What Happened to Guitar Center?

[@joeurgod]

The problem that have with what the new CEO said in his interview is unless you play "premium" gear....you are not a serious or real musician. So am i supposed to prioritize a 1000$ guitar over rent? Over food for my wife and daughter? Over paying bills? His comments come off very elitist. I guess the working class that are on a budget are not real musicians to him. I didn’t realize that my skill level and validity as a musician was determined by the price tag attached to my guitar.

[@buggster]

…i’m not a real anything anymore.

[@WOKINTUSD]

Local guitar stores are better than guitar center

[@joeurgod]

@@WOKINTUSD I always try to support the local stores.

[@gabrielstern4992]

I guess the new ceo is clueless with comments like you are not a, serious musician unless you buy expensive premium gear for which I find offensive. And while I look premium gear I am like eddie van Halen I like what I like and guess what it makes me angry that he insulted Eddie van Halen. Because Eddie did not spend a grand to make his Frankie he spent 50 bucks on a basswood body and 80 dollars on a neck and molded it to his liking let's see yngwie malmsteen in Sweden did not spend a lot of money on his strat and Marshall plexi Amps. Let's see did Steve vai spend 3 grand to make his charvel green menie guitar before Ibanez approached him. And that's the difference between an elitist ceo and collecters who want wall pieces and a musician so for me I will build and make what I want just like Eddie and no off The shelf guitar today will do that for me when I will have modify it anyway to meet my specs now an acoustic that's a diferent story. The other issue I have is I can't find decent amps in stock either at guitar center anymore or even bass guitars. And what about rack mount processors don't see them in stock. Man I miss the old days when you could get what you need at reasonable prices ohh I can't even find my ernie ball cobalt strings In Stock anymore with the 9 to 46 Guage. Just my thoughts and for God sales bring back having all parts as a brand in stock

[@rickcolbert2299]

I thought the person made the musician, not the equipment.

[@jasonbannan4024]

My nephew and his wife worked and watched it through its decline. Worked in several stores around the country. Apathy on the floor is horrible, no instruments get set up, and damaged instruments get hung on the wall. Employees can't be found for assistance. None of this is the fault of the Pandemic. Its corporate and local store mismanagement.

[@mudchair16]

It's ultimately the people's fault. They're consumerists who want to shop around online and pay less. This is what kills local/brick-mortar business, along with the government's refusal to use its authority to support the real thing and incentivize consumers buy local. The people vote for their government representatives.

[@marcosplaystheguitar4770]

I wonder how overworked GC staff is... Maybe they have 3, 4 people running a big store. They accumulate different functions that never were part of their job description when they were hired. Go to glassdoor and read employees reviews. It must be a horrible place to work. I hope corporate will be able to make GC more sustainable and a better place to work in the future.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

@mudchair16 You think it's the "people's fault" because they want to shop around and get a better deal? Give your head a shake. Why should people spend more just to support a large corporation? That makes no sense whatsoever.

[@tortillaman2491]

@@Joe-mz6dc True. Your wallet/credit comes first. Screw those big corporations.

[@RoadKingTeleStrat54]

I have shopped the Daytona Beach, FL store. Horrible customer service, inventory never in tune, much less set up. And I also have plugged into a non-functioning amp more than once. The only reason I went was to demo guitars and keyboards advertised as "in stock" at the location, only to drive there and find out the instruments were not. Ten years ago I bought a USA Telecaster in the Sarasota, FL store. The manual included with it was in Spanish. Fortunately, I am semi-literate in Spanish, but it did make me wonder whether I was purchasing a "new" guitar. When you are basically the only brick and mortar in town, you can be as crappy as you want. Some parent not knowing any better will get sucked into buying a guitar for a kid.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Locally my Guitar Center has the worst service, worst employees....and you cannot talk to a regional manager. Bought all my stuff from Sweetwater because of the awful experience.

[@leagueofotters2774]

How many places do you get to walk into and talk to the regional manager...and why would you need to?

[@EM-km8em]

Who cares

[@shayh.3556]

Go to GC and play the gear you want and then buy from Sweetwater and even get candy

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

MeToo SweetWater or Zzounds

[@bradmatz4150]

Well then u spent a shit load of $, Sweetwater is expensive as hell!! It’s great gear, but ur definitely gonna pay for it! I’d suggest EBay or Reverb. New or Used, sometimes I really don’t care about a ding or two. But u will 100% get a better deal on one of these two sites…

[@logicnotfeelings3835]

I stopped going to Guitar Center a couple years ago and vowed never to return, for the following reasons: 1) When I go during "off hours" to avoid the crowds, I walk in and usually discover apathetic employees who have cranked up some loud, thumping music over the store's speaker system, with zero consideration for customers who might want to play a few guitars and be able to hear what they sound like (what a concept!). 2) They let teenage customers plug in and crank the amps for at least 10 minutes at a time, or longer. Meanwhile, there I am as a 50-something year old ready to spend at least $1,000 but, because I can't hear myself think, I simply turn around and leave. 3) I can't tell you how many guitars hanging on the wall are unplayable due to the plastic-wire used to attach the tags are wrapped in between the strings, near the head stock (unbelievable). I realize the tags might not start out this way, but end up working their way up from the headstock to getting tangled between the strings and the nut. It's clear they have been this way for a long time and no one bothers to untangle the tags to make the guitars playable. Apathy. Apathy. Apathy.

[@philipliethen519]

…the acoustic room is stocked with rusted strings.

