What Are Musician's Friend And Guitar Center Up To?

[@CKS64]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to educate us.

[@peteleoni9665]

Exactly the same thing happened to me with a banjo. Precisely

[@cdavidlake2]

I've had this happen to me many times. I got tired of getting obvious (and often poorly-packed) GC floor models so now, whenever I buy from MF, I always be sure to (1) order over the phone, and (2) clearly specify that I want "factory sealed from the KC warehouse" *only*. Sad that this has to be the case - should be totally unnecessary. If this is their business practice, it should be clearly stated. It is not. Glad you're calling them out.

[@charlie-obrien]

Its fairly obvious to me that MF has simply become GC's clearing house and that except for items like Strings, cables, straps or simple electronics (some pedals), you are most likely not going to receive a new factory sealed instrument, unless as you stated, it is specified with a live representative. Its a shame because one of the nicest guitars I ever owned was my first purchase from them. After that 5 straight returns over 3 years, except for the accessory stuff I mentioned.

[@nelsonwilbury6162]

Musician’s Con Artist Friend

[@annunacky4463]

Just bought a used Peavey Classic 30 from GC. Listed as in great shape. Shipping to my local store. Let’s hope it’s what I ordered.

[@garryw.robertsmusicandmore2359]

I have bought guitars from Musicians Friend without any problems until three years ago. I ordered a brand new Guild guitar. It was shipped from Guitar Center wrapped in BUBBLE WRAP! It was obviously a floor demo model, but it was shipped to me as a brand new guitar at a new price! I will buy strings, picks, and other stuff from MF, but not instruments.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

I ordered a “new” Yamaha acoustic (AC3R) from Musician’s Friend at a fair discount. It came in with fingerprints all over it and the batteries already installed (and dead). I called to complain that I was sold a new instrument but received a demo. They offered me a better discount. I was so angry at the deceptive business practice that I said no. I saw an AC5R (made in Japan instead of Indonesia) for a similar discount, plus a further ‘special’ member discount . Long story short, I saved over $500 a $1600+ guitar and it arrived in pristine condition, case included.

[@RaymondLandis]

Great message for us to hear... I used to buy from Musicians Friend many years ago, but now I usually buy from Sweetwater or else if Guitar Center at all, locally at the store. Guitars in general though, only Sweetwater! My relationship with my personal Sound Technician is so valuable. I may pay a slightly higher price, but I always get exactly what I expect. If there's ever a concern, it's handled directly by my Sound Technician and worked out really fast!

[@lazvt8469]

Always ask Sales Engr for discount. I always get 10% off…

[@user-wk9kx8uc3b]

Thank you for doing this you have educated me

[@seabreeze2792]

I ordered 2 Orange amps for my studio from Musicians Friend. One came and had a label from Guitar center in Washington I think it was? The ground on the cord cap AKA Plug in was broken. I e mailed Orange they sent me a new one. The plastic bag cord from MF came in was ripped and their were no decals for Orange amps . The second one AMP came a few days later. All packaged nicely and sealed decals and cord in great shape. Moral of the STORY. SWEETWATER from that day on.

[@Charles53412]

I certainly hope you sent a copy of this video to Musician's Friend and have already been in contact with some one over the phone ! To me that is false advertisement. That is why I deal directly with the maker themselves !

[@johngavlik9565]

Just today, I ordered a telecaster to be shipped from guitar center online. I asked the agent on the phone to have it sent to My local Guitar Center for pick up (to foil the porch pirates). Not possible says He, must be shipped to home address, I say ok ship it, and an hour later I get a shipping notification from Musicians friend. I've had good experiences with both retailers but still have a weird feeling about the way it went down. I should have been told the true reason it couldn't ship to store..."because You're not actually buying it from Guitar Center"

[@bassplayer536]

I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s eventually a class action lawsuit over their deceptive sales practices

[@tomwhite716]

Don’t buy their crap. It is deceptive and a complete con job. Save your money.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Snake oil salesmen

[@zbaby82]

I bought a DiMarzio neck P.A.F. from Musician's Friend once and it had an intermittent short in it. But I couldn't send it back as I didn't get around to installing it until about a year after I bought it. I'm thinking it may have been a returned item that they sold to me. So always install pickups as soon as you get them to make sure they work.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Definitely a return. Buying from MF/GC online is like buying at a shrink-wrap pallet sale

[@gshankaran]

Anything shipped from GC is suspect. They usually pick up a floor model, throw it in whatever box they can find and ship it to you. And more often than not, the truss rod adjustment tools and other accessories will be missing. I just send mine right back when that happens.

