SAM ASH IS CLOSING!!! What's REALLY happening?! An ex MANAGER's Experience.

[@PatPosse]

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[@mutantryeff]

Hopefully Skip's Music in Sacramento doesn't also fail after Skip passed away as they shutdown the 1st store and went to a huge store. No idea if they kept the other stores open or not.

[@PatPosse]

I hope not!

[@raymondjamesrivera]

End of an era but I can’t say I’ll miss it; I used to love going to music row on 48 street in NYC but my experience was that the people who worked the stores there were always rude. It was never a nice experience. So when I found that great customer experience with a smaller store (that is still around) I just started shopping there. Then the internet came along and Sam Ash just didn’t adapt.

[@PatPosse]

I am glad you did. Sam Ash and GC just can't compete with the smaller stores on a human level. TBH I saw so many people come and go on my SamAsh years that it became clear that we were all replaceable. The pay was not something to write home about either but on smaller stores you might get paid the same (or maybe even less) but if you feel valued and a part of something, you do it with a smile on your face...

[@peterb1277]

I loved Manny’s with all the photos on the wall. Used to see a lot of famous musicians there over the years. Made it a fun experience.

[@PatPosse]

@@peterb1277 I never even got to go to Manny's 😪

[@stopthehate1749]

​​​​​​​​@@PatPosseI live in NYC, and I went to Mannys pretty regularly from the late 80's, until they "closed". Back then it was a great experience to goto 48th Street Music Row. Eventually Sam Ash bought up most of the music stores on that block - including Mannys. From 99' until Mannys "closed" (09') they were under Sam Ash ownership. When they moved from 48th to 34th street, that block looked desolate for years. Even though they are family run, they still shared that same corporate mentality of buying up all the competition. Ironically, now they can't make enough profit to justify keeping that flagship Manhattan "super store" on 34th street open. Btw, I worked for both GC (07'-09') and Sam Ash (09'-11'). By then, music instrument sales were slumping, but GC and Sam Ash were too slow too adapt to the realities of on line competition, and ever increasing rents.

[@thespadestable]

Music Row served a purpose back in the 70's and 80's, but even by the mid-80's a shift away from 48th St. had begun. And it never returned.

[@mikepalmieri3375]

Sad I got my first “real” guitar (Martin D18) in 1969 from Sam Ash in NYC on music row. Still have it and play it also have the hand written receipt $250 case included.

[@PatPosse]

Wow ! Thats amazing!! A piece of history right there!!

[@db_98765]

Music Row! I miss Manny's!

[@PatPosse]

@@db_98765 I hear it was awesome...

[@warnutztheloser]

wow thats incredible

[@elwalker9034]

That's cool. You must love that thing to pieces.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

All the problems you experienced at Sam Ash are the same problems that Guitar Center has been going through for at least the last 15 years or longer. Their biggest problem was screwing their sales people and the customers. Which created a huge turn over in employees. Most people didn't stay more than a few months once they got tired of the managements excuses for the corporations crooked operations.

[@PatPosse]

Totally! The amount of people I’ve seen come and go is ridiculous!

[@jameshansen8931]

Yeah. And it didn't help that at most locations they only hired brain dead morons who can't answer basic questions, don't play an instrument, and have zero interest in music.

[@FanaticDrummer]

Retail is retail.

[@PatPosse]

I’ll be the devils advocate here and say that’s the only people that applied for them jobs 😅

[@Michael-F4ul5kzbuck]

when i went to Guitar Center they seemed like they liked my visits and enjoyed there customers and at Sam Ash they could care less...

[@sword-and-shield]

Brick and mortar shops are always about having things in stock. If they say to me we can get it for you, I walk and say I can get it for myself. Their main value will always be in having it today.

[@PatPosse]

Exactly!!

[@Hugh_Manitee]

Same here. If I can get it in stock at GC or Sweetwater, I'll go there.

[@PatPosse]

Exactly. Thats why they need to have it there… that’s their only shot at your business.

[@MrChopsticktech]

I am patient enough to wait for things. Better to order something and pick it up at a store where I can take it back if I don't like it than to deal with getting stuff shipped to my house, having to make sure I am there when it gets delivered and shipping stuff back if I have a problem or I don't like something.

[@sword-and-shield]

@@MrChopsticktech Valid point for sure, very rare these days for me that I have to ship "anything" back delivered. It is not that I would never order from a Brick and Mortar, just far more rare these days.

[@IslandDigital]

I worked there many years in 86-90 2000-2003 lots going on back then too. Pro audio never worked, stores were mess. But The Ash family were very kind, nice family.

[@PatPosse]

Nice, yeah the Ash family was great. I only met one of the "kids" on the fourth generation but Sammy, Jerry and Richard were super cool. What location were you in?

[@r2db]

I never had issues as a customer, and I had purchased a decent amount of Pro Audio gear (for a 1-person company anyway) around 1999-2002. I guess it was location-dependent.

[@PatPosse]

Totally. It depends on location, staff and even the day… we all have off days. That doesn’t make it right though…

[@angusorvid8840]

I've been going to the Sam Ash on Sunset in Hollywood since 1986. I'm sad to hear it's closing. It was a happening store at the height of hair metal. I bought a lot of gear there and had my guitars worked on by some great techs.

[@PatPosse]

I would have LOVED to visit the stores back then when metal was booming!! It’s hard to even find videos of that time online but I can’t help but wonder what it would’ve been like to walk the strip and just absorbe the energy and bump elbows with so many axe men!

[@jsamc]

Right across the street from Guitar Center. I'm surprised that store is closing.

[@PatPosse]

That’s crazy.

[@laurenceholland8465]

Companies end up creating their own demise by bloated, inefficient, out of touch policies. I went into Sam Ash my first time a couple months ago just to pick up a set of guitar strings. 2 sales guys hanging around talking never once acknowledged me or asked to help. Then the Sales Mgr came out and started a sales meeting 10 ft away and I didn't want to interrupt and waited patiently while he tried to motivate his staff to make sales. Meanwhile, I'm still standing there and no one approached me or offered to help. Finally, after the meeting finished i had to go up and ASK a sales person for help so I could check out. One of the worst customer service experiences I've ever had.

[@PatPosse]

That is RIDICULOUS! And having a staff meeting during open hours? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@555_Lady_JB]

Sounds like the Clearwater location. We purposely went to that store to keep them going even when SW was cheaper BUT their staff were just Not Cool and it made us sad.

[@edwardrichard5665]

They are closing. Sorry Dude.

[@PatPosse]

@@edwardrichard5665 yup. There's an updated video to this topic. This video is over a month old...

[@bunkie2100]

I lived within walking distance of 48th Street and shopped all the music stores on “music row”. 48th Street was convenient to a lot of the subway lines which made stopping by on my way home from work easy. The new location on 32nd street all the way over on the west side was far less convenient, so I only went there occasionally. It is hard to overstate the scale of the disastrous destruction of “music row” by the powers that be be in NYC. The cultural heart of the entire NYC band scene was cut out in the pursuit of real estate profits. Bloody shame….

