Guitar Shopping Etiquette

Baxter and Jonathan talk about buying strategy, how shops should treat customers, and how customers should treat each other when wheeling and dealing for the new or used piece of gear.
#guitar #guitarshopping #guitarshop

[@garyelmenthaler1608]

A few years ago, a friend of mine and I walked into a vintage guitar store in a small town in Ohio. It was 11 in the morning. Two guys sitting around jamming. One of them stopped and asked us if we wanted a beer. Best sales approach I've ever experienced!

[@caseylee12]

Growing up in Lexington, Ky., I was lucky to have Willcutt guitars in my hometown. I met Bob when I was 19 yrs old. Just walked in to the store to look around. That was 40 TEARS AGO!!! And every single time I've gone there since, I've been treated great by every single person working there. KUDOS to Bob and Company!

[@miniguitarsociety]

Yeah that hot rod deluxe you all had on sale for $750... Thanks for carrying it to my car guys I really appreciated it!😊

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

The only store I had a dismissive experience was at the Arvada CO Guitar center. There was this guy who was dressed up like a 70s rock star that had the attitude that screamed " I should be famous and you never will be". I bought some strings a book and since it was winter, a Fender beanie. He said" Do you even play guitar or do you just wish you could" I said to him " Are you going to a 70s costume party or do always dress that way to pick up old ladies". The other sales guy just started laughing his @$$ off. I never went into that store again.

[@nellayema2455]

Dang! I would have cancelled the sale and told Nigel to F-off.

[@CraigMorris-e3u]

Baxter thank you for the PRS factory tour. I appreciate the fact that you let the guy do his tour and didn't interject yourself into the into the tour. Thank you keep up the good work you guys

[@rickmiller7884]

I love Jonathan's long-suffering facial expression and body language when Baxter says guitetiquette.

[@sanfran216]

Personally if I try a guitar at a store, if I like that guitar, I buy that guitar. Especially with differences in consistency, I could end up paying what I saved if I went to GC for the deal and still had to fix up the guitar versus buying the one I tried and know it's nice. That, and I think supporting the smaller store means there will continue to be a music resource and a guitar tech in our small neck of the woods.

[@Mikey__R]

Exactly this. If I'm spending more than, say, £1000 on a guitar, then I want to try that actual guitar, not one supposedly just like it. We've got an out-of-town big box store, it's a warehouse with a showroom. It's supposedly a guitar shop, but it doesn't feel like it when shopping there.

[@kjneese]

You’re Guitarded!😂

[@davidwood351]

Scott Grove?

[@jamieb7799]

😂

[@madamkirk]

So good

[@audiebeimer3825]

You guys are the best. insight, compassion and genuine.Things that matter. I wish i lived closer to your shop. Just keep it going.

[@seanmiller7187]

Always support your local music shops.

[@2good2betrue3]

The only advantage Sweetwater has on other store is the 55 point inspection. The guitar will come to you, and you can play it out of the box....Fully Set-up'd, already low action, perfect intonation. No more additional luthier work needed. 👍

[@spinlaunchglide]

It doesn't always happen, but local shops should be including setups too.

[@2good2betrue3]

@@spinlaunchglide Very much agreed!. 👍That's what I'm disappointed with other shops. They don't do basic set-ups. Guitar will arrive with bow and arrow action. You still have to tinker and buy tools for a few hours to play it.😅

[@jimmycocopop]

Your warm attitude is why I love guitar shops! Even though I'm not a gd player, i feel that friendly, warm tingle that makes me feel welcome. Keep noodling on! :) xx

[@johncandy2916]

I recently bought an SG special from Sweetwater after playing it at my local shop. The shop had one to choose from and the wood grain was wonky. With Sweetwater I could choose between 5 different ones. If I’m spending that much money I have to get something I’m completely happy with.

[@aghawkins1]

You make a great point, but I have had the opposite experience. I found an SG at my "Instrument Center," bought one on Sweetwater, and it felt completely different and not in a good way.

[@BXGuitars]

Did you even ask your local shop owner if he could get you another SG? Maybe explain to him what your issue and give him a shot to earn your business.

[@seanbrooks2583]

@@BXGuitars If you have to have the store owner order one, why not just have sweetwater order you one? The only advantage a store has over these big box online retailers is that they actually have the item on hand. once you have to order it, i might as well go somewhere else.

