G&L Tribute Guitars Fiasco

Visit us at www.rguitars.co.uk "Behind The Scenes" was always about bringing you an insight into how my business works and how it effects me personally and emotionally.... todays a good day to give you such an insight! All things happen for a reason so one door possibly closes - but another always opens...
27/07/2018 UPDATE. It seems its now all too much for the current distributor - and myself. As the G&L brand moves on AGAIN I say goodbye to my much loved brand of the past - finally my G&L Hell is over • My G&L Hell Is Finally... .
For anyone wanting to arm themselves with what issues to look for when you see a G&L hanging on the wall just give me a shout - happy to give free advice but I am certainly not happy pretending they give a damn about what they produce any more - Not sure when BBE took over the brand but wouldn't be surprised if the steady demise began then based on their lack of interest they showed me at any stage. Its easy to fall into a negative train of thought and wish maybe I had called it quits when I did this video - their attitude was so clear for me to see even back then. The lesson then? NEVER EVER regret anything. I persevered - I gave them a chance and I gave myself a chance for things to turn around. It wasn't to be. No regrets.
This ongoing saga also opened the door to the wonderful Fret-King Guitars.... rguitars.co.uk/pages/search-r... and I have also been able to focus on my main love Gordon Smith guitars hand made in England... rguitars.co.uk/pages/search-r...
Everything happens for a reason as they say and life always brings balance - what we perceive to be good - or bad. Thanks to the wonderful world of KZbin you have been able to share my experiences too . In the past if I removed a brand from my site there would be questions - assumptions - and often false accusations made online - so thank you KZbin for allowing me to post my diaries here.
Bye!

[@outsiderdf]

Ever since I played a USA G&L last year, I've never touched a Fender again. Such a step up in craftsmanship. Superb.

[@leothelionator]

I have 3 Tributes (Indonesian) series and I’m sold! Such a great value. And it’s Leo Fender’s brand.

[@MisioNalle]

me to !!!

[@G-Man.God_Guns_Guitars]

Sir Richard.... First of all, thanks for CARING! The way that you describe guitars just shows your genuine love of the instrument. You don't seem like a "cookie cutter" shop owner that just regurgitates the "talking points" on the sales page of the month... You seem like a genuinely good bloke! I've been blessed having been a Professional Audio Engineer in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA for the last 30 years or so and have worked with my fair share of Brits... LOL... They always seem to be the first one at the show site and the last one to take off thier "All Access" badge... You're a HARD WORKING, (and hard drinking) BUNCH! You all seem to were your hearts on your sleeves and tend to stay away from the "mostly American" talking behind peoples back and in others business... You have my prayers from America for your condition and for your overall success my friend! (New sub here) Keep the faith and keep fighting the good fight! God bless and take care..

[@jsphillip60]

It's great to have input from people like you, Richard. Your honesty, integrity, and love of the instruments (and music in general) really stand out. You are an inspiration!

[@jjmcnicholas5443]

My local music shop "The guitarworkshop Ibstock Leicestershire" is having similar problems, it is frustrating to see a common trend of small music shops being left to bow before the almighty Internet stores. How can you compete? Personally, I would rather pay 10-15% more and get great support and a very well setup guitar. The chance to play, feel and hear. Part exchanging etc.... I wish G&L and Blade were more available because they are great guitars. I appreciate your honesty about your depression. As a community (musicians young & old), we need to hold onto the aspects of meeting each other at local music shops, having opportunities to form friendships, people to talk to on a level and keep music live. Good luck with your business and mental health.

[@skithewhitestuff]

Watching this in 2018 but it was very interesting to get an insight into how you were trying to work through it all at the time. I hope your business is successful, good luck.

[@ovash1]

I recently purchased a G&L Tribute made in Indonesia by Cort. The G&L's are even better than the Squire Standard Stratocasters made by Cort, in the late 90's to early 2000's. I purchased the Tribute, used, as a gift for a friend of mine. It needed so much work, I almost returned it to GC. After a few hours of working on the Tribute, it played so well, that I am selling my Squire Standard Stratocaster from 2001 to buy a Tribute for myself. I can only hope that mine will play as well as the trashed G&L I worked on.

