A world without Guitar Center?

[@bubuguaiguai]

I used to work at a guitar shop and there I've learned how HUGE part of guitar community is personal contact! We were proud to hear guys caling us "my shop" and us being "my guys". Most of the time we were a hangout where people would just come to chat. Can't count how many bands got formed there, at the store, friendships even a marriage or two came out from a friendly place everyone was led to through our love for music and instruments. Sales? We were great exactly because of all the vibe... The vibe is going to die if everything goes online!

[@cropcircle5693]

These guys in the video are idiots. It isn't going to be all online. When GC goes away it will allow space for local music stores AGAIN, just like before GC. There is no replacement for figuring out what you want by playing it and feeling it. There is no replacement for walking into a store and seeing something you didn't even know about. We all need strings and cables exactly when we need them, not 4 days later. Smart business people will make it happen, things will be fine. When the next apocalypse comes, we will have guitars!

[@Factory_Muff]

So true dude. “My” mom and pops guitar shop in a small college town Upstate New York is still open fortunately but to stay afloat they have to provide many other services than just selling guitars and amps. They hire guitar and piano teachers to give lessons to children, they have a full time tech who takes on almost any jobs some of which are luthier level projects. All this while acknowledging that they have to move on some prices on their instruments and amps to reflect online retailers prices otherwise people won’t buy from them. They’re also really good at embracing the used market and also allowing consignment

[@csnide6702]

exactly- THAT is what the guitar community is all about.

[@BensMusicDojo]

For what it’s worth, I went to the guitar center near me last week with my 3 year old to buy a kick drum pedal. First, the guys were super nice to my 3 year old. Secondly, they gave me a great deal on the kick drum pedal. Lastly, my 3 year old likes to rummage in my pockets, and he must have knocked my AirPods case out of my pocket. I get home and realize my AirPods were lost. I call up GC, they had found them and would have them waiting for me. I picked up a pizza and brought it to those guys. I actually would never buy guitar equipment from them, but they went above and beyond that day. Hopefully, the end of GC doesn’t just spell out the end of brick and mortar music sales.

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

Thats super sweet of you. Cool 🤙

[@IndyRockStar]

A world without GC is a world with a massive Sweetwater.

[@Jaloja]

But what does Sweetwater sell if the major brands all go direct? Remember Sweetwater is now a "corporate entity" now as well. They can drain out the cash and send it to its grave as a major player if they can't get product.

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

​​@@ItsMeBarnaby they're selling direct but for retail prices right? A lot of guitar shops are selling guitars for way under the retail price. I was able to buy a band new Gibson Les Paul for almost a thousand bucks under the retail price from an authorize dealer. So these guitar shops are getting them for way under retail prices. If I would have had to pay the retail price then I wouldn't have bought it.

[@migueldelatorre9475]

Is GC still on business?? …

[@jakemf1]

Guitar is fading

[@NintenDub]

​@@jakemf1 no it's not. But the Wal Mart experience of guitar definately is. I have never bought a guitar from a shop.i have zero around me.and guitar center is 2 hours away.six months ago I went and I did buy a guitar.they said they had a new one in the box.and I waited.and they forgot about me. Than 20 minutes later they say they don't have a new one. The one on the wall had a gouge in the back of the headstock.i asked for a discount,I waited. I stood there with a wad of cash in hand, and it's like nobody wanted to make a transaction. I left and bought a guitar online

[@BAJARACER43X]

I love Guitar Center, great selection of used gear, ive gotten alot of mint used guitars at almost half the price. Say what you will about Guitar Center but it would be bad news if they went away

[@guntotinguy16]

I have had the same experience...

[@mikecorey8370]

Agree. If you're looking for used gear, they probably have it. I'd rather get it from them than doing the Reverb hassle. I see major changes coming to them, too.

[@guntotinguy16]

@Mike Corey Spot on I think...

[@shawnstarks1743]

More room for mom and pops guitar stores is what we need anyway.

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

@@devinsinderwitcz9134 and MSRP+ pricing! I currently have more guitars than any "mom and pop" store in my area.

[@ToddH76]

@@shawnstarks1743 where are there a shit ton of mom and pop stores in Dallas? there are a shit ton of Guitar Center's but I must definitely be missing the shit ton of mom and pops in DFW.

[@shawnstarks1743]

@@ToddH76 Zoo Music, Tone Shop, Murphy’s Music, Killer Vintage ( better have some money) etc. Just to name a few. I’m sure you have a phone don’t ya?

[@shawnstarks1743]

@@ToddH76 ZOO Music is the best one.

