Guitar Center & Sam Ash closures music industry decline and what I think will emerge from the ashes

[@des565]

Guitar Center does not setup their guitars before sale, they take them out of the box and hang them on the wall. They have fret sprout, the string action is high, they are out of intonation, the fret boards are dry, the tremolo systems are not properly adjusted, the strings are old or very cheap and don't stay in tune. I've played high priced Gibson, Fender, Jackson, Charvel, PRS, and Gretsch guitars there that play and feel horrible. I've bought cheap Squier, Ibanez, and Epiphone from Sweetwater, and out of the box they were in tune, intonated properly, the frets were polished, fretboards were conditioned, string action was very good. It's Guitar Centers own fault for their decline in sales. If you go to buy a car at a dealership and the car runs poorly or does'nt start at all, should the dealership expect you to but that car? Thank you Sweetwater for doing what you do, and selling instruments that are properly set up and playing up to their best standards!

[@talonguitarworks7514]

I bought my GF a lefty Squire affinity 6 years ago at GC. The guitar wasn't set up so I asked about it they said, "Thats extra" ok so $129 guitar +$50 set up not including strings. The kid told me their luthier was still at school and would be there after 4pm. I asked

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

This is the truth. Just tried a 2500 jackson yesterday and they couldnt even guarantee a free setup to make the sale and I left

[@JD-vj4go]

I worked at Guitar Center. Not only did we not setup the guitars we weren't allowed to work on them when it was slow. This was over 20 years ago. I don't really know why either.

[@pudgydaddy]

Dump GC, go to your local mom & pop dealer where the owner that actually cares about the business is helping you. Any reputable one will set up that guitar exactly to your liking at no charge with your purchase. Sweetwater can't offer that.

[@jhwk1970]

@@JD-vj4go How interesting. Proving college business majors in management don’t have a clue what a guitar player needs or how to run a guitar store business.

[@picazzo5150]

The experience at Guitar Center is the reason no one buys there. I remember trying a guitar and the E string snapped on me. When I brought it back to the sales guy who took it off the wall for me, he gave me the dirtiest look. I will forever attribute that look to Guitar Center. Never bought from them ever again.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

15 years ago I used to frequent the GC in Winter Park FL they were amazing they had a great store manager and the people that worked there took pride in their job. Part of me hopes that Winter Park GC is still that way. Work Environment, Training and Professionalism has to be spot on in a tight market.

[@jhwk1970]

I find it endlessly annoying to walk into a chain music store to find no help or some pierced 18 year old knucklehead that knows next to nothing about gear or guitars. My Sweetwater guy has provided real help and has earned my business. Times change.

[@scamp7887]

Right. I support the small guys where I can, but if they can't get something, I'm going to sweet water for sure.

[@Siskos-pn7nd]

78yo basement musician with a few albums streaming. Hardly make any money. Occasionally, I play for art shows but no one wants to pay very much. I made more money in the 60s and early 70s than now, in spite of inflation. Few bars hire musicians. In Colorado, most drinking places are sports brew pubs with multi televisions on. Without places to play, musicians can not work. The primary sales come from old guys that have disposable income and simply collect guitars and equipment. I have about $100k in equipment that will likely be thrown in the trash when I die. Few people, especially children, want to do hard work. Playing music is time consuming, you must love to practice (which I do, still learning), and the rewards are very personal. I would have quit long ago if I needed fame and fortune. I am content knowing I can compose and produce my own songs. I enjoy the process and it brings me happiness. I will not spend a lot of money.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

[@blackiris-9132]

Old guy too, same,watched The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and that’s all it took.

[@mojodojo5533]

If it brings you happiness, you are richer than most brother.

[@Sternodox]

70 year old here. Been playing drums for one year. Been playing bass for 50 years. My gigging days are long past. But I have purchased 3 basses and 2 guitars in the past year, all from Sweetwater. All were set up just fine, exactly the way I asked my rep to have them done. Got tired of being ignored at GC. My SW rep calls me regularly to let me know about specials and to just ask how my gear is doing. That's the way to run a business.

[@michaelsix9684]

well said, me 68, in TX watched bands here since 84 in Austin and Houston , so many great clubs gone now due to rising rents and property being sold for other uses, it's hard to find a place to do a live show and make any money out of it, if you can play covers well, you can make money doing private parties and do very well, but that is limited mkt. -- live shows I've seen over 40 yrs. could not happen today

[@newsycpl]

I learned how to play the guitar years ago. During that time, I also learned the business and the technical side of several instruments, including the violin in which I am a professional player. I can properly service both the violin and guitar without a luthier getting involved, with the exception of cracks and violin bridge construction. I have saved thousands of dollars by maintaining my own instruments. Do your homework people and get technical with your gear. I bought a vintage Martin guitar at an estate sale for about half the price than what these stores would have sold it for. My 1810 French violin was purchased in Europe for a fraction of what it would have cost in America. Be smart!

[@bigjohnson9561]

Sweetwater is definitely king in marketing new instruments. Easy financing terms, free shipping, two year warranty, and free returns. It’s hard to beat Sweetwater. It’s no wonder why Guitar Center and Sam Ash is not doing well. Terrible customer service and damaged guitars has led to their decline.

[@johnroberts1141]

Sweetwater does not give free returns, unless the product is defective.

[@beefnacos6258]

Everybody has free shipping on new gear 😂lol what are you on about? You actually believe GC is doing bad? Nah man. They can stay in business just from the used gear they sell alone. Nice try though.

[@charlesdigennaro4981]

Abdolutely

[@3cardmonty602]

I’ve noticed a lot of high-end acoustics for sale used at my local Guitar Center. Martin’s, Taylor’s, & Gibson’s. I guess a lot of people tried to learn during the pandemic and have now given up on learning.

[@gdub999tub.]

I think you're right: I got a nice used Martin that way - salesman claimed it had been played by an affluent woman who played around with it but never got into it. It seemed virtually untouched and only cost me three hundred something.

