The Death Of The Guitar Store

With more and more manufacturers starting to sell directly to consumers it the guitar store going to die? Yes, no, well maybe. Some stores are sure to suffer more than others and there are a host of reasons why consumers who choose not to buy direct from manufacturers. There are also a lot of things guitar builders can to do truly support the dealers that have supported them.
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[@bobbrunn2622]

I guess I’m old. I want to deal with musicians who play and I want to play the guitar before I buy it. Long live the local guitar shops.

[@jackhowe6607]

I agree, but you will pay for that privilege.

[@annamacfarlane-fm6ms]

For beginners (some) guitar shops are so intimidating and sometimes condescending that people don’t want to go and test out and play there and buying online is so much less of an ordeal.

[@nellayema2455]

I agree, and it's not just beginners. There's a local Gibson dealer around me that I've been to only once. It's because the atmosphere there was not friendly. They struck me as kind of snobby. I may have gotten the wrong impression, but I never shopped there again. I've purchased at least 10 Gibsons since then, and it was Sweetwater that got my money.

[@brianhay4024]

Agreed. I'm researching a new guitar but I don't play well and trying out new guitars in the atmosphere of my local stores is uncomfortable. Buying online may not get me the prefect guitar but it's a lot less painful.

[@davekennedy8626]

Agree with the comments and the replies above. Sadly there are only a handful of guitar stores in my area. At the largest one I have gone into the controlled guitar room and tried a half dozen guitars and no one from the store has even poked their head in. Dunno what in hell they are doing that’s more important than selling a $2000 to $10,000 guitar.

[@TheMinorFallsTheMajorLifts]

So true. I’ve been playing for a couple years and I consider a guitar store to be a less than optimal environment to try out different instruments. I guess it’s the least worst place, short of buying to try and then sell if you don’t like it.

[@jameswulf]

Same for other hobbies, like trading cards.

[@karlbogle6498]

My experience with Alamo added greatly to my overall knowledge and confidence as a consumer. Thier service provided sold me on their value vs. any bigbox I have dealt with! Even though I'm states away from their location.

[@todddammit4628]

One of the biggest reasons I won't order a guitar from the company directly is because I want to feel/hear it before buying.

[@carlitobrigante330]

We all do; but for used/vintage gear there is sometimes no other option than to buy from some online marketplace (Reverb, etc).

[@paulneedham9885]

@@carlitobrigante330 Secondhand gear is not the subject of this video or the problem.

[@EveningCrow]

Unfortunately, that's not always possible. Music stores exist where there's enough of a music scene to keep it alive. Because of that, their stock is also dependent on how much money flows through it. Simply put: the only way to try out a varied inventory is to go to a large city. I used to live in California in the Antelope Valley area and would drive regularly to San Jose. Guitar Centers were better stocked the more I drove north towards San Francisco because of demand. The one in Lancaster was always empty, Bakersfield was at least stocked in the essentials, Gilroy would occasionally surprise me, and San Jose had a good selection. I also noticed that the amount of high-end guitars increased, along with the price point at which they locked them in their stands or behind glass. Even then, finding what you're looking for isn't always a guarantee, much less more than 1 guitar you're interested in at the same location to compare it to. I've only bought one guitar online (technically over the phone) and it was in the middle of lockdowns. It was a new model that wasn't even stocked in most places, and the store was in a different state. I got lucky it's an awesome acoustic, but the only reason I felt at ease was because the shop employee I dealt with was knowledgeable and actually gave me real input on that specific guitar. I think there's a difference in buying online when you're dealing with a person who actually has the specific guitar in hand and can guide you in making a decision, and online for the general product where you'll get the next item from the warehouse. Edit: the guitar in question was a Gibson J-45 50's original and I got it from Wildwood Guitars, so shout out to those guys.

[@DavidJobes-ey7mr]

I was a local guitar shop owner that had to close about a year ago. The pandemic created a lot of difficulties that are just now beginning to smooth out. And you spoke nothing but the truth. Thank you for your honesty about the situation.

[@scottconnuck3406]

That's so sad that you had to close! You are certainly not alone, however! It is nearly impossible to stay in business these days with everything being sold online. Gone are the days when a guitar shop was a place for young budding musicians to hang out, try new guitars, purchase their dream instrument, learn where to get lessons, and hope for a career in music.

[@paulhendershott667]

I need to feel the guitar in my hands to really "know" if it's the one. I've purchased from Sweetwater and had 1 great experience, 1 terrible experience, and 2 where they made things right after an initial "fail". However, I had 3 AWESOME experiences at The Chicago Music Exchange where I could sit down and play dozens of guitars. If there's something they don't have, they will usually get it into their store in a day or two. Great setups, great people!

[@rexrathtar3893]

But it's never the one. The next one is 'the one'.

[@Hexspa]

+1 for CME. I went in there like 20 years ago as a semi-washed 20 year old and played anything that caught my fancy. Sure, I was trying to be respectful but it was nice playing a vintage strat without someone breathing down my neck. And big thumbs down for streetwater!

[@carlitobrigante330]

Without a doubt. I think that online (direct) ordering is going to appeal most to the less-discerning first-time buyer and novices, rather than seasoned musicians like us who need to audition gear in person.

[@Hexspa]

@@carlitobrigante330 There's probably crossover in the two groups which can be visualized with a venn diagram. Those who are experienced, those who are not and the common ones who wish to audition gear in person. The fact remains that not selling direct is leaving money on the table. Market forces and all that.

[@alexdenton6586]

I discovered the channel only a few videos ago and I really like the guy on the left, he never talks for nothing, he says what he has to say and that's it It's very nice, it's a change from people who just talk just to talk

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

So the guy on the right 😅

[@alexdenton6586]

@@kaushalsuvarna5156 On the left of the video

[@larrymundorff8637]

I think both deserve an equal amount of credit. Chris is the lead, and Cooper is like the co-host .. Both provide a wealth of information .. so much that last month I made a special trip from Denver, Colo to meet them, never been to San Antone before, but as luck would have it, it was a Saturday, the weekend and they were off !! Cheers and keep up the good work !!!