[@ToddH76]

@@shawnstarks1743 Yea I do. That is about 5 stores in city of nearly 9 million people. Hardly a shit ton. There are more Guitar center's here than mom and pops

[@G_Demolished]

I’ll actually miss GC. They’re the only store near me where you can go in and try an expensive guitar before you buy it, and take it home with a 4 year no interest payment plan.

[@Havanorange]

That's right. Going into a store and looking at stuff before buying it isn't overrated.

[@ramencurry6672]

Yes there are advantages. I bought an awesome snare drum and I loved the convenience of picking it up. They also sell great microphones too and I’d rather pick it up at the store than have it shipped

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

Got my bucket list acoustic like that. Taylor 614ce Builders Edition Wild Honey Burst.

[@douglasfrantzen3011]

If all we have left is ordering straight from the manufacturer or off the internet, then how do you go put hands on and decide which neck shape you like or anything like that.

[@caiusmadison2996]

The more that we go into the buy online vibe, the less quality itself is the focus. Company will blame the lax procedures on the product having to now inevitably travel under suspect and unseen conditions, which can take a perfect setup out of specs unfortunately much more easy than people realize. A slam here, a sharp change of heat or cold, and it can alter the setup drastically, or sprout frets like fender is very bad about.

[@stratmagic6893]

Two years from now they will still be talking about GC going out of business. This has been going on for years.

[@fr3ak1shh]

Yeah, maybe eventually it’ll actually happen. But those were my thoughts too.

[@cherylmortensen8133]

No money is getting very tight.

[@LekkerDops]

they'll be out of business before GC, as you said, this has gone on for many years

[@blu4x5]

Took 30yrs for Sears and they are still in business.

[@nellayema2455]

Gibson ran off a bunch of shops a decade or so ago with their minimum stock requirements. Several shops in my area quit carrying Gibson and Epiphone due to Gibson's business practices. They still carry Fender and Heritage. GC disappearing is a bad thing, IMO. Guitar companies going direct is also a bad thing. There's nothing better than having a relationship with a local music store. Unless Gibson and Fender get their QC issues fixed, they're going to get tired of dealing with unsatisfied customers. As it is now, they have local shops and bigger retailers doing whatever they can to keep a customer happy. They count on it, and actually hide behind it. I bought a new SG online from a retailer that had QC issues. I called Gibson, and they tried to talk me into just sending it back to the retailer to get a different one. I held their feet to the fire, got an RMA and sent it to Gibson for repair. Just wait until everyone with an issue has to do that. They'll wish that they hadn't cut the throats of their independent shops and online retailers.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

I know of a situation where a good, knowledgeable, reputable dealer ditched Gibson for various reasons including those you mentioned. Companies change with different ownership. Lots of times it’s not for the good.

[@synonyx]

Agreed. I don't think the big manufacturers realize how many QC issues the local shops fix before the instrument goes into a customer's hand.

[@cmcapps1963]

Spot on! I actually prefer to buy used sight unseen instead of direct because in my experience its a better bet that the previous owner (usually) set up and maintained their instrument to a better condition than many manufacturers ship theirs new!

[@jhall9602]

As a music/guitar store owner myself you guys really hit the mail on the head. What’s going on in this industry I grew up in is shameful. The good old days are unfortunately gone. And seriously tho, those PRS codes make zero sense!!!

[@ApolloSuns]

Gonna miss the hangouts. Talking music and trying out guitars and gear was a huge part of the culture

[@davidgriffin8482]

I have always tried to buy from all of the local stores even the places that the prices are a little higher because they services and the people they employ are such an asset to the community and if you want people to be successful in your community we need to pay a little bit more for they things we buy. Unless you don't care if they while world becomes a big shanty town. For what? So when we die or kids get $385,000 instead of $345,000 if we had paid a little more and supported our community. And that's just average people. The rich use to let people make a living now it's sick. They will run their neighbors business into the ground for 50 cents profit. Don't get me started. Lol

[@rocktorrocks]

My fondest memories from childhood and now as an adult is visiting a brick & mortar store with a big collection of guitars and trying a bunch to see which guitar I bond with and bring home. There’s something special about running the racks, being physically there and also having a store to return a guitar to if needed. I never buy from Sweetwater, since with them I can’t try before buying and if a guitar arrives and isn’t to my liking I can’t just return it to my local store but have to deal with shipping it back and prob will have to pay some shipping or restocking fee to do so.

[@jdstan9650]

As a Manufacturer Sales Rep (not 🎸 industry)...I agree with everything you're saying. Companies want growth, but want it with zero investment, and ultimately can't meet production goals when Reps grow sales. It sucks...serenity now! Retirement can't come soon enough...