[@Joeh1154]

I worked sales for Ash from 1987 through 2000. In that time I worked in the Queens, NY store and I have noticed the store closing sign which is there as of today 3/23/'24. We ultimately went to full commissioned sales and I have to say, it was like giving yourself a raise as the business flourished. Ash also bought out Manny's Music on W.48th. I also worked as a buyer and we were in the offices on W.48th Street (Music row). Ultimately we were moved to corporate in Hicksville, NY. I knew Jerry, Paul, David, Sammy, Richie and Bernice (Jerry's Wife and head of sheet music). Those were wonderful days and now three of them are gone. I can understand closing some stores and consolidating their holdings. I got plenty of gigs over the years through my association with Ash and it's a shame that the Manhattan store is scheduled for closing.

[@PatPosse]

That's awesome! Is Bernice still around? (probably not...) she was also in charge of Lessons if I'm not mistaken. She was very opinionated (and mostly wrong) but I know she had our best interest at heart... same with most of the Ash family tbh. It's sad to see stores close but it might be time to condense down...

[@Joeh1154]

@@PatPosse Bernice passed some time before Jerry but I'm not sure exactly when. And yes, she was challenging though not in the stores much. Hey Pat, do you know Steve Price? He was the guitar manager in Queens but he went to Florida when it first opened. One last thing, my Brother in law owns property in California and he and his partners rent out space to Ash. I think it's the store in Torrance, CA. I mentioned to him about the closings and he said they were called to renegotiate the price of Ash's store rental lease.

[@PatPosse]

Wow that’s cool! As far as Steve Price… I’ve heard of him, it sounds very familiar.. he might have been the Store Manager at the Margate location, store 32 I believe… if that’s the case then yes! I’ve talked to him several times.

[@wack8589]

​@PatPosse Only, one store did lessons in NYC. That also hurt business

[@PatPosse]

That sucks… was there any particular reason why? Maybe there weren’t any room for them… or was it a union thing? Lol

[@weesnaw1580]

I just heard that all the stores are closing and the first video that comes up is from the perspective of the stores in my city 😂. This clears up a lot I've always wondered about how the stores were operated. I was at the miami lakes store about a month ago when they started the closing sales and im sad to see the brand go but I can't say I've had too many good times there. Trading something in was a whole day event for some reason and the guitars at dolphin mall were always tied down, and there was never anyone around in the guitar section. This also explains why when i bought an acoustic guitar there i had no choice but to buy the display model. Guitar center was always a better experience anyway and good riddance to that POS website.

[@PatPosse]

I am sad to see it go but I’ve left Ash 10 years ago and from the comment section here I’ve found it’s only gotten worse… I guess it was a long time coming…

[@jebj1]

I used to shop at Sam Ash in Forest Hills NY from 1992-1994. Store was filled with angry hair metal musicians that were upset because their bands were failing because grunge was taking over.I turned 18 in 1994 and got $10,000 from a lawsuit when I was a kid. I was more than happy to drop every penny at Sam Ash. I wanted a Black Tama Artstar 2, a bunch of Zildians, heavy duty stands and hard cases for everything. The prick salesman actually said " Oh, another Dave Grohl wanna be" After a few choice words back to him, me and my 10 Grand left and went to Long Island Drum Center in Flushing and made them very happy.

[@PatPosse]

Good for you!! I have a similar story were I went to GC and asked for the guitar Brian May was holding on a picture (little did I know there weren't very many replicas around) and the salesman scoffed at me and said "you'll never have a guitar like that". I've had 4 and kept the best one. I hope he reads this one day lol

[@chicagojeff]

Dude that was well done. Thanks. You explained it very concisely..

[@PatPosse]

Thank you brother!! Some people said it was click bait so this validation is well appreciated 😁😁

[@zplapplap]

Yeah. I agree. Both the content and presentation is excellent.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you!! 😁😁

[@topcat9516]

Very informative & appreciated view of the retail music industry. Sam Ash is Music history (48th st) nyc. Always sad to see things that were end up things that are real in these days . However everyone needs to keep up with the times otherwise this is what can happen. Hope to hear they resurrect. Btw. Nice backdrop Florida rain & I'm sure that wasn't editing ?? software.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you very much!! Haha it was not added on post. It was pouring! Alas, I am in Buenos Aires at the moment (hence the newly acquired accent from listening and speaking Spanish 24/7 lol) but yeah I did remind me of rainstorms back home

[@jakebackman1862]

I worked at Sam Ash store 02 in NY and you hit the nail on the head entirely. The “commission” structure was completely a sham. Most people in my store never made any commission. The people that did only ever saw it 1 or 2 months out of the year. They sold it to you during the job interview as “minimum wage plus commission”, but it was really minimum wage with extra steps. We also had mad issues with stock. A purchasing manager once told me “don’t order any PRS guitars, we owe them a lot of money. Try selling people on Epiphones and Gibsons” There’s so much more i could say. How the extended service plans screwed over technicians, how the “family owned” nature led to nepotism, management just simply not listening, etc.

[@PatPosse]

Exactly.. I see it wasn't really a matter of distance since you experienced the same issues back at store 02! I remember not stocking Gibsons for some contractual BS and the PRS shortage as well... that's not a good look on a store as big as SamAsh...

[@Dontloseyourlight100]

Great insight Pat, thanks man. My parents purchased my first guitar in 1983 at the 48th St store in Manhattan. It was the Japanese made Aria Pro II ZZ Deluxe in white; I was 13yrs old. Imagine waking in to church with this insane guitar in the 80's when heavy metal was considered the devils' s music. It was hilarious. I still have it. Thanks again for this post.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you for that comment and for sharing that story! That rules!! Reminds me of when I used to wear cannibal corpse shirts in the 00s to a mostly hip-hop/reggeaton school in Miami lol. I’m sure we both got the same sorts of looks hahaha. That rules!

[@luigigunner]

As an ex-employee of Guitar Center, everything you have mentioned is going on at GC as well! The smaller stores are hurting with employees that are only there to earn a paycheck but have zero knowledge of gear. They try to up-sale shit that you have no need for and also...employees that seem to have recently graduated from highschool.🤣🤣🤣

[@PatPosse]

That also happens and will hurt their credibility big time… remember Best Buy trying to pull that shit? How’d that go for them? You need to have knowledgeable staff to help out and get the customer the service they need, otherwise, what’s the advantage over buying online?

[@nerychristian]

True. And it seems like their stores are always short staffed. It takes forever to get anyone to help you. I have walked out a couple of times because I couldn't find someone to help me. And yeah, you are right, GC used to have knowledgeable staff. Now it seems like they hire anyone to work there.

[@luigigunner]

@@nerychristian it’s hard to hire people with knowledge when the pay sucks! Another issue I had was for example: if I sold a Black Les Paul Studio, it would get replaced with exactly the same guitar. They wouldn’t send something else instead.

[@nerychristian]

@@luigigunner I mean, i don't expect them to be pro musicians. But at least know what the names of the products are.