[@alexdenton6586]

@@larrymundorff8637 Hello Thank you for sharing your experience They look like fun in any case it must have been a good time

[@misterreality]

I really like you guys and your honesty. The consumers/viewers aren’t dumb, and you come across as the sales guys who were there to help the musician with their own journey. Those relationships transcend being a manufacturer. I’m still friends with the 70 year old ex sales guy who helped 15 year old me but my first Ibanez RG550 in 1987. It’s relationships and that’s what a manufacturer can’t do for you

[@patrickroe5926]

There are too many guitars on the market. Even a medium sized independent store can not sell enough guitars to please many companies. An irony is no well known guitar can be sold at a price that produçes great enough profit to keep in a store in business. So, the stores mix in is extremely important. Finding the right mix is not easy at all. Carrying enough depth of produçt equally difficult.

[@paul_sebastian1154]

Totally agree that you should support your local music store, they are the shops that you stare through the windows of when you’re a kid and dream of playing that beautiful shiny guitar that you hope one day you can save up to own.

[@guyincognito320]

Local stores have Ibanez Gios and maybe one US Fender on consignment. Brands charge those dealer fees ot whatever. The existence of big corporations allows this to happen. They don't create net jobs, any efficiency is passed onto themselves not the customer, and corporations push far left politics (go into GC in June or July, you know what I mean).

[@T.C..]

I for one love local music stores. The service is awesome. I started playing 8 years ago as a 39 year old man..., I had no idea how to play. I was open with the sales guy about wanting to learn, I asked him to play lots of guitars for me so I could listen to them. He took lots of time and made it a great experience. My opinion is to support local shops, they support your local community ....and are an avenue to stimulate curiosity of music in the next generation

[@ilyave]

As long as stores keep buying, I'll continue to come in just to look at guitars and unintentionally buy them :) Thank you for your videos. Watch your reviews before I buy.

[@philcottone2247]

Im 70. I played my Yamaha in my 20s. I stopped around 30. When i came back 40 years later, all I knew was I wanted an all wood Martin. I had never heard of Taylor. I starred watching your videos. I learned a lot about tone woods and other things. I am now a Taylor guy and I know what I like. If I hadn't been able to play numerous guitars at a dealer and be able to return a few, I never would have know what I truly liked. I also always wanted a strat. After buying 2 of them and returning them and being able to play many brands at my local dealer, I never would have known how much I would fall in love with prs. So thanks to honest KZbin reviews like yours and being able to play many guitars at my local dealer, I am a proud owner of two Taylor acoustic and two prs electric guitars. And I love all of them.

[@tp6439]

A major advantage for the big stores (GC, Sweetwater, Zzounds) is their incredible 24-48 month 0% financing. That suddenly makes every guitar affordable to the working man and from my years of experience it’s better to buy that top shelf high end model right away. Otherwise, you will start with a low end, decide that’s not good enough anymore after a year and upgrade to the next model up while selling your initial guitar for a huge loss. This will continue until you finally buy that high end top of the line guitar. A lifetime guitar, one that will always be fantastic and might even get better as time goes on if you take care of it. It will retain its value and possibly increase in value like an investment. If the small shops could somehow find a way to offer the 12-48 month 0% interest then I don’t think anyone would ever shop at the big giants again. Unless they don’t like interacting with people which actually is a big reason these online shops are killing it. A lot of people don’t want to interact with other people any more or at least do it as little as possible.

[@vanillacreem816]

and ZZ Sounds doesn’t even require you to apply for credit. If you have a debit card account, you can finance your instrument

[@campfirebear4083]

I live in Pleasanton and came in and bought a Martin from you guys a few months back, met Cooper in the store. Staff was awesome and IMO you have to get your hands on an instrument to know if it’s the one. Thank you guys for all you do 👊

[@smandez2023]

I bought my last 3 acoustic guitars from local or independent dealers for the reasons you guys discuss here. I love your content guys and recently made a small purchase from your Reverb shop. I wish you both the best and think with almost 100 years experience you will weather the storms. We all should promise to do our part to invest in our local communities whether the bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant and especially music shops. Ive already been in rebellion for over a decade! 😂

[@daryllossing1340]

Your reviews are honest and important to all of us!! hopefully the manufacturers recognize your importance.

[@acoustictunesmith]

Chris and Cooper. Great video. I love the contempt Alamo Music puts out and often feature your videos in our songwriter newsletter, Write from the Frets. I’m writing this while reviewing and writing content for a future issue in support of this video. Keep up the great work. That said, last year I did buy a guitar from a manufacturer, Hold up now. It was a McPherson Sable which not only did our local shop not handle McPherson Guitars, I checked first, but after checking a couple other dealers which also didn’t have them, I then decided to visit the factory as part of research for the newsletter. Kudos to McPherson for protecting their distributors as a whole by tacking on an additional cost to buy from the manufacturer, even though they aren’t handled by many shops. They made time to meet with me by appointment, spent all the time I wanted. Answered all my questions. Shared some cool stories behind some of the custom guitars hanging on the wall. Let me play some guitars way out of my budget, and were very accommodating. But as I said, I paid extra for that experience and it’s far from the norm for me, and them. As you might guess from my comment, we drove to the factory as it is about 2.5 hours south and I wanted the opportunity to visit in support of the newsletter. Every other guitar I’ve bought was from a dealer or used from a private party. I can’t imagine buying a guitar sight unseen. Sitting in a shop, playing a guitar, hanging it up on the rack, wielding a cell phone and buying that guitar from someplace else while still in the store is not only offensive, a theft of time, and not cool, it’s ignorant of how instruments can be so different among like models. Why do that, when you could walk out the door with the one which just sold you on the idea that model was for you? I’d have thought instant gratification would have worked to everyone’s advantage just then.