[@johncandy2916]

@@BXGuitars yep. Said they couldn’t order a new one until the one they had sold.

[@BXGuitars]

@@johncandy2916 That's cool you asked at least. Shame the dealer wouldn't do that for you.

[@mikehan3130]

From the “long game” perspective, The risk in trying out guitars locally and then ordering online, is the local stores could go away and then we lose these stores for demo purposes. I try to buy everything local even though it’s a little more expensive.

[@Mikey__R]

I had the weirdest experience yesterday. I tried a guitar, liked it, took it to the counter to pay for it. The guy takes my money, then says, "please wait while we get you one from the warehouse." So I said, "can't I just have that one?" He replied, "we can't sell demo guitars." It was only a cheap short scale bass, so it didn't matter. But if it was a Gibson, we all know they're all different, and you have to try them all to find which one speaks to you. I'd be gutted if I'd spent an afternoon picking out the perfect Gibson, to then be told that I can't have the demo guitar, I've got to have an unknown, unopened one from the warehouse.

[@nickbitar]

It sounds like a lot of customers are the opposite of you. They only want a fresh guitar that has never been played. Perhaps the shop should give you the choice

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

Yes, the prices online vs local are SUPER close for most things now, if not exactly the same. So yes, buy LOCAL if you can. So for me, the issue would be if I liked X item locally but it is not the color or "whatever" I really want. So trying it there, and buying someplace else in that case is perfectly acceptable. But local shops (good ones) will often throw things in for free or give you better service and interactions. For example, when I got my last guitar I offhanded mentioned that I had purchased another guitar from that shop from before they moved locations. And when I picked out a stand for the guitar and went to pay for it all, they threw in the stand for free. Now don't EXPECT things like that, but it can be a nice perk for shopping local.

[@paulh4954]

Thankfully Casino Guitars is my local shop! Thanks guys!!!

[@BlakeCraft]

I haven’t had very good experiences at stores because usually stores don’t have a lefty guitar that I’m looking for. I’ve also had a few stores that have blown me off because ordering a left handed guitar was too much of a hassle, so I took my money straight to - you guessed it - Sweetwater

[@nidgemills1617]

New is better in my book, but I'm a US Strat snob, love them to bits. I'm in NZ & our service here is pretty cool (being in my late 50's helps too) but walked into a few guitar stores in the US, one somewhere in Missouri, where the first thing they said was "hi, you want a beer?" Now that's service!

[@tom.m]

"Pain don't hurt." One of the all time classics.

[@fettuccinealraver]

The ‘too cool for you’ attitude from some local guitar shops I’ve been to has always made me so confused as a customer. You don’t want me to support your business because I don’t pass some irrelevant vibe check? Alright man 😂 have it your way.

[@fepatton]

"Packed it with gloves and a blindfold." 🤣 I felt really bad recently when the new Mustang Micro came out. I don't know what came over me, but I just ordered it from SW on the spot. The _next day_ I got an email from our long-time local shop advertising it. I almost went and bought another one just to give them the business. (And no, I _wouldn't_ have returned the one I got from SW.) My wallet intervened though. 😄

[@ethagr8162]

I work at GC and i don’t think people understand that we’re commission based sales people and if you come demo and ask me questions about gear and then buy it somewhere else i’m literally losing money for rent. Like at least come ask me if i can match the deal that the other store is giving you. we can’t always give you the best deal. but 80% I will match a Sweetwater deal.

[@pecktox]

My wife cracked up, once she went with me to 3 different guitar stores to try out to buy one squire butterscotch blonde.all looked the same.. but I ended up going back to the first store.. it just seemed different. My wife was confused cause they were essentially all the same..hah . Pex

[@Nugmania1]

It’s all about the service, if you can repair things yourself, you can buy it anywhere. If you are not, find a store that has skilled techs and is a good hang, you’ll be way better off in the long run.

[@paulhendershott667]

I love my local guitar shop, Down Home Guitars in IL! In the past I've purchased a Martin, a PRS, and a Kala Uke from Sweetwater and was looking at purchasing additional instruments. The Sweetwater price and financing WERE enticing, so I spoke to the guys at the local shop and they worked out a deal with the same price but with extra strings. After that I asked what the cheapest we could put together a Martin Custom Shop 000-28 or 00-28 with a bunch of changes and bear-claw top, and they came up with a better price than the Martin Custom shop itself! When I retire in 15 months, I'm going to pull the trigger on the Custom Shop guitar! And I want to see them stay in business because I get so much service and care from them. One of these days I'm going to buy one of their boutique parlor guitars, and they have infinite patience with me!