[@PatPosse]

Dude you nailed it!! I had that same convo with my then Manager Dave. They would just refill the same order over and over. Always the same guitars because they were “proven to sell” but that drove people away… there was never anything new or exciting

[@user-tc5pl3zw3h]

This was a really amazing discussion of business strategies and KPI. I would love for corporate to engage all of the managers who think like you, and get them in an advisory committe to prevent this kind of stuff from repeating and growing out of control. They seem to have too many people in the wrong places, and not enough people in the right places. Keep up the updates. And good luck with that rain! Was that a hurricane? It sounded like you were in a car wash.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you brother!! I appreciate the support and the positive comment... made my day! I doubt Sam Ash will come crawling back looking for old Pat but I do with them the best and I hope this is the beginning of a new plan moving forward. I'm gonna try to get in touch with some of my old peers and see what they think about this and if they have any updates to hook me up with! Thanks for watching and commenting and nope, it was not a hurricane, just heavy rain lol the water drops were huge , at least the house and car got cleaned hahaha!!!

[@freddyferrillo9704]

In Florida, when it rains, it pours. Litteraly! It happens almost every day at about 2pm in the summer months. Huge raindrops! But it doesn't last long. I live very very close to Sam Ash in Margate. He mentioned that store in this video. There is also a GC very near by too. In Coconut Creek. It's not far from Sam Ash. 10 minutes apart by car. Even faster on a motorcycle! I shop at both very often. Peace.

[@PatPosse]

Oh yeah… I remember daily showers 🤦🏻‍♂️ last July when I was there it rained EVERY DAY for two weeks straight…

[@freddyferrillo9704]

@@PatPosse Correct!

[@ntxmt]

Very interesting. Not surprising though. CEO's and such are often times isolated from reality and this is what happens.

[@PatPosse]

Hi there... totally! I think it got too big too fast and they just couldn't keep up. It got out of hand... AND... our Regional Manager (cool dude I suppose) was NOT even from our region, he just moved down there for the gig...

[@ntxmt]

@@PatPosseIt is too bad. I've found Sam Ash to be a wonderful alternative to GC

[@PatPosse]

Oh, me too! I am team SamAsh all the way!!

[@DanzoSrife]

It would have been cool if I met you while I was at Sam Ash, I'm 100% sure I'd get the help I need. So sad that you cared too much, but not the business you worked in.

[@PatPosse]

My dream is to run my own Guitar Shop. I hope that eventually happens… 😁😁

[@vincentrockel1149]

All corporations are working hard to disconnect the consumer from both their money and the ability to get accountability from the company. They want a computer screen between you and their business.

[@PatPosse]

True. Lower overhead and operative costs=more profit in lieu of customer service.

[@OakLawnSpeedShop]

No truer words ever. Profitability without responsibility or accountability.

[@PatPosse]

@@OakLawnSpeedShop Exactly. Sad though...

[@connor_flanigan]

truer than ever now that they have price fixing - they don't even have to negotiate price.

[@FanaticDrummer]

Retail is retail. Selling instruments doesnt change that. It only makes musicians hate the industry lol

[@NottyGurlStyle]

My friend and I use to go to Sam Ash in Brooklyn in the 90s and when I got into rock music I wanted to learn how to play guitar..so Sam Ash was the place I went to get my first guitar. It was a cool place to be just to learn music and just watch other people jam. Fast forward I work right by the Manhattan location and I was shocked to see the store closing sign. I hate seeing that especially when these stores has been around for years…but yeah Manhattan rents are high as hell and I’m not sure if the high demand for instruments are the same as in the early days…still sad to see them go but I hope they still find away to keep the name around and continue to sell and be a resource to those coming into wanting to learn music and play instruments. Every now and then I love to go in and walk around play the piano or pick up a guitar…definitely sad to hear they closing stores…

[@PatPosse]

Hey man... I would just love to have seen the stores back then!! Yeah it's pretty sad but at least I don't think they are entirely away (for a while...).

[@BoProSound]

Fantastic observations and assessment of the Sam Ash business. Everything you reviewed is applicable to every retailer in the country, musical or not. Should be used as a case study. I think you have a future career in consulting. Great job.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you very much! I highly doubt it lol 🤣. I would be open to it though 😁😁. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@HBlatz87]

I worked at the original store (Brooklyn NY) for 3 years around the same time you did. I don't miss trying to sell chipped and dinged floor models cause it was all we had in stock. Had to discount them and that cut into commissions so we barely ever saw above base pay. I'm actually a little surprised that they're not doing well financially considering they sure as hell didn't pay their employees anything close to a livable wage lol I understand the rise of online shopping, but for something like a guitar you'd arguably wanna feel it in your hands before deciding to buy it. Then again Keyboards/Pro Audio was where the money was really made and you can get that stuff without worrying too much about "feel". Also wow I didn't realize Sammy passed. Truth be told he was kind of a dick but I wouldn't wish him harm or anything. And I can def confirm closing Manhattan was for rent reasons. NY prob has the highest rents in the entire country by a sizable margin.

[@PatPosse]

Hey man! Thanks for commenting, that answers a few questions and I agree 100% with guitars “needing to be played” but where most of the money is being able to “touch it before you buy” doesn’t make a difference. I remember taking hits on floor models as well 🤬. Thanks for clearing out the rent issue with I suspected… I wonder if they’ll relocate it at some point…

[@IndyRockStar]

The Sam Ash on Colonial Blvd in Orlando is closing, and I'm super happy about that. Every single person, except for the live sound guy, are jerks. I only buy high end gear, and I couldn't get a single person in that store to help me, except the live sound guy.

[@PatPosse]

Sadly that seems to be the norm at Sam Ash stores according to most comments… 😔

[@nixondutes3550]

Thank you so much for clearing the air about some of sam ash stores closings.❤

[@PatPosse]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting 😁😁

[@jmj002vp]

What a great analysis. Really insightful. A reminder that businesses are often closed when the founder stays too long.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you! I appreciate the positive comment! 😁

[@stevetoro5216]

Pat!! Great video! Good to see you doing what you do. Just found out that Sam Ash is completely going bankrupt. Very sad but we all new it was inevitable. All stores are closing. And just to put the nail in the coffin, GC just opened up a new store in Hialeah. What a kick in the ass! Take care brother!

[@PatPosse]

Steve-O!!!!!!! Dude, no way!! First of all, I never thought I’d get a comment from you, that rules!! Thanks for that… I would love to catch up! I heard you left a while back and I was surprised to find that out. I know how hard you worked to get to the top and I also know that once you got there it was a crap fest beyond repair… (and that you had no backing from corporate). That really sucks that SamAsh is going under… I suspected it might be but I guess I didn’t want to believe it. Apparently carrying on the legacy and its heritage wasn’t worth the effort at this point… sad times indeed. Anyways, hit me up on IG like a man if you want! I’d love to know what you are up to nowadays!

[@DanzoSrife]

I really wanted to like Sam Ash as its closer, but the one by me gets destroyed in every way by Guitar Center. The Sam's here never has any good Rhoads, or good Vs or any guitar that they might think could get damaged. Its prob the customers fault but I have seen very few guitars above low-mid budget here for most brands except for Gibson that are very high on the wall. If you ask them for help they just tell you to grab it yourself. I almost fumbled one of the guitars but luckily no accident happened as it was too high for me. The one or two people there just don't care about helping anyone and they have such poor selection and not very competitive prices. I don't know this might be why its shutting stores. Reverb and and online buying is also always available.