[@fedosea]

Great video, guys (as always). Just followed your advice and got in touch with a small local store. Big difference in terms of level of service and vibes overall. Thanks for your work!

[@serdarayan2606]

Hey Guys. Love this Conversation I am from NH and was down in San Antonio several months ago and loved visiting your shop. Unfortunate problem with guitar I order due to shipping. Nothing on your part. Totally agree that you must feel the guitar and make sure it speaks to you. All of them have different tone even if they are the same brand and model. Especially, acoustics and hollowbody types. My local Guitar shop is Strings and Things in Concord, NH and they have always treated me right. From Setup to guitar nerd conversation (Barber shopping as we call it) they have been amazing. Would also like to give a shout out to the Manchester Music Mill in Manchester, NH for their support of the community and veritable stock of guitars. Keep on Keepin on for along with Music Villa, Norm's Rare Guitars, Wildwood and a few others Y'All have given me inspiration and education about guitars that keeps me going. Peace and Love.

[@4211welderman]

I still like to buy from a “ mom and pop “ guitar store. I like looking and playing what I buy. And knowing the people I buy from, if I have a problem I can go straight to someone I know and deal with it. When you call a manufacturer your just a number. Not good in my opinion.

[@MaurysMusic]

Good video, guys. This is a very interesting topic and I too, wonder if the winds of change are blowing something our way. I loved the comment you made about how dealers can provide an unbiased opinion but the MFR cannot. Good stuff.

[@billhallsongs]

Thanks Guys! This is a great discussion! I live in Eastchester NY and we have a small local store and they do the extra effort for their customers like you guys do. It is much different experience than even going into a brick and morter Sam Ash or Guitar Center. Main Street America..you can't beat it.

[@dannyb4266]

I always enjoy your videos and I very much understand what your point is in this video. I have visited different guitar shops across the country and I have found that the people working in the locally owned shops are very personable, friendly and helpful. The situation that I have, is that Sweetwater IS my local guitar shop. I live in a rural community that is close to Fort Wayne IN. My hope is that people will support their local merchants as much as practical even if it costs a few dollars more. Have you ever called Amazon and asked for advice on a particular product???

[@thetonemob]

This was a very well thought out discussion on the topic. Well done! For a long time, it was a forgone conclusion that the brands in this space were going to pay for all the marketing expenses. Many retailers reaped the benefits of this without having to shoulder the cost. Brand awareness even drove me to certain stores I otherwise would not have went to. (Exclusive retailer of XYZ brand. etc) As soon as it was mentioned that music retailers need to be "more than just a shelf" I nodded so hard my hat about came off. This gives a lot of folks some good info to chew on. Thanks dudes!

[@marcuswomack9187]

I’m in DFW and love Tone Shop (both locations). I also love the service at my very local shop Murphy’s Music in Irving. Their tech guys do incredible work.

[@bartmarshel492]

The unfortunate reality is that this is happening in a lot of industries. I have retired from the autoparts business. Always worked in brick & mortar locations. We would buy from a warehouse, that would buy from many manufacturers. We call it 3 step distribution. In recent years, the warehouses started selling direct to their customers (stores) customers. Obviously without the same service levels. Now add in the internet and overnight shipping available and the independently owned parts stores are going away. I could talk about the pros and cons for hours! But this seems to be the way of the world now.

[@vincentl.9469]

😪

[@enlat2003]

A good mom and pop shop will remain in business as long as the shop continues to evolve to keep up with the times. For example, I didn't know anything about Alamo Music though through your videos I got to know what you guys are all about and I ended up buying a Fender 2020 Limited Edition American Professional Telecaster olive green which by the way you didn't review this one when it came out. You pair that great marketing on KZbin with the actual great costumer service you are offering and you will continue to get business across the states and over the pond. You definitely earned my trust all the way from the West Coast. Keep doing what you do and being open minded about changing with the times. You can't never replace the true human touch and good customer service.

[@joebloggs8636]

Guitar center is a shell of what it once was, you couldn't pay me to buy a guitar there.

[@michaelmoore4758]

Great information. I appreciate all the effort you put into helping guitarists.

[@thackerybrown2860]

This is a wonderful video on what must be a sensitive topic for shops all over. Great job as always

[@rv7tt]

I live 1500 miles from your store but hope to visit someday. Your videos allow me to see products compared that would be difficult to even find without sometimes driving two to three hundred miles, so thank you. I do agree that I would likely never buy at a big box or online outlet. I'm lucky to have a small local music store who has delivered excellent sales and service. While the inventory I want to see is not always available, they are up front about it and will call when it comes in. Keep up the good work!

[@michaelriffey2372]

Bought my D18 from Swing City Music in Collinsville, IL. What some people may not realize is many smaller shops will likely give you a better deal than a big box or online retailer. In the case of my D18, I had some stuff to trade in (another thing online retailers don’t offer) and we arrived and a mutually agreeable deal and it was very easy and a very friendly experience.

[@rickbradshaw2148]

As a lefty, I really don’t have much of an option. Stores just don’t stock a decent selection of left handed models even though manufacturers offer them. So the death of the guitar store for me really means the death of the right handed guitar store…

[@Anonymous-is2qb]

It's always very tempting for me to order a guitar without leaving the house. But every time I try that guitar in store, it's never the one that's right for me. Yesterday I was sure I was either going to buy an entry level Taylor or the Yamaha LS16. Turned out the Taylor's nut width was too narrow and the Yamaha's neck was too thick for me. I didn't think about getting the Martin dreadnought jr but that was the one that was best for me. I was very pleasantly surprised by it's performance.

