blame.
Research is cheap. Ask questions, especially here, amongst who knows what
number of people who've had who knows what experience buying and selling
everywhere. Buy from a position of strength, know what the best deal is
"before" you shop, don't rely on the kindness of strangers.
if that's too much trouble...bend over.
Will that be cash or credit?
Brad
>Subject: Re: guitar center
>From: "Tom Susala" eld...@enteract.com
>Date: 4/23/2001 1:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time
>Message-id: <9c1pho$qe$1...@bob.news.rcn.net>
Randy Wardak
of buying a house or a car--once you start looking at the expensive stuff,
Commission-fever takes over and the salesperson is all over you...maybe even
a little grumpy or rude if you start looking at cheaper gear after that.
Although the music store sales folks do deal with a lot of not so serious
buyers (which can probably get tedious and take a lot of time) I'm convinced
the lack of great service is part of why people try out the gear locally and
then buy it on-line--the high pressure, price gouging thing (that at least I
perceive). Customer service is the difference in my purchases, and it's
only about 50/50 overall in the stores I've been to IMHO. The WNY GC had
great service though...
"Wes Rhoades" <wes_r...@eli.net> wrote in message
news:3AE459F0...@eli.net...
Tim Denbo
Wes Rhoades
stores. I mean, I've purchased a lot of gear from places, and when I go back,
they still ignore me. What the hell is that all about. I mean we all go and
"kick the tires" on basses occasionally. But we also go and buy stuff too. So
those whining ass employees should bust there ass to keep me happy. Does this
happen. No. So, I'd rather have someone be a little pushy on the sales end,
rather than be ignored altogether. Now a real life experience at a GC. I went to
go buy a tuner and possibly shop for a new bass if the fancy hit me. I went to
three different stores, and got no attention in the bass department. The last
store I hit was a GC in Clackamas, OR. I go to the bass department and checked
some different gear out. I hung out for 45 minutes without assistance. Now mind
you, I was also looking for someone to help me too, not just standing there like
an idiot. I was in the store for an hour before I got help. I bought a tuner, a
couple of cords and a couple of stands. The only reason I did this was I was
tired and didn't feel like going across town again to go buy from someone else.
So, why is customer service at music stores so lousy for most part. I've shopped
and bought in CA, TX, OR, and WA and still haven't received very good customer
service from any store (whether it be a GC, a Mars Music, or the local guy). OK,
I'll get off my tirade now.
Wes
Edward G.
>those whining ass employees should bust there ass to keep me happy. Does this
>happen. No.
The root problem is that sales is not regarded as a serious endeavor among the
wannabees who staff places like Guitar Center.
Based solely on the tales of resentment of being ignored that can be read in
here, only a fool would believe that knowledgable salemanship ISN'T important
at a music store. One thing is clear to me: GC's sales management stinks.
Someone high up needs to lose his/her job. Look at how much money they leave
on the table every day, whenever somebody walks out of the store feeling
alienated, which is often.
It is very possible to sell stuff without 1) condescending to the customer 2)
sticking to the customer like stink on shit 3) ignoring the customer until
he/she walks up to the counter with the merchandise. The art of music sales is
matching the customer up with something he can really use and afford.
Someone, somewhere, is giving Guitar Center AND Mars Music a bum steer. It
doesn't matter a shit what their market research says. Customers don't wish to
be left alone as much as is believed; but you must have something besides a
shitty attitude to offer them once you engage them.
Rob Kloka
coast (OR, WA). The customer service is CRAP. I often found myself trying
very hard to give folks my money, with no help from them. Come further
east, we want YOUR money. :-)
--
-rob
O>
/(\)
^^
"Wes Rhoades" <wes_r...@eli.net> wrote in message
news:3AE58DA3...@eli.net...
pete
route 9 to get there though :)
Better than guitar center?
pete
"Tim Denbo" <t.d...@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:9c2ljp$61u$1...@bob.news.rcn.net...
satisfied
basement ($ wise) skinny on how to do something myself to one of my guitars.
Another fellow gave me a nice discount on a product I didn't even know
existed, but that I actually needed. I have knicked some killer deals on
guitars at this store. There is only one putz, and I make a point of avoiding
same. He is a recent addition and won't last long at this particular store
unless he changes the attitude, because that is the type of store it is. The
others have been great. These two gents that helped me yesterday, I met
yesterday for the first time. Now, I am an, "entertainer type," translate that
as high-tone/boisterous, and getting attention has never been a problem. I am
aware that others have problems at various guitar centers. This guitar center
has done me right. New Orleans (Harrahan). Maybe its the Big Easy vibe or
something.... Maybe its in the water. Maybe its the fact that I have really
come out and communicated much more since living in this area. Hell, colorful
characters are much more the norm around here than nearly anywhere else...
Maybe its the fact that more beer is drunk on the Louisiana/Mississippi gulf
coast, per capita, than anywhere else in the country...
And I am a cheapie, going for the low dollar/big bang for buck deals.
And, oh yeah... I've been playing since the sixties...
Wes Rhoades wrote in message <3AE58DA3...@eli.net>...
