The Real Reason Sam Ash Is Gone... Is Guitar Center Next?

Change with the times or get left behind. Where did Sam Ash Music go wrong? Will Guitar Center end up with the same fate? I think they WILL! AND be on the lookout for the latest guitar internet scam, and this time it's using the Sam Ash closing as an opportunity.
Original article about Sam Ash here: guitar.com/news/industry-news...
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Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[@allenmitchell09]

sweetwater is more than just the fact that they're online, they're actually very good at what they're doing to the point where totally different industries could learn from them.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Great point!

[@jray5363]

Their customer service is amazing! They deserve their success!

[@evorussoulseeker9290]

Anytime I have worked with Sweetwater it has been great. They call you, they thank you, and they are helpful

[@gregoryporch8395]

You nailed it. I despise getting offered an upsale when I go into Guitar Center looking for something very specific. I got into playing harmonica over the last 2 years and Sweetwater offers a wide selection that I can order in the mail. If you're playing music while you work a full time job, you'll get a better deal online without having to go out shopping.

[@deshawn4077]

I do not want to buy guitars that have been handle by people in a place I dont know. Dont know if scratches or anything is on the guitar. I dont buy guitars from sweetwater.

[@mikey-dubs]

How guitar players prefer to buy online rather than go into a store and physically try the guitar in your hands just blows my mind.

[@Superjet113]

I think it's because of super easy free returns/exchange, lower prices and then your location matters too. I live were there is only one small music store and 2 pawn shops. I do buy from them and go shop them occasionally.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

First of all not everyone lives near a good guitar store. Secondly if you can get a much better price online than why wouldn't you?

[@joeo3808]

You can order any guitar conveniently online. Receive it, try it out and if you don’t like it, return it. I’m not saying it’s a good thing. People want their amazon and doordash experience with their guitars too. Bad for the environment, though.

[@kiezersosay49]

I prefer buying/selling/trading on offerup/CR/FB marketplace... I've gotten some insane deals, but I also feel there's a certain comradery or schivilery amongst musicians online. There's some scandalous a-holes out there for sure, but the majority of my experiences have been great.

[@greenslider]

No quibble returns and the impersonal touch can be liberating. I buy all my pedals, strings and amps locally. Guitars bought online since 2014 though after an aggravating experience when trying to just my money back

[@FAA-DPE]

Sweetwater will just call me out of the blue to see how all my gear is doing and just talk. WHAT? Never in my life has ANY company shown me that level of care and concern. The big thing is that they are not faking the commitment to their customers.

[@moncorp1]

I can't imagine buying a guitar without playing it first.

[@crunchers9]

I know. I just don't get how people do that. Are they so accustomed to returning almost everything they buy online?

[@craigjohnson4302]

I've done it a few of times. You get 30 days, after delivery, to try it out and if you don't like it, for any reason, they email you a return label, you rebox it, send it back, and they credit you back. I've sent back two and kept one with no pain at all.

[@danielschear556]

John Lennon "imagined." Why can't you?

[@clamato422]

That's what they said about cars.

[@jamesdewer]

More power to the online buyer. I can walk in, play every guitar on the wall and buy the best sounding axe regardless of price. I mean there are American Standards which sound better than custom shop offerings for 1/2 the price. I’ve played Korean plywood guitars that sing for nothing. The neck is perfect no set up needed! Try that online! Guitars have intangible mojo. Buying a guitar unplayed is hilarious. I mean there are 8lb les Paul standard tops that are 3 - 4lbs lighter than Customs three position pickup CS. Dude!

[@congerscott6064]

That sucks, I hate to see any guitar shop go out of business.

[@southboundguitar]

Maybe they shouldn’t have been so greedy.

[@StevenRogers-hw9dj]

@@southboundguitar Maybe you shouldn't be displaying your lack of intelligence publicly.

[@dw7704]

@@southboundguitarDo you know how slim the margins on gear are? If anybody’s greedy it’s rarely the store

[@southboundguitar]

Yes, I have a guitar shop….lol. They’d still be around, if they hadn’t gotten greedy. Are the manufacturers worse, absolutely, but it doesn’t negate the fact the big-box companies are fucking you, too.

[@StevenRogers-hw9dj]

​@@southboundguitar Your knowledge of business is dangerously close to zero, little guy. Selling stolen guitars out of the trunk of your car isn't the same as having a guitar shop.

[@robinstehwien6841]

I have been doing business with Sweetwater for over 20 years. I have had the same Sales Engineer the whole time. I have actually meet him in person. I like how they make it personable even though its online.

[@batmandeltaforce]

Best company I ever dealt with.

[@philandviki]

I agree . I’ve also spoke to my sales person and described a particular wood grain for a les paul I was looking for and they sent me several different pictures of guitars that fit what I want . One time I did get one with an blemish in it and right way they would take it back at their expense and fix it or send another . Very good company to deal with !

[@pharmerdavid1432]

That sales person we see in the ads adopted me as a client, and periodically he leaves me telephone messages offering to discuss gear, amazing!

[@tone569]

So have I never had a problem

[@NickDevXT]

My Sweetwater sales engineer shares my first name!

[@tomjones2348]

I'm 67, multi instrumentalist, and love gear. I think a lot of businesses are trying to "move product" without the use of professional sales staff. Sweetwater has the best staff and management I've seen to date. I went into a guitar center a few years ago looking to purchase a new guitar and keyboard. I felt like I was visiting Chuck-E-Cheese. Their guitars were in pathetic condition, strings rusted, frets tarnished, unpolished, un-setup. The staff was oblivious to me, even after I stated my business to them directly. I got a blank stare. I told my wife as we left, "This is not a real business".

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Bingo

[@geraldobrien7323]

You forgot about all the dust on Guitar Center guitars.

[@stickyfox]

oh I forgot about the condition of their instruments. "We set them up when we sell them." Okay, make the customer wait, I get it. It's less work for the store. But I remember a time when "working in the guitar department" included "setting up and tuning the new guitars for the floor." The good guitar techs are all gone too. Because they make $15 to set your guitar up at GC and $50 to do it on the side.

[@JesusChristson]

Reminded me of getting kicked out from the drum section for trying out a set 🤪 at both sam ash and guitar center I finally went back to a closing store after 20+ years to get some snare heads and their so called 20% discount prices were not Lowered than my local Musician friends store… I asked for closing date and they said July 31st I may go back as the closing date approaches …

[@EnigmaPhi23]

My local Guitar Center shares same building complex as Chuck E. Cheese’s.

[@earhornjones]

Maybe this is a hot take, but IMO, in-person musical instrument shopping was ALWAYS horrible. I own 30 electric guitars, right now. I've been playing for 32 years. What nostalgia for the corner music shop makes us forget is the reality of the experience. You'd walk into a store where the staff was typically far more interested in talking to each other than helping you, and you could look at their selection of maybe 50 guitars, if you were lucky. The thought of finding exactly the model of guitar that you wanted, and in the color you were looking for was like a fool's dream. And god help you if you weren't known to the local staff, or an excellent player. If you were looking for your first (or even worse, second guitar) you'd get the long-haired, stoned clerk who just wanted to shred in front of you while not actually helping, or the guy in the polo shirt who wanted to sell you lessons instead. Now, I go online, look at every available guitar in my price range with the features that I want, find something that seems cool, then go watch some reviews from trusted KZbinrs. When I've decided, I click "buy", and my Sweetwater rep calls to let me know when my guitar will arrive. When I get it, he calls me again to make sure there are no problems. Why would I want to go back to brick and mortar? A little while back, I became aware of the G&L Comanche, for example. It seemed right up my alley. No store in my state sells G&L, but Sweetwater does. I ordered it, got it, and realized in about three days that it just wasn't for me. There was nothing wrong with the instrument. It just didn't work for me. I boxed it up, sent it back, and got a refund in a couple of days. THAT is a good shopping experience.