[@joelpontijr79]

I’m learning everytime and watching your blog guys. More power brothers

[@arniebaird7852]

I love your reviews which are genuine and honest. There are other internet guitar reviewers. The world of business, (sadly) in the end is concerned with the bottom line, profit. Not to say that it isn't easier and preferable to have a genuine human connection between company's and people. I truly wish the best for you guys, and this timely video will hopefully keep you in front of the wind of change. At least you, (as always) who are able to see ahead seem well prepared to use that foresight. Your biggest advantage is that musicians want to hold the guitar and come to their own determination of its value. You and the genuine guitar store are of great help which likely sells more guitars, that new owners like, more than with an internet order. Thanks for taking a lot of the hit or miss trepidation that buyers have, as a guitar is a large purchase, probably next below a house then and a car. Be agile my friends.

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Hi guys. So much respect for you and how you conduct yourselves. Incognito Guitars is a new endeavor but we’ve been in the game for 40 years and understand retail. Keel up the great work and let us know if we can ever assist in any way.

[@wonkicline4870]

My local guitar store is about 25 miles away and the closest big box is 100 miles away. Hands down I love my local store. I am willing to pay extra on most stuff to support them and to have a great relationship with them. They give great support for beginners and professional players alike. They don't have the selection of the big box but if they can get it for you they will.

[@anthonyb2334]

I love your channel, it’s fair and honest. My first guitar purchase was 50 years ago, as a kid, a small shop helped me out. Over the decades I’ve purchased from local shops, big box stores and brick and mortar stores like you who also sell online. At one timeGuitar Center was ok. I still go in for strings and to check out new models. But unfortunately, most GC staff are not helpful or knowledgeable. Not their fault. Unfortunately, new players or players on a budget don’t know any better. Seasoned buyers/ players would prefer dealing with shops like yours. I went online to your shop to check out a few guitars. One of these days get to San Antonio again , and buy a guitar that’s out of my budget!!!😅 Thank you for another excellent video and discussion.

[@sparkymccallister5981]

Well done, well said. I need to utilize my local music store more often.

I love my local guitar dealer. I just stopped by today to sell some electric guitars and buy some strings for my Martin & Gibson acoustic guitars. I spoke to the owner, and I said hi, as always he greets you back with a genuine smile and with a hi! He's on Ventura Blvd in Tarzana. California. The gentleman I'm describing is Mr Norman Harris from Norman Rare Guitars! Love his store and all that work there: Michael Lemmo, Brandon Soriano, Nick Dias, Jenn....great people, great service!

[@clydeortego8332]

I agree with your video on local guitar shops. The one I used to patron closed cause the owner passed from covid and now I am forced to go to Guitar Center and they are so cold in helpfulness and friendliness. Have a wonderful day

[@glencooper1091]

A lot of great information, some things to consider, a large group of people do not have nice shops in their small town, I would love to be able to shop with you all but I don't care to live in a large metro area. Also their is so much information out there for a lot of young players to learn how to setup their own guitar which in many cases prevents the need for them to visit a shop that sells and setups.

[@patfinnegan467]

IMO it is all about customer service and I think you guys get it. If I walk in, or call and you introduce me to a guitar, and we connect as fellow musicians and music lovers, I'll want to buy from you rather than online or from a manufacturer. The guys at the local store I buy from ask me how the recent jam session went, whether I'm playing any gigs and what kinds of problems I'm trying to solve with instruments, sound equipment or whatever. Most of the time I am in there I walk out without buying much more than strings, a cable or some other cheap accessory, but probably pull a guitar or 2 off the wall and strum for a minute or 2 or plug into an amp that catches my eye. They encourage me to browse and hang out, and even ask me my opinion about the guitars and gear I use and try out. They are friends. When I can, I buy from those kinds of stores and people. Thanks for the great online content. Keep up the great work!

[@larryforsblad-iv6rs]

I bought a few Taylor’s from Alamo during the pandemic. Shipped to me in New York. They arrived all perfectly set up. I have bought in store from Rudy’s in NYC. Manchester Music Mall in NH ordered a Martin Super D directly from the factory for me and I picked it up in Nazareth, wonderful experience. Lightning Joe’s in Arroyo Grande California is also a great shop, lots of custom models. Sunday Guitar in Bend Oregon is the place for Breedlove guitars and others made in the Northwest. Thompson in Sisters Oregon is building a custom D type dred for me. Hope to stop by Alamo in ‘April ‘24 when I come for the eclipse.

[@billyfields7722]

Some of the problems buying guitar direct is the QC issues comes with the guitar. There are two new shops in Troy NY area. Collar City Guitar and Love of Fuzz (which deal with Amplifier [fixing and selling Amplifier and pedals] ) both of them are great people who love music here.

[@Virtual-Media]

Regarding a previous comment about intimidation, checking out guitars in music store. I remember well what it was like as a beginner to feel this way. A suggestion to Alamo music, it would be very helpful to have small rooms for musicians to check out a guitar with some headphones and semi privacy. This would also be nice for beginners as well as more accomplished musicians, so they can check out a guitar without hearing a half dozen other guitarist playing smoke on the water / nirvana licks-or a drummer tearing it up on a set of drums things like this can make a world of difference in a competitive music equipment environment. Personally, I’d much rather get the feel of a guitar before purchasing one. Another option may be adding a small coffee bar, nothing elaborate but something that would create a more relaxed atmosphere and give those who aren’t interested in equipment something to do while they’re waiting. A small stage in the coffee bar with some talented musicians demoing guitars, keyboards and doing some Q&A-for equipment available in the store may create a lot of leads. Wish you guys the best going forward!

[@AmericanVetMusic]

I think this was a wonderful video and topic. Great job, guys 😊

[@skateborg]

Just wanted to say I had a great experience last year (Feb '22) buying a new Fender FMT HH Tele Black Cherry from Alamo Music Center. The Alamo salesperson I spoke with was Ethan Griffin and he was awesome, very helpful, and even offered to hand pick a Tele for me after I took delivery and noticed some issues with the finish on the guitar. I decided to not return the Tele, and it turns out to be one of my favorite guitars. Thanks again you guys!

[@sirfunkydangle4702]

I miss the days of local guitar shops. There are no longer any mom and pop's shops near me. The only place within driving distance specializes in orchestra and band instruments and over price their guitars.