[@markinthemix6055]

Ya just gotta appreciate Baxter’s love for the “COOL GUITAR SHOP FORMAT” yea l have moments of thinking that l would like to be 35 again but l more often seem to be reminiscing over a time that life was just more fun and FREE. General admission cheap concerts watching legendary shows, every town having half a dozen decent guitar shops. A world where everyone wasn’t wound tight and so sensitive.

[@michaelblaney4461]

The special runs of limited editions that are presold and don't show for a year and a half , its killing off interest in those guitars and caring about new ones.

[@justmehere6094]

The proliferation of 'Pre Orders', Particularly after a HUGE media blitz (reviewers, etc) is THE most annoying and off-putting trend today, to the consumer. It eouldn't be so bad, if it was just a matter of a week or 2. But, more and more, it's MONTHS or more. Even worse, is when the company fulfills in parts of the world, but not others.

[@jonnysleep9349]

Love you guys and your honesty! Five years ago I retired from the costume jewelry industry which started going thru in the late 90's what the guitar industry is going thru now. Instead of buying thru distributors, retailers started going overseas themselves, cutting out middlemen and salesmen and wound up shooting themselves in the foot. There was no quality control and no recourse that retailers got so used to. It eventually started turning around but not soon enough for me! Now I'm playing guitar full time....long wait but well worth it.

[@rocksteady6448]

Guitar center has deserved everything they going to get

[@redacted743]

Lady here, I love this show!

[@beckymckeand7256]

Me too

[@williamgandararosas235]

I bought a custom painted Jim root tele from Guitar Center a couple months ago. It was the worst experience I had buying a guitar. Long story short is I didn’t trust purchasing online. So I called the guitar center and spoke with a rep asking if they could ship it with a case from Florida to Texas so it wouldn’t get damaged. Then as I was buying it, it somehow disappeared from the website and the rep couldn’t even check it out. I went back and forth for almost 2 weeks until they finally sent it to my closest location. And they sent it in a box packed poorly and no case. So it came with a couple dents. Luckily they made this tele like a tank. And it did nothing to affect the playing. But the experience was horrible. I will never buy anything from guitar center ever again.

[@ramencurry6672]

I had a similar experience. The shipping can be terrible and my microphone preamp arrived damaged. The good news is that they were able to quickly cancel the sale

[@WyattScott]

yes, they cannot be trusted to do simple business transactions at this point, straight up boycott. It’s very sad as there are alot of cool employees that work at GC and I don’t want them losing their jobs but, man, everyone with half a brain knows GC jumped the shark many moons ago. I recall going there in the 90’s when they were good. Everything dies eventually, hell rock n roll is on life support too. Taylor Swift rules the world and my kid wants to go see her, only $800 per seat fuck me in the goat ass the whole damn world jumped the shark along time ago. Old man yelling at clouds I know.

[@f33fifofum]

There's a lot of examples in other industries where they've looked at going direct, and then come back with their tails between their legs. The issue is that a lot of guitar and amp factories only see the revenue bump but don't forget in service costs and inventory issues. Good luck clearing stock when you can't push at all your slow-selling low end stock onto local guitar stores.

[@anthonypanneton923]

I guess they'll have to do the same thing other no-name Asian (China) manufacturers do - they'll have to lower the prices and list them on "alternate" online retail sites. which will mean more better deals for those paying attention and willing to deal with QC issues and instrument setup on their own. I don't think its a problem. its certainly not MY problem!

[@richardclark.]

Oh man! I will have to stop never going there. Made my last trip to one in Davenport Iowa many years ago and the manager could not answer my most basic questions about a common Gibson Les Paul.

[@yankeepeters2270]

Too funny! I’m the same way with the GC near me. It is the worst music store ever ! Dirty and dumb.

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s most likely because places like Iowa and most parts of America have a lower population density so of course you’re not going to get proper quality staff. On the positive side, the internet helps. Back in the old days before the internet buying a guitar was really hard since information was hard to find especially as a teenager. Even Eddie Van Halen didn’t know a lot of things in the 1970s and he had to experiment to find the answers

[@StudioDTK5]

I lost Guitar Center around 15 years ago. The store is still here, but it is useless. Poorly trained sales force that doesn’t care. Reduction of stock in the store. Stock that is in the store is beginner grade only. Unless I positively need it right now, I do not go in to browse. I will drive an hour and 15 minutes longer one way to go to Sweetwater instead of my local Guitar Center.

[@richardclark.]