[@PatPosse]

That’s sad… they might be underpaid or under appreciated… and that’s why they act like that. Then again, management might just be too lazy to care lol

[@glennbzt]

I remember sam ash 48th street..back in 70’s with we buy guitars..mannys..Rudy’s music stop ..great times..sadly it’s a different world now …I tried to buy a used tone king gremlin from Sam ash listing .on reverb ..horrible customer service …the item wasn’t in stock girl on phone was rude …and not interested …as I paid for it …finally got refund …greed poor decision making usually leads to demise

[@PatPosse]

I'm sorry you had to go through that. SamAsh's online experience is definitely not their strong suit...

[@free_electron]

Had an awful interaction at the Charlotte NC store. Was using the enclosed music room to play a half stack with cash in my pocket to potentially buy. A sales person on the floor trying to sell to two parents a starter guitar and amp told me to turn it down so much it might as well be turned off. The doors were closed to the room. I bought nothing and walked out and never returned again. They favored introduction lessons and cheap gear and the quality of gear declined as did their customer service for gigging pros. I can’t say I’ll miss Sam ash.

[@PatPosse]

Wow, that blows. They probably assumed that sale was a sure sale and yours wasn't. We didn't have those isolated booths but we always told people to blast it for a few minutes then turn it down. Also, we would tell everyone else to brace themselves cause it was about to get noisy!. Let 'er rip and then back to business as usual... One thing was always stressed though, don't ever assume someone is NOT buying!!

[@luckymanham302]

I worked at the Franklin Mills (Philadelphia) location over a decade ago. Sales associates get paid commission, and we got paid more commission to sell the cheaper house brand drum kits and whatnot vs a Pearl, Tama or Yamaha kit. We would get our eardrums beat up daily for not selling, meanwhile the foot traffic was mainly people who had no cash or desire to buy anything musical. It was far from an ideal situation or location.

[@PatPosse]

Yeah cause it was based off of GP (gross profit) and the cheap house brands had huge margins. I think GC actually paid commission on the sale total and not the items…

[@luckymanham302]

@@PatPosse that would have been a more reasonable way of doing things. Sell a $2000 Pearl kit and get $10 commission. Sell a Groove Percussion kit for $399 and I’d get $35 commission. I believe electronic kits like Roland had decent commission pay, but that was about it, and we didn’t get ANYONE looking to buy a $5000 electronic kit. All we got was kids wanting to come in and make a ruckus.

[@PatPosse]

Yeah I remember that and having arguments with staff that was pushing the $60 Carlo Robelli Classicals (at 20 dollar commission) instead of the $99 Ibanez (that made us $4)...

[@MrDnkyKng]

Well this aged poorly-Sam Ash just sent an email company wide that the company will be closing unless it can find a buyer(unlikely). Source-I worked there until last month and got the email

[@PatPosse]

Yup, like fine milk! I heard about it two days ago and I am waiting for an official release or something but I’m still shocked!

[@bryanp8010]

They ruled the 90s, they suck now. Me n my friends drove 40 minutes at 17yo just to go there every weekend. I went to one recently and the place was empty and uninspiring. Bye!

[@PatPosse]

That sucks.. they failed to adapt and slim down...

[@danthegeetarman]

All very good points. I hope this is actually a sign of their plans to move forward leaner and stronger

[@PatPosse]

Thanks man! Yeah, for sure… I hope this is part of a new and better strategy…

[@danthegeetarman]

@@PatPosse yep 🤞🤞🤞

[@PatPosse]

Let’s see what the new generation can do 🤘🏻

[@leecornwell5632]

God 🙏 is gonna work it out some where and some how. Put it in God hands .

[@warwick724]

Sam Ash was a horrible store, customer service was a o out of 10, When I was in this store in KOP PA other people I had never met actually walked out at the same time because of the rude employees , The 3 people that walked with me Had intentions of a big purchase as I did myself and went to Sweetwater instead.

[@PatPosse]

Wow that’s crazy! I think I read the most and biggest complaints on this comment section about that particular store. They really did suck big time apparently and according to y’all!! Those are the ones I won’t feel so bad about…

[@williamlangan5902]

My brother told me about Sam Ash. It sounded like a cool place to window shop. It’s sad but hopefully, like you said, they’ll open doors somewhere else!

[@PatPosse]

I wonder... I know rent is high in Manhattan but maybe they can move into a smaller, better laid out property...

[@cjdm2667]

Customer Service killed them in the Edison NJ store - never had what i was looking for - they would say we can order it for you!!! I want it now not wait another 2 weeks!!!!

[@PatPosse]

At that point we are just competing with online stores. Having it there is KEY

[@jeremykemmerer7169]

Every time I went to a Sam ash store and looked at used guitars I always see broken strings missing strings knobs missing switches missing chipped bodies something and im like you want how much for that? And that turned me off from Sam ash and I went to guitar center now at my local guitar center im noticing the same thing I'm in Tampa and the bad thing is all that I mentioned and add on no staff 1 guy at the register and he's running around doing 3 or 4 peoples job at the same time while cashing people out i feel sorry for him.

[@PatPosse]

That's awful. Used gear is a very complex ground for these stores because of costs and overhead prices... I need to make a video about how it works (I've made one a long time ago but no one watched it lol). I think it would be a real eye opener. It sucks, but it makes sense.

[@stephentoback]

Great video! I worked for Guitar Center when it was privately owned and only a dozen or so stores in the early 90s. I worked in their advertising department. I always like Sam Ash more. The used gear part is the hardest blow. If you buy new gear, you don't necessarily need to play it first, but used gear its pretty critical.

[@PatPosse]

Nice!! I'm, sure you got a thing or two to add to my video! I've always wondered how the Advertising Department worked on other (better advertised) music companies... At Ash it was next to null and pretty bad when they did run ads... Used Gear is definitely overlooked at Ash and from what I've gathered, they haven't gotten any better (and might not)

[@Will-d1n4b]

I used to hang out at Sam Ash in the 70's by today's standards every guitar they had is a priceless classic now

[@PatPosse]

True. It’s amazing isn’t it?

[@philo5096]

Guitar shops are like sporting good stores, they are always empty and its embarrassing to be there sometimes.

[@PatPosse]

YES!! Especially when they are called “Dicks”! Hahaha sorry I couldn’t help it 🤣

[@johndaugherty4127]

I like that they have a realistic flat shipping rate of $12.50

[@PatPosse]

That IS cool! and If dropped shipped to a store it used to be free. I don't know if it is anymore...

[@descargamusicalny]

I remember appying for a job at the 48th street location back in 1998. Everything was good until the manager told me about the pay, just as you mentioned, you have to go abouve the pay rate in order to collect on commissions. Also he wanted me to work 6 days a week including weekneds. He said to me "we are all musicians so every one is expected to work on weekends if needed". I actually never worked there once he told me that. I felt it could be difficult to pass that threshold weekly given the amount of salespeople they had.

[@stradaveriusfiddle]

The guy who was hiring says ‘we are all musicians, so everyone is expected to work on the weekends?’ That translates to; ‘I haven’t been a real musician in so long that I forgot what it really is to be an authentic musician.’ Mega music stores like these are going to continue to slowly fade away, unless they get honest with themselves, and admit that a business like Sweetwater has been going in the right direction with the better policies that they have been working with. They all have to realize that many of the musicians who apply for a sales position, can potentially have better ideas about how to advance their business, than many of the guys who are sitting around at corporate headquarters.