[@joejones9520]

online ordering is one of the greatest things ever, it's insane that anyone would disparage it, i order literally e-thing online and havent been in any type of store for yrs

[@stickyfox]

I got one of my guitars off the wall at GC. I spotted the clearance tag and said hey it's worth that! Every other guitar purchase has been an ordeal of vying for the salesperson's attention and obsequiously following their ritual to ask permission to inspect and handle it and then endure their judgmental glare while I try to decide if it's for me. And try getting in and out of a store without giving up your personal information or being pitched a Synchrony Bank card with 36% interest. No thank you. Online is better than being treated like a dirtbag.

[@modelenginerding6996]

I went to a guitar center a few weeks back. The clerk scanned my card onto his phone instead of the shop's scanner. Had to cancel my card. I noticed a big list of people that had their cards stollen before he went and hid his phone in his pocket. Never again!

[@danielmcdermott7210]

Okay, when they pro forma ask you if there’s anything wrong with your purchase, and there is, and there is no in person shop to go to, what then? Buying a guitar is a very personal experience and developing a solid relationship with a vendor is an important thing. Throwing away human interaction because you’d rather not talk to a salesperson is not, in the end, a good long term solution.

[@joejones9520]

@@danielmcdermott7210 my local guitar center has worked on several of my guitars none of which i bought at any guitar center; your point is moot

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I grew up a Guitar Center guy but Sam Ash will always hold a special place in my heart. My high school band would jam at the local one after school, those memories will always be with me.

[@mikeg6666]

That's cool 😎 yeah I remember record stores used to be everywhere to , miss those days. Nothing like being able to run out and buy a new album or cassette when an artist put out new music. The 80's were great for music people in general...

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@mikeg6666 My pops was born in 70, myself in 99. Always get jealous of his childhood. He was actually at the concert where they filmed the Van Halen “Live Without A Net” as a 16 year old.

[@mikeg6666]

@@TylerJohnstonGuitar Yeah I was born in 66 and the 70's and 80's were an awesome time to grow up in , we had everything you could imagine and the concert scene was insane back then...

[@russellzauner]

I grew up a Wally's Music kid (school band rentals) and Tombstone Music adolescent (run by Fred Cole of Dead Moon, RIP) but I get what you're saying.

[@in2livinit]

Max, it's a sad end. You were diplomatic, but there's an element of laziness in buying online. Guitars and other instruments are unique. Sweetwater has a great customer service model, but you still can't TOUCH it, see it at various angles, wear it, play it, hear it thru various amps. Or REALLY hear the amps, tweak the knobs, compare. I want to do all that stuff. Enjoy the experience and excitement of carrying my new thing out of the store. Not look at a picture & click "Buy now". In High School in the SFBA, we would have endless outings to SF, Oakland, SJ, seeking out stores big & small. Most are gone 😢 Going to Sam Ash over many Decades from Orlando to Las Vegas & beyond, I think they had an Achilles Heal. Too quiet, too slow, too laid back. It was chill, but they needed more hype, things to make the store visit more interesting. Maybe it will benefit GC in the short term, but I fear you're right. GC will shrink and may not even be around in ten years. Progress ? Not to me. I miss the hands on exploration and excitement of my youth. Not because it was "The Old Way" but because it was FUN !!!!! 🎸🎶✌️

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Sam Ash was family owned? 100 years is a long time! It’s sad news. 😔

[@mrpaiute9013]

They are more like the fail family, worthless in the 2nd generation

[@williamsherman1089]

I always preferred them or GC myself, much better experience overall. LoL, didn't seem to have as many Death Metal wannabees in there practicing their newest hits

[@encore_studios]

The brand Samson is a Sam Ash brand. It stood for Sam and Son.

[@lindenarden667]

I worked there for a decade. I miss Sammy, Ritchie, and Uncle Paul terrible and lament their closing.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

@@lindenarden667 that’s heartbreaking. You must feel so bummed. Sorry about the news. ☹️ It’s just nice when we have many options and musicians and people who love music get to eventually know each other.

[@TheRichie213]

I've been going to guitar stores since the 80s. Got my first guitar in 1989. I had great times and memories but I actually prefer to order my stuff online these days. 1- I don't want to deal with traffic. 2- Salesmen are usually rude 3- I'm usually in line for over 20 minutes waiting for someone to get on the cash register. 4- Anything off the shelf is used in my book. 5- If I order online, I can get the exact guitar I want, exact shade for the fretboard, exact weight and it's brand new, not something used off the shelf. There's also more variety. 6- I actually like waiting for my present to arrive that I bought myself. Opening it up gives me butterflies. I've bought several guitars online and like every one!

[@user-mc7bh9yg9k]

Agreed brother. Me too.

[@gwhiz3708]

The porch pirates love people like you 💋

[@TheRichie213]

@@gwhiz3708 I get notice exactly when it's coming and on the lookout. Have a camera on the porch and lead.

[@irie4lifeyall]

#4 for sure!

[@gwhiz3708]

@@TheRichie213 a woman was on the Nashville news a couple of months ago because the 60 inch tv she ordered from Walmart was stolen by the 2 men who delivered it. She had a ring video showing them bring the tv to the door, take a picture, ring the doorbell and then run back to the delivery truck with the tv and take off with it. Walmart refused to refund the money because the delivery people were sub contractors. They only agreed to give a refund when the local news informed them they were going to tell the story on the news. Last night I was watching tv and they showed a ring video of a fedex truck park in front of a house and bring a new phone to the door and set it down and ring the doorbell. Before the driver could turn around a thief that was following the delivery truck ran up and grabbed the phone and ran back to his car and drove off. As the thief was getting in his car the homeowner opened the door and the fedex driver pointed at the thief and informed the homeowner that his delivery had been stolen by that person . So boast in your preparedness but as the Bible says, pride comes before the fall.

[@paulr.4968]

Who remembers Mars Music❓

[@mattdeese298]

Yea we had a mars in charlotte nc. It was bought out by Sam ash. I loved mars. 😢

[@neilpobliner5115]

I was the luthier at a Mars, many moons ago. Lol That place SUCKED.

[@bigbass421]

@@neilpobliner5115 I was the guitar repairman at the second original (Coney Island Ave. and Kings Highway location) in Brooklyn, N.Y., starting in 1979. I moved with the staff, to Forest Hills in 1980 or so, left in 1982. Pay sucked, management were clueless Nazis, and all I'll say, is some of the family members were great people, but two of them, were totally condescending, bastards. They are the real reason why they'd going out. They over-expanded to too many locations too far out of the Tr-state N.Y. region. I'm glad I did my three year term there, I learned a lot, and about more than repairing all kinds of string instruments. I'm still doing it, at 72.

[@thomastgnome6526]

I've reported at least three "Sam Ash" ads that Facebook presented me with. Honestly, I don't trust any ad I see on that platform.

[@Scott__C]

Most of what's on FB is garbage.

[@donthewatcher]

scammers "free gibson guitars" sam ash, martin guitars, fender guitars all said free guitars or50% all fake sites that look official AVOID AVOID AVOID

[@cdr-sailor]

I've reported these ads as well and the Facebook response is always that the ads are not violating their standards, but they won't show me these ads any more.

[@bloodguts6786]

People have to know a scam when they see one because there's absolutely no way in hell that you're getting a $2000 guitar for $189.

[@infinidominion]

A rule of thumb, don't take any ads on FB seriously, that's just how fb generates 85million a year in revenue

[@GOOSE-1334]

SweetWater is by far the very best customer service and buying experience I've ever had in over 30 years of playing. I will never use another company again.

