Is Sam Ash Closing Stores?

Is this the first domino to fall and the beginning of the end for Sam Ash Music stores, Baxter and Jonathan discuss whats going down.
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[@codychann]

I work at one of the closing locations, and I do not think the company as a whole is going to be around in the next 5-10 years

[@DG-sf9ei]

No loss at this point, and from their smug attitude of national staff members..... it's about time maybe someone in this cracker jack joint is waking up to the degeneration of their business. You sound like you care about your job/company as a local, and probly deserve better.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

Just wanted to chime in and say the fax machine is somehow not obsolete. I work in IT in the medical field and their reasoning is fax machines always work because telephone infrastructure always worked when everything else failed and historically landlines do not go down with the power. The problem with that is the backend has been replaced with computers in many places so that's not totally true. Pretty sure at this point they're still around because there's a exemption in HIPAA for faxes where as long as you put a cover sheet on a fax saying "This is medical stuff, don't look at it if you receive it in error" while sending it to the wrong phone number, you're still golden and haven't violated HIPAA. Basically I think they exist because of a loop hole in the law from ~30 years ago.

[@pulaski1]

You're 90% right - faxes can't be hacked or misdirected, and they're not stored anywhere on a server, they are sent 1:1, real time. In short, they're deemed secure _because_ the technology is so primitive.

[@marksguitars5617]

I worked for a public authority, retired last year. They always had an office that was secured and had a fax machine, the purpose was exactly that, to fax sensitive documents for HR like medical or disciplinary or legal. PDF online is not as secure as a good old fashioned fax.There was only one person and a designee that were authorized look at the documents

[@neilpatrickhairless]

my face when the average office is more secure than the average SCIF in DC

[@colinburroughs9871]

@@neilpatrickhairless don't go asking questions. Democracy! lol

[@danwilson9530]

I got an email notifying me their Huntington Long Island store is closing, which bums me out. Loved that store when I was living back there. Sam Ash stores are so much better than any GC. The email refers you to their other Long Island location near Westbury. They have a location here in Phoenix as well. I hope it stays!!

[@johnsauer9067]

I'd heard that rumor months ago. And over the past year the guitar inventory in the Huntington store has really diminished. It looks like a store that's on its last legs. Sad.

[@Hobinator17]

Oh wow bummer. I much preferred them over that janky guitar center in commack. 2 guitars in my collection are from that sam ash

[@petershea2893]

I remember the store in Hempstead Long Island back in ‘73, I sent my $15 Harmony Rocket down to the basement on conveyor belt and it came back up in a beautiful $30 case. I still own both today. Don’t know if the store is still there now that I live in CA. Great memories.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

The Huntington Sam Ash was my first guitar store back in the ‘80s that and the one that used to be just about next door (at the time, Murthy’s Music); where I got my first electric ( a cheap Cort)

[@FrankCizin]

Hey Peter...The Hempstead Store is long gone. I used to go there in the 60's. When I was 13, I took the bus to Hempstead. Not sure when they left, I recall being there in the late 80's. Last year I bought a new Roland Keyboard from them. The Carl Place Store gave up some footage, not a lot of traffic in the MIDI Controller Section so they reduced that area of the store. I used to buy a lot of gear online because of no tax. Since that benefit is no longer available, I buy local. They had some terrific guitar techs in the Huntington Location.

[@allenmitchell09]

If you’re saying Sam passed away last year, it sounds like the remaining family or stake holders were wanting to do something different after his passing.

[@emilybalcerak7861]

I live near their corporate offices and worked at the store down the road (03), and my fiancee is still a Sales Manager there. This is definitely not a case of the family just wanting to do something differently. The issues that led to this are decades long at this point. I don't think many, especially those who are at the stores closing, are very surprised about the news.

[@rocknrollresignation93]

Sam Ash is blowing out stuff on Reverb. Got a “mint” SG Standard last week for $1300.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Yeah, here in Detroit, when we lost the Wonderland Music stores, it was a real blow to the local music scene.

[@bottomkitchen250]

I remember wonderland. What a great place. "Crazy clearance!"

[@jltrem]

Guitar Center came into our area in the late 90's. I was excited...at first. They killed off ALL the independent guitar shops and there were quite a few.

[@Telepkr]

Get real jobs get educated and go out there like the rest of us what are you asking this for how stupid

[@jltrem]

@@Telepkr Sure know a lot about sentence structure, huh?

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Nice word salad 7strings. I take it YOUR "real job" doesn't involve language arts 💀

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Neither did your education, apparently

[@factualverbage]

And rest in peace Sam Ash. I used to spend extended lunch breaks in his store in Tampa area playing different guitars and amps... That's back when they actually stocked good stuff like Matchless amps and more high end guitars than you see in the big stores now...... when I go into a Guitar Center here there are rarely 5 guitars in the store that I would trade any of mine for.......and amps are overpriced cheap circuit board jobs mainly , claiming to be re-issues of old classics....... I wonder if Sam fell for the v@x...... starting to see quite a few

[@JoeR203]

I bought my first guitar from Sam Ash in White Plains, NY. in either '85 or '86. It was a candy apple red Ibanez Roadstar II (RS440). I beat the hell out of that tremolo (ala Brad Gillis) and it always stayed in tune.