[@knuckleheadcollections]

Good Lord, we've all had the same experiences. What has happened to customer service these days? Where is the integrity? I ordered a PRS SE CE while I was actually in a Guitar Center store. They did not have it in stock, so they ordered it for me and had shipped to my home. I thought for sure I would get something from the factory. Instead what I got was an 'open box return'. At that point I really didn't realize what had happened but the guitar just played terribly, so I took it back and returned it. They reordered a guitar for me, and had it sent to my house, and the second guitar that came, was brand new from the factory. It still had the plastic on it and everything straight from PRS. Why did I have to purchase a guitar, and return it, just to get what I should have got in the beginning? I'm going to do my best to never buy another guitar from Guitar Center if I can help it.

[@TropicalLatitude]

This kind of thing was very common during Covid when MF and GC had almost no stock and fighting for their corporate lives. For sometime now the two companies have shared stock.

[@0713mas]

Yup! I purchased an Epiphone AJ45 masterbilt off the website, paid full price $699.99 + tax and shipping at the time had it sent to my local guitar center, after my wife had gotten me a used guitar that the pickup didn't work in. Although it was new and only about a year or so old, it showed up in a taylor box with a receipt from another GC location in the state. The guitar quick inspection it seemed to my untrained eye to be basically new. Although it is supposed to be a sort of light mat finish retro style guitar. It had a boxy sound, and the strings were very old, and it was in dire need of a setup, which guitar center said they'd do for $30 or something. I almost returned it but after a string change and some humid summer outdoor play I felt like it had some of that old workhorse tone and just needed to season in, the pickup also sounded pretty good. A few months later, during the winter months I noticed a strange bunching up of the wood near the binding near the bottom on the top, despite my attemps to rehydrate the guitar, shortly after it developed a crack one night from the bridge to the binding. Cost me $75 but my luthier was able to put some cleats in and stabilize the crack with glue. I'll keep it, for now and after I learned to do setups and worked on it, it has turned out to be a good player, but imagine if I had gone for the real deal gibson?!? BTW they had a gibson J45 in that guitar center the day I got in and I played them side by side and that brand new 3k gibson J45 was more dried out than the Epiphone AJ45ME I bought. When I have gone to GC recently half the guitars have broken strings, and even missing knobs and stuff. I miss the old Mars music or Daddys they had decent inventory and Mars I believe even had a humidification room.

[@AJgeartalk]

Thanks for sharing your story brother! Be well.

[@ocljtc]

I hate Guitar Center, I once ordered a TASCAM DP-03SD Digital Portastudio 8-Track Recorder, and when it arrived, the box was all beat up and all the packaging inside the box was already opened. The power cord was unraveled and music was already recorded on the unit (not the demo song). I called customer service and the woman I was talking to was just giving me b.s. "Oh, it was an open stock item" and it wasn't, no where on the GC website did it say it was open stock. I asked if I could return what they sent me in exchange for a new one, she said "No, it is a discontinued item" That is a complete lie, that unit is still manufactured today and this issue was about 5-6 years ago. I never shop at Guitar Center, that company is really shady. I shop Sweetwater, great merchandise and great customer service.

[@jaydavee]

I bought a Jackson X Soloist SL4X from Guitar Center through the app. It came with missing trem arm, missing documentation, no tools, very loose tone pot, trem system in need of adjustment to resolve severe tuning issues. The box was of a D'angelico guitar. The SL4X I bought was sold as a new guitar. What I received was a floor demo with probably 3 years of rejection in its history. It did still have all of the protective plastic film on the pickguard & rear covers. The film was all streaked up from years of people playing it and not wanting it. The wood, paint, frets and tuners were all like new. Guitar Center is only 4 miles from home. I returned it within 20 minutes of unboxing it along with a list of the undesirable issues. They have been good about returns 3 times now.

[@MitchHaman]

Hi Joe. I had a good experience with Musicians Friend. I ordered a ESP/LTD EC10 on a Thursday and it was at my front door the next day less then 24 hours. I could tell it came from my closest GC by looking at the tracking info. I think I've bought like 3 new guitars from Musicians Friend in the last several months and a USB audio interface.. All in great condition and packaged very good. Musicians Friend also said, I could not return the guitar to GC if I had a problem, I had to return it to them. Anyway, my experience with Musicians Friend has always been good. The Gretsch you have here is beautiful. I've never played a Gretsch but that may change soon. As always Joe, another great video.