Brian Rost
>
> Ya i passed by it I think. I'll be damned if I can figure out how to get off
> route 9 to get there though :)
>
> Better than guitar center?
>
The Natick, MA Mars is right off Rte. 9 eastbound, last plaza before the
Speen St. exit/underpass.
The GC (in case you didn't know) is reached by the Speen St. exit, loop
around (follow signs for Mass. Pike) and it's on the right, they have a
huge sign.
--
Brian Rost
Stargen, Inc.
**********************************************************************
Wanker Spice
We have a real bad one in Tomah just down the road, but we all know to go to
Ward Brodt Music Mall in Madison.. and for our PA type equipment we check
out Full Compass in Madison. The majority of us don't want to drive to
Milwaukee, way to far.
As for service.. Ward Brodt has the area for all the other musical
instruments, and the sheet music.. etc etc. And then there's a separate
section for those of us who make too much noise. Guitarists, bass players,
and drummers. Generally when you walk in, the clerks notice, and if they
see you looking at anything, they come right up to ask if you need help. I
haven't had anyone pressure me into buying anything, and I think that's a
real plus. They have a big selection of guitars and basses too.. though
Drums n Moore in Madison is the place to go for percussion equipment.
I checked out a different place, Leithold's Music in LaCrosse and the whole
place had a bad vibe for buying equipment. They also must've had some sort
of exclusive deal with Yamaha because it was practically the only thing
there. I played on a PTB, I think it was the only decent piece of bass
equipment there.
Anyway...
Wanker Spice
Randy Wardak <rwa...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:b74F6.24268$Ga.8...@news1.rdc1.ga.home.com...
JByers1044
owners, so
I get treated pretty good......but back in Jersey & N.Y. I'm lucky I was never
arrested for pulling some little rockstar wannbe over the counter, and beating
the piss out of him....same goes for some little goth punk who works at a C.D.
store and looks down his nose for me picking up "Dusty in Memphis" :-)
Aloha, Jerry
Angelique
wrote:
>You know what kills me, I'm nearly 30 now and I still get ignored at music
>stores. I mean, I've purchased a lot of gear from places, and when I go back,
>they still ignore me..... Now a real life experience at a GC. I went to
>go buy a tuner and possibly shop for a new bass if the fancy hit me. I went to
>three different stores, and got no attention in the bass department. The last
>store I hit was a GC in Clackamas, OR. I go to the bass department and checked
>some different gear out. I hung out for 45 minutes without assistance. Now mind
>you, I was also looking for someone to help me too, not just standing there like
>an idiot....
I'm finding these stories of poor customer service very interesting.
Let me tell you my experience: whether I'm in Guitar Center or a
locally-owned store, when I look at keyboards, mikes or percussion, I
get waited on. When I look at guitars, basses or sound equipment I get
ignored. I thought this was because the staff figures women aren't
serious about buying guitars, basses or sound equipment, but we might
be serious about keys and mikes. (The drum people are just cool and
help everyone, at least at Guitar Center.) But now I'm hearing that
men get ignored in the guitar/bass areas, too!
What makes guitar/bass staff so rude, when other staff are helpful?
Angelique
Peter McFerrin
Yeah, no doubt about that. When I went to GC to buy my Boss AW-3, the clerk was
more interested in telling me about how he'd once hung out with the Misfits than
actually ringing me up. He was a little wuss...I should have pounded him. :P
Dazzer
must say something about musicians ... .but pretty much every shop i've been
in has whined about time wasters ...... there's even a shop locally that has
a sign up ... saying don't waste our time ..... i really can't say i've seen
this in any other kinda shop i've ever been in .....
also i've been asking about rackmounted midi synths and samplers ... and its
surprising how many shops have them out on loan ... where a musician friend
has been in .. borrowed the item ... and six months down the line its still
not back ......
so in conclusion ... all musicians are obviously time wasting dreamers who
are intrigued at the idea of returning borrowed items ....
Ric Williams
G.C.'s here, but nobody I know takes them very seriously. The good thing is that
there are a couple of well stocked, privately owned stores where they care about
their customers and make sure that the sales staffs are both easy to deal with
and knowledgable. No matter what I'm looking for, I always check with them
first. Even if I have to pay a little more (and usually I don't) I'll shop there
because I believe in voting with my dollars and supporting places I like.
Ric
*************************************************************
"How can I hallucinate with all these swirling colors distracting me?"
-- Lisa Simpson
Ric Williams
ric...@earthlink.net
*************************************************************
Big Daddy
bass one day and then 10 days later go back and see about trading it for a
different bass and they offer you $100.00 and it's always the same. No
matter what you try and trade there it's always " We know you paid $3,000
for this bass but the best we can do is $175.00. It's sickening. I live in
the Detroit area and I will drive 60 miles to Mars before I will drive 10 to
GC. I wish they would go out of business. Sad thing is they have put most of
the small stores out of business but people not caring anymore. It makes me
sick.
"Randy Wardak" <rwa...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:b74F6.24268$Ga.8...@news1.rdc1.ga.home.com...