[@michaelbauch7005]

I really had no idea Sam Ash had become a chain. Mr.Ash and his family lived in my neighborhood, about a mile away.I knew Rich and Sammy. Their first (and at the time only)location in Hempstead,NY was where I bought my first amp- a Gibson Saturn.

[@thiscorrosion900]

Been a big chain in the USA for at least 35 years already! I'm from LI too, their main Admin. office HQ I think, is still right here about 15 min. from me in Westbury or Hicksville or the borderline thereof. Or one of them. I went to the Hempstead LI store a few times back in the 70s and early to mid 80s, before they shut it down. Lately I use Guitar Center more (for tech. work as much as anything), but I buy from Sam Ash too, still. This is very upsetting news. I even bought a new Blues Driver pedal two years ago at the Huntington LI store, which is closing. I think the Forest Hills store is closing, also.

[@zz-.-]

Only a matter of time for most or all of these shops, unfortunately. Manufacturers go direct now, buyers buy direct, no need for stores, the channel model is dying.

[@IP_Static]

My first job out of high-school was at the Sam Ash in Brooklyn on Flatbush. It's a shame to hear stores are closing, an end of an Era. That said, we were always told to push the in-house products, higher commissions but I never did. I wanted people to get the best they could afford. Might explain why I didn't last long there 😅

[@lummond]

Sam ashes used game is amazing. I bought a bass on reverb and they phoned me a few days after I left feedback to make sure I was still happy with the instrument. Can you imagine?

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Nah, I shop at Sweetwater. The long distance sexual tension between myself and my rep Andy is honestly the most romantic and fulfilling relationship I have ever had in my life

[@ptamike]

I was recently in the Sam Ash in North Tampa, FL. I was expecting the walls to be empty but to my surprise, they were full of guitars. This was the best selection of instruments I've seen in a few years in this store.

[@zman19960]

What’s wild is I went to Sam ash in Orlando back in December and it was a ghost town. The state of their acoustic room was depressing. Half inch of dust on everything, all corroded strings, nothing even remotely set up.

[@paulgeorgia8013]

I’ve been to that store many times, it’s huge! Do you know if it’s closing?

[@ptamike]

Tampa is staying open. Clearwater is closing. @@paulgeorgia8013

[@timcarter7202]

That was the first Sam Ash store I ever went in.

[@enigmanemo9352]

They are closing Clearwater.

[@honkytonkinson9787]

I’ve never been in a Sam Ash, I think I’ve seen one before. As I was thinking about it I realized that the only chain music gear stores I’ve been in are Guitar Center and a Mars Music one time a long time ago. My city had several local shops that were pretty cool, until GC came along, and now the remains are sparse and slim pickings. Once the dust settles after all the guitar insanity that we’re experiencing I hope that small local shops make a comeback. Way more fun to visit local shops than cookie cutter chain stores

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Mom and Pops can rarely afford the dealer fees to stock all the Gibson nonsense people want these days to flip online. They might come back eventually but they might be full of $750 Yamahas and stuff all the guitlawyers never buy

[@johnstillwell4353]

There is one edge stores like yours, Sam Ash, etc. have over Sweetwater, Amazon, Reverb and EBay, and that's the ability to take trades. Big problem everyone has is when your suppliers start competing with you, that's an issue. Fender undercutting their own clients is bad for business. Speaking of Mesa, ever talk to a tech that didn't hate them?

[@freezingcathedral]

i work for sam ash. we have 45 stores, 18 are closing.

[@Nblades78]

I would imagine skyrocketing rents have something to do with that decision? (annnnd 3 mins later I got to the part of the video where they mentioned rents!!)

[@freighthauler7642]

The Sam Ash in Nashville Tennessee used to be my go to music store. For the past couple of years it has really sucked. Getting someone to help you takes an act of Congress and the employee don't seem to care if they help you. There's a GC across the street that has great customer service and the employee actually care about helping out the customers.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Yep, and guess what folks? If a company with 45 locations can't afford rent its probably not looking good for anybody. Sounds like some folks learned to game the real estate system. Happens when you elect it in like that ☕

[@worldsheaviestjamband93]

@@neilpatrickhairlessHaving 45 locations has nothing to do with making a company profitable. If the company gets bloated and the market passes them by then having a lot of locations is a larger liability.