[@cgavin1]

Your business model at first made me do a double take. But then I remembered being a kid in the 70's and 80's and stores ALWAYS finished the product and set it up for you prior to handing it over. It wasn't an 'extra'. It was literally their business model: we make sure you get the best product we can sell you. Then it all became about volume.. I wish there were more like you out there taking the time to assess and 'finish' the product prior to selling it on. I miss that 'trust' that there used to be between the retailer and the customer and the ensuing loyalty ..

[@dragonclaw88]

words are so true...been this way for years...but i do appreciate what you do for us ..thank you for swimming against the stream

[@Michael-so5wn]

Its not often I watch through a you-tube clip for 18 minutes that just consists of one person talking about the guitar selling business, but Richard's exploration really engaged me and gave out a spirit of positivity, as well as coming over as very honest and open about life in general. i'm about 100 miles away but will look for an excuse to visit - I've been nursing a badly set up Godin that he may be able to help with and theres the temptation of a Tokai Strat, as well as a chat about life in general

[@chrishuskinson]

Nice to hear someone tell the truth about the industry. I sold my shop just under a year ago because of stress and constant pressure from the bigger brands. I could never get on top of the bills. Consistent pressure selling and this months top best guitar was discontinued 4 months later when they couldn't buy anymore out of China. Only side I found that made money for me was Lessons and repairs. So now 11 months on I've managed to get my Mojo back for an industry I used to totally adore and im doing just that.. and leaving the retail long behind.. Good Luck my friend :) Chris

[@andyjay4695]

I hope you are doing better these days. I can see that you really care about getting good guitars into peoples' hands. The world needs more people like you in it

[@johnfield7044]

Sorry to hear about this, Richard. I hope the problem is resolved soon. Anyone reading this - I bought a G&L from Richard last year... it's a lovely instrument to play. Beautifully set up. Great after sales support too.

[@johncolgrove2397]

Have a Tribute JB-2 bass and an ASAT Special tele... Love the hell out of both of them. Both are my go to tools for bass and electric guitar. Would love a l-2000 bass.

[@bcondrey1]

Hi Richard - found your website recently and watched the 'set-up' video today which led me on to many of your other KZbin videos. Really impressive - like your open honest approach which is outstandingly refreshing. I own a couple of Taylor's (312CE with the old fishman electronics and a 512CE with the new expression system) - and both have their own unique tones and feel and I adore them both. I was taken with the Taylor T5 12 string but I am also considering the Crafter 12 string SA TMVS as a better (budget-comfortable) option and I will certainly be coming to you.

[@stevehogan8829]

Your industry is an extremely tough one. I did retail for a long time, different industry. All store front is dying; not just music. Lasting 22 years in anything is a big deal... Be proud of yourself and look forward to what's coming.. If you coped with the past 22 years, you can certainly cope with the next 22 regardless of where it takes you. Thanks for sharing. Hats off to you.

[@jcmcclain57]

Thanks for the post, albeit it is a year later that I see it. First, Tokai are amazing guitars, to this day I miss my AST Strat that was stolen. I like the G&L guitars, but there is this thing I sensed about them for the past year that was they are greatly diminishing in their presence. Your story gives insight to my general observation. I have a M-2500 Tribute that goes with me to any bass gig I play along with some old school favorites. More times than not, I end up tracking the G&L. Tokai is hard to come by where I live in the USA, would love to get my hands on another someday. You took a step up with that brand and nothing against old G&Ls.

[@niamhsdad01]

FairPlay to you sir,refreshingly open and frank.

[@ruscoelee]

There's no reason Fender couldn't get their Rosewood necks from the company who make necks for Cort. I brought a 'genuine Fender' high mass bridge, I even imported from the USA, paid the import duty on it, got it home, opened the packaging. Now, sit down, the 'genuine Fender' high mass bridge, turned out to be made in Korea!