[@randypressley4145]

As a lefty, I rarely have the opportunity to demo an expensive guitar anywhere! However, I do have the choice to walk into a local dealer, pick up a righty, turn it upside down, play some chords and get the feel of the neck, the tone, and the playability of it. I have 11 guitars. Only four of them are what I would consider expensive. 10 of the 11 guitars I own were purchased locally from a dealer. They're friends and acquaintances now, and I hope they always will be. Honestly, I have to purchase some things online, and the bulk of my experiences are great, but it seems more enjoyable when I shake the hand of someone before I leave the store.

[@doctersound9630]

All the independent shops in my area (Edmonton Canada) are now closed and/or got bought up by Long & McQuade. Giant corporations pushing out the little guy continues. 😢

[@leahwheeldon3389]

I believe Long & McQuade is a family owned business in Canada, still owned wholly by the Long family, as far as I know. They are my go to local music shop. I have bought guitars from three separate Long & McQuade locations on Vancouver Island, BC. In all stores, I was assisted by staff who were guitar players and were knowledgeable about the products they were selling. These stores also have other instruments and equipment, supplies, etc. They offer lessons, rentals, repairs in addition to sales. You can go in and try out guitars, get hands on playing on a guitar before deciding to buy or not. They do have an online store as well, but are still a family owned business operating locations across Canada as local music stores for those locations.

[@carlitobrigante330]

True, but at least we still have L&M and it continues to be Canadian-owned (I live in Toronto).

[@dylanthomas7443]

Chris and Cooper that's an awesome subject and the HEB vs. Walmart is the best story one can relate to. Stores like yours and Riteous guitars in Atlanta will always do well because of the trust your customers put in you. In Canada, Long and Mcquade have a loyal set of customers who will never abandon them. Small shops do well when they make a good name in the market because of their staff knowledge and also when they are well known for their repairs and maintenance people. They even do exceptionally well, when they reward their customers for loyalty with free advice and even free repairs, adjustments, etc. at times just because they have been loyal to them for a long time.

[@stevegraham3107]

I bought my Taylor 914ce limited from Alamo because Chris played it in a KZbin video and I loved the sound. I was overseas and paid to hold the instrument. When I came in he let me play every top-end guitar in the store with no bias, and I stayed with my sassafras. I love Alamo because they care more about the player than the guitar - it’s in their motto “Play a note - change your life.” I will always go to Alamo for service, strings, and advice before I go to Google, Amazon or Sweetwater because they care about ME. I haven’t met Cooper, but Chris is the real deal - he cares more about people than the instruments he sells.

[@thewhiskeycowboy-official]

I watch your videos, Casino's videos, Music Villa's videos.... Casino Guitars mentions you all the time. The rest of what you presented.... spot on, and I agree. I think it is a HUGE mistake to cut dealers out of the loop for all the reasons you mention (and that Casino Guitars did). Once a business/product line gets to a certain size, it's only natural and IMO best to use OTHERS to sell the items for you. Small shops, sure, stay direct.

[@dougheckler2398]

Being only 30 minutes from the Sweetwater Showroom and having no known competition in the area, I get most of my gear from them. However, during the pandemic, I had on order a guitar that ordered in February, Sweetwater could not even tell me in September, where it was or when they would get it, so I found it at at smaller shop in Indianapolis.

[@machineoutlivestheman1192]

The dealers that will survive this are the ones who have figured out to add value to the buying proposition, which Alamo has done. Stores that create a positive experiential engagement with their customers will thrive. Great KZbin content, free outbound setups, great personalities, etc will win customers hearts and minds. The stores that couldn’t figure it out and we’re more transaction oriented are gone, as customers vote with their dollars. (To be fair supply chain issues during Covid was a tipping point for some and uncontrollable) It’s a lot like the restaurant business in this way I bought a guitar from Alamo online recently. Was an amazing experience and I would return again. Keep it up!

[@robclark3095]

As a beginner guitar player, I'd much rather go to my locally owned music store than order online or go to a big box store like GC. The same family has owned and operated it since the 1930's. Currently the owner is a nice older gentleman in his 70's or 80's. He's always willing to help anyone who enters his store. His employees as well. They aren't pushy to make a sale either.

[@steve441962]

In the UK the only small town music shops which seem to be surviving in our area are the ones with music/instrument tuition as part of their business

[@a.j.schuler6785]

You guys are right about the value of guitar stores, and I've learned a ton from your videos specifically about acoustic guitar construction, tone woods, etc. I did have the unfortunate experience of contacting Alamo to help me make a Martin custom purchase and the guy I spoke to never emailed or called me back, even after I called him and spoke with him twice. I found another dealer to help me make my purchase, but I tried to work with you guys. I just couldn't keep chasing.

[@AlamoMusic]

Sorry for your experience. We will try harder to ensure everyone is taken care of.

[@emilyo4137]

I go to my local Sam Ash. They were super helpful, and helped me pick my first Martin guitar. Now I also have a place to go for service. I wish they weren’t a big box store, but they act like a small shop 😀

[@mortonwilson795]

Inevitable but a bit sad. I was a guitar sales guy for a couple of years in Wellington, NZ the early 70's before our band went pro. I learnt how to set up guitars and a lot more - we had Gibsons, Fenders, Martins, Rickenbackers et al coming thru. I bought my 1968 LP Custom at that time from a customer - still have it. I live in HK now and the 2 main retailers carry all the 'name brands' + Ibanez / Yamaha and others and over the last 4 decades I have bought a few from them. Given my experience as a salesman and seeing such different QC etc. I think playing an instrument, maybe on a few different visits if possible, is the way to go. I understand why buying online (esp. if it's direct) is a reality but it does seem a bit of a shame . . . easy to miss 'that one' that you might come across in a shop 😀

[@TheTMontgomery]

The last part of your discussion is extremely important.The problem is that the return to the smaller shops often requires that these shops comply with the directives of business i.e. online payments ,corporate image and eventually digital payment .They can get swallowed by the red tape of financial management rather than product representation and service.