[@jimb2577]

I've been on both sides of the counter. Luckily I spent more time on the customer side so that when I was on the shop side of the counter I treated my clients with respect and tried to help. I can remember so many times when other sales people would ignore or be rude to clients, but some customers are just insane. It's a wonderful world.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

If I visit a store to try out a guitar I'm considering, but don't buy it, I make a point of buying SOMETHING, like a pack of strings. Being able to TRY a guitar to rule it in/out of my buying decision is a valuable service I'm willing to pay for.

[@johnstillwell4353]

Thanks! Great explanation of how it works.

[@brianthrom6858]

Sweetwater gives me a choice of which specific veneer and wood grain I want. Also I know that it won’t have finish flaws from customers playing it or fret-sprout from hanging on the wall too long. My only finish defect came from a guitar center guitar that I bought because I wanted to get a nice guitar from the place that used to let me play a bunch of stuff. If I know the model I want and I’m buying new, I’m going online to pick my exact guitar. Used, acoustic and your first guitar are where you benefit from a physical store.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I have my eye on a guitar at my local shop. They have treated me very well so far. I intend to support them until otherwise treated.

[@JAugust]

There's a well known shop in the Midwest that has a great selection but won't make "deals" on pricing, so some of us go there to play a bunch of stuff to figure out what we like and want, and then go to Reverb to find a better price. If there's an issue with the Reverb purchase you're still covered.

[@clay571]

Sweetwater doesn’t cut deals anymore, the main advantage with them is the 55 point inspection and the ability to choose the actual guitar you’re getting from the gallery.

[@stingray5]

They’ll match offers though. Favorite what you want on Reverb, get some direct offers, and take the best one to your Sweetwater rep.

[@malaguitarista5266]

I live in Spain but was in the USA this summer. I wanted to buy the Jason Isbell Telecaster when I got back to Europe. It was not available in my local shop here in Malaga, so I stopped by the local Guitar Center in the USA and tried it. When I got home I ordered my guitar online. Mind you I paid for it in that I need to get a fret job done on the guitar, but besides that I love it.

[@user-no1cares]

Used guitar, bar fight blood stain on the bridge, big bugger on the 7th fret, smells like cat house perfume with worn out tuners & no case! Sold to the guy that just signed up for guitar lessons!

[@MrAyla]

As an ex guitar store guy I can’t imagine buying a guitar I didn’t play first. The last three guitars I bought were because they were in the store, unusual, played well and were affordable. I wasn’t looking for a new axe. They just spoke to me

[@Patrick.B223]

I wouldn’t have the nerve to do that to a small shop. It goes against Iowa Nice. In the long run if you find a shop like Casino Guitars in your area don’t shop anywhere else. You guys set the bar for customer service! 👍

[@SteveStalock]

Please don't assume that any of us apply LOGIC when we purchase guitar!!

[@tonepilot]

Guitarists should be educated to know that the guitar they play in the store will play and feel a bit different than the same model available on-line. If you find one that plays and feels great, buy that one.

[@Otterman316]

We have so few guitar shops left in Ireland I’ll always buy from the shop as opposed to online unless they physically can’t order the item in for me. Gotta support the bricks and mortar stores! 👊

[@Joey_McElroy]

I’ll be honest, I’ve gone to Sweetwater, well called them. Got 15% off right off the bat, then get the demo model, and make payments for 6 months. That’s way more manageable for a lot of folks month to month. Than dropping a big chunk of change all at once. Think about the car industry. People don’t always care about the overall price, they wanna know what the monthly note will be…because they’ve already got a number in their head of what they could pay every month. I’d bet it’s the same way with buying with these huge online retailers

[@13aphomet]

Man, I feel lucky because my local brick and morter has very reasonable prices and I love buying from them. Their used prices on guitars and pedals is usually better than I can get on reverb.

[@gunkanjima3408]

My local shop tried to get me to buy a Mesa Boogie Cali Tweed. Dude, I just want a set of 10’s…

[@jeriboxx4331]

Loyal to my local shop 95% of the time…they know my name….GC moved in two doors down that’s dirty pool…

[@maconmemories3085]

Options on wood grain patterns is what i like sweetwater

[@adammcpherson4535]

Well etiquette has to go both ways. I got crap service after purchase and the shop refused to fix a fault.. I had to go directly to the fender dealership who are now fixing it. So don't preach about guitar etiquette. We go other places because of crap service, if people are going else where you should have a look at your customer service.😅 End of story...