[@PatPosse]

All things you mentioned are spot on. I remember every weekend there was an issue with someone playing… what was worse is that since management hated that and wouldn’t give you a day off “‘cause you had a gig” people would just call in sick on the day of instead of telling you in advance so you could schedule staff and meeting accordingly… and yeah, playing and instrument and being a musician, and being an active musician are very different things…

[@Stryngz21]

Thanks for sharing this post I was a dept manager at store 4 Forest Hills NY 04-09. I bought a Godin Multiac for myself Christmas 2023 from store 7 Manhattan. Very light traffic in both stores for the last few years. I think Bklyn is still open for now. Sad to see my favorite music stores close.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you for watching and commenting!! Glad to see at least Brooklyn survive. I am surprised at the Manhattan store closing but no business + sky high rent prices = failure.

[@madcowamplification2263]

Sadly this video hasn't aged well. A month later and Sam Ash has decided close all their locations.

[@PatPosse]

It’s crazy…. It aged like fine milk

[@freakbiker]

I worked at 48th street Sam Ash and previous to that Carle Place, Queens, Huntington and Hempstead when Jerry was still running that store and it was their headquarters before opening the Hicksville office. I will say when I worked there from the early 80s through the mid 90s. it was a completely different business. Jerry was definitely not the problem, Paul maybe was a little stubborn. But Sammy was the most passionate of them all, I considered him my friend and still can't believe he's gone. But even the last few years Sam Ash stores always were way better than GC. I don't know if it's the opposite problem but here in NY GC stores really lack good product. Plus putting mid to high level guitars way up on the wall is just dumb. Back in the 80s you can pull off a Strat American Std or a Les Paul Std from the wall without having us salesmen involved. It just worked. I won't buy from GC because of it.

[@PatPosse]

Nice to have a fellow Asher here backing me up. Paul WAS super stubborn though I do believe his heart was in the right place. Sammy was definitely the musician in the family! It's crazy that he is gone... truly. Had few interactions with Jerry but he was not as involved (at least with our stores down there...). I saw the industry change from 2007 to 2010... I can't even begin to think how awesome the 80s might have been!!!

[@Darth.Shredder]

I had to have met you at some point... I spent time at every store you worked at back in the 80's and 90's. I lived near the Hempstead store as a kid, then the Forest Hills one later on (when Steve Price was there before he went to 48th St). I'd hop the train from Forest Hills to 48th St. at least once a week. Later on when I went to college (Nassau) I used to go to the Carle Place location (I remember when it opened) and drove out to the Huntington store every month or so.

[@PatPosse]

That's awesome!

[@robertglica5153]

Thats a shame, do you have a list of stores my store is a small one in philadelphia

[@PatPosse]

Indeed. No list has been released yet… the stores themselves do know but it hasn’t been released to the public as far as I know…

[@justinrivera7471]

I don't love the Sam Ash closures bc I live in NYC and did really like the Manhattan store at a time, but I went in there one last time the other day, and grabbed a blonde figured 335 w/ a headstock repair at an awesome price, they are very open to negotiation rn Also have one of those 90th anniversary candy apple red strats they did back in 2014 and I bought new, it's my favorite strat.

[@Afterlife.online]

would u happen to know when the 34th st location actually closes?trying to make it to the sales haha

[@PatPosse]

Those CAR Strats are killer!!

[@PatPosse]

No clue.

[@lesliel1182]

Guitar center soon to follow. Last I was there, the employees had a first class shit attitude, couldn't wait to get out of there and vowed never to return.

[@PatPosse]

I’ve had similar experiences at GC. It really gets down to the salesman and store for the most part. There’s awesome dudes and some shitty clerks.

[@i-tiyahman6519]

You can’t pay rent by selling 1 guitar 🎸 a day

[@PatPosse]

Nope.

[@edp6619]

That pay structure is horrendous. The owners should be ashamed of themselves especially since they were told what would sell in the stores (based on its market) but insisted on keeping everything cookie cutter.

[@PatPosse]

Yeah… the “we know better” mentality…

[@rvierra7235]

I am a Jazzmaster and Jaguar guy. Over the years I have bought a number of each. Every time I was actively seeking to make a buy, I would go to Sam Ash, and tell the sales guy what I wanted. The kid, who knew next to nothing for the most part, would try and sell me a wall (display) guitar or a Strat. I NEVER buy wall (display) guitars anywhere. Sam Ash made me decide that. One day while in a Sam Ash, I saw one of the sales kids drop an American Made Strat from about 8 feet high. Landed on the rear strap button and crashed. And guess what the sales kid does......yep, straight back up onto the hangar. At any rate, I would tell the sales guys at Sam Ash, get me 3 of whatever model it was I wanted. They would always say they could, but never did. When I spend $1k+ on an stick, I am choosing the one I want, not the only one (display) you have. Many times, Sam Ash could have made a sale on me, but never did because in my opinion, they simply did not understand what the customer expects and requires. Many of my guitars came from Wildwood, which I did not actually visit to inspect the guitar(s). But what Wildwood will do, is post pics of everything they have. And, they will send you close up pictures (a lot of them) of every inch of the guitar and serial number, so you know what you are getting, no flim-flam, no B.S. You can literally inspect the wood grain on every part of the guitar(s) you are interested in. I would hope when Sam Ash emerges from the fog, they improve a lot of things, and put the customer first.

[@PatPosse]

Wow, that’s awesome. As far as Ash goes, you won’t find more than 2 (if that) of the same guitar over $1000. It comes down to having as many different guitar choices as possible within the same budget.

[@RavenMadd9]

Wow .,.....internet adds to it .....sorry brother

[@PatPosse]

Yeah…

[@marcusvideo3533]

Not sad they were rude...and arrogant...and never felt comfortable walking in there.....customer service support sucks

[@PatPosse]

Im sorry that was your experience. That shouldn’t happen at any store…

[@MobileDecay]

That was my experience as well.

[@PatPosse]

Damn it!

[@bobgrayson6220]

Hopefully they will come back...

[@PatPosse]

They are not going anywhere… just closing 18 stores. (Unless you mean a particular store)

[@RobertCarter7512]

Dam i didn't know that ou h that hurt that it's closing

[@PatPosse]

Sucks!!

[@pixelmaverick7812]

Click bait. Your thumbnail reads "1924-2024". 10 seconds into the video you state they are not closing down but closing SOME stores. At least change the thumbnail.

[@PatPosse]

I don’t think you understand how thumbnails work.

[@pixelmaverick7812]

@@PatPosse And that response right there is why you have that thumbnail. Yikes. Down voted.

[@PatPosse]

I’ll survive.

[@christianhelwig]

I'm actually not surprised Sam Ash is closing stores. Sam Ash, in my state, has been bad for definitely over 10 years. I am however, shocked that they are closing NYC. I haven't been there since the 90s. Guitar Center also declined like Sam Ash here.

[@PatPosse]

Where are you located? It seems to be the norm though… Manhattan is shocking!