[@mikeg6666]

@Goose I use zZounds and have had nothing but a positive experience every time , I received one guitar damaged and they replaced it immediately and another time I just didn't like a guitar I bought and they took it back no questions asked , plus they have an excellent pay as you play plan with no interest. I've gotten at least a dozen guitars from them...

[@alioth2021]

I have to agree. Their communication is amazing.

[@mojoxide]

Easily

[@TheBbtlegit]

Me either

[@masterquan4891]

Agree, just purchased a PRS, and was followed up on the purchase months after buying the guitar, and they asked if had any issues. Never got that from Guitar Center ever.

[@richardmitchell8213]

Our Sam Ash is going to be closed by July, but the discounts were terrible, like 5%. All of the good stuff will be gone a month before they close so whatever discount you thought you would get won’t exist more than likely.

[@j.jester7821]

Facebook and instagram are pushing a fake ad for sam ash selling everything for 129.00 its a complete criminal enterprise and Facebook refuses to remove the ad. BTW Sam Ash was always the most expensive place to shop. I am proud to say I never made the mistake of buying from Sam Ash.

[@MellissaBoomeroftheNight]

If they won't take down an individual's hijacked account, even when one shows their ID and shows evidence that they were the owner of the account, but it's been hijacked, what makes anyone think a commercial ad would be any less egregious? Meta is the devil. We bought and sold our souls to these vile platforms, and look what they've become, and yeah, I'm being metaphorical. I'm just over it.

[@danielschear556]

Yet Facebook has the temerity to instantly censor-delete-ban-boot ME for simply posting a "Pro-Trump" comment! HEY FACEBOOK!🖕👺

[@calbrockocat8728]

Sam Ash had a great 20th century business.The problem is, we're now almost 25 years into the new century. Buyers have changed.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

It seems more, that there are no family members that want to carry on the torch of the company. It needs TLC, and there isn’t anyone who has the passion to take it to the next level. Online can be convenient, but there is something very important about holding an instrument in your hands. Not all instruments are playable, because of physical anatomy of hands. The purchasing experience and the interaction of choosing the right instrument is important. Buyers may miss out this aspect to buying equipment.

[@billsmith2212]

A guitar or bass is a personal item . Imagine going into several stores and trying out a dozen or two . Then one really " fits " . How does THAT happen online ? Do you keep returning instruments till you find one ?

[@mtp4430]

@@billsmith2212Yeah, purchasing a guitar online without first playing it is asinine. That would be like going into a music store, pointing to a guitar and just buying it without seeing if it feels good in your hands.

[@Donyourmom]

@@billsmith2212most of the good stuff is coming from inexpensive brands overseas that only sell and operate online anyways

[@MandelbrotMetalhead]

Manufacturers have been doing a lot to kill stores as well. Requiring buy-ins that are ridiculously high, having too wide of an exclusivity area, pushing wholesale prices up without an increase in quality.... a decade ago it killed most Mom and Pop shops, no surprise its hitting the big stores stores now too.

[@Kreln1221]

*One fairly recent development is that with the rise of modern computerized and automated machine manufacturing, both the quality and consistency of mass produced factory made instruments have largely negated the need to actually try a specific instrument with your own hands before purchasing it. In decades past, the quality and consistency of manufactured instruments was a challenge for even the most famous and revered companies. For example, if you were in the market for a good Strat or Les Paul, it was common practice to visit every good music store in your nearest big city, and play every Strat or Les Paul they all had, so that you could pick the one that felt and resonated, (and stayed in tune), the best, because there could be such a wide variation in how they all felt and sounded. However, with the development of modern manufacturing, much of that variation is now greatly minimized, though not entirely eliminated, so once you figure out what particular model of instrument you want, your chances of getting exactly what you expected and wanted are much greater now when you order in instrument online, sight unseen.* 🤔

[@marklynch403]

USED guitar prices are redicilous I've been on Reverb and I could not see a literal deal. When you try to trade your guitar the stores always try to lowball.

[@travisspaulding2222]

Of course they lowball. They have to make a profit. If you bring in a guitar that you could sell for $500 used, they won't give you that much. They have to sell it for $500. Most places, if it's not something they know will sell quick, they will likely give you a third of what they will sell it for. If it's something they are confident will sell quickly, they might bump it up to 50% if you haggle, but guitars rarely have that kind of a turnaround.

[@HelenaHarris]

Going to miss Sam Ash. The second I walk into a Sam Ash, someone is there to ask if you need any help. Most of their employees were very knowledgeable and always felt like I left there with what I needed. Guitar Center, good luck on getting anyone to help there. Walk into the store and feel ignored for 20 minutes. Even trying to do an instore pickup takes 20 minutes.

[@SighDown]

Guitar Center has made it an art to ignore female shoppers.

[@stopthehate1749]

​​​​@@SighDownhmm, interesting. I had worked at both GC and Sam Ash in the early 2000's and I observed the exact opposite. When male shoppers came in the store it was business as usual. When female shoppers came in, the sales guys practically ran up to them to help (and the cuter they were the more help they got). They always went the extra mile - carried their merch to the door, helped them to their cars sometimes, etc. Same thing when female employees got hired. The male employees always hovered around and "helped" out - the OG's were on their own. (lots of in store hookups/dating too, even though it was frowned upon)

[@blastofo]

Its been the opposite for me. All the Sam Ash locations in so cal, the employees are just looking at their phone. Never been approached and asked if I needed help. While at GC I get asked for help every visit.

[@mikeg3439]

Guitar Center hires young guys who don't want to do physical labor. You go in over five years, the personnel changes often. Sam Ash, far as I remember, actually prefers to hire musicians.

[@drcustomblades2984]

@@SighDown Male shoppers also get ignored equally lol

[@user-py3cl5el4i]

Remember when you wanted to shop and try out gear, you had to go to the store and check it out? Ah yes. The smell, the sounds, the nerves, the times when you perfectly pull off that riff you’ve been practicing in front of a few interested people. Then best of all, picking up a guitar you’ve never been interested in or ever heard of and completely being blown away by how good this thing you didn’t want actually is. I love being able to shop around online, but it will never replace walking into a music store and trying stuff out.

[@dw7704]

It never will It’s one of my favourite things

[@samstewart9249]

I agree. I currently own 10 guitars, every one chosen because when held tightly the guitar resonated and I could feel it in my body. Hard to do this online. When you find that guitar that resonated with you, you bought it. Well I do, anyway!

[@ev25zv]

Boomers _has entered chat_

[@user-py3cl5el4i]

@@ev25zv I think I just heard gomer Pyle insult someone’s intelligence 😆

[@ev25zv]

@@user-py3cl5el4i Dude, you get nervous "performing" in front of scrubs at GC. Fk outta here.

[@surfkat59]

I already posted earlier this week, but let me add this: I ordered back in 2004 on the Sam Ash website, a gorgeous brown Ibanez Artcore semi hollow body guitar. I got a call from the main guy out of Florida that handled all the imports. He apologized profusely that my guitar was not yet in production. He sent me many follow up emails and phone calls updating the status of my guitar and order. That is what I call CUSTOMER SERVICE. We had our last conversation relating to the guitar being on its way to me after 1 month. BUT here is the kicker: He told me that the Ibanez factory was sending me the number 2 Artcore guitar in the series in gratitude for my patience and the fact that I was the FIRST customer to purchase that model! I was floored and YES: I STILL OWN AND PLAY THAT GUITAR TO THIS DAY! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Sam Ash. I am forever grateful.

[@JohnnyBeane]

I worked at a guitar shop called Subway Guitars in Berkeley, California back in the mid 90s. I used to sell guitars to Green Day. Anyway, I remember when the owner of the shop told us about the Internet and selling Guitars online. This was 1997 and it was a weird concept then but now it’s the future.