[@chillmurray7529]

When you walk into my local guitar center nobody even bothers to so much as acknowledge you’re there. The employees huddle around in little groups with their heads close together and talk quietly and occasionally laugh out loud or something but they NEVER bother to talk to customers until you’re at the register.

[@tortillaman2491]

I've been ignored at the GC register, too. I hope they go under.

[@chillmurray7529]

@@tortillaman2491 bunch of butts ain’t they

[@mojoswifty360]

I worked at Guitar Center. Worse job I ever had. Manager switching my sales to himself to steal my commissions. Hope they all close. Sweetwater is the best.

[@rustyshackleford9557]

This is s fantastic opportunity for guitarists. Guitar shops have to mark up instruments considerably to pay rent, salaries, taxes, utilities and for all those guitars that get damaged by folks who mostly just loaf in their shop. Buying guitars on-line can result in a huge savings, usually enough to pay for a professional setup. That is a golden opportunity for guitarists to create a small cottage industry of guitar set-up technicians.

[@hulkhuggett]

I hope mom and pop shops make a huge comeback. But, I honestly think kids aren't as interested in instruments as they used to be.

[@james-n5b1b]

im 75 i have been playing guitar since1963 i have given dozens of guitars away to young people to learn on so far only 3 have learned to play americans are lazy and poorly educated

[@dougcrowe1226]

I go to local luthier based shops- better guitars better prices( realistic) and they wont give u a hard time about a setup if you buy

[@hulkhuggett]

@@dougcrowe1226 Yeah, I bought a new guitar from a local guitar shop a year or so ago. They're closed down now.

[@samsmith1999]

You know how kids just love to drop into little mom and pop musical instrument shops on the way home from school, plop down $2000 for a Stratocaster, and go home and learn music from before they were born? To be clear, I'm being a little snarky, but not towards you. I sort of blame builders for putting gear out of reach for average folks. Times are tough.

[@hulkhuggett]

@@samsmith1999 There's actually a lot of inexpensive gear that's really decent these days. But I think a lot has to do with the Internet, video games and kids just being interested in other things, other than music, unfortunately. A lot of people think making beats (or purchasing/using pre recorded beats) on a computer is how you make music.

[@timbly5824]

I’ve play in bars & at family events for 50 yrs.. The younger generation isn’t involved much in playing live music. It’s shocking to say the least. We older musicians welcome them with open arms.

[@michaelsix9684]

they don't see the reward or payoff anymore, I'm 68 and still recall the thrill of seeing a good local band do a great show, it's hard to find that anymore

[@SamBerry59]

Well they sure didn’t worry about the local mom and pop guitar stores that went out of business when they showed up. So what goes around comes around. Ray Hennig Heart of Texas music was the King in Central from the 50s through the early 2000 then guitar centers went up all over Central Texas and completely killed his life long family business. Ray Hennig gave Stevie the 63 Strat that made Stevie famous. Eric Johnson bought his stuff there. Willie Nelson bought his stuff from Ray, just to name a few. Guitar center could care less about the family incomes ruined . So like I said.. what goes around comes around

[@ericmarks6322]

Brick and mortar music stores are dead. The sales over the internet are killing them off with help from the reviews by youtubers. You hit the nail on the head with this video.

[@zerosoma33]

Sweetwater should open some physical stores as a test. GC used to be cool back when they let you haggle all the used prices. I would go in every weekend treating it like a yard sale. The answer was usually “I’ll meet you in the middle” but occasionally it was “sure. I’ll ring you up.” When they went to the “has to be here for 6 months before we discount it 8%” and stopped moving gear it started to suck. I miss my local mom & pop shops too.

[@Krispy1011]

Guitar Center needs a guy like Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue to visit every Guitar Center and make things happen in the stores(it could very well be a girl too), and he/she also must have the power to eliminate any slug employee and slug management! He/she needs to visit the stores incognito and observe for a few days prior to making it an official visit. It might be Guitar Centers only hope! Are you listening Guitar Center upper management?

[@reverendg5937]

Sweetwater is hour and 45 minutes from my house. It's an experience worth having and enjoying. It's awesome to have lunch there and pick my gear up right there on the spot. Totally Awesome!!!!

[@beefnacos6258]

I was extremely underwhelmed....they over hype it and it's nothing like what they hyped it up to be. There's literally one room with guitars in it.

[@joeblo5804]

Thankfully I bought my guitars in the 35 years in the way you're supposed to buy a guitar..... by going to a shop ( new) or to a persons house (used) and playing around with it. When i bought my first guitar (US strat) I went to a shop and tried about 8 of them before settling on the one that I like best. Spending uber $$ on overpriced, badly built guitars without being able to try them is one reason the big box stores ( and a lack of CS) are dying........... another reason is it takes time, practice & discipline to learn how to play well enough to stay interested and even with the amazing info/lessons on line that show you how to play almost everything, it still takes time, practice & discipline. I thin the smaller specialty shops will make a comeback ( many have) assuming the once great US govt goes back to supporting the backbone of any great economy................... small business.

[@garlandlabat4922]

Let's face, the internet changed the retail business model. Not only in the music business. Sears. K-Mart. Many others.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Definitely the collapse of large malls started almost as soon as the malls were built.

[@haakonlenzi]

Idk where these closures are happening, but in NYC, businesses that do well close all the time because they just keep jacking up the rent. When Sam Ash left SAM ASH STREET, it wasn’t a lack of business, it was ridiculous rents.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Did't they own that building outright?

[@timallison8560]

its not the industry thats in decline, its the middleman and brick and mortar thats in decline.

[@g.k.dickenson9259]

Actually, it's allowing 30-something Upper Level Management to make decisions without a "Moral Compass" by which to make these decisions.

[@charlesdigennaro4981]

You nailed it

[@broeheemed32]

Actually, the industry IS in decline because making music with actual musical instruments is in decline. Today, "music" is manufactured artificially, "written" by AI, produced on an iPhone, and leased to streaming services. Music as we knew it is all but dead.