[@musicmaniac3859]

I would like to buy local…and I go in and try gear, but they won’t work any kind of deal. There are always reputable mom and pop shops across the US that will give 10-15% off and most don’t charge sales tax. So on a $1k guitar locally, I get it for about $800. Also, if I don’t ‘need’ something right now, I wait until the holiday sales. As for Sweetwater, I’ve asked for discounts to compare with their gearnuts prices, and sales engineer won’t budge.

[@NuTsi33]

Basically it's the relationship. My local shop is the worst. I could make a list of reasons, but for the sake of time, I won't. At this point, it's better to blindly buy online vs. buying from my local shop. Its that same "you don't belong" vibe and it's pulling teeth to even try a 300 dollar Yamaha. It's too easy to buy online or drive an hour to buy at another shop to have bad customer service. If you're going to make it hard for me I'll make it hard for you. I'm sure my local shop is doing fine, but my last 3 guitars and last amp didn't come from them and that makes me a little happy.

[@blakehugh]

Can't say I'm interested in buying a guitar online. I want to play it. Does it feel right? Does it sound good? If it sounds right, then I start the process of figuring out if it is worth purchasing. I can't do that online. And no two guitars sound the same even if they're the same model from the same maker. Of course, my age may have something to do with that need for brick and mortar contact.

[@chadb5959]

My favorite line: "I can do that without you. "

[@rossbulcock552]

I simply can't imagine buying a guitar I haven't played first.

[@handle433]

The only time I bought a guitar in a store was because the dude let me bring in my pedalboard and play through my same amp (available in store) and put my favourite strings on the guitar. I’ve only bought 3 guitars, but it meant a lot and was the deciding factor in buying a $1,100 guitar!!!

[@tallthinkev]

I was in this one shop down Denmark St a few years ago, looking at a Gibson. Lad comes up asks if I need any help, I start to say .I'd like to have go on the Gibson please.' He'd gone, I look about and he's talking to two older blokes in suits. Totally ignored me. I walk 200 yards down the road and buy a Taylor. There is a special place in hell for people like that.

[@benlogan430]

I get my guitars at the pawn shop! Always well under market value, but you’ve got to know what you’re looking at and be able to do a setup! Mint Fender Player plus Strat $250 was the latest find.

[@jaysonlavie603]

I try to support local. But recently went into my local shop to buy a low watt boutique amp that they are dealers for. Only one amp from that builder in house and not the one I was looking for. Talked to one of the salesman and said they should be getting the model I was interested in soon. Left my name and #. Never heard back after months. Went back again and left my numbers second time and still no response. Ordered the amp online based on KZbin reviews but would have liked to play it. Otherwise I think my local shop is pretty great, lots of vintage fender amps ( some holy grails), Eastman dealer etc. But they really dropped the ball on future business from me after that.

[@cageliner]

I've bought most of my gear from Long & McQuade because they're local, and can pull from other locations. If I want something they don't carry, or I see a fantastic deal elsewhere, I buy that one. I bought one guitar from an online store because I didn't know L&M had them at the time, and I bought an amp years ago by a brand that L&M only recently started carrying. When I'm buying new, I go with the best deal. The used guitars and amps are mostly from L&M, with a few amps from pawn shops.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

11:42 😂 I have been guilty of the reverse where I browbeat a GC employee who I’ve seen working there for a year or so but still doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. 😂

[@thebenefactor6744]

I make sure to always use the pick farthest away from the guitar pedal, then work my way inwards, towards the centre, to avoid making any faux pas, especially if it's a formal event. The rain in spain, stays mainly in the plain. See, I can do it.

[@Max-million]

Fancy boutique stores have fancy boutique prices and typically “rules” for its customers. I like to shop at stores that look like they’re not slaves to paying high overhead. 🎸💪

[@wewin03]

I’ll never ask an employee to climb a ladder to bring down a high end guitar unless I’m serious about buying it. If I don’t buy it I just didn’t vibe with it.

[@jpceast]

I can’t imagine buying a guitar I didn’t play first. Two of the same guitar do not have the same vibe… ….i hoped the guitar etiquette conversation was going to be more about minimizing your “awesome shredding” so everyone gets to use the air space to try out guitars too & hear them. There’s no more useless time spent than going to Guitar Center on a Saturday….you can’t hear the guitar you are trying.