[@emilybalcerak7861]

@@freighthauler7642 Because employees have no incentive to go above and beyond anymore. Pre-COVID, you could actually make commission there. Since then, it's been changed so that it's impossible to break your base, and just a minimum wage job. This drove out all the former old-timers that weren't at General Manager or Sales Manager levels.

[@fearpocalypse8062]

Super bummed to see Sam Ash closing locations. I'm not sure if the other stores are like this but growing up the one I would go to had a stage and would host open mic night. I can't understate how important those open mics were for me as a musician and performer. I was able to suck and learn how to play on stage because of those open mics. After covid they stopped doing them and it really made me sad because I know the open mic was so important to so many people in my community and the younger guys coming up. I also got one of my first basses there which I played religiously. I hope they're able to turn things around!

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

A fews years ago I left a GC store in Cherry Hill NJ because they ignored me. I walked over to the Sam Ash and bought a Les Paul Classic and Fender Blues tube amp. That was their loss

[@worldsheaviestjamband93]

That GC is Cherry Hill is the perfect example of the “Guitar Center Experience” We always go there first, walk around for 5 minutes and then head over to Sam Ash to actually buy something. And of course hit up the Red Robin afterwards.

[@thiscorrosion900]

Guitar Center's customer service has been spotty in some stores for years because, they almost went under too, and they cut the in store staff to a skeleton crew half the time. It's not conducive to a good sales floor customer experience. I was in the LI Carle Place store picking up a guitar in for service about three months ago, and, the main store manager was running half the store by himself! It was ridiculous.

[@michaelgabel981]

The Sam Ash move really stinks for us musicians! PA is losing both the King of Prussia and Philadelphia stores. Outside of indi stores we then only have 3 GC's that are in horrible, horrible, horrible condition. Guess instore retail is going the way of the dodo bird.

[@66falcon99]

I see a lot more manufacturers getting into the online direct sales game. People are getting used to the idea of, "Buying without trying." Real estate prices are ridiculous in the large cities. So, I can easily see why the large music box stores are going to online sales over brick and mortar. it's a natural evolution.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Awww Guitar Center can't foot the rent after selling all that overpriced cookie cutter mystery origin bullshit? For shame

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Sam Ash has 44 stores. Sammy was the COO. None of the other Ashs have either little knowledge or little interest (or both) in running the company. The place was on autopilot, and now it’s merely gliding without power.

[@DG-sf9ei]

It's about time. Sam Ash was decent years ago. However, after keeping phone representative "experts" on payroll who are there just to tout there inflated ego and "experience" with an elite attitude..... it's time for this joint to either wrap up or perform an overhaul all the way from new ownership down to their janitors.

[@mikedisalvo6305]

I was at the NYC location this past sunday for 1st time. Saw signs store is closing. They had like 20 ltd's/E-II. Never saw that many ESP's in one store.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Probably the only thing left after the Reverb flippers went through it

[@rocktorrocks]

My local one is closing down and to be honest good riddance! Their selection of gear, prices, and overall service was truly lackluster. Tried to trade in some near mint gear and the sales guy was a total ass when assessing things trying to talk trash over insignificant things & generally talking down to me. Their discount and sales were laughable even on damaged gear and I’ve had way better experiences with Guitar Center & Sweetwater. Even now for their “closeout” sale they’re only reducing prices by 5%. I’ve gotten 15% discounts routinely from other dealers & the best Sam Ash can do is 5%. Can’t speak for all stores but the one I went to sort of had it coming.

[@Konnichiwa80]

I love this channel but Baxter is not looking very health these days. Hope you are doing OK

[@zanewhite9815]

As a Raleigh Native I feel like it went like this: Mars Music opened on Capital Blvd. And then a few years later Sam Ash opened up on the other side of the road. And then Mars Music got bought out by Guitar Center.

[@danpalmer4820]

The Mars location in Charlotte was taken over by Sam Ash.

[@tonyb9864]

Is the Raleigh store closing?

[@ToddHowell_toddhowl]

And those locations are just really old and junky now. I try to avoid Capital if at all possible.

[@bretthutcheson5710]

I worked for Mars through the entire run and it wasn’t bought out by GC it was sold to a liquidation company and they sold everything off to the walls and then it was over.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

@brett entirely possible that the investment firm that bought it also owns Guitar Center. was probably sold because the owner wanted a huge wad of short term money. That's where all the textile mills went as well

[@peterrebhahn1113]

To fill in some blank spaces left by this discursive and aimless conversation, Sam Ash had 44 stores nationwide as of Feb. 22, according to online information. According to published reports, they’re closing 18 stores. If both those counts are true, that would mean they’re closing 40 percent of their physical locations. Of course, this doesn’t mean it’s 40 percent of their business because it’s safe to presume that those 18 stores are underperforming and are generating less sales per square foot than the remaining stores. Example: Macy’s last week announced the closing of 150 stores representing 25 percent of overall Macy’s square footage, but those stores only account for 10 percent of Macy’s sales revenue. Odd but true: In brick-and-mortar chain retail you sometimes make more money from closing bad stores than you do from opening new ones. So it’s not possible to say from this information whether Sam Ash is preparing to go out of business. But we can certainly say they’re downsizing.