[@timallison8560]

hahaahahahahaha so far from true. @@broeheemed32

[@DG-sf9ei]

Another words the unnecessary 3rd party that cranks up the consumer cost, then walks away from the product as soon as it's sold out of their inventory and tells the consumer to pound sand and contact the manufacturer over any warranty issues.

[@artform1364]

I went into Guitar Center a few years ago and they had LPs with poorly glued broken headstocks on sale for $300 off regular price . That told me everything I needed to know about GC.

[@freepressright]

Brick and mortars are becoming a thing of the past as most of us who grew up as music store kids are becoming dinosaurs. Toss in skyrocketing commercial rent, a market that is FLOODED with instruments, a growing market of interesting and decent imports being sold direct and it is certainly a huge threat to the music store model. I admit to being spoiled on nice American made guitars as a kid. I had an an SG Standard at 14, another at 16, an SRV Strat at 17 and countless other Gibsons through my 20s and 30s, but these days I put aside my cork sniffer and am having fun blowing $300 here and $400 there on import guitars that I can work on and mod into some very nice instruments that I'd have spit on 10 years ago.

[@cornstar1253]

I bought a 77 les paul custom when I was 16 for 700$ in the early 80s when nobody wanted them.

[@freepressright]

@cornstar1253 I remember 20 years ago being able to buy 1970s Norlin-era Gibson SG Standards for $500 all day. Nobody wanted them. They had horrendously small frets, the volume and tone pots were garbage, the keystone tuners were not great and they felt absolutely cheap, like a catalog guitar. Those same guitars are fetching stupid money today.

[@Sternodox]

I'm with you! Sold my '64 Tele and bought three Sire guitars and an Orange combo. Still had enough left over to buy a nice MXR phaser and a 6-pack.

[@michaelsix9684]

@@cornstar1253 wow, hope you kept it

[@slimsantilli4476]

As soon as the music stores are gone. The Amazon guitars will be $1200 and up.

[@nuendo2496]

I like Guitar Center….especially their used section & return policy…bought a lot from them…mostly good experience…

[@perrysar5954]

My friend owns a music store and %50 of his sales are online, he literally has a guy just packaging boxes and going to UPS and FedEx sending guitars all over North America...it's a blessing and a curse

[@edfox1334]

I bought a Gibson J45 several years ago from GC it ended up in the closet for several years because the action was too high. When I learned more about guitar’s took it to a local shop they reset the action for free and now this is my daily player

[@kennethmeeker6369]

I think for beginner guitars will definitely be mail order, but if I’m spending 1500/3000 + I’m taking a road trip to a boutique store.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Stay tuned because I have a Kiesel custom I bought on the way should be here by April 1st. Last of the true custom shops in my opinion.

[@Crookedroadpodcast]

From '89 to about '99 I was the PRS sales rep in my area, which included Detroit. I believe it was in '95 that Detroit saw its first Guitar Center. Within the span of two years, they opened a second store and eleven - yes, eleven - mom & pop music stores shut their doors. This whole trend started thirty years ago. It was like they got hit with a tidal wave. They had no idea how to respond. Retail has been a difficult business for a while now. And it doesn't affect just the stores. PRS went to a direct sales force in the late '90's and all the independent firms got fired.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

I own 2 PRS guitars one is an S2 the other an SE love both but you have to be educated in the neck profiles, pickups and the tone pot slugs to make an informed purchase.

[@Crookedroadpodcast]

@@talonguitarworks7514Agreed. I think PRS was a true stand-out in the '90's and a very unique offering in the market at the time - the necks took a lot of players by surprise. As the MI business moved toward a direct sales force or cut their reps out of GC, MF and eventually Sweetwater (this took longer to achieve because Chuck Surack resisted getting rid of independent reps, God Bless him), my firm moved more into the installed sound and pro audio field and de-emphasized the MI market. Didn't want to but had little choice to stay in business.

[@newsycpl]

You don’t have to worry about porch pirates with Sweetwater. They can optionally send it to a FedEx store where a signature and identification is required.

[@edwinlujanhernandez6048]

Went to a guitar center store a couple months ago... waste of time.... ordered online from Sweetwater instead... went smooth... online retail is what is going to kill all these stores (except Walmart)

[@jstratfan]

My mom and pop store closed recently after 57 years in business because the owners wanted to retire and enjoy the fruits of their labors. They certainly earned it however it was obvious their customer numbers had dropped significantly and it was sad to see. They were well loved and respected in the area and will be missed tremendously. The local GC doesn't look like it does a lot of business either but I will order from Sweetwater before buying from GC any day (unless they have a going out of business sale and the deals are crazy). Really surprised GC hasn't folded by now.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

The term "Greying of the Business" applies here owners retire with no heirs to the store.

[@jstratfan]

@@talonguitarworks7514 they made a strong effort to sell it first as it really is a local landmark but couldn't get a buyer. That says it all.

[@Damien-n5f]

The younger generations don’t play instruments anymore. They don’t have the attention span to sit down and learn how to play. It’s even worse for little kids. So it’s pretty much over for instruments. Selling back and forth between the rest of us that are left will go on for a time but there will be a point where the music stops and there will be FAR less people to nobody available to buy your guitars and gear.

[@billv6832]

So true. I only know one or two younger musicians from a friend (actually one of the guitar players in our band) that plays drums, guitar and bass. Very talented but I think a lot of reasons is the state of music now, computer generated, trap beats and maybe a synth thrown in or synthesized bass. A lot easier than to learn an instrument and play it efficiently well. Too many kids have little interest in spending time just a quick copy of computer beats to make a (crappy) song

[@tofromks]

Guitar Center and Sam Ash gave up on customer service being a priority many years ago. Sweetwater cares and sells instruments ready to play. Sweetwater will also find you someone who knows the answer to your question instead of referring you back to a manufacturer. I live in So Cal and I’m surrounded by Guitar Centers and a Sam Ash (where they tried to sell me a used wireless system as new) up the street. Won’t miss them.

[@bryanp8010]

Sweetwater calls me once a week but they also cut me some great deals; I always negotiate. I hate buying guitars online though, it’s a very personal experience and no two guitars are the same, not even prs.