@@StudioDTK5 how amazing it would be to be an hour away from the Sweetwater campus! I grew up in that area but moved before Sweetwater hung out a shingle. I could make a weekend just hanging out there.

[@rexbennett]

​@@ramencurry6672 So low population area's are not as smart or don't have access to information to gain product knowledge to become professional?

[@stephenhenion8304]

Marketing changes in real time! I'm a big fan of music stores, but the overhead doesn't stop. I don't really want to buy guitars on line. . Thanks guys

[@matthewsabin1841]

I want to see more local shops like back in the 1990s

[@pat5882]

Many family/independent music shops thrived in the 90’s. However, before the 2000’s ended GC AND the internet forced them to close or they just went under.

[@RobertNolan]

​@@pat5882 in part, those shops were thriving due to the fact that they were making up their own prices. Things weren't a specified price, they were whatever the dealer made it and you talked it down.

[@pat5882]

@@RobertNolan recently had to do a search for a music shop I would visit back in the early 80’s. Couldn’t remember the name, it was in bryn mawr, PA.. (Phila suburb) Googled “music store” Bryn mawr, pa., found an article that they closed in ‘08. The owner stated that competition from the internet and a large music store forced them to close. Purchased drum gear from them 40 years ago, 30 miles one way from where I lived in Phila.. the people employees were great but I doubt you’ll see many like that opening again.

[@edema.3418]

The internet has done damage to local shops.

[@jakemf1]

Not enough interest

[@crigonalgaming1258]

People in the US be like: "oh no" People outside of the US be like: "What's a guitar center?"

[@cropcircle5693]

And somehow the rest of the world manages to make music! Weird!

[@deaddoll1361]

@@cropcircle5693 That 96% of the world population verses the US's 4% that acts like they're the 96%.

[@TheLostSquadron]

Depending on where you're at, It'd basically be like Thomann going under. They are pretty much the only national chain in the US.

[@cropcircle5693]

@@TheLostSquadron Nope. The way all large corporations like this work is, they only go in where there is existing business. Meaning, there were already music stores and an existing population to sell to. There is no case of a town of 300 people with a Guitar Center. Literally everywhere there is a GC, there were music stores previously, or else GC would not have gone there in the first place. GC is not doing the lords work. In fact they have deliberately conducted business in a way that puts small business out of business. That was their business model for decades. Put everyone out of business, then own the market.

[@seanhopkins3758]

Right, wrong or indifferent, GC is the best place to go to have a significant inventory of instruments. You can take your time and play a half a dozen instruments before deciding to buy one or not. But I can see Big Box stores like this sliding by the wayside. They need a ton of volume to make it work, and I must say that the last few times I have been in my local GC, the inventory has been dwindling. The most important thing is that musicians have access to the tools they need (ie guitars) to make music that satisfies their own itch and pleases others at the same time. The world is a better place for it!!!

[@anthonypanneton923]

keeping a ton of inventory at each location only works when you're making a ton of sales at each location, and I think that's the basic issue. it always comes down to dollars in vs dollars out. its really not too complicted.

[@adeenadelena7361]

Um... I'm a lady. I'm a guitarist. And I'M WATCHING!

[@G-L-O-R-I-A]

I knew I wasn’t alone!

[@KingDavidProject]

Ladies rock. Are you a Samantha Fish fan yet? I am a guy by the way but wish I could rock like her.

[@adeenadelena7361]

@@KingDavidProject Yes I am a Samantha Fish fan. She's an awesome guitarist.

[@KingDavidProject]

@@adeenadelena7361 Yeah, and she got some good songs. AND she can sing. Her version of Run Run Rudoplh is silky smooth

[@adeenadelena7361]

@@KingDavidProject are you a fan of my music too? :)

[@lonesomelenny7606]

Rarely do I buy a guitar that I have not tried out. I have ordered guitars and it's an uncomfortable experience that hopefully it arrives in one piece and it FEELS & PLAYS the way I hope it would.

[@unclefungus7395]

so many great memories at guitar center, played alot of amazing guitars there as a kid and it really helped me figure out what i liked as a guitar player.

[@DDWyss]

When Guitar Center folds, that will provide an opportunity for someone in Canada to create the next big box music store to fill the void. Of course it will be called Guitar Centre.

[@JoseRamos-bx2ud]

And the colour will be red.

[@the92project]

GC gone will mean 100% pure online shopping for me. No nice boutique shops like you guys were I live

[@jDominiqueS]

The next step is to hope that ordering from stores like Casino will remain possible...

[@medicusofthedamned]

Can you drive? I know it’s not convenient but I usually make a day trip out of a purchase.