[@robbyhenson46]

I’ve ordered guitars online that were junk. I’ll never buy another one I can’t put my hands on first. Playability is everything to me. Ya can’t compare brands, models, ect. without window shopping. Thanks Alamo! Doing a great job 👏🏼

[@dieselman7453]

Yea it’s the same in Ireland a lot of the small shops are closed lots of guys just buying of guitar guitar and other big companies and then not been happy when it comes in the post !! If the guitar is over £1000 I would like to play it first as I played some lowden guitar s the other day same model s all f35 but some sounded real different all the same woods it’s just how it is so I’d rather buy from the shop I can walk in play the guitar 🎸 and talk to someone who actually plays the instrument!! Anyway cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪 Brian

[@scottbecker3485]

With Alamo being just a bit too far from my home (Germany) for stopping by or shipping, here‘s my take on this. I live in a countryside village far from any music store, so rely exclusively on shops with mailorder operations, e.g. Thomann or even Amazon, plus various smaller shops if they have what I‘m looking for. As an online buyer (and returner of guitars and equipment that are not up to par), my experience is that, although nothing can replace shopping in a real store, having a good returns policy eases the pain of online shopping (and harms the environment of course, not to mention being a pain in the butt for the shops, themselves, who have a lot of extra work from processing returns). Again, I have no other choice for now, living where I do, and having to tend to the needs of my twin toddlers a lot (so no chance to drive to a faraway shop, try stuff out, and drive home again, leaving my wife alone with the load for a whole day). Thomann‘s return policy (and Amazon‘s) work fine for me, even on guitars, but sometimes getting the right guitar in the right quality can take a couple of returns, and that is annoying for all concerned, and takes time, plus waiting for money to be refunded prior to placing the next order. If dealers were providing the same return policies, I‘d be cool with that. Recently shopped for a Michael Kelly Hybrid Special and found no shop in Germany that stocked it. Found a shop in Holland (still EU) that did, and they even went the extra mile for me by contacting the M.K. distributor to get them to open 3 of these guitars and photograph them for my selection! Fantastic service by both distributor and shop, and I found the guitar I really wanted. The shop then even set it up for me for free (!) in my chosen tuning (C# standard, with thicker-gauge, higher-tension strings to suit), and checked the electronics, etc. I had told them I‘d pay for the strings and the set-up, and they still didn‘t charge anything for that. In short, online shopping from a real shop can still create huge customer satisfaction and loyalty. If that shop has what I‘m looking for, I‘ll definitely shop there again. As for Amazon, there I only buy stuff that is hard to find elsewhere, like the Enya X4 Pro (sort-of carbon fiber) guitar I recently bought for future trips in our family camper van. They helped me to exchange a messed-up guitar for a good one, no questions asked, so no complaints. But I sure miss bricks-and-mortar dealers, and I hope makers won‘t abandon them. In closing, I will rant about a store that used to be local for me. It was a huge store…but often they simply didn‘t have the guitars or PA equipment or acoustic amps I was looking for. And their policy was „we‘ll be happy to special order it for you, but it will take x weeks (!), and if you don‘t like it, you only get store credit on it“. :-( I‘m sure they have their reasons for this, but man, why order from them when I can order from a place like Thomann that offers speedy delivery and easy money-back returns?

[@pawadventures5544]

Call me old fashion but I have to look at and inspect, try out/play a product before I make a purchase, that can't be done when you buy online. It is also nice to have someone local to get advice from and who can work on a product if there were a problem rather than having to ship it back to the manufacturer and pray that it doesn't get damaged while being shipped.

[@ollietsb1704]

Heart O' Texas out of Waco and Austin are long gone. You issued one comment about "some employees at the big stores don't play guitars (instruments, in my experience)... ha. I enjoy our small shops because almost every employee is at least a minor-league luthier. Or have WATCHED luthiers at work (probably pestering them, looking over their shoulders) but the experience is this: "Can you fix this little item?" and the knowledgeable clerk will say, "Actually, that's not so minor but this part is connected to that part and changing it will mean changing something else." The customer may not like it - but this is what they need to hear.

[@blaineadams7484]

I forgot to add, using your sales help and demos and then buying online from someone else, that's straight up theft. You're paying for that salesperson, those lights and that instrument.

[@jamestucker2583]

In the next few months, I'll be in the market for a jazz guitar, most likely a semi-hollow body. Here in NJ we have local music stores, but they don't seem to carry the guitar I want. And this purchase requires me to try out the guitar before I buy.

[@dwightlowes]

I miss the store front. You can see feel and play. I live a hour from Sweet Water. It isn’t convenient to go. I absolutely wish I had you folks down the road I could go to ask questions play guitars. Know I loved the guitar I brought home because it’s the right instrument.

[@stephenblyskal5666]

I have bought quite a few guitars over the past 20+ years. All the guitars I bought online (mostly used) are not part of my herd anymore. They were okay guitars, but just okay doesn’t cut it with me. All of my current guitars were extensively played at a music store, some for 20 minutes, others over a period of days or weeks. My local store was also able to do trades with me, which made buying the guitar I wanted affordable. As a long time customer I occasionally get discounts you wouldn’t get online. Like Chris and Cooper said, guitars are finely balanced instruments of wood and steel and all different. While I am not going to buy many additional guitars (I am 74), I do like to shop occasionally and see what’s new and what appeals to my musical taste. I have checked out Taylor Guitars new 500 and 700 series models and found some I liked, and others that I didn’t. I can’t conceive of buying one of these online and hoping it matches my taste.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Love the video fellas and thanks for the shoutout:)! I reckon we’re gonna reciprocate with some humor there as well! Keep doing what y’all are doing and again, thumbs up on the vid!!!