[@1sttvbn]

I can’t count the guitars, and amps I’ve bought from Sweetwater. They are a joy to work with, and 90% of the time you can get what you want. I won’t even talk about the financing. Can’t beat them. Having said that, I do miss the mom, and pop stores. Even in those days however, most the time I ordered my guitars.

[@kenwright4541]

Very good insight. Good job , Tom

[@eugenehavens]

Big issue with online sales is the weight of the guitar. Few outlets share this info.

[@brianbrazil4426]

Sweetwater posts the weight of their guitars on their website and the shipping is still free.

[@wr5347]

Who else feels their eyes rolling when on the same day almost at the same time all the KZbinrs release a promotional video reviewing a new product that you absolutely need to try or else your tone will never be as good as it could be........

[@cdcorry86]

Gotta get me that edge if breakup tone…😀

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Generally I stay away from reviewing amps/gear/effects/strings/picks all are way too personal. I also won't suggest what underwear you should buy.

[@JoeSchmo-u1d]

I tag those videos with the "Not interested" tab.

[@dancotterman1267]

They could be right, I don’t own enough really proper gear at the moment. I Am looking all the time. But… like others I’m budget minded due to income and outlays. Life is very expensive. Your hobby shouldn’t be.

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

The world has changed and it will never be the same.

[@rickwarda2671]

If you buy a guitar thats hanging up in GC it is an open box item that is full priced. When I buy an open box item from one of the big music shops I get a huge discount on a cleaner instrument than the GC item that has banging against each other.

[@brutalbasspro]

I live in washington state, we have ted brown music. The one in my town has snoody employees and they only beginner guitar gear. Along with band instruments and reeds and pa and lights. If you can get someone to speak to you they can order stuff. Basically I can have the same experience from Sweetwater.

[@raypryor8305]

20 yrs ago I bought a gibson les paul classic from Sam ash they had this guy who was "doing setup work" on a guitar before you left the store with it. Got home ,couldn't play it the way it was, the shitiest setup ever. Work on it myself that day and got it right, since then I do all of my own setups myself.

[@BrooklynZBoyz]

We must be the outlier's brother, I'm shocked how many comments are about guitar set up's here. I see a guitar I want and if it has no major damage I buy it. I would never let anyone at guitar center or any music shop set up any of our guitars. Most large guitar shops are run by one manager with lots of young kids. Guitar luthiers cannot make a living at these places. We have one guy who does repairs that we do not want to mess with but he is a very experienced luthier. I feel like if you are a guitar player you should be able to lower the bridge and nut or adjust a truss rod. It's like driving a car and being pissed that no one will pump your gas or change your wiper blades. Maybe I'm wrong but getting guitars set up perfect for the way you play is a lot of the fun. Eddie Van Halen took his Frankenstrat apart all the time, it has always looked like it does and it is still a Holy Grail of guitars. But now when I see signs that list a price for restringing a guitar I know there are people out there that play but probably cannot do it, and that seems crazy to me.

[@cactusjackNV]

@@BrooklynZBoyz Great comment! From a drummers perspective, I learned early on it was best to tune my own equipment. The first couple of times doing it weren't the easiest thing in the world, but once I "got it" I never looked back. Not only that it earned me mad respect as I was confident in not only in my playing abilities, but people noticed the extra care I took to make sure my drum set sounded the best it could. So yeah, it seems very crazy to me as well that people don't know how to take care of their own instruments.

[@michaelsix9684]

in Houston a really nice guitar store is about 3 miles from me near 610 freeway, had they still keep open is beyond me

[@DoD890]

I played a Fender MIM Tele from GC. It needed a new nut, tone control did not work and the frets needed work. Guitar Center said the guitar was set up.

[@dougcrowe1226]

Yup- bought a gibson hummingbird pro at GC- 2300$- took it home snd played it some more- decided i needed the setup improved- it wasnt very good but could be very easily. Manager refused said its the way gibson set it up- he was ignorant about guitars. Of course they did that because we all line different setups action wise- the store tech agreed but they would rather me return it then pay him 50$. Too bad I took my 2G to a luthier shop and got a 99 Taylor 810ce, with complimentary adjustments. Prob took them 15 min

[@JoelBurley]

The last guitar I bought at a store was in 1990 at Thoroughbred Music in Tampa, FL (1990 PRS custom 10). It was always a cool experience to walk in the store and just spend hours talking to the sales folks and playing guitars. I remember hanging with the guys at Sabine music in Gainesville, FL as a teenager and learning so much. Of course Sabine has long been out of business. I have bought from Sweetwater and Kiesel recently with top notch setup and customer service. Can't say enough about how good the experience has buying from those companies.

[@donvape336]

Trying to sell used gear is a nightmare, unless you want a 90% cost reduction.

[@richacello339]

I just donate to veterans groups.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

the problem with selling used gear remains the same. The higher number of that model available on Reverb, Ebay and other used platforms drop the price.

[@philkaelin9779]

Today you have to buy to try. Stores can't afford to keep every make and model in the store. I often find that a particular model is not available to see or try anywhere in the state or adjoining states so I end up buying online with a guarantee that I can return it. Sucks but that's what's happening.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Justin the player series Fender released 21 different models that is no including all the colors those models come in. In the 70's they may have produced 6-8 models per year in 5 or 6 colors. That being said dealers can't keep up.

[@broeheemed32]

The brick-and-motar stores fail in part because they never have anything there except the "best seller" gear that's aimed toward beginners. Mostly solid state combo amps, Squier guitars, budget "cymbal packs". Everything else has to be ordered, so why not buy online and save loot? They also run short on store personnel that know their gear. Just because you have tattoos from head to toe doesn't make you a knowledgeable salesman.

[@flyinpolack6633]

The truly sad part of it is that they killed off thousands of small owner operated music stores nationwide only to die off from bad management.. Bring back the little guys

[@talonguitarworks7514]

I think the little guys exclude the entire fender FMIC line and the Gibson Epiphone stuff. then they can pic nice stuff to support the demographic. Fenders Players series this year has 21 different models, then add the 7 different colors. We actually could use distributers to break up the big company floor plans.