[@christianhelwig]

My buddy lives in Brooklyn, and he said the same. I live in Connecticut. New Haven is the location. They downsized the store's sf, and I have no interest in it since min. of 10 yrs ago.

[@PatPosse]

wow

[@marshallohio5512]

Listen Kids, all brick and mortar stores today are obsolete! Since Covid, The New Economy 😞 has had a major negative impact with society in purchasing big ticket items. The Big Box Music Stores push their Credit Card tactic in hoping the customer purchases that high priced Guitar, etc. Clearance on all Chinese guitars with fret sprouts ! The used music gear market is flooded where deals are made, and dreamers are hoping someone will pay that ridiculously high price for their USA Heavy Relic or banged up 80s Japanese guitar. Then there's the Online Sales that makes better sense. I purchased a $700 guitar online, and noticed a slight issue. I contacted seller in making a return refund or an exchange request, but the seller simply refused. Why, because the seller sent me another guitar, and told me do what I wish with the other guitar. Now tell me, what Brick and Motar store comes close to that ? Therefore, Sam Ash had their time, and now it's time to close the doors ! 😢 As for the unkind comments towards S Ash's employees ? Well, think 🤔 about how they emotionally feel knowing that all the years as a loyal employee is coming to end !! 😢 Enough 😢

[@PatPosse]

Wow I’ve never heard of a seller sending a replacement 700 dollar guitar and not asking for the defective one back… mainly because they send it back to the manufacturer for store credit. Only times I’ve seen that happen is when shipping costs will be more expensive than the guitar itself. As for the employees you are 100% right.

[@marshallohio5512]

@@PatPosse True story.. I sent pictures of truss rod off-center in neck channel, and it's a pain getting adjustment wrench aligned .. 😕 I was completely willing in sending guitar back for exchange or refund, but another guitar was on the way .. Nevertheless, l really feel for the SA employees. Cheers

[@PatPosse]

@@marshallohio5512 Wow! Just to be clear cause things sometimes get misinterpreted here... I was not not believing you, I was just surprised to read that. That's cool though! and yeah... sucks for the Ash staff.. I hope they find some cool jobs soon!

[@555_Lady_JB]

They are closing all stores then closing online. I just talked to Sam Ash mangers, in Clearwater yesterday.

[@PatPosse]

They are closing ALL of them?????

[@555_Lady_JB]

@@PatPosse yep 1 by 1 liquidation then pop goes the online too! So 😢 sad. The store in Clearwater just stocked up full too, so we hoped for a come back.

[@PatPosse]

Wow that’s crazy.

[@SilverGoldComics]

Good video. I live near the Edison store and just checked their website, but no mention of closing. Sorry if I messed it, but did they set closure dates and are they having liquidation sales? It's a shame closing the NYC store, but I assume they are either getting robbed daily with NY being a safe haven for criminals.

[@PatPosse]

No closing dates have been set yet (that I know of…).

[@petermolin9831]

The Edison store has signs on the door listing reductions on gear and instruments. I was there last week and it was 10% on guitars, more on other instruments and stuff.

[@PatPosse]

Another one bites the dust…

[@thegamingguy1]

My old friend worked at sam ash and he would use hand sanitizer to clean your fretboards. That says everything you need to know about these people.

[@PatPosse]

😣😣🤦🏻‍♂️. Sam Ash provided Lemon Oil!!

[@thegamingguy1]

​@@PatPossethank you!! It's so insane lol he always said the main tech told him it was fine to use, and I'm just like dude he's an idiot too lol

[@PatPosse]

@@thegamingguy1 Hahaha sounds like it! I mean.. it might not be that bad but it's surely unnecessary when SamAsh would provide all the products and tools needed (unless they kept "disappearing")

[@bigmikeyz0071]

I know not all stores are created equal but I love my local Sam Ash. They’ve been a staple in the music industry for years and it’s sad they’re closing so many locations.

[@PatPosse]

Nice! Happy to read that! What location is this?

[@AshanGuitarLessons]

I don't know how my accurate I am since I don't live in the USA. But popularity of online stores like Sweetwater probably contributes to this in at least a small percentage. Saying that I don't think that Sweetwater is doing anything small scale they look to be doing some pretty huge business to me. Reaching international customers like me even through a third party (I can never get stuff from there with all tax and other stuff here) is a huge thing in itself. Sweetwater is probably the number one player in your country currently even though it might not seem like it to people there.

[@PatPosse]

You are right on your assessment. Sweetwater is huge right now (#1) and SamAsh and GC are not doing much to catch up or even adapt to the way of doing business… Sweetwater’s affiliate links and sponsorship programs for KZbinrs is also doing wonders for their business!

[@fernandogastelomusic]

Miami Lakes was my shopping store too 😢. Thank you for all your help when working there and also for all this information. I didn't know there was so much burocracy behind the scenes.

[@PatPosse]

Happy to have helped!! Thanks for watching and commenting 😁🤘🏻

[@chriswright2250]

Miss Lou Rose Music in Edison NJ. ❤

[@PatPosse]

Never been 😅

[@ivsiguitarist]

I had years worth of memories hanging out at the Forest Hills Sam Ash, Queens NY...and over time would go into various stores and they looked shabby, dirty floors, lack of inventory, you could see the lack of motivation in the workers. Guitar Center stores were a breath of fresh air. Always clean with tons of gear to try out. And now with Sweetwater...how could a chain like Sam Ash survive? Great video, Pat!

[@PatPosse]

Your comment makes me sad but it only proves my points. I think it just got out of hand and they weren’t able to keep up with their stores, staff and technology. I hope downsizing and the new blood being in some much needed changes to the chain!

[@Darth.Shredder]

Same here! I spent a ton of time in the Forest Hills store.... decades. So many memories. I started hanging out there as a teen back when guys like Steve Price and Alan (forget his last name, but you'd know him if I described him) were salesmen. Steve wound up playing guitar for Thor and then went on to manage the main store on 48th St (I think he was one of the managers). Coincidentally, years later I moved to Forest Hills and was in walking distance. They definitely had that... "you gonna buy it?" mentality when I first started going in there as a kid but over time they knew I was for real and welcomed me into the circle, so to speak. A couple of them kept telling me I should work there, but as much as I liked hanging out there it didn't seem like the best job. I spent even more time on 48th St, but that's a whole other can of worms and opportunities.

[@ivsiguitarist]

@@Darth.Shredder I used to tease Alan and call him Foghorn Leghorn. I think Baby Huey even came out once...he was a shredder though! I remember Steve, and Mike (Facebook friends with him).

[@Darth.Shredder]

@@ivsiguitarist LOL... so, you knew what I meant when I said you'd know Alan if I described him :). Alan was a cool kat. I also remember a Mike... I don't want to say his last name in public but it started with a "W".

[@stopthehate1749]

I worked at the Forrest Hills store from 09'-11'. (I also worked at the GC in Queens from 07'-09')

[@wadefinch2664]

Now all stores are closing.

[@PatPosse]

That’s some shit isn’t it? 😣

[@paulr.4968]

Very informative.