[@KurtRibakBass]

Subway is still in business. I used to be fine with paying a bit more to go to a brick & mortar indie store over a chain like Guitar Center, but then the stores I would go to weren't carrying gear I needed and i started ordering more gear online that I couldn't get otherwise. My last couple Guitar Center experiences were pretty painless but in the '80s through the early '00s I had enough bad experiences to sour me on them. That said, I also still go to independent stores when I can, and I hope Guitar Center survives, because if they go under thay are likely to take out a bunch of their vendors with them

[@JohnnyBeane]

@@KurtRibakBass I haven’t been back there in years to Subway although I did talk to the owner on the phone a few years ago.

[@KurtRibakBass]

@@JohnnyBeane Fatdog is still running it, as far as i know

[@markcobeen941]

nice name drop...nobody cares

[@steveeckert8396]

I was at Sam Ash San Antonio at the liquidation in late April early May. Discounts was 5-10% and ALL of the good $hit was gone. I couldn't even find a Sure Mic. All the guitars on the wall felt like 2nds. I bet all the good stuff was shipped someplace else/liquidated to another retailer.

[@rocktorrocks]

I noticed this too! Sam Ash is closing down yet I’ve seen bigger discounts from Guitar Center and Sweetwater on a regular holiday sale. I tried to get a Boss looper from Sam Ash recently and it was full price.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

The top people at Sam Ash have already taken their golden parachutes. They don't need your money now. They will hold on to those items and find a higher price from one big buyer.

[@richardsemuta1089]

Happened to me too. Went to the Sam Ash in Springfield, NJ. Like a month ago. 5% off on shit. Gtfoh. Left after 20 minutes. Best deals are on used shit on the Guitar Center website.

[@hyperbolekid]

Sam Ash always carried crappy gear. GC does too.

[@rocktorrocks]

@@richardsemuta1089 GC used is amazing. They’re prob my first choice when I’m gear hunting. Great deals and easy returns if it’s not as described.

[@GC-bk1mv]

I will always prefer brick and mortar stores over online any day. I enjoy the experience of going to a music store and trying out different pieces of gear. Helps me to figure out what I like/don’t like. Versus buying a piece of gear online that I haven’t tried before, not knowing if I’m going to like it or not. Too much hassle with that. With physical stores, you can try before you buy and feel good knowing you tried it all and landed on something you enjoy.

[@Emily_M81]

the problem is that a lot of people try before they buy, and then buy online. In some ways I don't blame them; I've tried to haggle on a very clearly damaged instrument and the store manager at that GC told me to pound sand. Well okay, dingus. Meanwhile his employees tried to sell me a replacement plan and to then make a claim to get a new bass LOL. Then those same employees talked shit when I later returned it. But I do feel you, I like to shop at the store. The problem for me is they never carry what I want. I'm in the $1000ish area for guitars/basses and it's a sea of stuff I just don't want. And it's vastly, vastly worse as a bass player. Thankfully I have a local non-chain place that DOES carry the nicer stuff, and somehow they stay in business and seem to be thriving while shucking the bargain bin model GC and Sam Ash typically have followed. Guitar Center's CEO has said he wants to change that and sell nicer stuff, I guess we'll see how that goes. And finally, I'll add that sometimes it pays to talk to sales people. I have scored some KILLER deals at my local GC. I just picked up a Schecter Hellraiser for a few hundred off the ask, less than half the price of a new one, because I sold an instrument for the sales guy earlier :D (He told me I should work there even). I'll stop rambling now.

[@steveleisner6029]

@@Emily_M81 Looks like you and I have the same problem in that the brick and mortar stores are nice, but they never seemed to have what I wanted in stock so I would just end up buying online anyway. After a while, I just figured why make the trip to the brick and mortar store because it would probably be a waste of time.

[@joeylodes]

They will be a thing of the past. All retail took it on the chin when Amazon exploded … it was just a matter of time until that concept effected musical instruments. Couple that with terrible inflation and high rents … stand alone stores cannot survive. And I will say my experiences with Sweetwater have been nothing but smooth.

[@deshawn4077]

@@Emily_M81 The Guitar Center where I live has a big selection and has expensive guitars. The staff at the store I go to does try to keep people from messing up the guitars.

[@dw7704]

@@Emily_M81i do not like that people use a brick & mortar store to demo gear and then buy online, even if they get a better price (including delivery and taxes, etc) Even the same store, because that gets us closer to the brick and mortar going away, then no place to demo for anybody I’ve demoed guitars at stores I didn’t buy from, but with the intent that I am looking to buy from them if I find the right fit. I am not going online and buying the same thing. And I am often buying accessories, or I buy something else from them later

[@jayou812a]

I'm really going to miss going into a store and feeling the guitar in my hand before I purchase it.

[@exwp20001]

You buy a guitar from Gibson, and it comes ready to play. You buy from guitar center, they want to charge you to “set it up”. Of course you’ll want it with a new set of strings which they need to put on to “set it up”. I’ll take the new one from the factory that 299 people haven’t sweated and slobbered on.

[@bryanclouse9579]

Do they leave the guitar on your porch, just like Amazon? Sounds like a sade bet.

[@robowenmikels]

And if you buy a Gibson or Epiphone from Guitar Center and it has to come from their warehouse, it won't even have been inspected at all. They get their shit directly from China (for the Chinese made guitars) and don't even look at the guitars, just sit them in their warehouse and then ship you an unplayable piece of garbage with a busted truss rod or incorrectly installed nut.

[@MrTabasham1990]

It sucks to see them go. However, they had a little over 2 decades to adjust and change their business model.

[@uticacrib1664]

I was just in a Guitar Center yesterday. First time in years. I went in for some strings and ended up with two effects pedals. This particular Guitar Center was full of helpful and fun to talk to guys. Young customers were sitting around jamming and having fun. Made we wish I lived closer.. I'd rather pay those dudes than shop online.

[@comment_deleted]

Same here. Plus no waiting on shipping.

[@keithamyx1215]

I think you work for guitar center. That’s how much I don’t believe that. 🤨

[@uticacrib1664]

@keithamyx1215 I don't blame you either. I expected disappointment myself.

[@ev25zv]

@@uticacrib1664 Everything you described is what gave GC the reputation they have: annoying kids jamming out-of-tune and out-of-time on riffs at very loud volumes, while clueless sales guys opine on things they know little about.

[@uticacrib1664]

@@ev25zv Alright.

[@nsc217]

Sam Ash was like that Dave Chappelle Popycopy skit where the employees go out of their way to be rude to you

[@halfcirclehranch6877]

The number one problem with brick and mortar music stores closing is that it leaves people with no place to go for help. Recently, I picked up a bass guitar. I ended up ordering it online, because I had issues with my leg and really couldn't walk around much. It was claimed that the guitar would be professionally set up when it arrived. Well, it wasn't even close. The E and A strings were like 7 feet off the fret board, and the G string was buzzing because it was too low. I tried adjusting it myself, but really didn't know enough. I made it better, at least. I ended up taking it to a local privately owned music store to have a professional setup done on it. They adjusted things I didn't know could be adjusted. If it hadn't been for having a brick and mortar store to take it to, I don't know what I would have done. I've tried looking for music lessons available in my area, and there are none. It all links to online lessons. Nobody gives in person lessons. Well, except at the local music stores, that is. They all seem to have a host of instructors for all instruments, for in person lessons. So what are we supposed to do if there's no brick and mortar stores around? If I need work done on an instrument, the only option is to find someone I can ship it to. It's going to end up putting like an extra $40 in to the cost, every time.

[@mikedr1549]

I literally just bought a new guitar from Sweetwater this morning - a guitar that doesn't exist in any of the local stores near me. I'm happy to shop local but they can't compete with Sweetwater on inventory. Just a fact.