[@misterknightowlandco]

In all honesty, if you look at the physical Retail landscape, music stores have done great compared to 90% of businesses out there. How many ghost malls do you see as you drive around? They’re everywhere. What’s happening now to music stores happened to regular retail ten years ago so we’re giving them a hell of a run!

[@mr356porsch]

Another sad day for "Brick & Mortar" businesses . . . I like doing business FACE TO FACE . . . and ,as for buying a guitar . . . it's all about the feel of the neck and the sound. how is that accomplished on line?

[@billv6832]

Sweetwater return policy. Or you setup a guitar & intonate it. Got an Epihone special SG. It had a kill switch, too!! that for $189 was amazing, and just a quick adjust I'm in AC/DC heaven! Gibson had to up their game with PRS quality, so the stain, fret edges, electronics was spot on. Tuners are okay would be the only upgrade to locking tuners that I'd do

[@intuneorange]

If Sweetwater opens a big shop on the east coast people will drive from other cities to be treated properly and see what they're buying.

[@mattportnoyTLV]

I worked in the music biz for many years. I built a company with 20 team members. We did work for every major artist, producer, and label. I sold my company in 2012 and left the industry, because I saw where it was headed.

[@ej1_drew]

just bought a used guitar in "great" condition according to guitar center based off the one crappy picture they offer... unfortunately I've been looking for this exact model for a couple years so i bought it - needless to say it wasn't even in good condition so I'm going to have go replace all the corroded parts pull out the lacquer and do some soldering

[@tortillaman2491]

It's the rude customer service that has kept me away from Sam-Ass and Guitar Center.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

That is varying by location have seen two really good stores one SA one GC in the same town....meanwhile South Orlando GC was horrible. Lots of times it is a reflection of the manager.

[@patrickkish6662]

What will emerge? Hopefully people will stop being so obsessed with gear. And start writing somgs that are full of wisdom, and truly worth something

[@Dog_Stare]

Agreed

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Specialization , you will she shops and influencers become brokers for companies. In more detail it would be demographic driven and run within 1 or 2 genres of music. I specialize in a blues southern rock classic rock client base. doesn't mean I can't do other genres it would just take more research. For example I have a lower knowledge base when it comes to Multi Scale 7+ string instruments. I understand them but not by any means a Subject Matter Expert. SO a customer would be better served by someone immersed in that style of play. And thank you because this will be the topic of the next video "Specialization".

[@IntoTheMystery13]

I was a tech at guitar center until I quit a week ago. They are the most disorganized company I ever worked at by far. A complete clown show. The way they treat their employees is disgusting. Bad management= bad service. Blame the guitar companies for not setting up guitars before they leave. PRS, Taylor, and Yamaha are the only reliable brands. If they were set up properly they would only need a truss rod adjustment once they get to the store.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Partially, If GC bought guitars from Sweetwater they would tell Sweetwater not to worry about that inspection thing.

[@wikolib6821]

I also get that lack of direction/organization vibe. I have two GCs in town, one an extremely nice store and the other not so much. The nice store has employee stations, two retail counters, two repair counters and maybe 5-7 employees on duty but no organized obvious retail plan. The guitars aren't locked up. I would have a greeter in front directing customers and headset comms. The other store is run down with 3-5 employees visible and the employees usually do their best but sometimes sit in the repair office. When I politely ask them for help and they are more than willing. Most of the guitars are locked up as it has a theft problem.

[@Krispy1011]

I do blame any guitar company that doesn't set up their guitars - But the final blame goes to the one selling the guitar as they need to make it playable for their customers! and does anyone think China cares if any guitars made in China come with a decent set up! China cares zero about you and your guitar.

[@windward2818]

What does a guitar tech do at guitar center?

[@yayayaokoksure]

Bain Capital Guitar Center has been doomed for years. They cant be bothered to make a guitar playable, the online used section is a joke, the employees dont care.

[@ericheine2414]

I think they're like 72 million guitar players in America. They're 97,000 stratocasters for sale on the internet. When Best Buy started selling guitars they saturated the market. There are so many guitars out there. I'm down to three, finally. Just try to liquidating a guitar collection. All the Kids bought guitars and then they quit.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Yes but Best Buys prices were always higher than any other retailer. I went in for a router that was out of stock at Walmart and paid $70 more for it at Best Buy because I needed it that day.

[@michaelsix9684]

so true

[@IndyRockStar]

I went on a Sam Ash in Orlando (Colonial) and just about everyone in there were horrible. You had to beg someone to help you and then all you get is snark. I couldn't believe they were treating people like that. I went to the other Sam Ash in Orlando (Lee Rd) and they were awesome.

[@fretsward2225]

Same here in Mex Vegas (they all were speaking Spanish). Everywhere you go in this city that's what you'll hear. I walked into a Sam Ash with my laptop computer case hung around my shoulder, They refused to allow me access, as one snotty employee said they would keep my computer next to the register. I browsed, but I was so unappreciated, that I bought the guitar at Sweetwater. Did they think I was going to slip a guitar in my 14" computer case? Good riddance...

[@thatsamazin-]

@@fretsward2225 They used to have “door staff” that would check that stuff in and out by writing it down. They must’ve gotten rid of that or just didn’t have it at that particular store. Although you can’t fit a guitar in that, there are many things that could fit in there like a MacBook, drum machines, expensive recording software, boutique guitar pedals, splash cymbals, hundreds of dollars worth of drum sticks, strings, and the list just keeps going. Guitar Center sells a lot more than just guitars.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

I used to live in St Cloud the GC on OBT sucked and so did the one on Colonial we drove to the Winter Park Store. The manager was always there and willing to make a deal on products new and used.

[@IndyRockStar]

@@talonguitarworks7514 The GC On OBT is great now. It's under new management. Buddy Blues (KZbinr) is the tech there now.