[@PatPosse]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁😁

[@petermolin9831]

Fascinating inside view--thanks for sharing. I bought both my guitars online from Sam Ash, but bought plenty of strings and accessories from the local brick-and-mortar store, which is now closing. The one bright spot for me is that I have my eye on a couple of guitars on the wall and am hoping prices drop as the store gets closer to closing.

[@PatPosse]

Hey man! Thanks for watching and commenting! A lot got edited out in the interest of keeping it concise and interesting lol. 😂 sad so many are closing 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ErikShen2907]

HEY ROCCO P.!!! CLOCK OUT!!!

[@PatPosse]

What??

[@djmikio]

I bought my first guitar at their 48th st NYC store in the late 70s only a few doors from Mannys. Back in the day European friends would buy a Strat or a Les Paul there every time they were in NYC and flip it for twice the price when they got off the plane back home. They never quite got the hang of competing on the internet. Thank you Sam Ash for the old-school good deals though!

[@PatPosse]

Lol I’ve done that as well 😁. There’s a great story Cesar G. (Gibson’s current president) tells about buying an Epiphone, taking it to Argentina, selling it for double and buying his first Gibson with that money on his next trip to the US! Awesome stuff.

[@warnutztheloser]

I saw u there couple times... I just went last week u had 2 drive behind home depot 2 get there. Sad I used to shop in there since the 90s

[@PatPosse]

Wow! You couldn’t even pull in up front?? 😕

[@musicalgroovesaucet.v.1789]

Sam Ash has always sucked.

[@PatPosse]

I don’t know… it seems like mostly recently it got pretty bad. I hope whoever is in charge takes notice of this comment section and rectifies that issue…

[@AMPSHOWS]

Thank you so much for your brilliant autopsy, and analysis of the situation. As an independent promotor, Sam Ash, as well as GC have always remained supportive of my equipment expos. Any company would be lucky to have you in their employ! Loni Specter AMP SHOW, LA GUITAR SHOW- PEACE OUT!

[@PatPosse]

Oh you are too kind! Thank you very much! I hope I can catch one of your expos one day 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@alekzgamermusiccovers883]

The one near me in City Of Industry which is where I got my Instruments and strings is closing down and I heard it used to be a Guitar Center until that closed down a long time ago and then that store became Sam Ash, years later Guitar Center came back to City of Industry but now near Puente Hills Mall where a furniture store used to be opened in November 2023 and then I heard people started going there which unfortunately includes me but I went there 4 months after it opened and the first 2 or 3 times I just got strings, strap locks and a guitar strap and just 5 days ago I bought a new guitar there which is an Ibanez guitar and the next day on Monday is when I found out that Sam Ash in City of Industry is closing down, and I was upset because that’s where I got my 3 basses, my Les Paul Junior, and other accessories, and finding out it’s closing upsets me seeing the store I went to a few times is closing down 😔

[@PatPosse]

Crazy how that happens... one stops going because there's a cheaper or more convenient option and all the sudden the store can't stay open and we regret not going there more often... We don't realize we are not the only ones who stop coming... I'm guilty as well!

[@nerychristian]

The Guitar Center in Pasadena has terrible customer service. They only have 3 staff working the whole store. And 2 of them are working at the cash register. So it took like 10 mins just to find someone who could help you unlock something to buy.

[@PatPosse]

I’ve had that happen at GC so many times. People are just not incentivized to sell I suppose…

[@runisom48]

Worked in the warehouse in Hempstead in the early '70s, Jerry and Paul were around all the time. Not a good time.

[@PatPosse]

Oh no! Were they busting your balls all the time?? Paul was a bit of a character, very stubborn but he meant well. I wonder what they might have been like in their younger years and in home turf… lol

[@James-eg3nf]

My personal experience with Sam is like with any big-box music store, it’s hit-or-miss according to the location. My local Sam Ash seems to have completely indifferent staff. They’re not rude, but you’re basically on your own when you visit. I would often go in and have absolutely zero interaction with any staff. That’s definitely not a “family owned” kind of vibe, and therefore not much different than Guitar Center. At the same time, it’s good to have variety and competition, so it’s sad they’re closing down stores.

[@PatPosse]

I've had that experience as well.. as a salesman it takes a while to build up the confidence to approach customers in a friendly non aggressive manner and with the staff being in a revolving door it's also hard to get to that point...

[@nerychristian]

@@PatPosse It's not that hard. Customers just expect you to greet them and welcome them to the store. And if you see someone walking around alone in a department, ask if they need something. Most people just need help locating something.

[@PatPosse]

Totally! Even if they need to find the restroom lol.

[@SteveStell]

Both Chicago area stores are closing. Sad but true.

[@PatPosse]

Damn that sucks.

[@williampagdon4822]

Excellent Information and Presentation. The Local Sam Ash (Edison, NJ) is closing and that makes Guitar Center the best choice for my future Music Needs. You sound like you have a great understanding of the Sam Ash Business, I hope you are still in the Music Industry, as you appear to care as much about the Customer as the Business, which is a balance that few commit to and then it hurts both.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you!!! I am not. I managed another store after in which the owner cared even less about what I had to say and gave up lol. I started focusing on my studio, my band and session work and then covid hit. While on quarantine I started doing zoom lessons and this channel. And that’s pretty much where I’m at now. Hoping to make a move at the end of the year. Having my own Music Store is a dream of mine but it’s far ahead still… Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@williampagdon4822]

I believe you would do well running your own Store. I know it is a large undertaking and it takes resources, but some people have a good perspective and knowledge, and that combination is quite rare and should be encouraged.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you very much bud, you are too kind… I hope I can do it, I gotta take care of a couple things first and maybe then focus on that

[@larryspalla1284]

All stores closing

[@PatPosse]

Yup. Thats sad.

[@pauld378]

When I was 14 years old. Paul ash personally took my bass amp trade in and gave me a great price on a new amp which I still have now. The store In Brooklyn was actual called Paul ash instead of Sam ash. It must of been only owned by Paul. It burnt down in 1993 and they reopened in a new location in Brooklyn and used the Sam ash name. Only good experience at the store.

[@PatPosse]

Oh wow!! That’s a great nugget I didn’t know about! Sucks that that was the only good experience you had… 🤦🏻‍♂️. But Paul Ash store… that’s awesome

[@lionheartroar3104]

Our local GC is AWFUL

[@PatPosse]

That sucks.

[@OakLawnSpeedShop]

They all are now.

[@PatPosse]

Damn

[@raythackston1960]

A condenced version of the problem was that Mars problem was they had many stores that never met projected sales and they had in many cases signed 50 and even 100 year leases. They ended up so far in debt that they could no longer get loans to buy stock for their stores. And the killer blow was when after not being able to buy stock due to no loans granted for almost a year...they were not able to buy any stock for the Christmas season. After that happened stores started closing the rest started to sell all stock at 50+ % off. Even 76 to 85 % after a month or two. I bought many items (lights, cables, drums, cymbals, and various parts) at really deep sales prices. So sad this happened...Mars were ans still remain the best music stores ever.

[@PatPosse]

That's exactly it. Not having stock really hurt them and the sizes of their stores were also huge! they looked empty unless they were jam-packed full of stuff! I remember the going out of business sales... I couldn't bring myself to go there since I bought my first (and only guitar back then) at my local Mars and I would take a 2 hour trip just to be around music and instruments. It was just too sad for me to witness. But I remember my mom's ex husband bought me a guitar stand for $2,99, must have been 15 bucks regular price. It was like Black Friday Doorbuster deals everyday!