[@AJgeartalk]

Thanks Mitch! Glad to hear of your good purchases! Like anything else- "luck of the draw". Be well my friend.

[@karlp.1096]

Musician's Friend did the same thing to me. I purchased a brand new amplifier and received a unit that was clearly used. In fact, the tubes inside were not even original. I let Musician's Friend know about it and that it is not an honest way to do business. It was clearly a demo or returned amplifier being sold as new. It was the last time I ever purchased anything from them!

[@winstonsmith8240]

One of the things in life I have no time for are lies. Deception works too. 👍

[@carpathus]

Ordered a "new" PRS SE CE24 from Musician's Friend. Tracking data indicates it's was shipped from Guitar Center San Antonio. Ordered from MF because Sweetwater is currently out of stock. If it's not brand new or suspect in any way it's going to be returned straight away. Just have to wait and see when it gets here tomorrow. Hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.

[@AJgeartalk]

Good luck. It's a brand new line. You should be "ok".

[@carpathus]

You're probably right, at least I hope you are right. Sweetwater did have demos marked down to $503 but I passed on them to get a new one. I figured that since I usually buy used guitars that this time I was going to get a brand spanking new one. In hindsight maybe I should have snagged one of the demos before they were gone.@@AJgeartalk

[@dbspecials1200]

The "sale" price may also reflect a reasonable demo price, but it's the deception that is wrong. and they can say shipping from your local store saves time & energy, but if they cared about that why not give you the option to pick it up since they knew it was close to you? they still sent a truck. Ideally we should have seen a Gretsch box inside the big acoustic box, which does hold more packing materials, but is also a tell for sure. I doubt the MF warehouse would ship with a Martin box. you got all the hallmarks of a demo, but it's nice and the price was good. 🏁🏁

[@AJgeartalk]

Exactly! The MF rep insisted this was NOT a demo. Incredible. I stated the exact same things you mention.

[@jerrodprevost9046]

I ordered that exact guitar last week as a Stupid Deal of the Day on Musician's Friend. Same exact thing happened to me. I got an email right away saying it would come from Guitar Center and not in original packaging. I said ok. Guitar seems new but I did notice some smudges on the body from fingers. Looks and plays great so I'm not unhappy but as you say it seems like false advertising/shady.

[@fairweathercamping8329]

Same thing happened to me a couple of months ago. Ordered from MF and got a returned model from GC with damage. They offered me a hundred bucks off, but I just returned it. Super annoying.

[@01157ify]

I only buy from Sweetwater. I have been with them over ten years. No BS, just great service. This is not a paid announcement...

[@GoldGn111]

I gotten a “used” 2 guitar and a Marshall tube amp from pro audio star that came new . I seen their reviews and they are half positive half negative however in my experience it’s been nothing but great . Got 2 new guitars and an amp for an amazing price I can’t complain however a lot of the negative reviews come from people buying “new” items getting them “used” . I can understand labeling New items as use or OB in order to bring price down and get rid of inventory , why I don’t understand is why many are getting the opposite experience from the same seller .

[@cdavidlake2]

Ah, PAS...my go-to for new "used" product...

[@vanhalen5150jhs]

I had this happen 1 1/2 yrs ago with a NEW EVH guitar I purchased from Musicians Friend. They shipped a demo or a open box from guitar center that had fret board damage. it was returned and no more purchases from them. I now use American Music Supply. I haven't been disappointed.

[@TanksFaves]

That happened to me w/ an epi sg that wasn't truly new. It's really nice guitar so kept it. I've cancelled other items that couldn't be guaranteed new in box since then.

[@DavidHBurkart]

As long as you know its a crap-shoot going into it, then its fine, but it seems they should just do some sort of "scratch-n-dent" sales pitch instead.

[@隠れた]

Shipping out floor models is a very common practice for GC/MF.. so much so I refuse to shop there unless it’s an exclusive to them

[@garrysimmons111]

I once got an Ibanez bass from GC that (as I found out later) had been returned twice by customers. Shipped in a plain box, not original packaging. Accessories were missing. GC was selling it as "new". EQ knobs were a bit funky. It was the last one in stock online, so no chance to get another one. I returned it to my local GC which was a painless transaction to get a full refund.