[@jasontieu3737]

The Sam Ash near me (in Los Angeles) closed about a year ago. Super sad cause I would go back and forth between GC and Sam Ash in my younger years. I remember back in early 2000s, both stores were insanely busy. When you're inside the store, it gave off christmas + disneyland vibes (in a great way)... It's not the same anymore :( I really hope GC and any other music store stays afloat and thrive.

[@angusorvid8840]

I've been taking my guitars to Sal at Sam Ash in Hollywood for years. Does fantastic work at a fair price. I'm sad they're closing. Much better prices and work than Guitar Center.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

I just left guitar center after working there for 2 1/2 years. It’s the most dysfunctional company that I’ve ever worked for, by far. I’m honestly not sure if they are trying to destroy it.

[@stephenanthonythomas3533]

I helped set up that Sam Ash store in Raleigh. Originally called Mars. Interested to know if they got cut.. I work at the Sam ash in Hollywood now. We got cut last week. It’s like the longest funeral ever.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

I was wondering about the Sam Ash in Hollywood. You can barely still see it behind the massive Church of Scientology level architectural eyeball barrage located directly next door

[@daveduffy2823]

That’s an odd one. They have been around almost 100 years. The store near me does a lot of band and orchestra work. It’s always busy. It is in an expensive spot, so I wonder if it’s going to close or move to a cheaper strip mall.

[@sydguitar99]

3:52 The way Johnathon looked at Baxter as he's talking about McDonalds owning land had me dying of laughing

[@drippinglass]

I went to the Franklin Mills and King of Prussia locations many times. But I must say I haven’t gone much since 2008 when I started buying online. When they opened in King of Prussia and GC in Plymouth Meeting, Medley Music went out of business. Medley carried a lot of hard to find stuff like Dr. Z and Zvex pedals at the time

[@calebbhawkins]

Sam Ash here in Indianapolis blew through all the product during covid and it took until 2023 to see shelves full of anything. But they rarely carry anything high end in the acoustic room anymore, when they do get something they have it under glass and the guitar tech who works out of that room isn't the most friendly about letting players try it out. They are pushing house brand pretty hard and lots of low end Fender and Squire out in the electric areas... Not much for anything exciting or interesting beyond standard issue amps, lots of modelling stuff and solid state Fender. Sad because it used to be the pro shop.

[@Epiphoneplayah]

Guitar Center should too. What a shite company!

[@bb_lz9790]

The two Sam Ash stores nearest me in the Chicago area are closing. I attended some really cool clinics at the Buffalo Grove, IL store...got to meet Jack Casady (beforehand, he sat down next to me and introduced himself), Nate Watts (Stevie Wonder's bassist) and saw Victor Wooten there at least 3 times. Bought some nice gear there too! As of late, it's been slim pickin' there and they have silly stuff like a used Behringer OD800 pedal priced at $99 when new ones are $29 at Sweetwater.

[@julianthesmooshyhusky8976]

I worked at the BG one a few years ago and could definitely see the writing on the wall. When they cut the budget and got rid of k cups, I knew they were going under.

[@sydguitar99]

If you're in Big cities, you can really only survive by selling high end vintage, rare or custom shop guitars. Selling $700 Epiphones wont make rent

[@matthewperry2767]

Dexter, you’re damn near completely bald, time to cut down that mess on your head.

[@KT-fn6me]

They’re closing the New Haven, CT store which is their only store in Connecticut

[@invsibl_monstrs]

It's been crazy watching the musical instrument retail business change over the last three decades. I had a short stint working for a manufacturer from '97 to 2000 - and I was moved from an inside rep to help with the Sam Ash and Mars Music expansions that were happening at the time. The amount of gear and the pace that the stores were opening was kind of mind boggling. Later, I was also surprised not to see Ash go big in the online space. I have a lot of fond memories of that time, with truly interesting and nice people that were purchasers for Ash and Mars. I have zero idea what things will look like in another ten years. I guess as things change, and for retail in general, that people start longing for a personal experience again and a market that can support more local stores. My gut tells me if there is an upturn, it's still a ways off. I hope I am wrong.

[@chrisfain3612]

I think a lot of the big box guitar stores are having issues because they don’t have the knowledge expertise as smaller boutique guitar shops have. The local guitar shops have a passion and are selective to buy the best product for their customer so they come back.

[@garymcaleer6112]

I'm sorry to hear that Sam is gone. Never knew the man, but I'm grateful for his life. Sam Ash was my favorite too. Much of my studio equipment and instruments came from his store in Orlando. Carlo Robelli guitars, bass and electric violins were the bargain masterpieces of their day.