[@simonberry1977]

Thanks for sharing. Fascinating. Big fan of G&L but having been largely ignored just trying to get hold of a tremolo arm have a tiny insight into their ethos. Hope to visit some time ✌️

[@scottd291]

Interesting video. I really hope you can get hold of some Tokia Guitars! I have a Tokia strat that I have had now for 26 years and over time I have loved it more and more! I also have a Love Rock (les Paul) also great! But I would love to get hold of a UES145 L/H or a UFA180 in L/H

[@sroodjim]

Worthwhile info, interesting angle, I never think about the "business" side of guitar brands as a consumer. Hope things improve! Such honesty is rare, keep going mate.

[@EzyoMusic]

So sad to hear about this as I’m just becoming a G&L fan after I got my Tribute L-2000. Best of luck.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hi. I will be doing a video update in a couple of weeks when I know more about what is going on but Blackstar (as in the amps) have taken over distribution. If anyone needs to know what the latest is you can contact me directly via the website but when something develops resulting in actual stock available I will do a proper update at that point. From my personal perspective - the jury is still out !

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Well this was 7 months ago and nothing has largely improved. I think I have receive 10-12 guitars since I posted above. 8 of which turned up on January 3rd.

[@DavidMorley]

Such a shame.

[@boxfan6656]

Randomly came across this video over 4-years after. I never seen anything from your channel before. This video probably played randomly b/c I subscribe to CGS, KYG, and a few other guitar channels. I will be watching more. Thanks.

[@bigfootingermany]

I don't know if you are a Vintage/Wilkinson dealer, but I would highly recommend them. Just recently bought my 2nd Vintage. The first was the V6 (S-type) and my second is the V52 (T-type). Great guitars! Tokai is also a great builder!

[@IconUKMusicMerchAndMore]

Hi Richard, I must say it's a breath of fresh air to hear a perspective from a fellow retailer! I own a small town music shop and G&L aside, it's just great to know that it's not just me who feels brow beaten a lot of the time. There's so little concern for anything like reputation, decency, courtesy, consideration, loyalty, integrity...MUSIC dare I say it!! So while it's sadly the way of the world and not desirable, you've at least helped with some catharsis! Thanks for that sir, and all the best! PS. I feel very much the same re doors opening and closing regards the current Yamaha situation!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hi Tom. Nice to hear from you. Thanks for sharing your views. I have as of today dropped the G&L brand. Quality has just been dreadful and my hearts just not in it if they cannot be arsed to make a guitar that works. I think a year ago I would have been devastated but I think mentally I moved on some time ago! There ARE always exciting things to focus on and its imperative I don't allow myself to get bogged down focusing on the negatives!

[@RavenMadd9]

thanks for your honesty .....I used to work in Mannys Music in nyc .....I heard stories from the sales men of the men in the suits /no company names dropped .....also threats about selling rival product

[@teodelnorte]

It would be good to hear the other side of this story to get a balanced viewpoint before judging. On G&L, everyone knows their marketing and communications needs work. Seems to me they are predominantly guitar techie kind of guys and the best in the business when it comes to building guitars but they don't invest in MarCom at all really and their website looks like something from 2003. People who build stuff are rarely good communicators, with the odd exception. That's why they really probably could do with hiring a proper communications team, while also extending this to include dealer relations. Amazing instruments though.

[@MisterTMH]

G & L are amazing guitars and are So much better than Fenders. Anderton's guitars are now a G &L guitar dealer in the U.K..

[@richardlecomte6839]

Leo and George aren't there anymore. I have a g&l legacy and I love it. Haven't been playing my fenders much since I got it

[@xClunky]

Love the integrity you show in this video mate. Rare in your line of work.

[@SqueekyFromm]

I have a G&L S 500, and it is a very high quality guitar. My dad gave it to me and told me to never get rid of it. I can see why. Another great one he gave me was a Fernandes Ravelle Limited, of which on 36 were made in each of 3 colors. Blows Les Pauls out of the water. If Fernandes is still in business, in Japan, that would be a great brand to look into. Mine is like a 2004ish model. Squeeky Fromm Girl Reporter

[@MemoriesRR]

From the US. Totally been there several times in a totally different industry. And although I didn't see it early, I ended up landing in a better place. Your wife is correct, one door closes and another opens.