[@NoCoverCharge]

My problem with guitar stores is I’m looking for either vintage or custom shop and above quality .. guitar stores for the most part don’t carry either of these two or if they do they may have 1 or 2 to choose from

[@larryspalla1284]

All Ash stores are closing

[@talonguitarworks7514]

just put a video up

[@freebird1292]

Used guitars are my favorites, Especially really played ones.

[@cliftonmoberg288]

I bought the new revstar, based on universally high KZbin recommendation. turns out: sound of Yamaha pickups was unusable, so I bought TV Jones replacements, which are fine. the rest of this standard model is nice, but I have buyer's remorse. influencers led me astray.

[@wikolib6821]

And those aren't cheap either.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

I don't do the sound checks on any of the guitars I review because too much is added/lost in the recording process. I do run Logic Pro X thru a Roland quad capture Audio Interface but effects mixing etc etc can be deceptive even unintentionally. I have played the Revstar and the Artcore wasn't for me.

[@miketuttle9319]

This is the way retail in general is going - Macy's is closing a bunch of stores, people have moved on to buying online. It's easy to buy a guitar on line and send it back if you don't like it. The economic model is just tough anymore for brick and mortar.

[@Patriot1777]

The mail sucks, I don't want to have anything shipped to me anymore, they lost two expensive packages lately 😮

[@peacefulruler1]

No, the majority of damage to guitars, theft of knobs and parts and even entire amps is by kids and criminals. There’s a GC by me where the manager said that it’s the official policy not to stop thieves because GC doesn’t want to be sued. I have watched people walk out the door with amp heads.

[@zerosoma33]

Damn which location is this? Asking for science 😂

[@grocnrollgrocnroll5465]

I won’t go into detail but my experience with Guitar Center has been horrendous! They should be glad they don’t depend on me for their business because that ain’t happening!

[@Mark_Z1]

I’m to the point where the first thing I’m looking to see, is if the guitar has SS frets, if it doesn’t, that ends me looking at it. Getting frets reworked, is too expensive. I don’t want nickel frets anymore, it’s easier to swap out a neck and SS lasts longer. 3 of my 4 guitars are off brand guitars, that came with mahogany necks and SS frets. I upgraded pickups on them. I haven’t been inside a music store in years. I bought my Wolfgang guitar from Sweetwater and other things, like pedals, online with them.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

If your pressure on the frets warrants the SS definitely worth it. I see it all from people that play light and the frets are unmarred and I have seen the divots in the frets and the fretboards. You play the way you play neither is right or wrong.

[@boco1951]

Even thirty years ago I didn’t go to the big store for musical instruments

[@kiltsteve7794]

I’m an intermediate luthier. I only build one offs. I refuse to mass produce. Ghost in the machine. I’m a mom and pop hardware store owner. Manufacturing companies need to get what you are saying. With internet manufacturing should make less yet better with dealers to cover their ass and help the buyer. Everyone wins.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

I agree keep on building

[@Somenite]

Mom and pop shops around me that are focused on guitars are basically gone with one exception. There is a place that is about 90% used/consignment and focus on that and doing guitar repair and they seem to be doing great and will even moving to a bigger location. I wonder if that is a viable model for the future as a lot people are hesitant to buy or sell online. I love the place because every time you walk in the inventory has changed. I suppose there is a danger to them with falling prices on used stuff they bought in versus consign.

[@DanEvans-yb6wk]

Living out in the mountains of Colorado, I have to drive 230 or so miles to my nearest GC. I depend on Guitar Center or Musician's friend for most of my gear and I've been happy with them both (same company) for years. I was in a Seattle GC in December, the Albuquerque store a week ago, and in a New Braunfels, Texas store a day later. All different, but all excellent. I had a synth, a guitar, and an amp to sell at the New Braunfels store; I walked in wondering if they'd buy---"Hello, I'm from Colorado," and the first thing the manager said was, "Welcome!". And he bought all of my gear at a very fair price. All of my GC as well as MF transactions have been positive and friendly. Some of the other big names have had irritating sales reps calling me wanting me to buy from them. GC has never done that, they are out there when I need them and they seem to go above and beyond to get me what I need, and that goes for every GC store I've visited and every transaction I've made. Never worked for them, no to ties, just an appreciation for quality. Thanks, good video!

[@wikolib6821]

We have two GCs in my town, one #1 in the nation and the other in a not so good neighborhood. The employees in both stores usually do their best.

[@dancotterman1267]

You are an exception believe me. Now, MF have made things right, though only because there were problems in the first place. GC not good. Never. Bought four guitars from them that is my experience not yours so buyer beware. That’s all.

[@DanEvans-yb6wk]

Last spring I received an Epiphone SG with Gibson burstbuckers from MF and thanks to UPS, the head stock was broken clean off. There was a hole this size of a baseball in the front of the box. MF contacted Albuquerque's GC and they ordered one from El Paso's GC and I drove down there at the end of the week to exchange the "dead" guitar for a new identical one. I got there and the GC guys unboxed the El Pasp SG and we were looking it over, a beautiful arctic white. One of the GC crew scowled and said, "Dan, you don't want this one." Then he showed me a crack in the neck about the length of a dime. I may have taken off with it not noticing it because it was gorgeous, and I was excited. They returned my money as promised as quickly as they could, in a few days. I got a welcomed call from my MF rep who apologized for my pointless trip, but I have an old Mini Cooper and I love to drive. I asked him, "If I ordered a Gibson SG from MF, do you think maybe that the UPS guys might see "Gibson" on the box and maybe refrain from using it a a ramp?" Upshot, I ordered it and had it air shipped, received it in two days and it;s one of my favorite guitars. I ordered a 2023 Takamine LTD Santa Fe "Broken Arrow" from Wheat Ridge, Colorado last Saturday from a local mom/pop business and it got here in perfect condition last night. I was on hooks for three days, but Fedex treated it as if it were a rare and expensive guitar, which it is. Go Fedex!!!