[@TheBbtlegit]

I bought two within the last two months. Love them.

[@ajfedz]

so you are to blame for Ash going out of business?

[@MrPAULONEAL]

In-store inventory will never outcompete online inventory.

[@descent13]

When a buyer knows what they want they go to Sweetwater and don’t waste time rummaging around the local guitar shops. Online has the best inventory hands down

[@TheBbtlegit]

@@descent13 Well said

[@MTBPerspective]

I just saw a facebook scam ad this morning - just about everything on it was $129 - beware folks If it is too good to be true....

[@andycomstock9920]

I was searching the internet last night and came up with these ads too. A Flying V from Sam Ash for $129. That's cheap even for China. Passed on that nonsense.

[@bobstaurovsky3506]

I believe in order 😢Sweetwater to maintain their position, they need to open up a service center in Connecticut, where equipment can be repaired for customers. Having service is the most valuable asset a business can provide for its customers !!!

[@TechnoRiff]

"Buy then Try; Return if Not Satisfied" is the new online shopping way. Amazon pioneered this approach, and actually encourage easy returns vs. having to go back to a music store and deal with a person.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

I accidentally hit the return button I Found a return sticker by my front door OOPS Amazon is cool if spending $100 or more INSURANCE. Less $50 eBay or China I buy 10 strings for $3 I'll do that Online everytime

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Oh I kept the guitar 😆

[@TechnoRiff]

@@bobravenscraft5376 For myself, Amazon Prime pays for itself multiple times each year. Very decent Prime videos and music thrown in as side benefits...

[@samstewart9249]

But has pone noticed how these folks are always changing the return processes to more limiting ones? Once all the competition is gone, we'll have to pay whatever shipping they want to charge for returns.

[@stevenjayme1020]

As a musician, I have to physically play multiple guitars before I buy that special one, I can't do that online. Every time I have gone into Guitar Center to purchase a guitar pedal, I ask for assistance and so far not one employee has been able to help me. Either, the pedal board is not rigged properly or the floor tech is not available, bottomed line, I leave empty handed and disappointed with my experience.

[@tortillaman2491]

I do not miss the rude reps at the music stores.

[@rainypath96]

Just order everything you want to try and return what you don’t like. It’s simple and you will have a good experience most of the time without having to deal with that frustration that comes with guitar centers and physical stores

[@fader_dragon]

I'm in my late 40s and the biggest changes in guitar-buying I've seen over the years are: 1.) Guitarists no longer feel it's mandatory to try out guitars before buying them; 2.) Overall, people are just more comfortable with buying things online, including waiting for delivery and any potential hassles in sending stuff back.

[@bobt5778]

The no hassle return policy makes buying blindly seem more appealing.

[@robertalanfine]

Guitar Center needs (and needed) to up their customer service. At one point, they used to have manufacturer events, small concerts, jams and the like. They need to get back to their roots.

[@quinnrollen]

This video is so on point. And Ma&Pa music stores are sadly not available as they once used to be. Growing up, we used to have Howard Hubert's Music Store in Northeast Philly. I miss that place.

[@MaxisBallinonaBudget]

Being able to go in person and play a guitar is priceless. The feeling of one guitar to another (even the same exact model) cannot be described except in person. You really have to feel which guitar is right for you and what you like. Online is great for ease and deals, but you cross your fingers and hope your guitar shows up proper then have to set it up or take it in anyway.

[@Hobinator17]

I disagree. If you want to try a guitar in person, most people are gonna have to schlepp on down to their local GC (since that is the only option) to try floor models with horrible setups, rusty strings and dings/scratches. Maybe they have a new one in the back and maybe it's in the color you like (but probably not). High end inventory? Forget about it, the employees dont want to unlock them off the top shelf. Its almost impossible to find a BAD guitar these days, and Sweetwater's services and 55 pt checkup on every guitar blow brick and morter stores out of the water.

[@csharp57]

That's your preference. Many like to test drive a car before purchasing, many don't. I remember wanting to try out an ES-335. No one at the GC had the time or the keys to unlock it. I left. Not dealing with that all day. Just order it online and if I'm not happy with it, return it.

[@Hobinator17]

@@MaxisBallinonaBudget what a condescending response. Basically saying "ugh, amateurs". Couldn't be more wrong you dippy boomer

[@juanvaldez5422]

You set up every guitar regardless. If you read the specs … you’ll know what you are getting . There are no magic guitars . Some are just better than others . The exception to this are acoustic guitars .

[@juanvaldez5422]

@@Hobinator17you are exactly right

[@xTrengo]

IMHO when big businesses crash, it's usually caused by poor management or even downright stealing

[@JohnnyBeane]

Every time I’m down in Hollywood, I stop by that guitar Center location but was recently just at that Sam ash location several months back.

[@davenewton4862]

Sam Ashe had terrible customer service in Atlanta. On two separate occasions I tried to buy a guitar there, got totally ignored by their staff both times.

[@crosslink1493]

Ditto the one in Westminster, California. Salespeople were clueless. There's a Guitar Center about the same distance from me (in another direction) and they've got top-notch customer service. Keyboard player. 😁

[@GuitarGuy4647]

I mean it is Atlanta.

[@jerrybriardy]

I doubt it is any worse than the pawn shops or Guitar Center here in Omaha. I don't know how they sell anything.

[@GuitarGuy4647]

@@jerrybriardy Sam Ash is definitely worse.

[@SighDown]

I’ve gotten that treatment from Guitar Center as well.

[@countrylapi9245]

Sweetwater dominates with SEEING EXACTLY WHAT YOUR BUYING. Picking the weight, the top, ect. Financing options are amazing. Customer service in unmatched. Free shipping. They take away all the excuses if you know what you want by being the best. I do agree if you are an advanced musician, and putting out good money, you'd probably want to try several guitars before you buy. But honestly, I don't care. When a new guitar shows up, my WIFE doesn't care either. Cus it's 0% and $25/month and I'll reverb something if I need too. It's just an awesome gear addicts dream now.

[@tommilitello198]

There’s plenty of horror stories about sweetwater to if you bother to look

[@tosehoed123]

Id actually say its the reverse. If you dont know much about guitars its even harder to buy online and find something you like, but if you have played for 20 years and know what you like its easier to find it without trying it

[@mopeygoff]

Sure. I have my favorite brand and such but I've been playing on and off for 30 years. My kid is just getting interested in playing and I hope he sticks with it so I can take him guitar shopping. I want him to try different brands and models to find the instrument that speaks to him and is comfortable. Ex: I very much dislike a very famous brand because I feel like all their necks are bulky and awkward, like playing a baseball bat - Maybe he feels that way about my preferred brand. That's why brick-and-mortar stores are so important. Sure sweetwater is great and I've bought more than a couple things from them including a new guitar, but at the same time I'm really going to miss going into a store and actually touching the guitar before I buy it.

[@countrylapi9245]

@@mopeygoff 100% agree with new artists in the making.

[@TheDasbull]

As a highschool student I had two locally owned instrument stores in a small town, now just one plus Guitar Center. Direct online purchases are now the main business 😕

[@oqsy]

Thanks for reading an article to us.

[@tanookimarketing]

I hate that KZbin has basically become a place to get an article read to you. Happens in every genre of videos and annoying every damn time.

[@clemclemson9259]

I agree but the worst are the ...... Review Videos. OMG Cringe. where do these people come from that think their "reactions" are worth making a video- we are in some strange strange times

[@zachary_attackery]

Good riddance. I bought a "new" $2500 synthesizer from Musicians Friend and they had Guitar Center send me a used floor model with no power cable. Even back in the 90s I remember buying a "new" Dimebag signature model and they tried to give me the floor model with rust all over the hardware. They also ran every local music store in the area out of business.