[@hollywoodactress]

Just came across your video. Good to see honesty and I will definitely check out your website and subscribe.

[@toneranger]

Hey Rich, I really appreciate the business insight,those Tokal’s look great and Japanese build quality. Hope you are appreciate by the distributors and brands

[@tomgrantham2469]

I have a G and L Legacy Tribute it's a great guitar , pick ups are good and the term works great. I have noticed companies that sell G and L in the U.K. rarely sell Fender I wonder why!

[@gerberbernstein7360]

Tributes have American electronics, great idea !

[@louissanderson719]

Andertons sell both

[@AndorRosenberg]

Thanks for your honesty and vulerability. A breath of fresh air.

[@WesFanMan]

Thanks for the insights. Well done.

[@MrPinkStrat]

Where is your Store in this vid I see a Guitar on your Wall that I had back in the 60's the Harmoney H75 .

[@MrTekbow]

tokai = great opportunity. my MIJ fender is Tokai made, and I'd not bother buying another fender, would just go straight to source. can you get the Japanese headstock Love Rocks?

[@noi5emaker]

Great video, Richard. This confirms my suspicions that marketing is a lot more subtle these days. We rarely have an approach of over saturating channels, and pummelling the consumer with a brand, but more of a subliminal persuasion. The idea that you shouldn't have an opinion and companies controlling how their dealers represent their products is all part of marketing. I've heard of Fender irritating KZbin channels over their use of their trademarks, even though as far as anyone (except Fender!) is concerned, the terms stratocaster and telecaster (without capital initials) are part of our lexicon and often don't refer to Fender products. We talk about a strat and a tele instead of double cutaway and single cutaway. People (consumers) are smarter nowadays. Just leave us alone to make up our own minds. We will talk about what we want to talk about, and discuss it on forums and KZbin whether Fender like it or not! Aside from that, I hope you get the G&L issue sorted. They're fantastic guitars that deserve better distributors.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thank you Nick. I appreciate your feedback and support. Fingers crossed on the G&L front and hopefully a new distributor with a positive pro-active approach will take over..... maybe I am being too optimistic!

[@noi5emaker]

Anytime :) It's sad that they are great guitars, but there are a LOT of great guitars out there, so if they don't get their act straight, their business will go elsewhere. At least you have Gordon Smith to love :) Keep up the good work, mate!

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Well said! Love my Gordon Smiths too!!!

[@dragonclaw88]

whoa! amp1 back there? how do you like it? now i gotta go search you playlist see if you review it,,,

[@guitardudeguy3139]

I wish we had more shop owners like you ,who have a general intrest in service to thier customers. In the states we have too many large distributors that have no interest in setting up a guitar properly or taking the time to reject a poor quality guitar. The smaller more intimate shops have all but become extinct. I literally have spent months to years searching for quality affordable instruments that I can gig with, they are out there, but I feel lucky to find one. G &L I have never found one remotely playable in my area, I would have to do too much to get them set up, and too me , my time is valuable. It's almost like they don't want to sell you that product, they would rather steer you toward something else..I would love to check one out that was properly set up , although it sounds like they just don't care about smaller dealers who pride themselves on service. You've convinced me too look a little harder at G&L for an affordable alternative. Good luck with your shop, I wish you well.

[@TommySG1]

Sorry to hear this, I live here in the US and I own a handful of guitars which are all either Gibson or Fender but after hearing this I’m glad I’m not a G&L owner. Hope things improve for you Rich!

[@Jakexx01]

Being a satisfied US made G&L ASAT Special owner since 1992, this video floored me. I too have stood loyally (as a customer) by the G&L brand for many years. Your words have not fallen on deaf ears. I live in Southern California and I'm planning on visiting the G&L factory soon. When I do visit, I now plan on nonchalantly bringing up the question of G&L's place on the world stage. I admire your spirit brother. We ALL need to keep our perspectives in check. Even, if for no other reason than for the well being than our physical, emotional and spiritual selves. Stay strong, my friend. Know that a fellow guitarist on the other side of the planet has only your best interests and well being on his heart, mind and soul. All the best. I'm subscribing to your videos.