[@franksalter5004]

Thanks for a thoughtful, in depth and balanced video. I'm from the UK where, being a relatively small country, most people can visit good guitar shops easily - which is not the case in much of North America, I guess. Personally, I wouldn't buy a guitar without getting my hands on it first or listening to the comments of in-shop experts. A number of years back I purchased a lovely Martin OMC28e after trying three separate examples in the same shop (Coda Music) and, believe me, they were not identical in sound/performance quality.

[@keithbrawley3841]

Good video, guys! I actually agree with most of your comments! The reality is that if the whole country was filled with great stores like yours, most people wouldn't want to shop online! As to product consistency, most dealers won't stock multiples of a single model for players to choose from...because it doesn't make financial sense. So, in most cases, a shopper gets to choose the one that's in the store. Really, how many D45s (for example) can a dealer keep in stock for people to come in and play (and scratch up) in order to choose the best one? In the real world, this almost never happens. So buying one online isn't vastly different in that way.

[@mydirtyx]

As an 80/90s kid I often shopped at Guitar Center and Guitar Showcase in San Jose/Santa Cruz. When I first started playing these stores were larger than life and there were always so many people shredding. It was a hang out just as much a store. As I became a better player, the box stores didn't have the gear I sought. This pushed me to shop places like Musicians Trading Post/Starving Musician....the used and vintage stores as well as online. Ultimately I gave in to online retailers because (a)box store employees lacked real knowledge about ALL THINGS guitar, and (b) decreasing quality when my needs were more high-end, (c)the small shops were disappearing. Today, I like to shop at places like FU-Tone, 920D Customs, Caufield cables, and 3 monkeys because they are smaller and ran by real musicians. Most things I've purchased in the past year, I was emailed directly like we knew each other and treated like a valued customer. The goes a long way!

[@grene1955]

I live in southern Oregon, and I love Tom's Guitars! Knowledgeable, friendly, and local. I can try different guitars, and just hang out with music people. I've sold guitars through them, and I've bought guitars from them. Got to support your local shops, or they'll go away!

[@jimdoner3443]

We have a small bench luthier in o town who opened a small store with new and used guitars, his guys do repair work behind the sales counter, they are all nice and it works well. Traverse City Guitar Company , downtown on Front St.

[@deckert618]

I live in a major metro area of Florida. All the Mom and Pop music stores here died 20 years ago. All we have left is a couple Guitar Centers circling the drain, and a small Sam Ash franchise that is focused on horns and woodwinds. There is one guy, 20 miles away, that runs a used guitar store, that does pretty well, but the only new factory products he carries are accessories like strings, picks, and straps. I have been forced to get the candy on my last several major purchases.

[@zackpack8]

I think this is inevitably the future. With the internet and a good website you can add any experience EXCEPT the feel of an instrument. As far as learning goes, there's a ton of channels on KZbin that goes over that process with a little investigation and reviewing. More and more of us who remember the old mom & pop stores are fading away and the newer generations are much more inclined to purchase through big online stores and directly from manufacturers that offer good service and a good return policy, which is becoming the new norm. In my opinion (fwiw) the ONLY way you can stay relevant is of course a good location, "excellent" customer service and spending time and teaching your customers. That's how many small stores beat the big WalMart box stores. But you have to be consistent too! There's no doubt it's an uphill battle but that's retail in every form and example.

[@jmullany]

Northeast Music Center in the Scranton, PA area has always been a pleasure to do business with.

[@lynyrd583]

Thank you for the discussion. A couple things;' even when I buy anything online, golf gear, power tools, and yes music equipment, I ,must first try it, touch it, in person. I would submit that the more expensive the guitar - the more I need to play the instrument. CNC or not, every instrument plays, feels, sounds different. I cannot and will not spend 3K for a guitar I've never held. Now, if you're talking about a Yamaha Silent guitar or Taylor GS Mini maybe I might buy direct. But to your point, I would still need photos and info I cannot get from a manufacturer, Maybe some electronics I might purchase direct, a Bose PA system, but even then, not amps, not speaker cabs. And again, I still had to try out that Bose somewhere to know I wanted it. As far as Big Box, they seldom carry high end guitars (outside of Guitar Center Hollywood). As far as Guitar shops, I have traveled the U.S. extensively due to work and always check out the local guitar shops. Sorry I haven't visited your shop, but I will if I ever get your way. But I have been in Elderly, Wildwood, Gruhn, Normans, Mass Street, and more. I own Taylors (7), Tom Anderson (2), Yamaha Silent, (1), and am open to PRS and Collings. If I purchase another Tom Anderson I would order through Danville Music, Danville CA. When I order my next Taylor (717 Custom) it will be through Encore Music Center, here in Auburn CA. At least I will not be buying direct from manufacturers.

[@Invictus13666]

My local shop is a snob shop. If you’re not spending $1500-2k on Taylor/Martin they don’t really want to help.

[@rlsmith6904]

I bought a Yamaha keyboard for big band jazz at the local store that carried it. And bought the amp, cords, stand, and case at another local store that does not carry Yamaha. When I stupidly loaned the Peavey amp out and it then failed at my next gig, the local store was able to get it back up and running within days. My next choice is a major market retailer like Alamo or Music Villa. I have bought limited accessories at GC or Musicians Friend if no one else stocked the item. The opportunity for competent sales staff and repair to enhance sales will continue to exist. There are fewer and fewer brick and mortar stores between Salina, KS and Denver.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Hey guys it's been nice knowing you, rest in peace. I bought my first Martin at a store that was going out of business about 20 years ago. I was a customer since elementary school and I still miss them. Another favorite closed a new months back. It was about 25 miles away and GC is about ten. I bought my latest Martin in North Carolina at Casino Guitars. I drove to the store (actually my wife drove. I am legally blind). I might have bought from you but you don't carry the CEO 7. I do go to the local hardware store. I ran my own business while I could see. I drive past a Chewys distribution warehouse to purchase my pet food from Tractor Supply...and my jeans

[@aaronlturner]

I happen to live close to The Accoustic Shoppe in Springfield, MO. They have been great to deal with. I also live near Palen music in Springfield, and have had great experiences with them. I probably will never visit another Guitar Center.