[@shayh.3556]

I went to a GC like 2 years ago and had the purpose of buying a fairly high end guitar and amp and didnt crank the amp because it was just the 100watt version of my previous amp but wanted to hear a telecaster through it and some jackass came in cranked an amp and started terribly playing Metallica riffs and I was told to "turn down" when I was just strumming chords lightly and at a lowish volume to just hear how it sounds... Not sure of the employee thought i was the one playing loud or not but I told them thanks im gonna buy this rig off sweetwater and walked out 😂

[@apollomoon1]

Yep teenage tappers wailing away that have 50 cents to their name. Incredibly annoying

[@incredifunk]

​@@apollomoon1 I find that comment completely off color. Although I'm far from a teenager, I find it somewhat elitist or agist to not allow someone of any age to play an instrument For whatever time they choose. Within reason... I have to say if I myself went in to play a given instrument, or to play several to make a decision, generally I either had cash in my pocket or was saving to make a purchase. Sometimes I would go in and play the same instrument several times before making a purchase, but always with eventually making a purchase in mind. I'll be there reminding myself of what I'm saving for or just making fully sure that particular guitar was the one I was going to drop my money on. But like I said within reason I expect to be allowed to play, at any age & not be hassled.

[@apollomoon1]

@@incredifunk i played them as well and agree with that part of your comment. But there is no denying that people with no intention or means to buy spend hours in those places just trying to show off. Go to a truly professional private store not a big box entity to drop your $$.

[@scottziegler9172]

Saturday evening I found a guitar online marked in stock at the Bellevue Wa Guitar Center. First thing Sunday I went to the store to buy the guitar. It was not in stock. I picked a similar guitar off the wall and decided I could settle for that one. At the front desk I noticed the Wall guitar was missing a part and pointed it out to the employee. The employee indicated they do not have nor could they get replacement parts but they have 3 new identical guitars in the back. Perfect! I'll take one of the new ones! After about 15 minutes the employee came back and said they don't have any in the back. Nice. So I left with cash in my pocket and no new guitar. Sweetwater delivered my new guitar in just a few days! Inspected, tuned, and not one fingerprint or hint of being touched on it!! Plus 1 for Sweetwater!

[@bikerjon8934]

don't forget the sweets😋

[@EyesOpen369]

Ans your Pocket book didn't have to take a huge blow out to get a crappy guitar center guitar. 😂

[@StumptownDrummer]

You clearly don't understand the difference between GC and Sweetwater. Guitars are just sitting on shelves waiting to be ordered, so of course, nobody has touched them. Yet, you're surprised the people like to go to GC and play the guitars on the wall? You just went into a store to do the exact same thing. It's easy to stock a ton of gear in a warehouse, especially if you don't have 300 stores to maintain. Sweetwater has ONE location that fulfills online orders all day. Apples and oranges, bud.

[@scottziegler9172]

@@StumptownDrummer You are very correct! apples to oranges is a great analogy! In my personal experience I was simply disappointed at on venue. In the other I was and am still completely satisfied! Apples to Oranges! 100% . As such I will agree with you and I do not understand the difference at all!! Thanks for your response and education!!

[@TheDanification]

Sweetwater is destroying GC. At SW, you can actually see the guitar you are buying

[@kelalamusic9258]

Yes, that’s very true. Although, I’ve had some disappointments with some guitars that supposedly went through their multi point inspection but certainly didn’t appear so when I received the guitar. I have three GC locations in my area, and if one store doesn’t have what I want, I go to the next. I just prefer to have the guitar in my hands first before purchasing.

[@deltasix138]

I love the SW free 2 year warranty and great customer service and shipping isn’t insane, SW seem to love our feedback and really give a sh$& about customers.

[@cugir321]

Oh really? If you live there. Then they screw you if you can't see it.

[@MegaThrasher95]

And Sweetwater employees won’t harass your wife trying to buy something for you.

[@HotJuicyMess]

⁠@@kelalamusic9258 sw 55point inspection is a sales gimick however its still better than nothing. they simply look over the guitar to make sure it works, its not a setup. they also do the 55point inspection when the guitar arrives, so it could be months after it got sold. its to insure they dont sell u something broken and dont have to pay shipping cost returns

[@dougversion2.0]

Guitar Center has essentially been squeezed out of the market by online and boutique shops/brands. Their biggest problems are they don't do anything exceptionally well compared to their competitors and failure to improve their online presence.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Great points here. Thanks for watching.

[@why67152]

AMEN!!

[@mr.giggles4995]

Last summer I was trying out some effects pedals and they had the drummer dude help me who didn't know anything about guitar or FX while the knowledgeable guitar players stood there chatting and not really willing to help at all...

[@dougversion2.0]

@@Willam_J I've found their used inventory in-person to be hit and miss, but their online used experience remains terrible. You get 1-2 poor quality pictures for each guitar and a title, that's it. No specs, description, blemish/ding highlights, or additional details. Reverb or local marketplace offerings are easier to browse through, have more detailed descriptions and photos, and are usually less expensive because they are P2P sales.

[@mrax101]

The only thing you can't do online is actually play the guitar. Hear it, feel it, before you buy it. That seems to be a luxury of the past. And guitar Center didn't help - stocking nothing I'd want to play to begin with.

[@mck1972]

I remember when the GC in my area had their Grand Opening back in 1998: It was a really big deal: They had a line outside the door, and they even brought Yngwie Malmsteen to do a clinic. So last fall I went to that same GC, and asked the staff if they planned to do anything for their 25th Anniversary. I got blank stares. Sad.

[@rockerbob949]

As an ex employee of Guitar Center, I can tell you that Guitar Center has done this to themselves… I worked in the guitar department and guitar sales people don’t even qualify to start making commission until they sell $10,000 worth of guitars… And that was 20 years ago.