[@the92project]

@@medicusofthedamned I’m a married man with children. The days of guitar safari are over for me 😂

[@soniah4821]

Hey guys, I’m a lady and I always watch… that’s ok, still love ya!

[@lynnglidewell7367]

The market for guitars just isn't as large as it once was for one thing like when The Beatles made it necessary for every baby boomer to have to get one or else just not be cool. You can't duplicate that in today's world. They listen to Hip Hop. Who needs a guitar for Hip Hop, answer nobody. Going Direct isn't a winning idea either.I want a brick and mortar store where I can go in and see,feel,and play it before I buy it. I want to look at many brands and take lots of time making up my mind which one I'm going to drop a lot of currency on, car companies let me do it so guitar shops will to also. Like car companies guitar manufacturers will either have to open their own outlets or display their product through people like you. Downsize isn't the solution expansion is. If the manufacturer isn't willing to build its own outlets then they should form an financial agreement with people like you to expand your facilities and then fill it with their product. Supermarkets do it all the time. For manufacturers it's a matter of thinking out of the box. Don't fall victim to the same old ideas over and over.

[@richardclark.]

Two of the last three years were the largest ever registered for new guitar sales. All three years were record breakers for accessories. I can't predict the future but usually record new sales will drive used sales for several years as well.

[@danrunnoft6642]

When manufacturers sell direct they can pass the savings on to the CEO.

[@seanbrooks2583]

I would buy PRS direct, but nothing else.

[@bmint]

Big chain Guitar stores were never meant to last.. we don’t have enough people promoting how fun guitar actually is.. everywhere I look, I see deterrents and gate keepers.. the industry needs to change if they want my change.. dollars make sense.. and cents..

[@bdogjr7779]

Wow🎸《☆》Not again🥤😁🥪I'LL definitely miss GC if it happens but I hope I can get a good deal on some Clearance Gear if it does happen✌🤠🌵

[@onceupona1]

I worked at a small guitar shop through the 1970s, and a substantial part of guitar sales was the customer who came in for picks or strings and unexpectedly fell in love with a guitar they never expected to want or need. I’d usually sweeten the deal by offering the picks and strings for free if they’d buy the guitar. Next, the customer looks lovingly at their newly found instrument, giving an affirmative nod while reaching out for a handshake. There are no words exchanged but you know it’s time to write the sales receipt. Does this or can this happen with online sales?

[@onceupona1]

@@devinsinderwitcz9134 That may be true. However, at my store, prices were typically 30% off list, which was a low as we could go and still keep the lights on. We also offered in-store financing. My personal sales philosophy was strongly aimed at NOT screwing the customer. I believed that it was far better and cheaper to keep the one’s you’ve got than to replace them through advertising. It also made my job much more satisfying when I knew I was doing the best I could for my customers.

[@dannyjamerson7158]

I've been in the hospital for nearly 3 months ,had a massive heart attack but I made it. I was trying to figure how to get to practice guitar and I watch you guys faithfully. Saw Baxter singing the praises for the gs mini so I got one. Got the mahogany and its absolutely perfect!!! Thanks for what you do, I'm inspired by your optimistic approach to life and guitars!!! BTW, I been binge watching Casino TV !!!!

[@csnide6702]

get well soon .... and don't do anything stressful.... hang in there !

[@cherylmortensen8133]

Glad u survived! Please take care n get better. All the best 👍

[@ffbai]

GC has been going away for over 25 years now.

[@ginolamendola4084]

People NEED to and WANT to touch the guitar before they buy. Play them before they buy !!! What’s the return policy??? if someone doesn’t like the guitar after it’s shipped to them who pays for the return shipping ???

[@ryangunwitch-black]

This is a factory one-off. “I’ll take three!” I love you guys.

[@geetee2694]

I own all 8. lol

[@tone1798]

There was a time I could literally take a day off and really enjoy. Enjoy, in the local guitar shops which I made many friends! Enjoy going to the Book stores and have endless time to look around! Geez, a time in which your fav mag came out w/ tab! Lol. So sad to see it dwindling and closing shops. Please support your local guitar shops if you have one. And also, go see your favorite bands! Especially local bands that you really dig!

[@tommilitello198]

I love all the comments about buy before you play and by from a small store,the majority of people can’t do either one,both is out of question.just because you have that opportunity doesn’t mean everybody else does and if you assume that you’re not very intelligent

[@murraymcleod7605]

I never buy a guitar unless I play it first. And I still remember every salesperson I had a conversation with when I made a guitar purchase.

[@StrumVogel]

I can’t find anything but Squiers, Epiphones, SE’s and Schecters there anyways. They never have the good stuff.