[@FreedomStain]

It’s a liquidation sale until closing at the end of the month. Everything has been valued with no negotiation as the value has been assigned by another company (or as the salesperson said “the bank”). They will keep dropping the percentages incrementally until closing. Silver lining is there is a lot of stuff in there you’ll be able to get cheap because it was used for displays (display cases, guitar stands, drum baffles, amp risers, slat hangers, etc.). It will also get priced dead last because there is a lot of inventory still and the discount is only 5%.

[@benlogan430]

So no manufacturing and now no service economy or retail either? What is everyone gonna do for work?

[@Frankie_Holt]

Dune part two was very close to perfection

[@massapower]

And ACE FREHLEY was just there recently promoting his new Album 10,000 Volts 😔

[@GuitarQuackery]

Don't waste your time and money on Dune Two. IT's the worst movie I remember watching in a long time. Nothing... I mean, nothing... is happening. I walked out after the first half. Just over rated junk with a bunch of special effects and no story.

[@csharp57]

Sam Ash can’t compete with Reverb, Sweetwater, FB marketplace and Craigslist. Also music isn’t what it once was in the 80’s and 90’s. So many kids influenced by guitar legends. So many dreams of being a big time musician. And there was no online shopping or KZbin comparisons making things easier. You had to physically go into stores and play the instruments until you found what you like. I think only part that truly will be missed is the repair area. Great set up technicians who also do repairs and upgrades can’t be replaced by the internet yet. I personally have two basses and two guitars that will need work soon. I’m so tempted to learn all that stuff on my own and open a shop.

[@ChristopherGwinn]

My local Sam Ash out here in Hollywood is depressingly bad. Used to go there all the time but their selection is just terrible now. The few times that I drop in, there's never anyone in the store - and this is in the heart of Hollywood, right across the street from one of Guitar Center's flagship stores (which is also not as busy as it used to be, but still draws in tourists and some local musicians).

[@codycouch]

Just purchased a mint DR Z Z Master from them for $1999.99. A great purchase for an amp I’ll keep in the collection!

[@drumhead75]

Sadly this has been a trend like you guys mentioned for a while now. My first trip to GC was back in around 2000 in Niagara Falls/ Buffalo NY and at that time they were amazing. Slowly they’ve been in the decline. Having lived in. Charlotte for the last 17 years, I’ve watched the music stores in the area slowly and sadly decline. Sam Ash was pretty good a few years ago but I haven’t shopped them in a couple years due mostly to the fact of the availability of product online. I hope they don’t go under, they are iconic as far as retailers in the music industry.

[@timmcdonald9877]

Because their website is awful.....they never took online buying very seriously.

[@paulgeorgia8013]

My Connecticut Sam Ash is closing. It’s very sad. 😢

[@johnnyappleseed2277]

I live a couple miles just on the other side of the Tampa Bay area on Clearwater side. I just heard the store near me on McMullen booth Rd is closing down. This is so upsetting! 😞 That is such an iconic location.

[@Electric.Flamingo]

"It's the writing on the wall." That's about the only thing on the wall at Sam Ash anymore.

[@williamtm1965]

After Sam Ash closes in Manhattan there will be just ONE big guitar store on the entire island - Guitar Center on the 14th Str. Think about it - millions of people live in Manhattan and only one guitar shop. NYC went from having Music Row on entire block of 48th Street to a single guitar store. These millions of people in Manhattan probably have no interest in guitars or music instruments overall. Perhaps some will buy online, but majority will never buy a guitar in their lifetime. It's so sad...

[@ShawnShipstad]

I wonder how strong Sam Ash is in the internet sales. There are many tools etc?

[@petersouthwell5971]

In Vegas the store is a total ghost store. really sucks. They were a bit better then Guitar Center... Nicer dudes. (No offense but Guitar Center employees seem like they don't want to be there). Anyhow, Ghost town man. The poor sales dudes look like they're ready to sell guitars to themselves. Guitars just sitting there. I wanted a weekend job, manager just goes dude.. Look at how many sales guys I got wandering the floor right now... I looked.. I was like damn dude.. that sucks. Really a shame. Nice store man. Great vibe. What the hell is wrong with people!?!?! Support your Sam Ash and save these guys. Poor old Sam Ash. Don't die guys!

[@colinburroughs9871]

Guitar Center employees want to be smoking a bong playing their guitar. There's also like 2 guys that are used car salesmen that have the motivation to try get in on all of the legit sales, so they make a living and everyone else is hanging out for a few months trying to get a discount on gear. lol. What a gig. You're only 22 once, ya know.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

I predict in 5 years all guitar stores will be closed . Everyone is buying from Amazon , Aliexpress , Musicians Friend etc .