[@jaimeamaya2679]

It's said what happened to guitar center. The whole music store scene changed around the late 80s early 90s. When I was playing in bands from the time I a teenager until my late 20s guitar center was cool. There was one store in San Jose California where I live near by. Only musicians worked there, and they new there sh..t. Then it became corporate and intead of musician going in to and working the store it became a weekend warriors customer base, nothing but tech bros living out their rock and roll fantasy. The employees seemed like the same guys working at the Apple store. Not sure if this is exactly part of their demise, but when it chased away real musicians like me I can't imagine it didn't help. BTW I got my first drum set at a mom and pop shop.

[@ciadella1971]

Teaching there was a nightmare

[@HamRadioNewb]

As a beginner, guitar center is awesome. My local store is staffed with good folks. They’re extremely helpful and really reasonable with suggestions.

[@ryank7388]

I’ve been to a guitar center a few months ago, went back to the drums and everything was a disorganized mess. Couldn’t even find anyone to talk to. I’ve been getting everything from sweet water, excellent customer service

[@Darrylizer1]

Yeah, the one in Rockville MD is exactly like that. The one in San Francisco was excellent however with dedicated employees to help you out. Though it's probably not there anymore since covid, went there six years ago.

[@kimlombardy3393]

@@Darrylizer1 I agree with you guys, some stores are better than others it seems. The one in Marietta Ga is great, the one here in Augusta is okay not great though. I'll tell you though they will get instruments from Fender and Gibson and some others before Sweetwater does. However if I had a choice I would go Sweetwater easily. Peace fellow guitar slingers.

[@michaelanderson5087]

Wow you must be talking about the guitar center in North Charleston South Carolina..... A once UberCool place to shop and we all look forward to going Now we don't go

[@lionheartroar3104]

I had the same experience and took my $$ to Sweetwater. My ,local store was empty and not one salesperson approached me.

[@5Antvin]

yes some are very good and well stocked many get the first run of product as soon as it drops

[@Gatopanzon_1976]

Last time i went to Guitar Center, Nobody with any knowledge on the gear, 20 years old kids payed minimum wage to stand around and do nothing. rather get guitars from Ebay or Reverb from Japan at 1/3 of the price.

[@chrisguzman7926]

Any you'd recommend from ebay? Like a good budget one

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@chrisguzman7926.... As one who has made Multiple various instrument purchases (electric Bass guitar, Lap Steel's, Console Steel, Ukelele Bass, Harmonica's, Mandolin's & Melodica's)... from GC, Sweetwater, zZounds, Reverb & eBay.... they all have their strong & weak points. I have purposely bought a really "cheap" bass guitar from ebay over a year ago..... you know what (?)... other than changing to a set of LaBella Flat wounds.... it's been a really great Bass guitar, and I have some "mid - range" ($350. to $700.) Ibanez, and other "name brands"... that quite frankly, Do NOT sound any better or more "musical", than this cheap, eBay, bass from Glarry guitars... that I payed a "whopping" $129. for... Including a 20 watt (6" speaker), strap, cord and soft case. So, ok... the cord is Not a name brand... but, it works well... the "soft case" is thinly padded, nylon travel or dust bag when not in use, and the strap is.... "ok". The bass, itself is quite light and can be played for hours without any fatigue whatsoever...... AND, it Stays in Tune!!.... which is more than I can say for some of my other, much more expensive "name brand" basses. Again, the bass I purchased was from "Glarry Guitars" (yes, they also market 6 strings as well) and they have 4, 5 & 6 string basses for Under $200. Glarry has been around for many years and the quality of their guitars & basses, for the price they sell them for is absolutely amazing. There are many other "no names" as well on ebay, and a very good friend of mine who has been playing Bass for nearly 54 years now.... bought a "no name" off of ebay for $89. (with a case!).... almost Three (3) years ago for practice at home. He has a "custom built" (for him) Carvin 5 string bass, that he personally picked up at the Carvin "factory" when it was finished... which he paid $5000. for.... in 1985!! It's solid wood, and the difference in weight between it, and this "no name", is the Carvin weighs a hefty 14.5 lbs, and this "no name" from eBay, weighs just under 6 lbs. It may be light, but he's had NO neck issue's whatsoever (himself, or the bass)... the neck is perfectly straight, just as mine is as well. He plays that thing for At Least One to Two hours, every day.... and hasn't had a minutes trouble with it.... and, it also (like mine)... Stays in Tune, and it still has the Original strings that came on it... they sound great! Anybody can have "won't stay in tune" issues, with Any guitar if the tune "Down" to the intended note.... always tune "UP" to the intended note, which will put a "pre-load" on the tuner, keeping it from backing Off. I finally got him to order a set of LaBella Flat wounds for it a few days ago... from "Just Strings" dot com, up in New Hampshire... Great prices and they Are, the Largest string dealer... in the world. They have strings for instruments I've never heard of before, from all over the world. If you need strings, you might want to check out their website, first. Having said all that... you can always "update" a "cheap" guitar with pickups, tuners, strings, etc, etc... without breaking the bank if you like, if you have a mind to do so.

[@charlies3287]

Exactly. The few older experienced guys/gals working there are obviously not happy.

[@MauriceOrtiz-ut8yi]

I think Guitar Center needs more cowbell.

[@ale_etcetera]

Sweetwater is lightyears ahead…

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

Darn right they are. So is the German based company and peach guitars in the uk

[@cugir321]

Sweetwater sucks just as bad.....I asked them a few questions and they wouldn't give me answers on a guitar....it would have taken 5 minutes to check....then 4 different rep's proceeded to call me everyday for a week. I told them if they spent that much time answering my questions they would have sold me 3 guitars. I keep trying to buy from them but they are flat out losers!