[@kateruckus]

I'm a lady who's watching. 😂

[@Donholleyglobeaz]

I don’t live near a guitar store. But I have decided to save my $$$ and I’m going to buy my next guitar from you guys instead of direct. I want a decent Martin for like $1100-$1200. You guys help me out?

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

I always get my strings and find some cool used pedals at my local GC. Plus the guys there are really good guys, I really don’t want to see the place fail.

[@mikecorey8370]

But would you spend 2K on a guitar or amp from G.C., knowing they may not be there tomorrow?

[@seancollins3106]

@@mikecorey8370 yes. most warranties are dealt with through the manufacturer, not the store, and most small shops don't have great return policies. my favorite shop has 24hrs for money back, 48hrs for store credit. I love the shop, but the policy sucks.

[@walterhambrick8705]

I think marketing is missing the boat. Sure an experienced guitar player / self maintainer will be OK. But the beginners will easily be discouraged and will send a lot of guitars back. What I learned as an automobile technician (yes it applies) is that if there is a problem (perceived or real) the buyer will never accept that the car or guitar is truly fixed. It could be a simple truss rod adjustment or filing down the nut, but once they perceive the problem it cannot be fixed. I recently purchased a Gretsch 5422-12 string from GC ( my second one) and played and sounded perfect. A few days later it didn't feel right. I adjusted the truss rod and all was fine. Then about 3 weeks later it just didn't sound right. I replaced the bass G string with one that was wound and all was right again (except that it will need a new set of strings soon). If I had purchased this guitar from "the web" I would have returned it. But like experienced guitarists / maintainers I am OK. Without guitar stores, what is the beginner supposed to do? I know you guys could have easily fixed both of those problems. I didn't have to return my guitar. But what happens to a company when all the experience players have all the guitars they want or need? How will they deal with ONLY BEGINNERS? They should think about that.

[@rontheguitarcollector]

If all of these manufacturers go direct online sales only I will probably never buy another guitar. I own 21 guitars and 12 amps, of which I have never bought one that I haven’t already played and know I’m in love with. Plus, my favorite store is an independent guitar store that will probably take a major hit. That will also piss me off and make me not want to buy direct. I don’t think the manufacturers realize that there are a lot of us players who won’t spend money on BS we see on a website without holding and falling in love with it.

[@xilch0]

"No ladies watching its just men" lol. This is a man of prime comedy.

[@younkinjames8571]

A world without GC is a world full of sweet small shops again...I wouldn't buy a pick from GC even if I lost a bet

[@USTTRM]

Yeah not a lot of women watching? Fender says it's 50/50 now. Get with the false narrative!

[@richardclark.]

Baaaahhh! Wait!... I have just been told by the worst press secretary in history that it's a false narrative to say there is a false narrative.

[@che2335]

50/50 play now but girls arent watching this vid w us gear geeks. They get an acoustic they can afford and the buying is over.

[@che2335]

H.E.R. will also be remaking Beauty and the Beast nationwide on NBC Sunday night...

[@trafyknits9222]

Decades ago I bought a guitar from GC. It's the only time that mistake was made. GC is pretty close to a mafia organization. Its employees are usually dismissive and unqualified to sell what they're selling. The managers are interested in one thing: SHORT TERM PROFITS. They don't build relationships, they build walls. The guitar world will be FAR better off without Guitar Center.

[@t3hgir]

I worked as a repair tech and pretty sure the management use Green Screen for fraud on a daily basis.

[@elliotthall5543]

That Gibson ES is spectacular!

[@rylieriley]

I'll never buy direct from the manufacturers. I'll do what I can to help keep the guitar shops alive, because I enjoy the experience of dealing with them.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Guitar Centre : Terrible management and useless sales people .

[@avenue6.554]

Another approach would be a direct sale with delivery through a local dealer/shop. I’m sure an arrangement could be made where the shop gets consideration for doing the first post-manufacture set up. It would address minor QC issues, potentially alleviate overhead and or inventory issues for smaller shops, and it establishes a relationship between the buyer and a shop. Just a thought.

[@synonyx]

Actually, this is a solid idea. It's worked in a few other industries. The shop would get a percentage of the sale.

[@Canadianwheelchairguitar]

The first guitar I ordered online was not to my liking I traded my PRS S2 for a lunchbox Revv G20, 1 X 12 cabinet, footswitch, & lighting cable because I'd never heard of a guitar having a smaller nut than 42mm wide. I struggled playing & it got to the point where I avoided playing it, I'd grab my Squier Starcaster instead.