[@bellywitchproductions2183]

Wow, big second thoughts about ordering from them now

[@隠れた]

There was a tele at guitar center that have two chips through the finish and wood plus missing the selector switch tip and I tried talking a discount on it and they said no because it’s a new model even though it’s on the floor and completely beat up.. they also said they had no more in the back

[@zoomzoom3950]

I've had similar issues with MF and guitars; I had an open box gretsch I purchased as new; at least it came from MF warehouse, but the outer and inner boxes were previously opened; I sent it back. I purchased several new guitars from MF over the last 2-3 years, and this is was the only time a new guitar was already opened box and resealed.

[@charlie-obrien]

I like MF's "Stupid deal of the Day" for things like Strings, cables and any product, really that doesn't need a set up or can be "messed up" in manufacture or handling. (I just got a fantastic guitar rack for 1/3 price) But I have learned my lesson with guitars and I have had to return the last three that I ordered from there. Luckily, my local GC will accept the MF returns, so I don't have to go to UPS. Its obvious to me now that MF is simply GC's clearing house and you really take a chance on anything that can be damaged or mishandled because it likely will be. I say this as a guy who bought an acoustic that was "Blemished", but had a hole gashed right into the front of the spruce top.

[@monkusbee]

My new d-18 special from GC was sold to me with a shaved down saddle. Marker line still visible.

[@Madurbu]

Thanks Joe.....great video

[@eddiemautone209]

I appreciate your comments thanks your good people are you a new Yorker i am

[@ericterry7117]

yes your right...i bought my epiphone les paul standard 50s from guitar center new..it arrived used so i had to send it back...they replaced with a new but they lost my future business..

[@stephenhenion8304]

It's best to Shop In Person... i picked up my Martin D28 Custom at Sam Ash.... i would never buy a guitar mail order / online.... that's a nice Gretsch Guitar! I hope you play it long and LOUD!!

[@bradshannon862]

If you look at used guitars on either site they are the same listings.

[@jpj1776]

Same thing happened to me, display substitute. Probably would’ve returned, but purchased as a gift. It was a gretch too. Switch has failed, local GC is not an authorized repair center. Probably won’t buy from them again.

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

Yeah..last time I purchased from Musicians was last Xmas...never again..spent over 5k..and EVERYTHING was a DEMO MODEL..WHEN IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE NEW..

[@RJKANEAO]

Guitar Center/ Musicians Friend same company American Musical Supply/ Zzounds also same company.. Nest advice I could give you is order from Sweetwater and you’ll get the quality and customer service you expect..

[@peterrebhahn1113]

I, too, have had the experiece of having a MF purchase fulfilled by GC, though my experiences weren't as bad as yours. Still, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Couldn't help feeling I was 'had' in a way. Private equity firm Ares Management has owned MF/GC now since, I believe, 2014, which is a lot longer than I would have predicted. Hedge funds and private equity firms don't buy businesses because they want to operate them, they buy them to work their financial engineering 'magic' and then sell them to the public via an IPO -- initial public offering of stock. Strange to me that Ares Management hasn't cashed out yet as you'd think the guitar boom of 2020/2021 would have been an opportune time to do so. Meantime, they've allowed Sweetwater to steal and eat their lunch. Puzzling. Will be interesting to see how this plays out. Really love the look of that guitar, though.

[@AJgeartalk]

Thanks for the great info Peter! Hope you are well my friend.

[@fightforfreedom5193]

The same thing happened to me with my last two purchases from Musicians Friend. The first was an Epiphone 59' Les Paul. I returned it because the neck pickup stopped working. The second was a Stupid deal of the day Epiphone ES 335 Pro. It came in a generic box from guitar center. I didn't even take it out the box I was so pissed. I called them up and got my return label and sent it back. Not real happy with Musicians Friend. P.S When I talked to the woman from MF to return it, she said a replacement wouldn't be available till next February. I went online and saw the same ES 335 in stock ready to ship. It appears that the stupid deal of the day are returns/floor model demos.

[@DavidHBurkart]

That is somewhat understandable. SDOTD at least gives you an idea that something could be demo/return/overstock, etc. The bottom line is MF/GC are terrible online vendors

[@guitarjeff55]

I have for years done buis move both back forth Couple times little strange but understood how it works Better to have some opps tnan just one to deal with keeps them bit more inline

[@andrewbyrom9925]

I worked for GC for 10 years.. I’d be happy to tell anyone how the ordering system works either way GC and MF…

[@eddiemautone209]

THE GUITAR I ORDERED FROM ZZOUNDS MUSIC IS EPIPHONE CASINO LEFT HANDED BEFORE THAT A EPIPHONE ACCOUSTIC AND BEFORE THAT A FENDER TELECASTER YEP ALL ARRIVED ON ONE DOWN PAYMENT TWO DAYS SEE IF GET THAT FROM GUITAR CENTER OR MUSICIAN FRIEND OR SWEETWATER NO WAY MY FRIEND

[@russellmcbride1242]

Always sketchy receiving guitars in the mail. Firefly guitars come in a nice molded foam. Inside a box that's inside another box. Thanks for the heads up! 🖖

[@Steve.Cutler]

They're playing with the word "new" technically, it has never been sold, it's new. The parent company of GC and MF are tanking right now. Sales are at all time lows both online and in store. I'd send it back and order from sweetwater!