[@segatortoise5455]

Yeah, lets hope they get that jackass out of the company....

[@grizelda4526]

I love my G&L basses and have had nothing but great dealings with them. This is in the US. Is there some reason they don’t want YOU to sell their gear? I hope it all works out for you, you seem a decent fellow. ✌️

[@rvider]

Would benefit you to put a link to your website in your video text.

[@TomaisMac]

very interesting video, informative and well delivered, cheers!

[@slingo63]

I bought a brand new G&L Tribute L-2500 blueburst with maple fretboard in 2005 then sold it in 2011 on a bass website as I needed some money. I regretted selling it and about three years ago tried to track it down to its new owner. It had changed hands three times but I said to the current owner if he ever wanted to sell it to let me know, never expecting to hear from him. I bought a Cort A6 instead which is a nice bass (albeit quite heavy!) Out of the blue I got an email in Feb of this year to ask if I was still interested in the G&L and we have been reunited! It's the nicest bass (to play and to look at!) I've ever owned so I hope you keep selling them, they are superb guitars. The general word is that they are so good, it's difficult to justify paying for the US models!

[@janstaugaard4098]

Keith Singleton .

[@mikefitz3063]

I ordered a tribute in mid April from my local shop...still waiting for it....

[@PixieintheMainframe]

Another great video and nice to see some insider perspective. I'm a G&L fan and I've had close to ten now and I've had one Tokai too. I recently went to try out some of the TST-50 Models and although I feel that they are just as good as the Fender American Vintage '57 I owned (without the Nitro/Case Candy etc), I much prefer the G&L and G&L Tribute Guitars. The Tokai's lacked a bit of attention to detail in some cosmetic areas, such as being too liberal with vintage neck gloss, rough-edged plastics and lacquer chips/cracks around the neck joint. I wouldn't give up on Indonesian G&L Tributes as they're wonderful Guitars (minus their god-awful tortoiseshell pickguards!!), but I appreciate that there's a lack of respect in them not being honest with you. Cheers Rich

[@martinscholes9314]

Great work Richard. I bought a us standard Strat from a well known U.K. Retailer. When it arrived it was so badly set up. I contacted them, nothing. I left an average review, nothing. Terrible. If I want to have a look at some of your guitars do I need to contact you before? I've been by the shop a few times but I realise you can't always be there!

[@wangbill_rick4951]

Stay strong Rich, know exactly where you’re coming from. Also contact the guys from Artist Guitars & see if they can help you out. Love their gear.

[@dogfacedboy6947]

This Q _might_ be helpful. Carlos Santana was touring with Wayne Shorter - ex of Miles Davis and Weather Report. One of the musician with them had some-thing or another go South on him, and he fell into a slump, bitching, complaining, unhappy, on and on until finally Mr. Shorter cornered him with a simple question: "So what did you LEARN?" Kinda slices into it from a different angle...

[@briankdrew3114]

Richard, can you possibly tell me what year G&L guitars started being made overseas? I have a 93 ASAT.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Anything with Tribute printed on it

[@stevecroxton928]

Fight on, brother. You are a warrior.

[@sjbolsonpc]

I have two G&Ls and they are amazing. One is a Tribute Blues Boy, the other a USA Comanche, quire far apart in price points. I have two Fenders, A tele and and a strat special editions... and that fact is that the G&Ls blow the Fenders away. End of story.

[@raulacevedo-esteves9493]

Question, do you know if the Tribute by G&L MIK guitars a cheaper version of mainstream G&L guitars? Like Squiers?

[@slawsonscot]

@@raulacevedo-esteves9493 I’m sure my first S500 Tribute was made in Korea, bought around 2009 maybe? I think they made the tribute series there before they moved the production over to Indonesia.