[@MrMike-fm8bp]

Kinda find that hard to believe. I’ve been buying from them since 2007 and their customer service then was really good and outstanding now. Guitar center is a dinosaur that nobody wanted to walk into cause you either get jumped on, or ignored.

[@bobg4657]

No they're not. Very overrated and usually higher priced. I've been to the bricks 'n motar store a few times while traveling through. It is a nice store, but it's not their primary customer base. They've screwed up 2 online orders for me and I doubt I'll try a third.

[@cugir321]

Sweetwater sucks! They're laughing at you for believing the 47 point inspection means anything.

[@thetexasbeachbum9929]

I still buy from Guitar Center. Really good policies. Decent prices. No, they all aren’t created equal.

[@WildebeestLabs]

Same, I'm forunate to have not had issues at the GCs I've shopped at for 30+ years, but I've def heard horror stories.

[@ratbazturd5562]

do you recommend the one in Stafford/Sugarland ?

[@thetexasbeachbum9929]

@@ratbazturd5562 I purchased a Martin 000-16 from the Farmers Branch location in Dallas. They matched an Reverb price on the guitar. That location failed me on a trade-in so I tried the one on North Central Expressway and made a really good deal with my trade-in to buy a McPherson Sable. The Webster location has also treated me well. Bought a Roland Street Cube Ex there. Have visited Sugarland but due to inventory at that time did not make a purchase. You just have to shop the GC's to find one that works for what you are buying.

[@beatapt5]

Old veteran retail music store guy here. Walked around the GC in Mobile last year for an hour, no one even spoke to us. And they weren't busy at all. Someone should tell them the old guys usually have money. Would have fired the lot of them.

[@davenewton4862]

That happened to me in Sam Ash, tried to buy a guitar there twice, got totally ignored both times! (Atlanta location)

[@shayh.3556]

Would of been on you like stink on shit lol Especially if I noticed you checking out Gibson

[@barnettmusicexchange9924]

Thanks for the shoutout! We are super interested in having great gear, PERIOD. Suhr, TMG, Jennings, Iconic, Nash, Dingwall, Strandberg, Eastman and a FULL-Line PRS Dealer (not just SE models). And we are newly a Tom Anderson Dealer! We are super excited to start getting those in to Tulsa! Thanks again for mentioning us! We appreciate the love!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

You're very welcome. I need to stop by and check out one of those SE CE24s the kids are raving about.

[@bobfurman2739]

They sell demos as new.They resell returns as new,too.They give the 10 percent discount for New ,but it should be a 20 percent for used and returns,in that case.

[@amosjr4]

This is happening at Sam Ash as well

[@curtiseverett1671]

Yeah, I returned a bad vintage guitar that could never play right unless it had a neck reset. (I work on and collect guitars and I know what I am talking about) They didn't even hesitate, they just put it back on their website

[@connormckee4431]

“Demo model” you mean a floor model? Do you not want to try the guitar before you buy it? Cause every guitar is gonna play different so I want to make sure it feels good before I buy it

[@rbname7318]

@@PhilDietz and that’s gross too. Having worked retail (soft goods) for many years I typically request one from the back. I’m a little more lenient with outerwear.

[@kimlombardy3393]

I hate to say it but I think you are right! I bought a Les Paul a few weeks ago and I got the feeling it was a return, especially since the case they come with mysteriously disappeared! I asked the rep if it was a return and he didn’t know. I emailed corporate but all I hear are crickets!

[@joematiacio3449]

Spot on. I was in a GC 2 days ago, and waiting for a sales guy to unlock a few guitars standing behind the guy wanting to sell his 10yo Line6 amp.

[@davidlemay3561]

Spot on young man. I'm 61 and use to purchase equipment from GC. I switched because they carry cheap low end equipment and less knowledgeable staff, understaff. That pushed me to online purchasing from Sweetwater. Using u tube for comparison of equipment sound and quality. I agree with you 2025 GC will be no more

[@Romans--bo7br]

@davidlemay3561.... in 2025, there will be.... a LOT of stores, And US population.... that, "will be no more"!!

[@rob1261a]

I’ve spend a lot of time at the 3 GC in my area recently. My observations, almost no available employees. Horrible selection in the special Taylor / Martin room. And the set-up on those expensive guitars are horrible. Crazy observation, I had to wait for my receipts to be printed because they don’t have a printer at the front counter. So the staff has to walk across the store to get your receipt. Really? What I do like, online they have a large selection of used guitars, some at very good prices, and a 45 day return policy. The employees I have meet and spoke with seemed nice.

[@jerrycrafts5301]

My issue with guitar center is when I go to buy something I can’t get any help from the staff, and when I can get there attention it’s usually just a finger pointing to where the item is or might be in the store. Often times they don’t even have the item. So after an hours drive and frustrated with traffic and guitar center I will take my chances and buy it online. I really miss the guitar center of the good ol days. Oh and yes, I’ve stood in line waiting to pay for an item only to just set it down and leave.

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

This same thing January’24 Oxnard GC Walked out with nada 💨

[@StumptownDrummer]

Try calling the store next time before driving out there instead of complaining about having to drive out there to find out they don't have what you need.

[@ronmexico1975]

@@StumptownDrummer Current or former employee 👆🏻

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

I've purchased three Taylor acoustics from GC. First was an 814ce. When I inspected it at home, I discovered a concave depression on the top under the pickguard. Returned it and ordered a 614ce Builders Edition WHB, which arrived with no issues. Next ordered a 652ce Builders Edition WHB 12 string, which arrived with the finish burnt from a buffing wheel. Returned it. If I reorder the 652ce, it'll be from Sweetwater. Best to all.