[@in2livinit]

You mean GC vs Sam Ash I guess. Buying the Synth from GC or Sam Ash or ? vs GC's "dumping ground" would have saved you the hassle & disappointment. $2.5K isn't chump change !!!!! ✌️

[@BonerMcGillicuddy]

I've had the same experience with GC several times with Stupid Deals of the Day. They were still good enough that I kept them but they should say in the ads that they might send you a second or something off the sales floor.

[@zachary_attackery]

@@in2livinit the synth was from GC but the guitar was from Sam Ash back in the late 90s whenever that Dime Slime first came out

[@marlan3rd]

Very good analysis of the problem that brick and mortar stores are facing. In Sam Walton's autobiography , he says that the way to survive against a company like Walmart is to find a specific niche such as a paint store that mixes specific colors that you can't find at Walmart. For guitar stores, it would have to be focusing on guitar set-up and repairs or lessons or some other service that you could not get online.

[@POOKIE5592]

marlan3rd Yep, I've never even heard of online lessons.

[@ared18t]

​@@POOKIE5592 online lessons are a thing but un person lessons can really boost someone's learning.

[@MeTuLHeD]

I agree. I have a friend who owns a guitar shop. And his business model has been to build a boutique shop, carrying only selected quality brands and offering a very high level of customer service both pre and post sale. He's developed a rep as the best guitar tech in the area. Not the cheapest place to buy. But he's definitely carved out a niche.

[@dw7704]

@@POOKIE5592They exist, and as with online stores, their value is if you have no good options locally. But for stores and lessons, in person is better. Repairs/maintenance are much better locally

[@Weightlossjourney24]

I bought my first guitar a few months ago. I know nothing about guitars I was about to drop $1000 on new guitar. The sales representative at Guitar Center encouraged me not to spend that much starting out. That being said the guitar center here in College Station,Tx is never busy. Don’t know how they stay in business.

[@Mikearice1]

I play keyboards and trumpet, and I would never consider spending all that money on an instrument without being able to physically try it out. The way the instrument feels, and the exact sounds matter.

[@ashkariuk]

Years ago, I questioned why the shops located in Tin Pan Alley either had a very basic online presence, or no website at all, and was told "We don't need that, we're Denmark Street...".

[@txkflier]

Even Sears went under. Brick, mortar, employees, insurance, and taxes are a huge expense. One great thing that Sweetwater does is post photos and the weight of their guitars. Plus, their guitars aren’t wall-hangers like those at Guitar Center. And with all the great reviewers on KZbin, you know what to expect when your online order arrives.

[@Tijuanabill]

I'm still fascinated that the original mail order company, never was able to figure out the internet. It should have been THE company to make that easy transition.

[@mikeg6666]

Yeah those reviews online definitely help a lot , did you know Sears used to also sell cars back in the 40's and 50's , that's crazy. Everything was sold from their catalog , in reality they were basically an online version of today but through a catalog. They did have a big variety , I used to like shopping there. Sad to see all these businesses go extinct 🙁

[@mikeg6666]

​@@TijuanabillEspecially a company like Sears that sold everything from toaster's to cars through a catalog 🤔

[@Tijuanabill]

@@mikeg6666 Houses too. No matter where you live, whatever part of town has really old houses, most of the perfectly square ones are Sears mail order homes.

[@mikeg6666]

@@Tijuanabill You're right I forgot about that , weren't they kit house's?

[@MotoGreciaMarios]

Pestering shop assistants is a huge issue by itself. They always derail you from browsing and trying what you would really like to.

[@Flying-V-Shredder]

I live 3.5 hours from Sweetwater in Fort Wayne.I like to go there once a year.I will say that their in person experience is as good as the online one.They treat me great when I go there.

[@robertpurdy4452]

I'm left-handed so I have to order almost every instrument online and when you do find one in a local store it's one or two boring Squier Teles or Strats almost every time - especially Guitar Center. The Internet magnified what I can find and/or buy by huge amounts and it's no surprise to me the brick and mortar business are closing down.

[@michaelmetal71]

@robertpurdy4452 as a fellow lefty i agree,out of the 5 guitars 🎸 i currently own only 2 of them have i bought at a brick and mortar store,all 3 of my electric guitars have been purchased online, and you’re absolutely right about places like Guitar Center they have only 2-3 left handed guitars and probably 2 of them are boring 🥱 start’s and maybe a epiphone LP,i’ll stick to schecter and kiesel for my taste

[@andyo-southpawguitaruk5322]

Same here

[@jray5363]

Black or 3 color sunburst, every time! 😢God, I hate that color! But you’re lucky if GC even has one lefty! Luckily, I live in the same town as Willcutt’s Guitars, and they are pretty good at keeping lefties in stock! Not the cheapest place, but I don’t mind taking care of people who take care of me !

[@marksd2167]

I'm a lefty as well. It's impossible to walk into GC and most guitar store and find even one lefty guitar. I can't try anything out. I had to buy my 3 of my 4 electric guitars on line. My last guitar PRS custom 24 I was lucky enough to find at a store, used but in great shape at a good price. I was able to test it out before buying. But the store is 2 hours and 20 minutes away from me. Not very convenient, but worth it in this case.

[@Grimmwoldds]

Try buying a harmonica at a big box store and it's the same deal. "You want a marine band in C?"

[@ralphbenitez4407]

Choosing an instrument like a guitar, bass, cello etc is such a personal experience. How can you choose an instrument online and purchase it without trying it out? What if you don’t like it? Return it and have them send you another one? That’s a pain in the ass.

[@samstewart9249]

"Bought a "genuine" Stradivarious violin from e-bay for only $17K. I was so happy, best violin ever until it got wet in a rain shower and the wood started dissolving. Now it appears the seller has dissolved as well!" Isn't online shopping great?

[@jean-marcknight8816]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@samstewart9249You bought a "StradivariOus" then claim you risked a 17K instrument under rain … yeah, sure

[@richmanfilms]

I was at GC on Sunset Blvd. It took 20 minutes to get someone to help me get a cable to check out their guitar pedal station. They gave me the cable and mentioned that over half the pedals are not hooked up (of course the ones I wanted to check out). I walked over to the pedals and this gnarly dude was sitting next to it with a bass. He stunk so bad of BO, I turned around and left.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Classic GC.

[@b.o.4492]

This sums up GC 100%. Spot on.

[@richmanfilms]

@@b.o.4492 Yeah, their flagship store on Sunset Blvd is a epic shitshow. Lol

[@damonkatos4271]

Buy local The fact GC is still around after private equity took over is amazing.

[@frishdaw]

I regularly visited the GC and Sam Ash in my town growing up, and when I moved back after college the stores just weren't the same. The stock always felt like factory seconds and things that just no one wanted. I think it's a no brainer why people are ordering online - would you rather buy an amp /guitar off the floor of a GC/Sam Ash that has been played through by customers, or a brand new one? If brand new, why would you physically go to the store to do that when its going to be shipped to you anyway, the same process as ordering online. Even if the reason would be to try the guitar to see how it feels, you likely won't be buying the one you try off the wall. Not to mention, these guitar stores have no joke had the same products for years. I don't see new models coming in for people to try, you just flat out won't find new things you would be interested in trying at these stores in the current market. They won't risk ordering it for the store on the chance it never sells. I just ordered an amp from Sweetwater for exactly this reason, and I even compared Guitar Center / Musician's Friend and Sam Ash's Online store to the experience. Neither GC/MF or Sam Ash had a single amp from this range even available to order. It's very clear if you look from the customer experience why these stores are closing.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

During the pandemic, many factories around the world decreased the level of production of their instruments. They just didn’t have the staff to manufacture instruments and supplies for producing them were reduced. That doesn’t reflect the companies, but many company went through it.