[@juggert]

They seem to have a problem with their distribution channel. Its quite difficult to find their guitars here in India as well and retailers are not really positive about availability

[@biglou2385]

wow . this just changed my outlook on G&L.

[@scottcummings8602]

Can anyone PLEASE tell me the brand and model of any direct replacement tuners for the Tribute series G&L guitars?? I just bought a 2021 Legacy AND S-500.... well built, awesome hardware, awesome pickups..etc.. BUT the stock 2 pin tuners BLOW. USA G&L tuners are NOT compatible. Fender tuners are NOT compatible. Even the Hipshot "plate" thing doesn't work. Surely some brand has to sell some sort of upgrade to these junk tuners. I hate to sell these guitars over the tuners being junk.... so hopefully someone knows of something. I'm cool with locking or standard tuners. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[@midnightwind8067]

Wish the best for you.

[@MisterTMH]

I own two G and L tribute guitars and they both are excellent guitars. I play them more than real USA Fenders and Ibanez axes that I also own.

[@kenmasters007]

Thanks for this candid video... if fender or GL is listening.. you just a lost a customer. Not because of your product... but because of your poor business etiquette and terrible customer service. I hope they eventually turn around and realize their best customers are the small guys. In a world where guitars are becoming extremely competitive and irrelevant, the known brands need to really step it up... or get out of the business completely.

[@simonmcc3608]

A very interesting video!! What strat type guitar would you recommend on a budget of £1300. I’m considering an American professional but would be interested in any other options?

[@ajohnston3457]

S McClintock Um a USA G&L....

[@paulspielman2517]

5 min. in and I still don't know wtf you are getting at. have a glass of red and cheer up man

[@martywhite1084]

Paul Spielman So true.

[@aliengrey6052]

Hahahahahaha well said!

[@wangbill_rick4951]

Paul & Marty, you two Tossers need the Red, picked up straight away what he was driving at, big business caring about themselves not the consumer or retail outlets, but hey, you teats move on hey 🖕

[@allenwoody5909]

Hello Richard, it's great to see someone who has found something that they enjoy and can make money doing so. You've really put the effort in, and it's good you have the support of your wife. I recently began looking to buy a G&l ASAT Classic that I found on line for $ 699.99. Being on a set income and retired I must truly make sure I get my money's worth. I find it difficult to distinguish between a USA made and Asian made. Can you give some hints about how to differentiate between the two. The pictures you see are vague as to binding, serial numbers, etc. Is there any way to tell just from looking at the front of the head-stock? There seem to be Tribute Classic and USA Classic. The TRibute may great, but do not want to pay USA prices for Asian gear. Hope that does'nt sound snobby, I own several Indo, China, Mex made guitars. I do my own work on them and that is part of what I love about guitar ownership. Any info will be appreciated. I also wish you the best in your endeavors.

[@alexgochman6654]

what is better tribute legacy or vintage v6?

[@eddiecharlton3173]

JUST TO CHEER YOU UP, YOU SOLD ME A FURCH OM31SR LAST YEAR. I BOUGHT IT BASED ON YOUR ADVICE AND EVEN MY MUSIC INSTRUCTOR KEEPS COMMENTING ALL THE TIME HOW GOOD IT IS. SO HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY WILL ALWAYS WIN IN THE END.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Bless you Eddie. Thats already cheared me up thank you!

[@comparedtowhat2638]

I am in the US. I have seriously been considering certain G & L models. Overall they seem a better value than Fender these days. So I look at many videos that are about G & L. I am so sorry to learn of the problems you face. It is making me reconsider that brand and that company. I hope things are sorted out for you soon. I wish more retailers over here put the effort into quality control and set up that you do. Best of luck.

[@periurban]

Tokai were great back in the day. I remember a Talbot (?) made of metal?