[@OakCityGamers]

I used to work at guitar Center about 15 years ago. Back then you could buy any guitar part for any guitar off of a giant wall of parts and guitars pedals now there’s one case with pedals and one case with practically no parts or guitar accessories at all. I bought one of my guitars from guitar Center. It was a good deal if I hadn’t if I found it somewhere bought it there. About ten years back, they got rid of almost all of that part of their business and now they replaced it with lesson booths. It’s obvious that their business model is not about guitarist and guitar players. It’s about selling the cheapest thing or the most expensive thing to the noob. And now it seems they will go 180° just to course correct.

[@mikelane2866]

That’s exactly what happened to mine had a great god had been 20 foot section of pedals and picks and strings on the wall behind always one or two guys working it that knew their stuff. Now like you said it’s all been replaced by what seems to be unused lesson/practice booths. And a little setup off boss pedals.

[@jamesfulmer7080]

I'm going to share two personal experiences that caused me to hate Guitar Center. 1st, about 5 years ago, I was looking for some Zildjian A custom hi-hat's. I looked online every day at my local GC. A set finally popped up. I called to make sure they were still there in store before I drove to buy them. When I arrived, I went to the drum department and there they were. Some 10 minutes later, an employee asked me if I needed anything. I said I wanted to buy these hi-hat's. He looked at them very puzzled. For an oddly long time. He then took them and walked away. I thought, that's weird. Where is he going? I walked up to the cashier, thinking he would bring them. After about 15 minutes, I asked the cashier if he would find out where the employee was at so I could buy them and be on my way. He went in the back and a few minutes later and asked me what he looked like. I told him. A few minutes later, he came back and said, "No one knows anything about it!" I was getting upset. I saw the employee walk out of the back, and I pointed him out. The cashier went over, and they had a long conversation. He came back and told me they were sold. Needles to say I was pissed! I think the employee saw that they looked like new and was priced fantastic and wanted them. I started driving home. I decided to call the store and ask to speak to the manager. He apologized and said he had another set that was just as nice, and he would let me have them for the same price. I went back and bought them. I told them that was a horrible way to run a business and to treat a customer, and I won't be back. 2nd, I look at drums online that Guitar Center is selling. Often, they have wrong information on the drums. Sometimes, they don't even get the brand right. The wrong model and sizes. It's ridiculous how awful they are. It's like they just grab someone walking on the sidewalk outside the store and hire them with no training. My guess is that it's at the top management all the way down to the newest employee.

[@jackb1218]

I had a similarly bad experience at GC in Oxnard, CA about 20 years ago. For a month straight I'd bought about $1000 per week worth of gear. Each time I went in they weren't very friendly and no one recognized me either. Since they'd been selling me the wrong used speakers for my bass head, I brought in the manual. One of the employees was so offended by that, he yelled at me and wanted to fight! I never went back. I get guitars from wildwoodguitars and wilcuttguitars now.

[@dustinbrilliant2113]

This is solid content. I had 2 instances back in 2019 that I knew were going to be an issue. Went to GC in Myrtle Beach, SC to narrow down what I wanted to get, which was a Taylor. All but 2 of the 20 Taylor's and a couple of Martin's were all that could be played. There were only 2 employees in the store and I got tired of waiting after trying the cheaper models. Went to Charlotte-University are GC later that year to trade in my 6 string and 12 string acoustics and I had a better experience. Had to wait 10-15 minutes for an employee to get a tuner, and unlock 6 Taylors, 2 Martin's and a Gibson (all were out of Tune). I finally got the 6 string Taylor I wanted of the 2 I narrowed it down to. Trade-in value of a 12 string that was in excellent condition that I bought from a friend who bough it 15 years previously from the CLT, NC Independence GC for 1600.00. Got 140 for it. I think I should've kept it and only traded the 6 string Takamine. It did help that it was the Saturday after Thanksgiving so I was able to get 20% off, which really made my day.

[@MarkLedfordCustomGuitars]

I'm now an old guy but from the 80s through 2000s into 2013 i was in bands that did a lot of gigs etc to the point i got burnt out. So i kinda retired in 2013.But my bands used to buy thousands of dollars of gear from GC. So in early 2023 i walked into the Nashville GC for the first time since 2013 and what a shock. Used to have guitars right as you walked in the front door. Now it's stuff like drum kits still in boxes, p.a. cabs still in boxes, practice amps still in boxes etc. The guitars are now on the back wall, and my first thought is the name is "Guitar" center. That aside, the biggest complaints and biggest change is variety. If you were looking for a a strat or LP or whatever they had every color of the line and multiples of them. So if i wanted a black Fender American Strat i could look at 3-4 of them and choose which one i liked. Now They might have 1 black one, maybe. 2nd complaint...Fender Coorperation is thier primary supplier and it shows. Fenders, Squires, Gretsch, EVH, Jackson, Charvel etc with a very limited ESP, PRS, Gibson, Epiphone selection. I was looking for a Gibson SG and there were 3 "brand new" ones, 2 used ones. 3rd complaint...are you really buying a new guitar from GC? i think the answer is no. I saw another customer try to hang a Gretsch back on the wall, dropped it and it took 3 others with it, a girl looked maybe 10-12yrs old playing a $2000 EVH Franky (she played pretty well too i was impressed) but when she was done she just layed it in the floor and walked off. The franky laid there and was still there when i left the store. I looked at the new Epiphone es335's (which again 1 of each color only, 4 total) 2 of them had broke necks, 1 had a serious chip out of the headstock. When i did track down an employee and pointed out the broken headstocks, expecting them to be pulled from the rack, he just said quickly as he was headed somehwere else, we'll take $50 off. They had a Kemper Kabinet non-powered used for $600 (new is $540). I asked an employee about it, and he again as he was headed somewhere else, it's priced as marked but i'll check and never came back. I was also looking to buy a Kemper power rack, i asked if they had any, i was told no. I grabbed some strings and went to the counter and while waiting forever to check out...they had 2 in the counter...I left buying nothing because i waited 20min to buy strings and finally gave up and left.