[@user-tz2zz5ij1s]

Guitar center serves a great purpose, consistent prices across the board, and great promotional sales and random sales throughout the year. They also provide a great selection to actually pickup and get a feel for. I guess the last part is becoming less important as people are more and more ordering online. Just if you order online don’t make a video about how you don’t like how a model feels or how you find the neck uncomfortable and you are sending it back…. You should have gone into a store and at least picked up the model first

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Guitar Center is sort of shitty, now, right? Good for local shops. Manufacture-direct is not going to kill local shops, cant exist without them. Probably going to push them harder into service and lessons if the whole industry pivots away from a dealer model. If the takeaway is that the big favorite brands may start being douchebags and price hiking without quality and value rising proportionally, keep in mind that less known import brands are building better optioned, more affordable guitars every day. In a perfect world, wed have big box guitar stores, mom and pop outfits, factory direct, and bespoke builders all keeping each other honest. My conjecture is that if GC tanks itself into a hole so deep that its not even worth the debt purchase to buy the assets, that something similar will eventually fill the giant hole in the ecosystem. In the short term, however, if the big manufacturers use this to be jerks then remember youve got other brands dying to give you a good guitar.

[@ramencurry6672]

I didn’t like their poor service but at the same time, I like having them around for ordering expensive recording gear and picking up at the store rather than having shipped to my house.

[@gregteigland4788]

Guitar Center stores only place around me where I can try a guitar first. Today QC sucks on guitars. I loved Kramers in the 80s. Now I’ve tried at stores all of them have fret spurs. Even my Jackson Soloist I had to file my fret ends.

[@Jaloja]

When PRS did "promotion" the new run of the SE DG guitars I decided to buy one. Only I can't buy one. I can order one and might get it in a few months. I am tired of that.. I may not want it then. Events could come up to tighten my cash flow. It may be a personal fault of mine but if I want to buy something I want it when I want it.

[@TeleCaster66]

...is a better world.

[@Jamalama555]

Fender had 4 models in the top 8 of best selling guitars for 2022. I doubt even 10% of those sold were ordered direct. Shops are here to stay. I look at records stores.. Not many large ones around but they're not going anywhere.

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

Never have stepped foot into their store. I have ordered online once and was disappointed.

[@monkusbee]

My GC only carries cheap guitars.

[@colinburroughs9871]

I worked at GC for a year. They didn't want to pay anyone so we were all happy to basically tell people to piss off if they were just there to smash cymbals they were never going to buy for an hour. Probably not what GC wanted but at it's core, they didn't treat the employees well at all and things go from there. "Call people at 9 am on Saturday to tell them about Les Paul's" isn't a sales strategy either. The whole thing was destined to implode. And it has

[@nicholasbstone]

I think you spelled "designed" wrong! haha

[@SunnyDiegoProduction]

So you get broken guitars, you fix them and sell them as new? Isn’t that illegal?

[@guillaumeledique3401]

We could become very philosophical about the whole thing, and start wondering where the future of is going period. I think that, at the end of it all, people are forgetting that guitars (or any instrument for that matter) are a means to allow one to express themselves--artistically, emotionally, irrationally, fill-in-the-blankally--and creating an environment which results in purchases done through a simple click will result in any emotion being removed. Just looking at the wall of guitars behind you is reason enough to visit ANY guitar store as it will give you the opportunity to really see, and hopefully play, a multitude of instruments which previously might not have fit your fancy. Keep up with the vids, just subscribed!

[@ATX0705]

Is Guitar Center going out of business or something? Lots of people need Guitar Center and the like. We sometimes need to be able to finance the more expensive guitars as well be able to return something we don't like with no questions asked. Returning via mail order for instance is a huge hassle.

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

I used to love going into a GC. But over time I noticed the staff was not very friendly or helpful. I have since been using a local shop, Sam Ash and Sweetwater

[@y2ksierra]

How much does GC owe Fender? Are the choice locations about to turn into Fender stores like they’re doing in Japan?

[@MB57]

What is the blue guitar with the German carve in the background, Supro?

[@GuitarQuackery]

Taylor just launched a GS mini Carbon Burst - a Guitar Center exclusive. Why would they do that, if they thought Guitar Center is about to go belly up? In fact, there’s also a new 314ce Sunburst - Guitar Center exclusive.

[@ScamLikely9327]

Does this mean there will be a giant influx of cheap gear when Guitar Center closes?