[@scottbrown8142]

I’m not a musician but I spent decades in another industry suffering from the same squeeze, fact is most businesses struggle with the high volume, low margine models. How does a small guy find his place. I dont know, i wished i had a solution. I hate seeing the local/small get pushed out.

[@professorhamamoto]

Sweetwater features first-quality instruments and the customer service is excellent. After years of dealing with condescending wannabe rock stars sales hucksters at Guitar Center and other retailers I found Sweetwater to be deserving of my business.

[@michaelhmiles]

I can't understand why anyone would buy a guitar without playing it first. I wouldn't even consider it.

[@r.v.g.1679]

Love Sweetwater. Never had a problem. Bought a Fender professional and Fender HSS with pickups that I want

[@Wills.musicpage]

Man, I absolutely love that in addition to the surprisingly well built guitars/gear in general, you do these informative videos, and the relevant research. I had literally just seen one of the ads you mentioned towards the end and was considering, but if something is too good to be true, it typically is, right? Thank you for doing what you do! P.S. your hair is f*cking glorious!

[@dashulze]

Costs for physical stores continue to go up. Now many buyers would like the human interaction and advice from a knowledgeable sales person, but many buyers don't connect with the sales staff. So online you can look at many reviews of products to get reliable idea of the products virtues and faults. Also stores can't afford to have you hang around and take up staff time without a quick sale.

[@VDRP]

This makes sense, you go to a music store to experience feeling the guitar, feel it, and see what is wrong with the instument as well as the experience of being in a music store, these days find shopping online to be cheaper then visiting your local store. Same thing happened with vinyl/CDs/DVDs.

[@danieljones8706]

In regards to shopping online, stores are simply able to offer more online than in person. Like, guitar center did not have the guitar I wanted so I had to order online. I definitely prefer to go in-person, but they need a good online option for when I can't find exactly what I want.

[@deshawn4077]

The local guitar center where I live, if I buy something and not in stock, it gets shipped from the warehouse and I usually have it in 2-3 days.

[@guitarslinger32269]

Personal interaction…one on one; face to face is becoming extinct; we’re gradually turning into Tom Hanks in Castaway. I’m working on my volleyball character to befriend as we speak; sure hope I don’t have to make eye contact with the door dash guy; I just wanna eat a big sandwich😉

[@jameswilliford5478]

I report the Sam Ash scam on Facebook every time I see it. There's a Gibson for $45 scam on there too. I don't understand why Facebook hasn't done something about these scam advertisers

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you for reporting them!

[@chrisoberst3531]

Thanks for the heads-up on the scam ads. My FB feed is flooded with them.

[@metalpunk9519]

Online shopping is ok but nothing will ever compare to walking into a guitar store & seeing all the guitars on the wall 😍it's also sad that many have never nor will they experience it! buy local & support local 🙏well done Sir🎩⚔.

[@thedevilsadvocate5210]

the smell of a guitar store

[@beefnacos6258]

It's definitely an experience people will miss if it's gone.

[@carlcarl6032]

Yep...seeing the only guitars a guy is interested in placed so far out of reach you have to "bother" an employee to get the bucket truck out to get it down and run a credit check before you can touch it is great. Or you can play the same ol junk that's within reach that everybody has had there nasty hands on. Of course it won't be set up, be in tune, or have good strings on it. Doesn't matter anyway because you can't play any guitar there like you would in private with your own amp and or effects.

[@dw7704]

@@carlcarl6032literally have never had these issues locally, and I have been playing for many a year. But if that’s your local situation, that sucks. Have you let anybody connected with the store know?

[@carlcarl6032]

@@dw7704 I guess I was just bitching a little and being a little sarcastic. An exagerated comment I guess. Pay me no mind.

[@user-uo9cy2ep2h]

It won't stop there. Nor will it stop with that industry. We are just now starting to see the NEGATIVE long term effects of the internet

[@danwhite2035]

Yes. It seems to me with the net And cell phones and our love of "technology" we are unthinkingly, purposefully and willingly plugging ourselves "into the Matrix".

[@tommilitello198]

Just now?lmfao wtf have you been

[@j-gmoran1124]

I am a music teacher for one of the music store chains you mention here. I see people buy lousy guitars from the internet all the time. A lot of people come in for repairs for their guitars and seeking instruction on the instrument. Sweetwater will not do that for you.

[@CANNIMAGINE]

I bought from Sweetwater for the first time recently and I think they do a great job. I won't hesitate to purchase from them again.

[@jnixo9900]

I am going to throw my opinion in. I also believe the reason online retailers have huge sales is because alot of people younger and older are intimidated to go and try and instrument in store for various reasons so its easier to just make the purchase online.

[@samstewart9249]

Which does add to the level of buyer's remorse!

[@jamespenningtonjr.4835]

I just wanna play stairway to heaven! Grrrr but it’s frowned upon by management 😂

[@bjcombs4336]

Sad but true. I worry about several local stores that sell musical instruments. I have on occasion deliberately bought instruments through them particularly during the pandemic. Thanks for the heads up and the lead to the article.

[@Azfurita]

I once bought a NI Komplete keyboard at Sam Ash, and it was used, and the software was already registered. And that was the last time I shopped there.

[@greghobbs1728]

I don’t understand everything, but I know that the people who have been working at the Sam Ash store here in Orlando are really nice and knowledgeable and I wonder what happens to them.

[@in2livinit]

A little slow & quiet, but, everybody there was always helpful & cool. My son got his band Trumpet there in 2001. Their model just needed more "excitement" to get ppl in the door I think. We moved out of State, but sad to see ALL of them close.

[@yippy327]

I'm an older guy, and I hate that you can't find what you are looking for local. Sweetwater gives the option, usually, of a few different guitars of the same model to choose from. I finally found the particular model I've been looking for, and it's over an hour away. I'm probably going to make the trip because it might just be the perfect one for me. But, as I previously mentioned, "the other place" has about 5 of the same guitar to choose from. With pics and info about each one, like the weight. It's over a grand and I find it hard to buy something, with that price, without holding it in my hands 1st. I personally wish more stores could afford to give options like this, but I do understand why they can't. Peace to you, young man.

[@Joeh1154]

I knew they were closing 18 stores but all 44, wow. I worked for them for 13 years ending in 2000. We had a blast. Yes, Family owned and I knew Jerry Ash and Paul Ash (who are deceased) and the three sons David, Richie and Sammy (who passed a short time ago). Sad to see the stores go in their 100th anniversary year. I would think they will keep their online store up and running.

[@moblades1]

Back around 2000 I was playing in a band and started a little studio at home and was ordering from all the mentioned retailers. I was getting catalogs in the mail constantly and liked browsing through them and dreaming about gear. I must say tho, after I made a couple orders from Sweetwater, I was hooked. Prices on some things seemed maybe 5-10% higher but the service was excellent. I had my own representative that did as you mentioned, would follow up on my purchases. It was so genuine, like having a friend. We often chatted about what I was trying to accomplish and he would take notes. Every once in a while he would call just to let me know they had a sale or special deal on gear I had mentioned wanting or showed interest. I enjoyed his calls tho I know it was to generate sales, it was like hearing from a friend. I was a little crushed when he moved on and someone else took over his role but that was about the time I was done buying gear.

[@roofkorean6948]

I remember buying my MIJ Geddy Lee bass from Guitar Center in 2007 and it was such a great experience. I even talked the employee into throwing in a used hard case instead of the gig bag. He came out from the back with a hard case that had an "I love explosives" sticker on it and he was like, "It's from a used bass that we just acquired and it's not in our inventory yet so we'll just swap it." I went back there multiple times over the years and the experience has definitely declined since then, but I still like GC for what it is.

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

It’s always nice when an instrument has a story. 💕

[@richardjones2811]

People say you should always play a guitar in person before buying but it's not always possible. You will adapt to a new guitar anyway after playing it for a while.