[@derdian3]

You can't be that old , going way back there was no such thing as a drum kit ,it was always a drum set.

[@samstewart9249]

Was at the Nashville GC in Nov 2023, nothing has changed since your visit.

[@WOKINTUSD]

You can't afford even a guitar these days because everything is damn expensive

[@John-g6x1h]

I know what you mean. I see a $5000 Les Paul and I wonder, "Who's buying these things? Mom and Dad?"

[@raysauter4420]

@@John-g6x1h More like "Grandma and Grandpa" these days. Also, think of doctors, lawyers, and other well to do professionals who are either hobbyists or collectors. They are largely out of reach for regular working musicians actually trying to make a living with their craft.

[@JasonCaron-qv3cp]

That is simply not true @WOKINTUSD. Sorry to sound insulting but you may need a lesson in using the internet, and you and everyone can great great guitars at all price points if you shop and do research.

[@WOKINTUSD]

​@JasonCaron-qv3cp a sales guy told me that if you had a guitar on layaway you can lose it cooperate greed . When they killed layaway it's only a matter before. Fender and Eastman and epiphone make all solid wood body for less 3000 or more 5000 . So Martin is getting killed because they can't compete with these companies Gibson is making affordable acoustic and electric solid les paul and sg affordable guitars I am not going to pay 7000 or 9000 for acoustic or electric

[@JasonCaron-qv3cp]

@@WOKINTUSD - no one needs a $5000 guitar. Watch some Jack Pearson videos on KZbin. He RIPS on Squire's and jokes that he has them specially made in Indonesia. You can pick them up for less than $200 and they play and sound great. I recently picked up a Squire Tele from a store in Baltimore that was signed by some guy I'd never heard of that was in White Snake for under $150.00. It kicks butt. Shop around and try some different stuff that is not top brand, and don't feel like you have to have a brand new Gibson Les Paul Murphy Lab. Look at Fire Fly guitars on Guitar Garden and watch some compare videos. Also Sire makes sick guitars for under $1000 and you can get on Sweetwater and send back if you are not happy.

[@applehead252]

The dude that sold me a guitar said you should order it online because it’s in a box brand new and the price is better than the price I paid. Made my head spin !

[@alexmagor]

I remember 20-30 years ago Guitar center used to be packed everytime I went in. Now its virtually empty regardless of which location Ive gone into.

[@rdgipson]

Oh my goodness this brings back how incredibly frustrated I was the last time I set foot in a GC. Walked out and swore I would never ever go back. I can't even begin to imagine a scenario that would change my mind about that.

[@extrememike]

Last time I went to GC was also to buy a set of strings. After waiting in line the guy at the cash register wanted all my personal info including name and phone number. I refused and said I just wanted to buy and be done with it. He said it could not conduct the sale and I just walked away.

[@oldfriend327]

Another thing that came to mind about Guitar Center AND Sam Ash is they absolutely positively will not budge on the prices of the Used/Pre-Own guitars and basses.... for months and months.

[@StumptownDrummer]

Probably because margin is how they keep their doors open. If you want to make offers on used gear, go to the private market.

[@dvanolya]

That's been my experience, too. Their usual policy is to wait three months after the first listing. Then they'll drop the price online by roughly 10% or so.

[@RocketBrothersBand]

It's a challenging market to sell to, because music gear buyers can be divided into several classifications: beginners, intermediate hobbyist/semi professionals, working professionals; hobbyist collectors. The bottom of the market can get there gear anywhere, and the "try-out" has little value in this range. When the skill improves, then the experience of playing around with different instruments has a greater value. Perhaps a model that could work for providing an incredible shopping experience is to offer a subscription service that allows access to rooms set up with gear that lets the customer have time to try things out. The subscription fee becomes a credit that can be used towards a purchase.

[@LeesKnives]

It's a complete failure of GC's board to adapt to the changing market. It took a global pandemic to get them to give us a usable app.

[@curtiseverett1671]

they don't know what they are doing

[@johnwadsworth9122]

I worked at guitar center september of 96 to march of 98. And we had at least 30 employees plus at our store in covina ca. You were able to purchase your gear right at the department you were shopping in. They divided the store into four sections each having registers no less than 6 people in every section. There was pro audio/ keyboards, guitar/ amps, drums, and accessories(strings, picks, straps, pedals, rack gear, books and videos, pick ups, capos ect ). I worked security and answered phones. (The most demanding job except for the managers.) And we had operations, and warehouse guys doing shipping and receiving. I went to guitar center in 2022 theres a center island with just 4 people there. I did however get a guitar new out of a box. But getting someone to help you took forever i was playing a guitar in the acoustic room where they keep the acoustic guitars and it did take a lot of time before a salesmen came to help me because your not allowed to take a floor model out of there to a register. The staff when i worked there we dressed nice and neat managers wore ties. The store manager was not dressed nice i didnt know he was the store manager because he looked like crap. When i worked for guitar center you were helped immediately. They closed the store i used to work at supposedly the san dimas location was the new location. When i worked there they didnt close any locations they were expanding. So yeah who ever owns that company now doesnt know what they are doing. Because we would never get away with any of the bullshit thats going on now. Sloppy service. We get fired for the way the store is run now.