[@leftyamazed]

I totally agree with you. There are too many areas in life where we are pushed in one direction. Even supermarkets dictate which brands are going to be best sellers, by not giving you the option to buy a different brand from them. I'm glad that you are not only true to your priniciples in what you do, but also you are able to educate others and be heard amongst those of us who do care. I own guitars by Faith, Patrick Eggle (the original electric guitars with his name on) and Revelation. I've had guitars from the big brands, but these lesser brands are my long stay instruments because they are good, not because I'm told they are good.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thanks Jason for your support. I will always say how it is and like I send about Fender, it was less about the guitars themselves and more about the people involved and the culture surrounding them. I am not a robot and can't turn on the sales patter mode regardless of the guitar in front of me - I would rather sell tins of peas than fain enthusiasm. I remember the days when Fender produced the "American Series" strat and the only colors were chrome red, chrome blue and chrome silver. No sunburst, no candy apple red, no lake placid blue - dark days.... I remember them well!!!! ha ha

[@j.d.leslie8458]

Richards Guitars The current Fender Professional Series-Antique Olive and Sonic Gray. Awful. At least there is basic Black, Olympic White and 3 color Sunburst. But it would be nice to see Lake Placid Blue, Shoreline Gold and Surf Green. Leo Fender would not be happy to see this shit going on.

[@philjackson519]

The mind boggles! Richard. It,s very difficult to maintain a high level of customer care when relying on others to behave correctly and they don,t .Some times you have to change direction to avoid obstacles that stand in your way . Best of luck keep a smile ...Phil

[@crosswalklarry]

The only retail outlet Fender is probably worried about keeping happy is Guitar Center unfortunately.

[@bjl257]

Great post Richard . Its G & Ls loss , Tokais gain .

[@c.e.f4916]

Just by a troublemaker and a strat. there ya go. all three guitars from one good company!

[@wesmatron]

Tokai Strats are quality

[@alvinong5291]

Hi Richard, tks for sharing. U r really a nice guy who care for others. Juz continue to be true to urself. The world we live in now is different. Ppl r not what they appear to be. I echoed what u shared on “the door being close n another window opens”. Tis phrase is actually Christian saying. If u had watch e movie The Sound of Music, e part where e Mother Abbess told Maria in which case Julie Andrews, “ When e Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window”. I’ll be praying for success in ur business endeavors🙏 Alvin

[@ajohnston3457]

Wow sorry to hear all that. USA G&L's still $%#& all over 99% of USA Fenders for half the price.

[@faautobahna9416]

oh! hope the problems with G&L were sorted!

[@pvbaelen]

I can definitely relate from a customer point of view. I have owned 4 G&L Tributes; 2 S500, 1 Legacy, and 1 Ascari. They were all well made except for the Legacy. G&L is no different than other manufacturers in that respect, they will put out bad ones. The good ones though are easily a better value than Fender typically. As far as the company goes, it seems like they are afflicted by bad management. I have tried to contact them 2 or 3 times and never received a response. I recall a few years ago it seemed like they were attempting to make the website more useful by offering parts that weren't previously available online. I did order some and I did receive them, so that was encouraging. I thought that might be a turning point and changes would be coming but it doesn't sound like it. I like the guitars but the things that bother me are all of mine have the high E too close to the edge of the fingerboard (for me) except the Ascari, and the non-existent customer service.

[@lovewalruss]

Great video thanks

[@ewetoo]

I don't think it's limited to G&L, I've seen Epiphone disappear from local retailers in Australia, the CITIES issue is biting hard. I'm guessing there's some arm-twisting going on and it's stalling distribution.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

100%

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

I have an interview lined up with one of the new Directors of UK Distrubutor for G&L. Warts and all discussion. Watch this space!!!!

[@rufiopan1]

I don't know your story at all outside of what you stated here, and I don't want to invalidate what you're saying, but I've had the opportunity to meet Dave when I was on vacation in Anaheim with my family. Despite being quite busy, he spoke with me about several questions I had when I stopped by the factory and even showed me the woods they're using to replace rosewood. He spent about an hour with myself, my friend, and my 3.5 year old daughter. He also gave me a custom order form for an ASAT Bluesboy and answered several more questions over email. He was a bit short over email, but overall, my experience was very good. So good, that I placed an order the following week and am awaiting a Bluesboy. I just wanted to share my experience, I do hope that you get it sorted.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Hi. Who is Dave?