[@Earthshaker1965]

I saw by 7:45 into the unboxing , that any optimism that you had was fully diminished. I'm not a big Gretsch fan, but that still looks like a really nice guitar. So are you going to keep it, or send it back to Musician's Friend? I'll tell you a funny story that happened to me at the GC in Greensboro NC. A few years ago I went into Guitar Center to purchase my friend a $20 gift card for his birthday. The kid at the register acted completely disinterested as he was loading the money onto the card. The next day, I gave my friend his gift. He sat in his office, and called Guitar Center to make an order. The automated response system said that there was two thousand dollars on his account. That look on his face was priceless!!! He was struggling to get up enough nerve to purchase a $2,000 Martin with the $20 gift card. I think the plan turned out being, he was going to get a $1,500 Martin and get me a squier Starcaster....lol. Unfortunately, he waited a day too long... And when we got on the phone the next day, GC apparently had done an audit, and corrected the total back to $20. So as you can imagine, when I saw that Martin box, it brought back some funny Guitar Center memories...lol.😂

[@AJgeartalk]

Too funny! When I saw the Martin box- I thought for a second the same thing... Then reality quickly set in. It is still a beautiful guitar, and I will most likely keep it. Thanks for watching.

[@jasonjones787]

Thank you for making this video. I am in the same situation on a guitar I ordered and ended up with a floor model when I paid for a new guitar. After inspection when I got the guitar it has a deep scratch to the wood in the paint on the body and the neck had a place on it. I contacted them and they gave me 2 options. Return it or they could give me a discount, all I had to do was send a picture. So I sent it to see what they would knock off it. They sent me back telling me that they would knock $20 off. I am livid right now as I told them when I ordered it that I wanted new in the box. They told me they had plenty and that wouldn’t be a problem. Lies as usual. This is the 2nd time this had happened to me. I am done with them. I don’t usually say stuff like this but I do hope they go out of business. This company is sh**. As soon as I rectify this mess I am canceling my cards. Thank you again for making this video I wish I would have made.

[@mrjimmcdaniels]

Exact same thing happened to me during the pandemic. My was either a demo or b stock. Finger prints all over and packed just like yours. I sent it back.

[@thejason9786]

You still can return a musicians friend item to guitar center. I recently did just that

[@billsolo4123]

You'll still loved it I'm sure.

[@haetfull]

I had the same thing happen to me last year. I ordered an ibanez axion label, got it in an unbranded box. supposed to come with a case, there was no case. It was almost flawless besides scratches on the pick ups. I managed to get them to refund me $200 of the total cost. But i learned my lesson, only ordered from them because it was sold out everywhere else.

[@eddiemautone209]

ZZOUNDS HAS THAT GRETSCH GUITAR ALSO THEY HAVE ALL THE GUITARS MY EPIPHONE CASINO IS THE BEST WHAT A POWERFUL SOUND IT HAS I GOT THE BLOND MODEL LIKE THE ONE JOHN LENNON PLAYS

[@steveviau-ui6jg]

A Mitchell I bought came from MF via GC, took an hour to get it unpacked too, LOL! In all fairness mine was a scratch & dent. However they should disclose it.

[@Smart-Alex]

They've always done that, nothing new. It's a great price for a beautiful guitar IMHO. Just get a setup to sort out whatever minor issues you have, check intonation, change strings, etc. Good luck!

[@vincentrockel1149]

The only problem I see is that they are not being up front about the age and whether it was a demo. If you got the guitar for a good deal there usually is a reason. They should be up front with the consumer.

[@billsolo4123]

Uncool if it's not labeled demo. I got one from GC during covid when that was the only one available - but nit demo. Plus GC doesn't include paperwork or Gretsch box.