[@WyattScott]

i’ve got enough guitars , i’m concerned with getting new amps, effects pedals in unopened boxes and somehow that seems impossible for GC to actually deliver these days. They shipped me a floor model calling it new, thing had at least a year worth of dust on it came in non original busted up box, no manual, no foot switch, just fucking reprehensible bullshit and no way to conduct legitimate business. And then there’s the long haired douchers working the place that think they are hot shit and we are all dummies. Man, I opened for the Ramones, I had an actual music career I know gear , and as a CPA I know how a business should be run. GC is done, fini, dead to me.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Guitar Center did this to themselves guitar buying and playing will go on..

[@DoctorEnigma01]

Whether or not you like guitar center this isn’t good for anyone

[@guitarhole]

I went to GC 15 yrs. ago looking for tuning pegs for a basic Fender acoustic. I was handed pegs I would have had to modify the guitar to get them to fit. I was scoffed at when I questioned them. I did not purchase and have never went back. It seems like they want customers who are uninformed. Customer service is everything.

[@joshuajkoplin]

Customer service has just gone so far downhill in the last 20 years. A shop could have exactly what I want, when I need it for a great price but if they suck they’re not getting my money.

[@BasementGuitarSuperstar]

In a way that would suck not having Guitar Center locally. But, it could help Mom and Pop guitar shops. But, it could also lead to everyone overpricing their stuff more so than they already do

[@guitarswh]

I’ll miss Guitar Center. Got some great deals on used stuff there over the years. I’m not buying anything direct from anyone. Music stores are heaven on earth for me.

[@bfiume]

I can do with out them

[@guitaoist]

Notice how most of the people who say they “love” gc are talking about being able to play a bunch of stuff… but never buy it.. ur not supporting a company as a consumer then, but as a free playground, no wonder its going out of business

[@WyattScott]

Also technology is a huge part if not the main cause of all these issues when you break it down. Guitar rep jobs are obsolete, brick and mortar is pretty much obsolete, yeah i of course want to try gear out before i buy but good luck with that these days there’s nothing good in a shop, up high under lock and key if there is, pain in the ass.

[@donmunson4802]

I see GC getting all the attention here, but it's Sam Ash that I really worry about. I see GC doing a lot more business than the local SA (Charlotte, NC).

[@imijofsoul-ajimiexperience7164]

We can’t wait to visit you guys on the 8th when we’re in town for a gig!

[@shawnhuff3920]

Guitar center in Roy Utah is full of friends who work their I still find good stuff there my main interests and shop is K.S.M music in Logan Utah .. Dave the Lutheran is the best 👌 ...

[@glados_boatman]

What brand/model is that single-pickup guitar in the upper left corner?

[@kellygreenii]

It’s like nature. When a space opens up, something will fill the gap. Sweetwater is already starting to do it.

[@maplestrat]

A New Guitar Center just opened in my home town Thursday. Wonder how long they will be around.

[@ruthguitars7711]

Literally drove to Alabama for vacation and as I was driving though Atlanta. I look left and noticed a empty building. Where guitar center was……. A little sad. Once I arrived to gulf shores I went to casino guitars web site. Looking for accessories…. Any chance of you guys updating that? Would love to make you guys my online gc.

[@marvelharris9540]

did you guys have some stats from GC for the last few quarters? I sure dont see any slow down in the used dept.. they are killing it lately. Would love to see some data to back up your opinion

[@philipbrister]

What if guitar Center got Eric Clapton to endorse them? Maybe that’s what they need…an endorsement from the living guitar god. #straplocks

[@richardclark.]

1. There are no players big enough to save GC. 2. No players big enough would affiliate themselves with GC anyway. 3. GC obviously can't afford to pay a huge name like Eric Clapton or Richard Clark.

[@BradTheProducer]

Looks like GCSP let a High Roller escape the Facebook group.

[@philipbrister]

@@BradTheProducer Got myself one of them day passes. Best day ever.

[@dewey7330]

Great video! As always,Just curious does the guy on the left own casino guitars??

[@johnnyx9892]

Yes and his hair is a tribute to Art Farfunkel

[@jimbo9344]

Guitar Center doesn’t send the “broken” stuff back either{ crappy factory QC}, but they don’t fix anything either. That’s why I stick with Sweetwater if I’m buying new gear. Used gear I usually buy from individual sellers(market place, Craig’s list, etc.) I would never buy a new guitar from GC for that reason.

[@bridazzel7588]

How will we become rock stars now?!

[@EzraMF]

What’s the Orlando shop called?

[@paulrogers6037]

If entry-level people can't touch prospective purchases, they simply won't play guitar. Not being able to go to a store will be a barrier to getting an instrument. If I'm a guitar player and already KNOW I like Taylors, I can order one that I think suits my needs. But if I don't know anything, the dream is over before it begins.

[@sgblues4238]

I won’t even notice.