[@jdb2722]

I returned 2 things with Sweetwater today. The mustang micro 2(1 is better) and a boss pedal. No issues. I return a lot of things but only things I actually don’t like day 1.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I will absolutely check prices on Reverb and Sweetwater when I see something I like in a shop but honestly, I would prefer to buy the guitar I’m playing in the shop. The one I’ve had my hands on. Especially if I know it’s been set up by someone I know who works there. Plus there’s always the connection you can have with the actual guitar on the wall. You can play another just like it and feel nothing. 😢

[@b3pahunter546]

Absolutely a financing thing. If you don't have financing, I can't purchase from you.

[@Vermonster23]

If I’m buying in a brick and mortar store, for me, the bartering is more in things like the set up, or upgrading the case. I figure it’s probably a little easier with the margins that way…

[@joeporter4616]

I research a Guitar, then go to Guitar Center and see if one is available to buy. Then I price check and buy.

[@brobison3]

Dalton actually said "Be nice" but "Be kind" works as well 🎸

[@hoboroadie4623]

"Be excellent to one another"

[@kellornmap4457]

One reason I might go somewhere else is due to a specific color choice perhaps not being available at that initial store.

[@donrepcon7704]

The biggest issue I see is, if you buy it online, what about the set-up? People order guitars and they're almost completely unplayable. This is common especially in the sub $600 price point.

[@michaeljoyce3286]

So I have bought and sold a lot of guitars and I’ve come to realize this if I compare Guitar to a particular type point it sounds like a Gibson well I’m not gonna get it. I’m gonna go get a Gibson however with that being said, I truly feel that’s one of the guitars you have to put your hands on to play on the other hand, buying a PRS you can order that online and it’ll be exactly like the one you played in the shop comes down to. I try to buy from smaller shops cause I want to support them with my finances, my business, and a lot of these places will work with you on the price and a layaway.

[@golfrick007]

I think my local guitar store will give you two weeks to return at least guitars but not sure about the pedals or amps.

[@marriner5]

Etiquette smettiquette. Customers can try and buy wherever they like.

[@HarrisonBeam]

I can’t wait till I’m ready for a Custom Shop cause I know where I’m going, Casino👌🏻

[@thesmellycatjazz]

If i do this, I'll make sure to buy something like strings and accessories from the shop.

[@jcout25]

As a guy who has been buying guitars for 30 years, and who was in a GC yesterday, I wanna see how I stack up against your etiquette list...

[@seanbrooks2583]

My local shops only have crap imports that no one wants besides parents buying stuff for their kids. Every once in awhile they have used stuff, but they always price it higher than it would be if you bought on reverb or ebay.

[@Tmfndlb]

I’ll try out a guitar local just to see if I like it, then order it new from the factory so it’ll be mint

[@UelCarter]

Road House og one of the greatest guy movies ever!

[@pads-zr9ln]

I have brought and sold so much on marketplace, ill always buy my high end stuff from a shop where i can try it first

[@throughkenslens7972]

The Sweetwater financing is definitely a huge factor.

[@rakentrail]

Not as much now but pre covid I had a lot new top line guitars come in the shop from some of the "online dealers" that did not play well at all. Many I believe were "B-stock" items with serious issues included twisted necks. I was a tech at a larger independent guitar store and we would go out of our way to helped the buyers that got hosed! Why? Because we would win over a whole lot of new customers. Kids will buy cases of strings and a barrel of pics if they like "your store"!

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

Does it count if the place you tried it out is like the Gibson Garage in London? Because, I mean, you can totally buy stuff there, but they have a guy in a suit on the door, so it's not exactly a garden variety guitar shop.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

It’s hard for me to not buy strings from guitar center when it’s a 12 pack of daddario for $40, or the Ernie Ball for $50

[@ShawnShipstad]

Sweetwater just like GC will stop the return "Privlidge" if it is excessive. It is just finciallogic. I have a friend who is banned from Walmart for to many returns. Go figure. These are not expensive deals like guitars, pedals etc. I have all the respect for Casino. If I wanted somethinf I would buy from you. I love to support smaller independent biz as you come out better in the long run, -It is called building trust & relationships with people. That is the most importent thing to me. Great video- Thank you- Shawn.