[@billsolo4123]

I guess I should add, I've also had wonderful experiences with Musician's Friend and purchased at least 5 guitars from them. The guitar I ordered that came from GC instead was a certain candy apple red Gretsch with 2 P90's. Great agt from MFriend asked if it was ok and to get it, it certainly was. A far as box, Musician's Fr has warehouse - GC doesn't. Their inventory is kept at their locations, which explains why they may not keep specific boxes. Brian F from MF has ALWAYS been great!

[@rockerz57]

Bought a "new" MXR Timmy from MF...it came in a generic box, no MXR box or added paperwork. It works fine, but I'm done with MF.

[@superlead1002]

Unfortunately, in retail, new is defined as never been sold, so legally, if it was never sold then it is considered new. In reality, it would be better if it was offered as a demo model to eliminate the possibility of customer dissatisfaction; and financial loss to the retailer by offering extra discounts to appease the customer, and multiple shipping costs.

[@DarylT64]

If I purchase a new guitar I expect to receive a new guitar. This would be going back and they would have to pay shipping. I would require a brand new replacement guitar in a factory box of the guitar brand not a demo or used guitar or a refund. From now on I will be very careful about ordering from MF.

[@davegass1650]

Joe my one and only dealings with Musicians Friend pretty much had the same outcome . I was excited to get a Mitchell 450 electric guitar for a good discount brand new . I am in Massachusetts . A Guitar center on the next morning which was Sunday called me from California saying they had my guitar which was a floor model and damage and was willing to give me a discount . I told them to refund my money . Bad business .

[@AJgeartalk]

At least they had the good sense, in this case, to notify you in advance... Thanks for sharing Dave!

[@davegass1650]

@@AJgeartalk I am 57 . And haven't played in about 25 years . I wanted to start playing again so I was looking for a good deal . I luckily still have the guitar I purchased when I was 16 . A 1981 Hamer Special sunburst . In original condition . Awesome guitar . After the Musician Friends disappointment . I went and bought a squier telecaster cheap model Sweetwater treated me like a king 👑 . Now I will make all my purchases from Sweetwater .

[@MrMagic1220]

Just grabbed a Fender CD60-SCE from their “stupid deal of the day” last week and had a pretty similar experience. Order placed late on the 6th. The 7th I get tracking information related to a guitar center package. Package arrived the 8th in the usual kind of packaging I get when I order used from GC. I check back on the shipment tracking history and sure enough it came from a GC in the same state I live in. Thankfully it was a cheap enough guitar, and was in basically new condition so I didn’t feel like going through the headache of a return. Nevertheless, some fairly concerning business practices going on here

[@AJgeartalk]

Excact same process that I went through. Thanks for posting.

[@Tarbashh]

I've been leery of MF and GC lately. Between a LOT of reports of stuff like this, and their Used Gear being listed wrong (I just found a Sterling SUB4 listed as a RAY34, for $500. The SUB4 is a $350 bass new.), I think I'll stick to Sweetwater, or American Musical.

[@r.honeycutt8660]

The first guitar I bought was from Guitar Center a Squire Bullet Stratocaster on sale. It came in 2 days after I ordered it. The guitar was packed like yours not in a Squire or Fender Box like you get with a new on. It was missing the tremolo arm and no warranty card etc. Called them and they were quick to offer me 19 dollars to get an arm and apoligized, they suggested Amazon. Since then I contacted Musician's Friend and started working with one of their customer service representatives. Each subsequent guitar I bought 5 guitars a Fender Strat, Gretsch, Schecter, Squire Cyclone and recently an Epiphone SG always asking for a sealed in box new guitar. Don't plan to buy any more guitars but I have been very lucky as all of these guitars were new, no issues with them and beautiful finishes. I agree with you and everyone else if they are discounting a guitar be up front and tell the customer it will be a repackaged display model but provide supplier paperwork for warranty etc. The guitar you got looks beautiful I would contact their customer service to see what they will do for you. Sweetwater is great to work with but they don't discount the guitars as much as others. Also you can see a picture of the guitar you can choose from in their website listing which is really top notch. Good luck with your Gretsch.

[@chessrootslove9916]

Not honest at all! GC & MF are only good as a place to put your hands on guitars and maybe pick up a used axe - if they have anything worthwhile at the time. I had a similar experience with a lower end Squier Strat - ordered from MF, delivered (obviously used) from GC here in St Louis.

[@JamesMurphyProducer]

i agree, if i pay new price, i demand NEW… in box

[@CKS64]

Thanks!

[@AJgeartalk]

Very kind of you! Thank you.