[@robertgebhard2009]

I've tried several times to contact G&L by email, they never responded

[@stanwray4070]

Hello ! I bought a G&L L2000 bass guitar about three years ago , But I pawned it not realizing I was letting a real gem get away from me . ( Now I can’t find one at all . ) I bought a 1981 pre-lawsuit G&L L 1000 a week ago , knowing I probably might not find a better bass . They’ll have to pry THIS one from my cold dead hand .

[@MarkJVSomers]

Funny this, £I had a similar conversation with Bruno from Bruno's Guitars who also, no longer, sells Fender or Gibson, which somehow seems to be exactly what they want.

[@DThompson55]

Something's definitely changed at G&L/BBE.

[@johnnorth9355]

A wise person will never join in a race to the bottom which is exactly what you are busy avoiding very successfully Richard and for this you should feel pride. There is no or very little profit and certainly no joy on the way down, just a terrible sense of enduring constant BS. My first guitar was a Tokai thinline tele that I always regret having sold (money was tight in the 70's and 80's). Stay strong and above all believe.

[@myrio1]

Are you saying "Indonesia Korg factory" or Kor, Core, etc... Not quite clear. Please inform?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

? Cort

[@wang22]

Quartz

[@daveowens]

Tokai’s are fantastic instruments!

[@grubbetuchus]

Instead of emails, tweets, facebook, and the like, did you ever try making an actual phone call to either G&L or to your distributor? If so, how did those phone calls go?

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

lol.

[@pastorkev777]

Big Swifty Did we watch the same video. He definitely discussed this.

[@grubbetuchus]

Maybe I missed that part. I watched the whole video. I know how frustrating it can be to deal with middlemen (distributors) and to put up with bad customer service. These are people who don't understand the value of appreciating just what a customer (both the end user and also the retailer who sells to the end user) is in the supply chain of production. Without a customer there is no proper reason for a company to exist. I heard the emails and the tweets, etc. If there was a phone call to G&L then I missed that part.

[@daveharris4032]

Cheer up Rich, at least you don't have to deal with Gibson......

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

That thought ALWAYS brings a comforting smile to my face..... (and a cold shudder when I reminisce)

[@richardharrold9736]

Really? Reverend always had a good reputation, Andertons started stocking them on the basis of recommendation & introduction by Joe Leach at Riff City.

[@leftyamazed]

Richard, you probably know more about this than me, but I received an email today from Dist X Distribution (Blackstar?) to say they are now the distributor for G&L. I hope this means positivity is restored to your relationship with this brand.

[@RichardsGuitarshop]

Thanks Jason. Yes indeed. The story isn't over yet however they are looking at ways of filling the gap until new stock arrives in the Autumn. Fingers crossed we may have a solution for some of the customers with back orders! Thanks for your concern.

[@TCBliss]

What about US made G & L's?

[@ald7248]

A lot of non-USA dealers got bit on the Tribute line because of a mess-up on G&L's part with the CITES regulation. The Cortek factory in Indonesia was very late to stop using Rosewood in the Tributes (they were using them right up to 2017) - which caused a regulatory nightmare for G&L. They've been forced to cover their tracks because this could have killed them outright as a company. Lots of unfulfilled orders for their dealers and G&L has had to eat a lot of money on this one.

[@rsmallfield]

If I lived in the UK, I’d go out of my way to buy my next guitar from you.

[@markbornais2589]

If that's how they treat you, I'd find a replacement line.

[@DeadKoby]

In talking to an indie Gibson dealer... there's woes between the independent mind, and the corporate group think.

[@animus13racer]

i bought a jay turser mosman and fell in love with it for some reason haha. i didnt want to because its a cheap guitar but its good wood good workmanship and fits like a glove. anyway i wanted another one so i contacted a few dealers and they had none they all said contact jay turser so i did. word for word jay tursers costumer service told me they dont have any so i should check goodwill haha

[@bjm9650]

DAMN THE MAN