[@byroncjohnston1]

I live in Mazatlan. Mazatlan is perfect for the price. It's a paradise. The weather is perfect 10 months out of the year but their music stores are limited and the few guitars that they do have are not very good. Shopping from Sweetwater is a problem because of the customs struggle. Since the pandemic Amazon no longer delivers a majority of their items to Mexico. Sweetwater is virtually my only option. Hopefully Sweetwater will realize that Mexico is an untapped resource for them especially If they can somehow strike up a deal with Mexican customs. There are a plethora of great musicians here in Mazatlan. Mazatlan is a resort town. There are thousands of restaurants and bars and virtually everyone has a great group of outstanding musicians to listen to.

[@flipperMAN2001]

I'm the opposite, I recently purchased a flying V from a guitar store 2 1/2 hours away from where I live in Victoria, Australia. It was in my knowledge the only flying V of that model in the state, when I rang they said they where happy to mail it, I said thanks but I'd spend my life in torment that it would arrive with a broken neck. The guy said he understood and he would hold it for me, he then asked why I wanted a flying V and we talked for 15 mins I felt guilty keeping him on the phone. We arrived and he had the unopened box ready and set me up in a sound room where I played it and asked for a Jackson V to compare, he looked at me and said no problem but I know you will choose the flying V because it brought you here and that is the magic. I did choose the flying V and a case and when I went to pay for it he said you have found the best price online? yes I said, we will match it and here is a free stand for your V as it needs a special one and a free strap choose one you like, least it will help with some petrol you used to get here. Their must have 40 customers in that store that Saturday. There is no place like a guitar shop and yes we had one close down a month ago on Melbourne's North for the same reason.

[@AngusNB]

This is not necessarily directed at Sam Ash but a general reason people buy online. Too many times I go to a brick and mortar store and am told the product isn't in stock but they can order it for me. I can order it myself.

[@niaralosusa]

...stopped by a Sam Ash "going out of business" sale and everything was not really on sale. A couple of guitars I looked at were around $20.00 off retail, guitar pedals were maybe $10.00 off and the overall selection was terrible. I guess people scrambled to pay too much when they heard the store was closing? #hardpass

[@jerrybriardy]

Yeah, I looked at their website, (The REAL one) and none of the prices were low at all. I saw nothing I was even mildly interested in. Too expensive. I'm sad they are going under of course. I have a Carlo Robelli electric 6 string I bought a few years ago, their former house brand. Very nice guitar. Sort of a PRS clone.

[@netrunner2049]

I love Guitar Center. There's a lot of them around where I live, in the city and the burbs. I'll buy online as well for a budget brand (like firefly) or if there's a good deal or something not available locally in guitar center. I do appreciate Guitar Center experience to try out instruments and pedals. There was one Sam Ash I ever went to only a couple times. I visit a Guitar Center probably once a week.

[@craigjohnson4302]

I will miss going into Sam Ash being left alone spending hours playing different instruments. Kind of a music social gathering place crashing and burning similarly to video sales and rental stores.

[@vernhanna4399]

I love going to guitar/music store but as you stated Sweetwater has great customer service

[@tobiascree6799]

I always appreciate your videos.

[@BertoBoyd]

Sad the internet has claimed yet another piece of the music biz. I got my first teaching gig through hanging out at the local Music Store playing a guitar I put on consignment.

[@thesquigglespin]

Thanks for clarifying the issue and for all you do for the music community. Rock on!

[@rnegtr]

Max: I respect everyone’s various feeling about this but here’s mine… The problem with the Sweetwater model as I see and from my own experience: First off - in many cases returns are NOT free. SW charges shipping on your invoice and then deducts the amount before your final amount. They do that because if you return the guitar just b/c you don’t like it, you are charged for the outgoing shipping - AND you may have to pay to ship it back. If the guitar is defective or you are getting another guitar, you might be able to waive that but otherwise, it is not free. Then there’s the whole idea of buying a guitar without ever touching it or hearing it. I was keen to buy a Schecter Van Nuys Tele until I played it at GC. It weighed a ton so I passed on it. I went to GC another time to buy a Charvel Pro Mod DK24 that everyone was raving about. Great guitar but the frets were way too big for my liking and while at the store, I tried a Ibanez RG that was just amazing and I bought it instead. I’ve played dozens of Strats and they all feel different. Maybe that doesn’t matter to people and they trust all the KZbin shills (not you, Max!) who all have different preferences anyway. But you need to put the guitar in your hands to feel it and hear it. It will be very sad when we go to an on-line only world. I know it’s important for a lot of players who can’t get to a GC or other store but we’ll be less well off for it when we can no longer go to a brick & mortar store. Great video today, btw.

[@southboundguitar]

Sweetwater does not require you to pay to ship your return. I’ve shipped quite a few back, including a Gibson SG leather case just a month ago. And who in the fuck buys a Tele made by Schecter, lol? That’s like a Chevy Mustang.

[@jamesmarciniec4787]

I saw that ad the other day. I knew it was a scam right away but unfortunately some people do not.

[@byroncjohnston1]

Some people are just not very smart. Take MAGA for an example.

[@testingtesting4534]

@@byroncjohnston1you’re right, Democrats tend to believe anything told to them.

[@DrumMenace]

Simple reason for their demise...they didn't adapt to the changing MI retail market space.

[@rewiremusic4540]

I have a problem with buying guitars online because you can't know how the model will feel or play. I bought 3 guitars that way and hated them. The ones I bought at GC were picked over others by that criteria. I suppose if you treat guitars like shoes on amazon and ship back and get new ones; I loath having to pack a guitar back up and shipping it

[@bradforward850]

Never understand how anyone can buy something they never played.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

For some people, it’s the only option. I live in a state that doesn’t have a single Guitar Center or Sam Ash. Luckily, places like Reverb will get you your money back if there’s an issue.

[@Tijuanabill]

Because free returns? If you buy from Guitar Center you can play it for 45 days without paying a single dime.

[@jake_of_the_jungle9840]

It’s hard I’ve played 5 of the same guitar to get 1 good one sometimes. Especially acoustics. Maybe they could of been set up to play right but it’s always best to get one that just feels perfect without doing anything

[@TommyGunzzz]

Tons of amazing guitars are not Sold in stores (Chapman, Keisel, etc)

[@niaralosusa]

...I've done it several times and it has always worked fine. You just have to learn to adjust rather than forcing the guitar to "adjust": i.e. playing dozens of guitars to try and find the "perfect" guitar that you have magically "connected" with.

[@ZblockWoW]

I can’t believe brick and mortar stores lasted as long as they did considering they are been essentially obsolete since … 2010?

[@beefnacos6258]

That's just simply not true. There are more times than I can count where guitar stores were completely packed with people.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Me too, I bought amps online since 2008. I had great experiences, a Ceriatone Dumble clone and a THD univalve.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

What you get with brick and mortar that you won't get with online is meeting other musicians and possible connections for the future ‼️

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

Having legs to walk on, will never make brick and mortar stores obsolete. In fact, if everything goes on-line, it can be,that the physical aspect of a ‘brick and mortar’ makes it very lucrative for people with money and financial resources will want to have something to do, to engage in, to experience, to interact with. The physical body still longs to experience and music stores definitely involve the senses. Just like bookstores…

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

@@iamanovercomer3253 absolutely! Interacting with community is one valuable aspect!

[@yosoysoloyo4024]

I used to love Guitar Center when I lived in the Rochester area. I still think walking by a store window and seeing that magical guitar and gear filled space that draws you in and then you hear shredding on one end and banging on some drums on the other... well it's a great experience. Especially because I know that jewel of a guitar in the window will one day be mine... oh yes... it will be mine.