[@lilymae4131]

I've bought way to many guitars from Musicians Friend nearly all on sale and never got a truly new one. Always missing factory paper work, sometimes still have the display hang tags on them, and too often some damage. I have sometime got ones in like new condition, but always the wrong box and mummified in bubble wrap.. A few times packaged so badly, (like a gig bag box with the opening running the length of the box instead of the end and the tape not sticking where you can reach in and touch the guitar before unboxing. It's a roll of the dice, but the discount sucks you in to taking the chance. I to fell it is very deceptive selling. I keep swearing I am going too stop buying from them and go to Sweetwater who is much more honest.

[@brucegalbraith6029]

In the last 3 years I tried out and ordered direct from GC, got brand new amps delivered, along with the ability to trade in and/or get an additional discount! MF is using their platform as a way to reduce slow sellers at GC, I can't blame them, but they should be transparent!

[@dinkeredwards5187]

NO SQEEKY FOAM FOR YOU!!! LOL SMH ...I won't buy from anyone online but SWEETWATER!!! THEY ROCK...NEVER A PROBLEM.... Guitar Center is less than an hour away from me but I'll wait two weeks on SWEETWATER TO GET IT RIGHT IF HAD TO ..lol .Great Video..informative

[@waderowland9758]

I wasn't able to muster up your level of indignation, especially given the discount. "T" in the model number indicates that the guitar includes a tremolo unit.

[@bizarrodude3987]

So just curious, if you walk into Guitar Center a buy a guitar that’s hanging on the wall, do you expect to get it at a “demo” or otherwise discounted price? I ordered a small Fender mustang amp from GC and it was shipped from a nearby store in a plain box with no manual/paperwork. So I understand feeling a bit deceived, I think they should disclose that’s what you’re getting. But at the end of the day it’s no different than if I’d gone to the store and bought it off the sales floor myself.

[@AJgeartalk]

If it was disclosed no problem at all. I could walk into a GC and buy a guitar that was previously played by 100 teenagers. That's not what I desired. So I guess, I'm confused with your point here?

[@bizarrodude3987]

@@AJgeartalk I don’t really have a point I’m trying to make I’m just genuinely wondering if people expect to be able to pick up a new guitar off the wall at GC, that’s been played by 100 teenagers as you say, and pay less for it due to that fact? Is that something people do? Personally speaking, I don’t have that expectation. However when I buy something off their website my expectation is that I’m getting a “fresh” one and like this video I’ve gotten something off the sales floor and not in the original box. When I got my not-quite-new-in-box amp I was initially disappointed. And also glad I wasn’t buying as a gift for someone else (how cheap would that look?). But I am able to see both sides of the coin I guess and in my case it wasn’t a big deal. But It’s definitely something I’ve kept in mind for purchases since. Ive bought a couple guitars since then and luckily both arrived new. In the end, they really just need to disclose this when you order online. But I think they know this would probably crater a good chunk of their business. Or better yet, they should let you opt out of this practice. Check a box saying “new stock only” or something. I’m not criticizing the video, certainly you have a right to be dissatisfied with what you received.

[@AJgeartalk]

I think we both agree here. Buying something online described as brand new- should be unplayed and in a sealed box. Buying something "off the floor" at a store location is a whole different story.@@bizarrodude3987

[@janjablonsky]

I'm in no way a guitar store apologist, but hey, if you don't like it you have 45 days to return it and at that point, you can insist that they send you a brand new pristine guitar to replace the one you don't like and they will in fact do just that.

[@AJgeartalk]

Captain Obvious gave me that same advice. This video is designed to educate the "uninformed".

[@eddiemautone209]

AND THEY ARRIVE IN THE PROPER BOX

[@Luthiart]

That’s why Sweetwater gets most of my business. I never buy from the website. I call them on the phone and ask for a discount (don’t be shy). 99% of the time they’re willing to cut 10-15% off the price, unless it’s a pre-order, or a brand new product that they just got in stock. So are you going to return that guitar?

[@AJgeartalk]

I received an additional discount for the bad experience. Will most likely keep since it is a limited edition and I like the guitar.

[@Luthiart]

That's cool. I'd probably do the same. I could live with light scratches on the pickguard with an adequate discount. It's just the principle that bothers me. I can't abide dishonesty. But all's well that ends well, I guess.

[@TechnoRiff]

As a buyer, I expect a certain amount of respect. Sorry that GC/MF seems to have dissed you. It's a trade-off between compensation (usually discount for "troubles") vs. respect on the experience (voting here with the other posters on Sweetwater for a good experience).