[@billybat5790]

Pretty sure they’ll sell the company or completely end it soon. Doesn’t seem like the rest of the Ash’s want to deal with the business since Sammy passed

[@ratwynd]

One Sam Ash in my town, used to be 2 of them. Generally mid-level gear, rare higher end Martin or Taylor. I have done some business there, like the staff, but prices are pretty high and they do not do trades in my town. I like to trade. I buy high end gear, Martin, Gibson, Fender. Because they hold value and are just generally 'better'. I like used gear too. Often I will only do a deal if I can free up a hook on the wall for the new one to hang in and roll over some value. I know trades leave value on the table sometimes but I know the shop has to eat too. Because of that I have taken 7 guitars home from another shop in town on fair trades for both sides, sometimes with some cash input. One just full cash without even playing it. Shop guy walked around the corner with a Merlot Revstar Standard P90 it in his hand, I saw it and said "that one is mine..." and just paid for it.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Yeah, chain guitar stores don't cater to guitar flippers, dude. When you buy a guitar, 90% of its actual value is nonexistent as soon as it hits the parking lot. Sam Ash isn't a pawn shop

[@denisflynn9082]

I was surprised to learn yesterday that the Sam Ash right around the corner from where I work (B&H Photo Video) in NYC is closing. They are selling off all their inventory. When everything is gone they are closing their doors. Sad to see them go 😢

[@damonkatos4271]

Sam Ash in Dallas was a great store when they opened about 10-15 years ago. I went a couple years ago and saw the Line 6 Helix behind the counter. I asked the sales person if they set it up for demos. The guy said “not really”. I asked him how do people know if they like it. He said, “they watch KZbin videos”. That was the last time I went there. The thing was only $1600 at the time and they acted like it’s gold.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Yeah, a lot of music stores got like that. A friend of mine that ran a Guitar Center said people were breaking more stuff than they could afford to replace and rotate out and stealing parts off the guitars and stuff. Said they were putting more in dumpsters and selling more as used online than they were selling new. Also they would only let certain people the employees knew as regulars test anything in store because they, and I quote, "got tired of hearing Master of Puppets played very badly" for 10+ hours a day

[@neilpatrickhairless]

That location is now closed and has been for years btw

[@LuisMorales-xr1gm]

I just heard over the weekend that the Sam Ash in King Of Prussia Pa. is closing. Doesn't surprise me at all. That store used to have great gear, Fender,PRS, Gibson,Ibanez,Jackson,Charvel etc, but over the years id go in there and not see any of these brands any longer. I hope this isn't a snowball effect with other stores cause I love going to the guitar store ,seeing the gear and playing it before you buy. This does suck.

[@rakentrail]

IMHO the big box and online stores pushed the local over priced gouger type stores out of business. Sadly the big box stores just can't properly staff all those stores. This could be a good thing for local Joe music stores in the long run! But, we will likely have to visit these stores in smaller towns. Big city rents are just too high! But, that could make for a more relaxing trip to the music store!

[@groovelife415]

The Sam Ash store in Indianapolis got rid of almost all of its guitars. Acoustics and electrics. They said they aren't closing, but it's obvious they are dumping stock. The drum room is almost empty. Indianapolis will definitely be an early one to close.

[@fischman26-China]

I always visited the Sam Ash here in Cincinnati but never bought anything major, just strings and such. They never seemed to have what I was after. It was a big store with lots of things GC didn't offer. Part of the problem was location. On a map the location looked good but in reality it was horrible. RIP Sam Ash.

[@iamcase1245]

The attitudes and discrimination at Sam Ash 48th (later on Sam Ash 34th), Guitar Center Union Square, Manny's and others all over the NYC area got out of hand in the late 2000s into the early 2010s. I still say that's the major part of why so many Manhattan area guitar shops are going under. Everyone they treated like shit started buying online. All the 20-somethings they mistreated during the 2000s got good jobs in their 30s and took their new money to the internet. These stores can't survive paying Manhattan rent when 1) rock is dead for the most part 2)The internet took over and 3) their main prey from a sales floor perspective is middle-aged professionals looking to drop $5K in one shot to build a basement studio in their Long Island mansion. I've been to Guitar Centers in the Midwest and the rural south where you get any of this type of bullshit and everyone is welcome from the 12 year old looking to ask dumb questions about a squire to the millionaire dentist looking to buy a $10k console he'll use to literally only track a bunch of shitty songs into a laptop. In NYC they staffed too many of these stores with failed-musicians with chips on their shoulders and now they're paying for it. I knew a lot and I mean a LOT of the indie explosion artists of the late 2000s and early 2010s out of the NYC area. All of us in that crowd were spending big big HUGE dollars during that time, but then hearing of guitar stores were closing down everywhere. Why was that? We were all buying online while sharing horror stories of mistreatment in places like Manny's, SamAsh and Guitar Center. One of the major issues among many with Sam Ash and Guitar center in particular was they were total assholes to anyone young making small purchases. Sucking their teeth at you or rolling their eyes when you just wanted a $2 pack of picks, cheap D'Addario strings, a Metallica sticker etc..... I literally had an asshole at Guitar Center Union Square ask me "That's really all you can afford?" with a HORRENDOUS attitude when I walked in after work in a suit to buy a $79 M-Audio Keyboard. Well....I'm a guitarist, not a fucking keyboardist, I just want a keyboard for simple melodies. Also what the fuck is it any of his business?