[@raythackston1960]

@@PatPosse I also remember the Drummers, guitarists, bassist, keyboard players, night out events. Free pizza and soda, and lots of drumming on the big stage in the stores. Mars was not just a store but a gathering place. Met so many great musicians there and even played some gigs with a couple of them. Today this kind of thing is all gone. I will say that Guitar Center was pretty good when they first openned around here (Atlanta area) but within 2 years they had changed completely. Last time I went in one I hated the feeling, and how the store looked. I swore I wouldn't go back. I have bought everything off line since then.

[@PatPosse]

@@raythackston1960 Wow!!! I don't recall that at MARS (of course I was a starving pre-teen/teen when they shut down) but that sounds like an amazing time! It couldn't have been easy on the ol' wallet though. They did go all out!!

[@raythackston1960]

@@PatPosseI know the two close to me did it. May have not been nation wide ?? I bought things with the money I made playing...reinvest to be better was the way to go back then. Wish they had been around in through the 1980's.

[@PatPosse]

@@raythackston1960 That's awesome! Nothing like investing back on your trade!

[@wireguy123]

Thanks for the info and quick cut editing to get to the point....very nice

[@PatPosse]

Thanks for noticing… a lot of details were left out in the interest of keeping it short and concise. Especially because there was no script or even bullet points 😅 lol

[@Slammo]

If they open a Trader Joes where Sam Ash was it will ease some of the pain.

[@PatPosse]

Never been!

[@Slammo]

@@PatPosse Kidding around here. Great video by the way. I didn't know any of this Sam Ash history. Going to really miss the Connecticut location. This leaves only Guitar Center AKA "The Death Star". I still miss the 48th St Sam Ash. I bought a ton of great gear there back in the day.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you brother!

[@drummerboy2521]

People are ordering online and have no need to visit music stores anymore. Bought all my drum gear online. This is the same reason stores other than music are closing people are buying online. Same effect Amazon caused that closed stores like Kmart and others alike. Online is complete.

[@PatPosse]

I suppose it’s different with drums but guitars need to be played and compared on the spot. Every guitar is different, even if it’s the same model, make, color and year… they should really bank on that fact. It’s the only thing they have going against online purchases. That and customer service…

[@brianhintze6440]

Hey Pat...new subscriber here, after watching your Boss DS-1 video today. Greetings from Ohio...keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you for your support brother!! Welcome to the channel!! Do you know if the Columbus and Cincinnati stores are going to stay open by any chance?

[@davemakesnoises]

i worked at sunset blvd sam ash for a spell, i got to jam a 12 bar blues on dobros with Billy F. Gibbons and sold Tommy Wiseau a fog machine, a dj controller, fog juice, and a couple lighting instruments. Working there was whatever but the people were great.

[@PatPosse]

Duuuuuude!!! Jamming with the reverend! That rules!!!!

[@OPTIONALWATCH]

I used to purchase my instruments at Guitar Center, then I switched to Sam Ash, but at the end I found Sweetwater. I've probably spent 50K at SW.

[@PatPosse]

I get it. SW has great customer service and the simplicity is just undeniable…

[@PipeCat1965]

Wow, great insight. Explains a lot. Another example of old-school values being rendered moot by common sense. Good video.

[@PatPosse]

Thank you very much and yup.... frustrating to say the least... Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@animalfacetees5360]

Great Job bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@PatPosse]

THANK YOU!!

[@dive-bomb]

I worked for Sam Ash. Good riddance. Now that Sammy passed its seriously in the shitter.

[@PatPosse]

It'll be hard I tell you what.. what location did you work on?

[@dive-bomb]

@@PatPosse 58

[@PatPosse]

@@dive-bomb It's been a while... I wanna say, Orlando or Raleigh....?

[@dive-bomb]

@@PatPosse Raleigh!

[@PatPosse]

I knew it! Lol

[@MobileDecay]

I have one down the street. It's not a great experience for me. The people aren't very friendly. All they care about is the sale and unless you're talking about giving them money they pretend you don't exist. When I'm checking out I try to have a friendly back and forth and the guy behind the register is laser-focused on money and he'll grunt back at me or not respond at all. It's a very uncomfortable experience and I would rather just shop online.

[@PatPosse]

Totally! What's the point of going to a place to be mistreated? Happens to me and Walmart and some restaurants...

[@trungnghianguyen8112]

Samash in my town (Westminster CA) most the employees is very bad service , seems to me like did not care for customers, some employees is even rude, dont want to answer your question. Guitar Center is much better service over all, Samash is only 5 miles from my home but i never go there, i rather drive 12 miles to Guitar Center for my need

[@PatPosse]

That’s crazy. Back when I was at Ash the only thing we really had on GC was our customer service as we didn’t have the publicity, locations or stock they had…

[@MichaelDemchak]

Great overview Pat....thank you...your in the loop and I appreciate the inside info. You answered many questions that I wondered about. For what it's worth I hope they see your channel ! and they will learn how easy it is to be disconnected from hands on to corporate level ! For the record most of my Big purchases have been from Sam Ash and their is a reason why. MD

[@PatPosse]

Thank you very much Michael ! I am glad you enjoyed it. I hope they don’t take offense if they ever do what it lol. I’m glad to finally read about someone who really enjoys shopping at SamAsh!

[@user-tc5pl3zw3h]

Sam Ash came to Indianapolis by purchasing our Mars Music store. I hope they don't close it. I get different kinds of my guitar needs settled between Sam Ash and Guitar Center. Otherwise, I have to go to Sweetwater, which is an hour away, in Fort Wayne.

[@PatPosse]

That's cool that you have that many options! I'm sure there's a ton of mom and pop stores out there as well!!

[@poelogan]

I still like the Sam Ash on 34th they always let me play the hella expensive guitars they know I'm not gonna buy 😂

[@PatPosse]

At least they are cool about it...

[@scottarmen9097]

Well it looks like now they are closing all stores.

[@PatPosse]

They are. Sadly I’m gonna have to update this video

[@scottarmen9097]

@@PatPosse Thanks for explaining the history of Sam Ash and your experience working there.

[@PatPosse]

@@scottarmen9097 thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@dekapitated0451]

I worked shipping and receiving at Store 57. The biggest issue that was never talked about there was how aggressively corporate tried to push house brands. The amount of Michael Kelly guitars I unboxed was staggering and none of the ones I ever played felt half as nice as an entry level ESP or Ibanez. Samson headphones lining the walls. Not all of the house brands were bad products, but by prioritizing having entry level gear in stock we indirectly pushed everyone to drive up to Sweetwater where they have more than 2 SM7Bs in stock at any given time.

[@PatPosse]

I left before that time and didn’t see that happen first hand but now that you mention it it makes a lot of sense… I remember them steering in that direction with the Carlo Robelli and Groove Percussion stuff back when I was at Ash…

[@viralbuthow000]

I could cry. West 48th Street in Manhattan was a magical palace.

[@PatPosse]

Never got to go 😢