[@scoggers1628]

I live in Shanghai, China and in spite of the size of the city guitar stores are few and far between, so unfortunately I'm often left with little choice to buy online. However, there is one excellent local guitar store called Hippie Music which in the past year has moved to a bigger location; evidently they're doing well. They have a good selection of electric guitars, acoustics and basses and also make their own tube amps and do mods and repairs, which is great. I'm certain that the reason for their success though is that the young couple who own and run it are not only knowledgeable about music gear, but are fantastic with people. The vibe in the shop is friendly, welcoming and so chill. While I haven't bought a guitar from them, yet, I have bought a tonne of other gear and had repairs and setups done and will continue to do so as they add value to the community.

[@carlitobrigante330]

I live (I am guessing) about 1,500 miles away in Toronto, but I would love to visit you guys one day!

[@kotla671]

Lots of my knowledge comes from Alamo and I receive more value here than guessing over the internet. Unless planning on replacing your guitar every year or so…..you want to work with very reputable dealers like Alamo. It’s lots more than just about price. Thanks guys for all you do!

[@scottdunn2178]

You still see the small mom & pop guitar shop... but they're definitely not everywhere like back in the 80's.

[@dxcman1]

I love my local shops .. I can’t imagine a world where I don’t go to them.. there are two locally that are very different and approach but when I walk in both of them know me and they are like family

[@deepiper6529]

The local shop I found and turn to often for strings, setups, and other gear and services is Texas Tour Gear in Belton, TX. Friendly staff and great service. I prefer HEB over Wal Mart too for groceries. :)

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Frustrating trip to 2 guitar stores yesterday. First one the targeted guitar listed “in stock” but wasn’t. 2nd stored had around 5 Gibsons in store, none close to my target. Wasted time & gas & risked stupid traffic.

[@ToTheRegiment]

Symphony Music, Wigan, Uk. Family run, knowledgeable, best advice, great after service. I love this shop

[@billa6348]

No sales tax and free shipping are what attracted me to Alamo. What keeps me coming back is Alamo's support, training (videos and store guitar reps), and customer-oriented service (what Cooper said re more photos, videos of guitar being played, etc.). These are the reason's I will continue to be an Alamo fan. That said, I can understand a manufacturer's inclination to sell direct when the dealers they entrust with the privilege of selling their guitars are ALSO selling guitars from other manufacturers. Just off the top of my head I can think of two non-big box guitar guitar stores in California where, despite having a huge Taylor guitar inventory and in-store display, there is a none-too-subtle emphasis on promoting another brand of guitar--sort of "Yes, we have that guitar, but let me show you this one too. Notice the richer tone and more pronounced resonance?" It's not really "bait and switch," but it does Taylor (and other brands of guitars they might carry) a disservice. Whatever Taylor's motive(s), however, I think they're nuts for not sticking to their "wheel/guitarhouse:"--manufacturing--and it's a slap in the face to those guitar stores that are true Taylor guitar advocates. Change is inevitable and dealers who adapt will survive. I need to have total confidence in Alamo's adaptability because I dread the day when I am forced to say, "Remember the Alamo Music Store" argh/ack/smile.

[@joevoolo8532]

There used to be at least 20 music stores in my 50 mile radius. Now there is only one Guitar Center. And if Gibson is going to charge 2500 dollars for their guitars, I'm going to at least see it and play it first.

[@DrGreenaway]

I'd love to go to the new Fender retail store opening in Tokyo, Japan. I hope they start to open some in the U.S.A.

[@robg1996]

I own a business based in NYC on 48th street, between 5th and 6th Avenue. One block west was essentially half a block of stores selling instruments. Stores like Manny’s and Sam Ash and others. They are all gone and it is a shame. I like holding a guitar but more importantly, I want the expertise and service afterwards. I want a place I can go for regular set ups and I like having local businesses. It’s a shame but we are going down this route of getting rid of the small businesses in so many industries.

[@enricofugazzi5206]

There are many things to be considered from a customer perspective. Price is in my opinion only 1 of the reasons someone would choose to buy online vs local store. As a matter of fact I wouldn´t mind paying 10 to 20% more on a product and support the local shop if I would get a return in term of service and overall customer experience. However I have mainly negative experiences with local stores (except when I go back to Italy to a shop where one of my best friends works and despite the fact that he is a Fender fan boy and I am a Gibson fan boy I am sure that I get the best of serivces, discount when possible and honest recommendations). I am expecting from my local music store to be a place where I can hang out and talk to other musicians and exchange opinions (at the local store here in Germany I was told not to talk to other customers, despite I actually "sold" few guitars on their behalf when sales assistants where busy with other customers). I am expecting that shop assistants have expertise and keep up with product release etc., but when who is responsible to help me choose an instrument knows much less than I do and only try to push a sale instead of helping me choosing the right thing for me I can as well just browse an online shop and pick randomly a guitar. Finally here in Germany we have Thomann. The biggest European online store. Their customer service is top notch. When I bought my Taylor GS Mini they didn´t have it immediately available. I called them and said: I bought many things from you guys. I would like to buy the GS Mini from you and I am ready to wait few weeks until it´s available rather than buying from somebody else. Are you ready to give me an extra discount? They asked me to wait 2 minutes on the line (they probably check my history with them). They came back and offered me 10% off on the already cheapest price in the market. I bought the guitar. It even showed up 2 weeks before the expected delivery date. Last but least: If I lived in Texas I would come to your shop every day because after watching countless of your videos I know that I could benefit from both your experience and your honesty.

[@leostratonly]

My local music shop always lets me try anything I want… and that’s the reason I always buy from them! How can somebody buy a guitar without trying out the neck? Or seeing a finish in person to check if it has flaws?

[@carlitobrigante330]

To a seasoned pro, there is no substitute for buying in-store. But the majority of the people buying online are likely first-time buyers and less-discerning players who simply aren't discriminating enough to care about the difference.