[@albertlorenzo655]

Got my first Gibson at Manhattan SAM ASH store. Never saw so many Gibsons in my live or since. They were all laid out on large picnic tables. This was 1969. I am talking like 50 Gibson SG. NOW none were new . We travel 3 hours by train to get to New York City. Then Subway to the store. Guitar was Gibson 1967 melody maker SG 200 special. The special meant it 24 frets ebony finger board. block pearl inlays. After about two hours of choosing. We offered 200.00 all the money we had. Not any for taxes. I was a kid with his father to get his first real professional guitar. I never knew who he was but I am now 66 . This thought still brings a tear to my eye. By the way. I had some father too.

[@bks252]

I also like Sam Ash. We have one in the Atlanta area. I was able to find a Les Paul Jr through their online store a few years ago when no one else had any. They had a super nice customer service rep that helped me and followed up just like Sweetwater does. Very happy with my online experience there.

[@markinthemix6055]

The only one l have ever seen is in Nashville. Wonder about them. I have bought guitars there and some things. Shoulda bought more 🤔

[@Ranch5150SkinWalker]

Nashville is remaining open. Getting more inventory as well.

[@bigmikeyz0071]

I bought my Ibanez Jem 7777 at Sam Ash and my Rickenbacker cieloglo 4003s there. It’s kinda sad because Sam Ash is a family owned business. But other than my Rick over the last 15 years or so I buy most of my gear from places like Wildwood or smaller mom and pop stores.

[@pecktox]

Clantons and Earp's as in Tombstone,ok corral. Clampetts are Beverly Hillbillies . Hatfield and McCoys feuding families.. brain fart I guess..😅 pex

[@RealEstateChris56]

Online retail may be the future but only if it is run near perfectly. Guitar Center online is garbage. Just two weeks ago, I was ready to pull the trigger on a $2500 bass. I inquired about the bass twice!! and never received a response. I ended up buying what I wanted from a Reverb retailer. If you multiple that negative, lack of communication experience by 1000 customers per year, which, is completely feasible for a large online retailer, boom, you're out of business.

[@beezelite]

Time for a return of the mom and pop shop. People want an experience and knowledgable staff. As long as a shop owner knows the demographic and is willing to weather the lean times and not go for the cheap crap that the big box stores are chock full of. Lets hope.

[@smandez2023]

The proverbial writings have been on the wall for a very long time. My favorite local shop in Colorado was a place called "ProSound", and where I bought my first decent electric. They consolidated and renamed, only to completely shut their doors not long after. Other mom and pop stores have come up but most have gone away. Guitar Center is always one step away from the news I've read, and suffer from decent inventory more and more that I go there (especially as an acoustic player). With major manufacturers like Taylor and even Martin moving to direct sales, it makes me wonder not if but when even Guitar Center makes such an announcement.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

It’s kind of weird the difference between my local GC and Sam Ash. At GC, they’ll get something out for you if it’s locked up but that’s kind of the end of it. I went to Sam Ash in Jacksonville and these guys just kept putting Strats in my hands and then turned UP the amp I was playing through. They turned it up. lol of course I was holding out for an AVII ‘61 Strat which I eventually got some months later from a mom and pop but they put some cool guitars in my hands and seemed more interested than pushy. I’m lucky sometimes if there are enough employees at GC to get rung up for a guitar.

[@a.abeyta6237]

Sam Ashes sucks at customer service and being helpful. It's consistently bad customer service at the location in Westminster Ca, you'd be better off getting back in your car and just shopping Guitar Center in Fountain Valley.

[@clydehannah1056]

Pay structure was outdated for decades. Maybe it was intentional. There were A-LOT of talented employees that worked there. The cycle was 6-8 sales folks all competing for a couple weeks to nobody and repeat The store nearby felt desp😢erate and with everyone worried about their rent and utility bills. Why would they care enough to clean, tune, or be excited about guitars?

[@WhyAlwaysMeMario]

Good riddance to SCAM ASH...they are the WORST when it comes to customer service... the WORST!!!

[@kennyowensthewheatpennies]

They got too big and the Nashville store really does not have a good selection of anything. I also think it's the buying staff in these store chains that are guilty. Take Macy's, different market but the same. Box stores are going by the wayside. I went in looking for shubb capos in brass that covered 3 strings and 5 strings, the salesman didn't know about that stuff. Old music stores were like old hardware stores. Different times I guess .