Rob Kloka
--
-rob
O>
/(\)
^^
"Big Daddy" <alib...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:znrF6.46271$k04.9...@news1.rdc1.mi.home.com...
sys...@webtv.net
music stores assume you are there just to wail on the equipment and not
buy anything. i think it's apathy that sets in and it gets past on to
other customers. i like being ignored. grab any instrument i want
(within reason) and plug into any amp i want. only ask questions if i
need to.
a private store will give you attention because they don't want you
damaging their gear.
Cody M. Stumpo
In article <xTrF6.1808$q7.5...@typhoon.mw.mediaone.net>,
--
---------------------------*************************------------------------
co...@soda.CSUA.berkeley.edu http://www.csua.berkeley.edu/~cody/
Holding a titular Archbishopric since 1999.
maarten
>
>What makes guitar/bass staff so rude, when other staff are helpful?
guitar*players* maybe? (sorry, had to let to slip it out. 't was
just too obvious)
I really like the shop where I buy my stuff recently. I have to
travel approx 140 km (90 miles) for it, but it is a bass only
shop and you can play around all day without a problem. The guy
who runs the shop is very friendly and not the commercial type.
("Hey Paul, I really want to buy this thing!" "O, well, that's
ok..."). Maybe I'm just lucky...
maarten
ikareru
I've been to. Good selection, good people, GREAT deals. Marty, the owner, is
great to deal with, makes it a point to keep the customer happy, and will
beat any deal you find elsewhere.
"Cody M. Stumpo" <co...@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU> wrote in message
news:9c5p28$dd7$1...@agate.berkeley.edu...
Cary Scofield
returned a guitar to the Natick, MA GC a few days after I bought it and
I got a full refund. The 30 day policy also means that if you find a
lower price for the same item elsewhere within that 30 days, GC
guarantees to match it. I had the distinct impression that the 30-day
return policy a nationally-instituted sales policy for all GC stores no
matter where they are located. If that's the case, then the Detroit
store screwed you and you should appeal to the GC headquarters for
relief.
-c.s.
Dd
you had to listen to instrument and amp testing all
day long, day in and day out.
--
Donne~
pete <ai...@wpi.edu> wrote in message news:9bqkik$ca8$1...@bigboote.WPI.EDU...
: played an ampeg svt4-pro at guitar center today... nice amp, might want to
:
:
Edward G.
>you had to listen to instrument and amp testing all
>day long, day in and day out.
>
>--
>Donne~
Then perhaps it's time to flip burgers for money.
Randy Wardak
that's who's available for the cheapest)
"Wes Rhoades" <wes_r...@eli.net> wrote in message
news:3AE58DA3...@eli.net...
handg...@webtv.net
trade it in ? Every G.C. ive seen has a 30 day return policy so just
return it unless you took it out and dicked it up then screw you.
Dd
: >you had to listen to instrument and amp testing all
: >day long, day in and day out.
:
: Then perhaps it's time to flip burgers for money.
:
: Edward G.
: 'It's not a gang; it's a club.'
Free food!
Spike
>
> >> GC has to be the most pitiful music store I have ever seen. You can buy a
> >> bass one day and then 10 days later go back and see about trading it for a
> >> different bass and they offer you $100.00 and it's always the same. No
> >> matter what you try and trade there it's always " We know you paid $3,000
> >> for this bass but the best we can do is $175.00. It's sickening.
>
> Ummmm, I was wondering why someone would buy a bass, especially an expensive
> one, and then take it back to trade it in 10 days later? A purchase like that
> would be a well considered matter, would it not? And trading in anything is
> simply another way of saying "please hose me". There is the internet, ebay,
> consignment shops and swapping, all much better ways to unload an unwanted
> instrument. And no matter what I want I always buy used gear, in good shape,
> so that when I sell it later I don't have to take the massive depreciation hit
> of buying new and selling used (except for the '63 Strat I bought new for $289
> in '64). Gear lust is a horrible, incurable disease, rarely in submission, but
> it can be managed.
Spike
psychy
> Let me tell you my experience: whether I'm in Guitar Center or a
> locally-owned store, when I look at keyboards, mikes or percussion, I
> get waited on. When I look at guitars, basses or sound equipment I get
> ignored. I thought this was because the staff figures women aren't
> serious about buying guitars, basses or sound equipment, but we might
> be serious about keys and mikes. (The drum people are just cool and
> help everyone, at least at Guitar Center.) But now I'm hearing that
> men get ignored in the guitar/bass areas, too!
>
> What makes guitar/bass staff so rude, when other staff are helpful?
>
> Angelique
this i think i can answer as a bassist and drummer with a brother who plays
keys and sings a bit.
the guys in the drum dept. are obviously trying to chat you up. the people
in the keys dept give you time because anyone that doesn't have a degree in
comp sci can't figure out how the synths work (my brother has a korg trinity
and i can't find first gear or reverse!) so anyone who is brave enough to go
in there is definitely interested.
the guys in the bass department are just too laid back and cool!
every guitar person i spoke to just wanted to show off his noodling
abilities.
~psychy..
long nails on right hand and bass don't mix. problem......