[@MJ98774]

Man, Im gonna miss Guitar Centers used gear site. We used to HATE GC in the 80s and 90s....it was like dealing with used car salesman. Now? I love their service, got tons of smoking deals on used gear and in the event there was an issue, I took it to a local GC and they refunded everything, including shipping LOL they did just put it back on the floor and I know it wasn't fixed, which kinda sucks, but except for that, Im rooting for GC. I hope they make it thru all this and continue to at least sell used gear.

[@Johnny_Dregs]

Influencers absolutely have a huge impact on sales.

[@TheRange7]

I 100% disagree. I never bought a single piece of gear based on an "influencer" I have 65 guitars, 20 plus amps and 200 plus pedal...not one was purchased because Joe and Annie influencer liked it.

[@Johnny_Dregs]

@@TheRange7 You have never noticed prices go up after an Andertons vodeo? Your attention to detail is trash then. It's not just about you. Edit to add: You have to be about teener into some meth right now if you think all these companies are handing influencers gear to review for funzies. They do it for a reason, and that reason is to sell more gear and equipment.

[@beefnacos6258]

Well we are a different breed. Most others are definitely persuaded by it.​@@TheRange7

[@Johnny_Dregs]

@@TheRange7 Did you report my post pointing out how you are wrong? I'll summarize. You have to be naive or lack any attention to detail to not notice prices increase after influencers make a video. Andertons is a great example. I hope this was a little softer for you.

[@TheRange7]

@@Johnny_Dregs Johnny I've been on YT for as long as i recall. I've never reported a single post in all those years. What would I have to report on even I was the type who did that kind of BS?? Seriosuly bro, I just disagree with you, but there is nothing you said that could even be deemed to be wrong. It was your opinion vs mine. Yours is just as relevant as mine buddy, 100%. That said, in full transparency, I'f I'm in a live chat and someone posts racist crap or death threats, I have reported that stuff a few times, but honestly that's it. Just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean their opinion or stance on anything isn't equally relevant to mine.We're here for discussions and to drop comments on what we might think on certain ideas. Even better, most of the time if I don't have something nice to say, I just say nothing. 100% truth in this reply, Cheers

[@saintbees2088]

Thanks man, very knowledgeable and intelligent.

[@robertdavis3433]

My friend is a beginner guitar player. Guitar Center sold him a PRS $900. WHAT a pos. We spent half the time trying to keep it in tune. The tuners sold him were the cheapest lousy junkie crude you could find. All they did was give it a nice finished Appearance. Total lipstick on a pig. My friend is stupid and so is the guitar center for peddling this ---way overpriced junk for a whopping $900. The guitar industry is in a deep funky hole.

[@zerosoma33]

There are dogs in every series from every maker. Also golden nuggets. I never owned a PRS nor did they garner a 2nd look from me. One day I wanted to test a 5150 LBX. The only guitars in that store that weren’t Squiers were PRS. I grabbed a used Paul’s Guitar SE. I couldn’t stop playing it. I walked out with the guitar that day. Still my best guitar.

[@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969]

because of new age pop music might have something to with it too

[@jerrymcgeorge4117]

Great analysis, many thanks Tom!

[@markwilkins4616]

Sounds like you're spot on. Times have definitely changed in the music business.

[@gamingwithmrgvil3511]

Have purchased 4 guitars online and only kept one. Nothing worse than grabbing the neck on a guitar and realizing it's the wrong shape and size for your hand. The manufacturer advertises thin c and it might as well be a 2x4. Went into sam ash and must have played 20 guitars before I said this is the one. Guitars for me are like shoes sometimes I have to try on the 5 pairs of the exact same shoes to find one that fits. Going to be hard to do if they close down most physical stores.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

Seen that with necks went into GC with my buddy Don 15 years ago he had money to buy any Strat he wanted. After blind testing 12 guitars he chose a Mexican Strat because of the neck.

[@themobseat]

The consumer base is in decline. Young kids want to be rappers, not guitar players. It doesn't take any talent, and all it takes for gear is an iphone.

[@zerosoma33]

When I got out of high school I wanted to be an audio engineer. I was saving for school in Ohio but I cut my teeth doing local talent for $100 a song/$250 an EP in my home studio. I diligently read every Electronic Musician magazine I could find and amassed a dozen engineering books. I studied hard on mic placement, phase issues, repairing downed cables, sound proofing, drum head repair, and various hat tricks all regarding ambient capture. About 3 years into my career the market was flooded with $199 interfaces or $399 “get started” kits. My bookings dwindled then died. I told them it won’t mix itself, you need an experienced pair of ears. No bother. I still get cranky over garbage recordings that people praise. Our standards have dropped so much since I began my path. I’m not sure the art of the production or mix even exists anymore. All the drums are plastic and all the guitars are modelers. I still mic tube amps because they sound better.

[@doninetexas]

I have a guitar on order from Sweetwater (left handed model is out of stock). Local dealers - I've had issues with, so will not go back to them. My favorite guitar now is from the European dealer that sells Harley Benton. My Gretsch lives in its case. Service from Sweetwater in the past was outstanding.

[@AmericanMovement-u1d]

Back around 2005 I was having a hard time finding a case for my Rickenbacker bass and I hed ended up buying one from Sweetwater. It was a god case for a good price. Amd sometime later they tried to entice me to buy a guitar from them - over the interent - they told me about all the checks they put a guitar through and I told them that I WOULD NEVER BUY A GUITAR THAT I DID NOT PLAY FOR MYSELF! He tried to change my mind but logic won out here.I did buy a VOX combo amp and it was shipped - I think - UPS - it was UPSIDE DOWN ON MY PORCH WHEN I GOT HOME! It worked fine though WHEW!

[@markmcvittie5877]

Thanks Tom! I decided to buy a guitar online after years of trepidation. Huge mistake! I have a a really nice Strat and decided to try a Fender Sonic Strat to take to the beach since it's inexpensive. Unfortunately, the quality control is abysmal. Nobody at Fender was sorry and said I should have know it was made in Indonesia. Defective materials and incredibly gouged finish. PRS makes the Silver Sky in Indonesia and they do not have the kind of defects that Fender has. Leo is rolling over in his grave.