[@20weststudio]

I used to shop at that store back then and always dealt with Gar. He was a great guy, experienced musician who always took good care of the customers. I purchased many PRS core guitars in that store and always got a good deal. Good times!

[@ToneD5150]

As a former GC employee, I must say that their major downfall is how GC treats its workers. They appeared more interested in selling the Pro coverage insurance. I recall days getting scolded because my pro coverage sales were low, yet my sales high... I've seen uneducated guitar rookies, trying to sell to the mom and pop croud, because they couldn't sell to the pros who visited the store. As a long time simi professional guitarist, they put me in the pro audio department selling DJ mixers and pianos...I mean wtf? Then being reprimanded for leaving my department to sell a 1k$ guitar...😠 Working for peanuts will never bring good employees! And the POS system is still green screen 1970 s crap.... It use to be the place to go! NOT ANY MORE 🎸 🎸🎸 And they wonder why sales are ROCK BOTTOM 😂

[@Xolanidj]

That was definitely much of my experience when I worked there in 2015. I wasn’t really interested in trying to sell the pro coverage, because most people didn’t qualify for it anyway. Also, the commission structure is so weird, that it’s more about pushing certain products, than you selling people what they want and need. I sold a lot up there, and never made any commissions. In fact, I couldn’t even afford to buy anything in the store when I worked there.

[@christopherruiz9514]

I used to work for a guitar center too and the Internet there was so slow!. Did your store have a slow Internet issue too? Lol

[@gaiustacitus4242]

Is it odd that I look to the PRS SE Paul's to be my first guitar to learn on? I don't purchase low end junk and the PRS SE line seems to be the low bar for an entry level guitar to me. Am I wrong?

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

I had a new player walk into their first lesson with a new Gibson Les Paul they had financed from Guitar Center. I found that to be excessive. A PRS SE is a great guitar to learn on. It is pricier than most student guitars, but if you comfortable paying for the higher quality and you're committed, I don't see any issue with that. Which PRS SE did you grab?

[@gaiustacitus4242]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy The Paul's 2023 in faded blue. I somehow feel a connection with it that is more spiritual than rational.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

More spiritual than rational... My friend, welcome to the world of guitars! 😀 You'll fit right in!

[@Clouds_153]

I’m going to be honest you will learn faster using a more high end instrument. I was using cheap Ibanez models throughout my high school years but then I got a neck thru Jackson soloist and a schecter silver mountain and I learned that cheap instruments require more tlc and setups. Great guitars hold intonation permanently and have better pickups.

[@DjDoggDad]

I bought a new $2k guitar from musicians friend that was shipped from a guitar center, it showed up absolutely trashed from being a floor model, like literal chunks missing out of it. I started return within an hour of recieving it, they the. tried to offer like $100 off or some joke. I got to then experience the return to guitar center option from musicians friend. That was unfortunately the last tine I was in a guitar center almost 2 years ago, probably my last time in one which is crazy because I was a regular from '07-14 and they lost all my nostalgia or trust.

[@ogles824]

One of the things I’ve seen on one of the other you tube channels is the stores are so understaffed that folks are going in and walking out with what ever they want; the old five finger discount, the small staff gets occupied and there in no one to watch the rest of the store.

[@nicholasbstone]

Around the 18 minute mark, you touched upon something that I've been saying for years. And that's when you mentioned that they might be able to save themselves in the accessories market. "I cant wait for shipping, I need it today!" I'm sure resonates with a lot of players. GC has a pretty lousy selection of strings, not much for parts, and a dismal selection of pickups. Also, drumsticks and drum heads are really hard to come by at GC, you'll find a lot of empty shelves. There are so many different companies making strings, picks, slides, stands, cases and gig bags, pickups, parts, upgrades, etc. They really could be "the Walmart of guitar stuff" but with a focus on actual retail. And sure, offer some entry-level guitars for people to noodle around on, throw some 2-3 thousand dollar guitars on the wall above everybody's reach or behind the counter to round it off. Great idea but I seriously doubt they'll implement it. Which not only screws themselves out of an oppurtunity for redemption but takes away an opportunity for us players to be able to get the guitar and drum related retail products that we need without having to order it online and wait for shipping. Could've been a win-win.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Bingo. Margins can be huge on these accessories, and to find empty shelves in those places and a checkout time that rivals the DMV seems like something that should be easily fixable. Thanks for watching.

[@timtowner1822]

They could compete for online sales if their used guitars and gear were presented better. They have stores in enough markets and have plenty of gear but it’s hard to navigate through a stores online inventory and the pictures are usually poor quality. 10 pictures of decent quality and an accurate description could boost online sales in my opinion.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Good point. I forgot how horrible their used photos are. Yeah, they clearly have an amazing selection of products, but the presentation is so bad that it makes it tough to browse. Thanks for watching!

[@Southernguitar74]

100% agree with this. A little effort would go a long way. GC has an immense used inventory. I have bought used gear online from them, and when I wanted info, I would call and ask to speak to the manager. The couple of times I did this the manager would go get the item and call back…Lucky for me the ones I spoke with were honest and the guitars I received were as nice or even nicer than they described…Point is, a simple write up on the site could have saved us the time of making phone calls…

[@memphismick7010]

I buy used from them if the price is good. It's easy to return it and just lose the shipping charge. I figure I rented it for $25-35, but got a chance to try something out.