[@jeffrowlette]

Thanks for the heads-up on this......that's BS and they should know better 👍

[@MelodyCarroll-rx8tk]

I've gotten used guitars from GC before as well. I paid full price for a brand new item. Clearly they are not up front with their customers. For the last several years, I only buy from a local shop where the product is guaranteed, or I buy from Sweetwater. I only received one damaged guitar from Sweetwater but they were easy to deal with and replaced the item. Guitar Center's customer service is isn't even based here in this country so dealing with issues forces you to deal with a different person every time you call. Nothing good comes from GC.

[@masterofreality230]

I got my Gibson on sale, they really didnt want me to take a new one from the back...they tried offering me a set of strings to take the demo lol Nah, I was good on that.

[@caseylee12]

I've bought used guitars from GC many times, but I KNEW I was getting a used guitar. If they're selling used guitars for new guitars, and not disclosing it, they're breaking the law. And if they give you a big discount, and tell you it's a demo model, that's cool, too. Just disclose it!

[@ejmachuca9355]

No warranty information or tools, proves it's used. That is absolutely BS. Bait and switch at the least and misleading a customer, on purpose at worst. Great vid.

[@DavidHBurkart]

This is unacceptable policy. Its one thing to sell a demo & not receive it in original packaging & paperwork/case-box candy. It is quite another to buy something advertised as new & receive a demo/returned guitar. Nothing new from GC/MF & I really don't care whether it is of GC or MF origin, but you should receive what you otdered rather than what amounts to a bait/switch tactic in order to minimize corporate shrinkage.

[@tomzifertomzifer6944]

I have had this same experience myself . Maybe worse. . My new MF solid body guitar on back order for months in the future came from a guitar center very quickly with a big chunk out of the body. Surely pulled from a junk pile somewhere. That was about a year ago. I spoke with someone on the phone two months ago from MF I believe but who the hell knows. That agent told me MF and GC are no longer associated and doing this because of this problem.

[@DavidHBurkart]

...so basically, "sorry for you, but not sorry for you" was their response? Unacceptable

[@kernelkorn6545]

Hmmm. I’m a little torn here. I’m no huge fan of guitar center or musicians friend but from what you’re saying you got a great deal on the guitar. It is brand new if it’s never been purchased. I get where you’re coming from but I don’t think you’ve been deceived. You purchased a guitar that was brand new at a discount. Cool guitar btw. Enjoy it

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

'FREE' advertising for Martin ! lol

[@stevencrash]

New? No tags. No original box. Seems like a used guitar or off the wall display to me! This is why both Guitar Center and Musicians Friend are struggling to stay in business. I prefer American Musical Supply or Sweetwater when buying online. Never an issue like this!

[@earlbrackett6508]

that's a used instrument in my book, and a defective one at that. I'd take the guitar & that GC receipt to the nearest store and swap it for a proper one or get a full refund. That is a good price, but that doesn't mean they can dump off a defective floor model to the first sucker that's looking for a deal.

[@danrunnoft6642]

Those MF'rs at MF/GC obviously sold you a used guitar. I would either return it, or ask for some compensation.

[@ChrisP3000x]

Little kids have been beating up that guitar for 2 years. If I buy used like that, I want at least 20% off.

[@thebluesrockers]

Joe, If "Guitar Center" had already done a setup on it, then it might be worth keeping. However, I believe "Musicians friend" should either offer you a $ credit, or offer you something worth wild for that particular guitar. I believe that selling a used guitar as new, and it actually being a used, guitar is a "Fraudulent sale." I hope they make things right with you. It sure looks like a lovely guitar. Guitars made in Korea are a coin toss. they have 2 different guitar manufacturing plants in Korea. One is an awesome plant. the other does really shitty work. Please keep us posted on the results of "Musicians friend." Peace.. Joe

[@hubridgell4511]

If the price is low enough it doesn’t matter to me- usually

[@philbob99]

That bubble wrap mummy mess is really horrible. No quality or pride in service. Ha. Well, thanks for this video. Learned a lot and had no idea what these companies do. Disappointing. Thank you!

[@AJgeartalk]

Thanks for watching Phil!

[@calescapee9642]

Musicians Fiend.

[@ClarenceHW]

Similar experience, ordered from MF, received from local Guitar Center. Worst instrument I've ever purchased.

[@dennismullin3052]

AND AMERICA WAS FORCED TO GIVE UP PLASTIC STRAWS BUT NOT BUBBLE WRAP! I HOPE EVERYONE GETS IT NOW!