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

I've bought 90% of my gear online for 15 years or though small local companies. Guitar Center & Sam Ash was where I looked at or played/tested stuff, but I wanted my money to go to better companies. Gullihur Bass, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, local biz.

[@IndyRockStar]

There are 3 guys at the local Guitar Center here that sell over 1 million dollars a year each in gear and merch. The other 3 or 4 guys are selling in the 100s of thousands.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

saying that collectively they brought in 5 Mil per year @ the 15% rate (Which they aren't because of overhead) it would be $750 per year in profit.

[@RobertChafe-bz6ft]

Don’t forget the other BIG sales person GC has working for them…GC online & Musicians Friend. Each store receives dozens of online orders to fulfill every day. Genius that they are able to use each location as a “mini-distribution” center as well as a retail location.

[@joejohnston2035]

I build Microphones with programmable compression / gate and D I Boxes.. none of the fore mentioned stores will carry my products

[@vanessajazp6341]

I only buy online because I live in a small community with no brick and mortar stores. But I ALWAYS prefer to get hands on an instrument before buying if I can. If you get something delivered that isn’t what you were hoping for, now you have to go through the hassle and expense of returning it. Money and time wasted for nothing.

[@shayneswenson]

Best service I’ve ever received from a guitar company was Suhr. AMAZING guitar and an incredible company. Kiesel has greatly improved their customer service as well. I think direct is definitely the way it’s going to be in the near future.

[@thomasrobinson182]

I ordered guitars from Guitar Center. One had a badly twisted and bowed neck and the other never arrived. I only buy from Sweetwater.

[@charlesdigennaro4981]

Dude I live a mile from a flagship GC store. Kids work there and they don’t give a crap about anything. They have 20 guitars and they’re all broken. As a matter of fact I bought a used guitar cab from GC a year ago that was shipped from another store. The whole bottom of the cab was bashed in that thing couldn’t stand on its own and they thought that I wouldn’t notice it. Nobody cares!!!!!!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Overhead is the killer.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

always and it factors into the costs.

[@Relayer6a]

I don't think the music industry is in decline. Still lots of guitars being produced and sold. My .02¢ the big retailers end up with their logistics and business model locked in and can't adapt to the changing market. It happens all the time in other businesses from the auto manufacturers to computers to the big box electronics chains. A better and more consumer friendly industry will emerge. Not these stores that think they are doing you a favor by selling you something and force you to comply with their needs. I know they don't think they are treating you that way. It just shows how blind they actually are to everything except spread sheets.

[@talonguitarworks7514]

10 times the manufacturers carving up that pie. See your a yes fan Pat Moraz is a friend of mine played keys for Yes and the Moody Blues

[@Relayer6a]

@@talonguitarworks7514That's cool that you know Patrick Moraz. After hearing him with Yes I bought some of his other albums. His solo album "I", of course, and the Refugee album. I'm a huge Wakeman fan but Pat definitely brought his own individuality to Yes. Relayer is a very unique album for Yes and if you listen to the "I" album you can hear his strong influence on Relayer.

[@gabrielstern4992]

I think there is another factor involved too and that's the manufactures themselves like jackson guitars and fender buying them or Gibson just turning epiphone into just low end gibsons. Or the snobby comments the guitar center ceo made about people just want to spend money on high end guitar not me. I would not even spend 1200 for a new jackson today because it's not made the way they were even 10 years, ago. With a, diferent style truss rod that's skinny and medium jumbo frets like fender strats that they still call jumbo. VS the old jumbo frets which really are more like super jumbo frets for that scalloped feel. I am so frustrated I am going into eddie van Halen mode meaning if I have to buy a cheap Chinese neck tear it apart mod it to my liking and buy old guitars profile them and build them from scratch I will if that's what it takes to have a guitar that's comfortable for me to play and sounds good tonewize to me. So in my opinion online sales killed stuff but guitar center could compete if they started carrying acesseries and guitar parts again in stock like switches volume and tone knobs and decent floyd rose licensed hardware and a good variety of guitar pickups again. At discounted prices. Because I think everyone is getting sick of Amazon and ebay and needing to wait they want what they want now. I. Mean I just payed 250 dollars just to get a yamaha rgx just like the one I had as a kid so I could profile it make one like this one wood wise so I can mod my copy to look just like the one I had as, a kid so I don't ruin this one like my original and guess what my Taiwanese made yamaha rgx would kick any of the guitars made today's butt even my made in India jackson that I could never get to intonate due to bad string through ferrels on the body with the neck would still kick any guitars butt today including the new Jackson's can't wait to take my made in India neck of off my king v body and test it on one of my Chinese strat bodies before I profile and replace my king v body with a basswood blank and substitute on the new body down the road a floyd in the design I place of string through. I hope my comment explains the frustration of people who actually play guitar even though I am not that technical and the frustration a, real musician with a good ear like an Eddie van Halen or yngwie malmsteen feels. It's about comfort but tone and what you like not cost. And I hate to say but with me even with a modeling Amp I can tell the diference between guitar woods pickups and the acesseries in a guitar that's just how I am in but I need to find me a decent tube Amp like maybe a Marshall jcm 2000 used and find an old scholl line 6 rack mount processor or maybe fractel design or something and just leave the Amp on clean channel and let the processor handle everything else as something about that warmth of a, real tube is special but that's, whats missing today with young people.

[@JohnDeWeese-lq4pf]

God bless!

[@tonevicar-fr5gh]

The cost for these closures is plain and simple. Retail manufacturers pricing is insane, And local stores don't know the first thing about setting up their guitars to make them play right to sell. Add into the mix the overabundance of guitar sold during Covid, and you have a very low lull in the market

[@donaldshidal851]

just a couple down home stores left around Nashville

[@talonguitarworks7514]

You have 9 epic guitar stores not counting the Gibson Garage. Fanny's, Carter's, Gruhn, Rumble Seat, Corner Music plus the repair facilities.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video. God bless