[@genx-calibur]

Guitarded is hilarious 🤣🎸

[@oliverdepauw5663]

Only guitar i’ve bought online was my reverend because i wanted the pink one you could only get from russo music

[@mikewhitfield2994]

If I'm looking at a $30,000 vintage piece, please call 911 'cause I've had a stroke. Unless maybe it's a '59 Burst, then the seller's had a stroke.

[@friedtaters8940]

I felt that before not belonging in a guitar sore but not a casino guitars

[@AR1xRUSHY]

I mean guitars have different personalities, you find the one you buy it. You don’t just buy the same model elsewhere since it could be a dud.

[@CitizenofMelee]

Generally, I would buy the guitar at the shop I tried it in unless: there's a big price difference, the customer service sucks, or I like the guitar but they don't have the color I want.

[@paulshurmon138]

Thanks for the video.

[@MrKbeaumont]

The financing is the reason for me, I don't return unless its broke or really bad.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I don't buy new guitars in guitar stores; no need; many are used and abused, especially those within arms reach. I get my new guitars online; I have a sales rep I've worked with for years (not Sweetwater, I no longer buy "new" guitars from them). She checks to see if the guitar I want is in their warehouse, and requests a factory sealed box. Of the 15+ guitars I've purchased there over the last few years, I've only returned one because the factor sealed box was opened. No need to play these guitars because they have a good return policy; All of the guitars I purchased new, in the factory sealed box, none had issues; new strings, slight adjustment, and ready to go. Floyd Rose guitars took a little more time to adjust the first time because of the string change. EBMM, Ibanez, Jackson, Fender, D'Angelico, Rickenbacker, ... purchased new in factory sealed boxes, no issues. I won't buy a new Gibson this way, but all these other brands have working QC

[@artdesimine798]

How to act properly in New Haven ? Conn-etiquette !

[@mattsmitchger259]

One problem is, if you try a guitar and say you want a different color or other option, the store acts like it's an inconvenience to order you what you want. They'd rather you settle for the one they already have. I'd rather buy locally, but not with the shitty attitude.

[@chewy95118]

I have not watched Roadhouse... and at 39 it might be time to fix that.

[@daviddawson1718]

I buy at my local guitar shop, if Dana doesn't have it I don't buy it. Support your local shop

[@sunn_bass]

If it's a good shop, and I see a bass that I like, it plays good and the price is competitive, I won't haggle with them over the price but I can usually can get some goodies thrown in with the deal like a few sets of strings. I do avoid the local GC as so many of the new guitars and basses are dirtier and have more chips than the used ones they have. Go figure.

[@noelmcmahon4566]

I have never been in a physical guitar store and NOT been totally ignored. Front line customer service is non existent in this industry

[@petersouthwell5971]

Didn't like being 1 of 2 comments on the other version of this chat. So reposting here. I always give my SixGun Guitar Shop first divs Then I try other shops I think that are just as cool (Casino Guitars, Emerald Guitars). Sweet Water. I use them more as a last resort or as a sanity price check for an idea of a standard deal I DO go into guitar shops and don't buy a guitar.. KNOWING I wont buy one. But in those cases Im at least gonna drop $60-$100 On accessories, T-Shirt What ever out of just respect. It cost money to maintain a bunch of guitars in a room sitting there setup and in tune for people to play. So in the very LEAST.... Buy a bunch of accessories just out of respect. Also... I admit to the guy if Im truly not buying guitars.. and explain my WILL buy accessories policy for wasting time. Not sure if it's cool.. but it seems to make the guitar shops way cooler about dealing with me. Final note.. If you just there to play guitars... Be very respectful of the instruments. Don't tune them into bullshit tunings. Don't scratch them. Don't put them down in a stupid place (ive seen literally just laying on the floor). Don't be a dick.. Don't waste the dudes time with questions.. Unless he's obviously just sitting there and LOOKING like he feels cool about bullshiting.. In fact... Ask the dude if it's cool your wasting his time. Treat the instruments.. Like you would your own... Be ready to at least be able to buy anything you screw up. VERY IMPORTANT.... Don't be the guitar store dick.. Going in there.. and treating the guitar shop like it's a gig your playing.... Be respectful of other players... Don't crank the amp and sit there jamming at full volume like an asshole... Play a couple of lick.. Give somebody else a chance. If you can.. Play shit that's in key just to be cool. haha final edit