[@heyg7819]

I walked into a GC yesterday in Chicago and the sales person only asked how I was doing. I was in there for about an hour noodling with a few guitars and was ready to buy, placed an order directly through Fender today. As I was walking out I stop in the glass room with the expensive guitars and there were 3 employees playing guitar and BS'ing about wanting to learn how to setup guitars, instead of interacting with customers. I know some customers don't want to be bothered and are just kicking tires but a simple interaction would likely turned into a sale.

[@Pead929]

I grew up with Sam Ash and the store I always used in Queens is closing down. Doesn’t sound good for Sam Ash

[@fordsrestorations970]

I go to Sam Ash to check out the Taylor Guitars ,I noticed up front they had a Firebird !!... man those have the power to change your whole attitude

[@el0blaino]

Dune 2: before the movie I recapped for my jhs son, really proud of that summary lol. But oops left my wife with nothing … so at dinner after he was asking interesting questions and getting into it. My wife focused on why would that leader get to be and stay leader being so fat that he couldn’t move without help?

[@newjack69]

I bought my first guitar at the Queens NY Sam Ash.... very sad.

[@Telepkr]

The best part for me is I have a room full of guitars that I love and play and the other best part is that I don't have to spend $5,000 on a guitar that 3 years ago was 2500 this is gouging it's crap guitar companies are making BS guitars some are good but Fender has lost me and they've lost a lot of people as for Sam Ash they can go to hell who cares Guitar Center Sam Ash they're all the same to me it's garbage on top of garbage good riddance

[@paulakapablo1749]

The Sam Ash in Westminster CA sucks. They have horrible customer service and a weak selection. Good riddance. I hope the small independent shop benefit.

[@bobpanczak6728]

Will be sad to see them go. The local Sam Ash never gave me a good vibe Very cold. Have been there many times never purchased purchased anything. They did stock alot of gear. Prefer Guitar Center.

[@davegallagher7428]

I used to go to the Philly Sam Ash before I moved to the Northeast part of the state. Back then the store was well stocked and the online store was pretty amazing. Great pictures, specs and weights of the guitars plus a lot of variety. I was looking while I was listening to you guys and the pickings are really slim. That’s a bummer.

[@solarismoon3046]

Too much of the shit that is on the radio today has no guitar parts in it. People don't write real music now - it's all synthesized garbage with vocal harmonizers (auto-tune) and not much else. So you don't even have to be talented to be famous and get on the radio now. It's actually been like that for over thirty five years now. Sadly these kids today aren't exposed to real music so they have no idea of what it truly is much less what it's all about. It takes no talent to sit in front of a microphone and pretend to sing. This is the sick, sad, and horrible truth of today and the end of days.

[@skyseasun_333]

You guys and others never talk about the main problem with these music stores... Internal theft which is off the charts! My wife and I were there to see it and help take some of it down with corporate... It included management and rings in store as well as shipping and receiving. It's in the millions definitely. Collosal events no one talks about.

[@sosmooth7]

The problem with the big box stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ash, is that they have forgotten about they have forgotten about the musician! I'm from Philly, the mom-and-pop stores did good business because they knew the musicians who came into their stores, They knew you by name and what instrument(s) that you played. That personal connect is what is missing with these two stores. I remember buying a $1300 amp from GC, and a few months later I wanted to trade it in , and I was surprised and disappointed with what they offered me which was less that 1/3 of the original price. Also, the online stores are killing them because they have more inventory and credit options .

[@pecktox]

I think it's the cheap china guitars killing big box stores. Why because they are pretty decent now and Way cheaper. Who wants to pay over 1000.00 for a guitar when you can get one that's close at 200.00

[@Alan-su5bg]

I remember buying my first electric guitar in a sam ash that was located in ontario mills mall, CA.i purchased an epiphone sg special standard. Rip to that guitar from me destroying it but what i miss more is the vibe of sam ash when i purchased that epiphone. Thousands of guitars all over the walls and stands placed with used expensive amps. And id be there nerding out to death about all the guitars i know

[@Eged282]

I bought about 6 guitars and books/Amps/Pedals at SA..best prices and service..will be missed.

[@BITESIZEJONES]

Not surprised. The Orlando store is always out of stock on something. Employees working in the heat with no AC for months. Corporate could care less.

[@sethlover6498]

in richmond va we have two guitar centers and one sam ash... if sam ash leaves then our local music store selection is going to blow... it is already pretty bad... but man it will really suck then... guitar center sucks... guess it will be sweetwater, reverb, ebay and other online retailers....

[@stevenhoeltzel500]

Last time I went to Same Ash in King of Prussia, PA, the store was run down and poorly stocked. The sales team was more interested in telling you about their side hustles than answering questions. Disappointed to say the least.