[@wabisabi6875]

Good points, thanks for sharing. My own experience with GC includes the following: 1. quality of photos presented online differs widely from store to store, 2. response time to questions about merchandise varies widely from store to store (some stores have never responded to questions about the condition of used gear), 3. I have never been to any GC where there seemed to be anyone who knew anything about acoustic guitars--bad setup or none at all, bulging/caving tops, fret buzz, and even rusty strings, 4. staff turnover seems to be a serious problem.

[@ScottMacLeodCompany]

I don't ever see myself dropping a grip like 5K on a guitar without playing it first and at least giving the Brick and mortar store an opportunity to price match. If GC is going to survive, that's where. Point taken their logistics suck.

[@Musicalpa]

I was at GC in Allentown Pennsylvania a couple weeks ago and it was a lousy experience. The store wasn't busy at all ( only about 3 customers in the store) yet employees were more interested in talking to each other than assisting me as I stood there in front of them waiting to be assisted for at least 15 minutes. When I finally forced myself into their conversation to ask a question, they pointed me in the direction of the gear I was interested in, but quickly returned to their own discussions with no interest in further assistance to myself. When I wanted to try a guitar, I had to ask for a cord and a pic, and there were broken and unplayable guitars hanging up on the walls in the guitar room. I couldn't feel more unwelcomed. And, they were even talking about the new CEO at that time in disparaging ways.

[@jimbarnes3831]

I order a new Fender recently. GC sent me one they knew in advance it was damaged. When I got the guitar, I called wanting to send it back. They didn't have another like the one I ordered so they reduced the price enough I ended up keeping the guitar. If they are willing to send one they know is damaged but don't tell you this in advance... why should I order anything else from them???? It's not happening anytime soon.

[@t23001]

The understaffing comments resonate. These stores are always short staffed: Target, CVS, Walgreens, Subway, and Michael’s arts/crafts. Chain auto parts stores are super slow because people with simple purchases are mixed in with those more complex transactions and returns.

[@howlinwaters]

I usually use Sweetwater, Zzounds or American Musical Supply - service is great, free shipping, and product is always in perfect shape when arrives. The GC in my area is a big store w/maybe 2 customer reps working there - you can literally stand there by yourself and not see anyone working in the store. Just to buy some accessories, you stand at a counter for 5-10 min waiting for the 1 or 2 customer reps to show up, or finish helping someone else. I stopped going there - i just order equipment online 😊

[@d3ath18]

Where is a good place in Tulsa to get a refret/setup done?

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

I've used both Tulsa Guitar Repair and Guitar Technical Services, and both were stellar. There's also Running Dogs Music in Broken Arrow, who is also incredible. We are fortunate to have some amazing luthiers in town, so it's just a matter of which one works best for you. Thanks for watching!

[@HighStakesDanny]

The internet crushes it. Guitars are amazing at $500 price point, delivered, beautiful, strings delivered, who needs the attitude and the ignore behavior from employees? Grumpy employees, long lines, mediocre guitars, etc etc. Who needs it?

[@vincentcrici1560]

You are right on the money with everything you said! I thought it was just me, but you described everything I experience when I walk into guitar center! Great job!

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

Finished the video. First I've seen of yours and I liked it. I'd like to see an episode on fulltone! I know theres some interesting controversy there which I wasn't able to find (except something about looters but I dont think that was it?). Also I just went looking at GC used gear and their pricing is not consistent at all. Some of their used pedals cost more than new ones from sweetwater while some are legitimately good deals and always have been (once got a belle epoch for like $115 looked new and came in original box). Poorly managed!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Fulltone will be interesting as they are coming back on a smaller scale with Jackson audio. Thanks for watching!

[@xokaylalynn90]

Thank you so much for this video. All this information is spot on. I'd love to know your take on how these problems will impact the subsidiaries of Guitar Center. Thanks, again!

[@WOKINTUSD]

When guitar center had layaway it was the golden era

[@scottjohnson3226]

Alto Music still does layaway. I use it often.

[@victorjimenez3005]

I remember the days when they used to wheel and deal and allowed you to put money down to hold an item.

[@samstewart9249]

Interesting, does Sweetwater have lay away? or something similar?

[@samstewart9249]

​@@scottjohnson3226Alto is a good company.

[@scottjohnson3226]

@@samstewart9249 Not that I am aware of. They should, though. The one with Alto Music works well, though. At least it has with me.

[@fiendishthingy1630]

I worked in Remo customer service for a few years until 2001. In those days, Guitar Center was a huge client, and we catered to them. They frequently had Grand Openings that required special percussion items, including world percussion drums (djembes, etc) cut in half to make a couple of 3-D decorations for their walls. We did everything possible to meet their deadlines, even if they needed a last-minute order. I haven't kept up with them since 2001, and it's sad to see their downfall.

[@marcos061059]

I don't miss GC. I've played in local bands for decades. I've spent THOUSANDS of DOLLARS on gear from GC. I went in to buy my first ever Les Paul. I had cash in hand - ready to buy, and they wouldn't show me the good LPs. Just used Studios and heavily used Standards. After getting frustrated a musician friend of mine who happened to be there came up and said not to buy one here, that he had one for sale. Made a sweet deal on what turns out to be my favorite LP I own today. I would come in to try out a new pedal or whatever. I'm used to playing my own PRS's, LP's, a real '61 Srat, on classic Marshall stacks, and wanted to know how the pedal would sound on pro gear...they refused to let me use any "real" equipment to try the pedals on. Only a Squire with rusty strings (back when Squires sucked...now you can get some great ones). I came in and bought and paid for some cables and strings. As I was l leaving a friend was there noodling on a guitar and asked me how to play a certain riff. I set my stuff down and showed him. I picked up my purchase to go and somehow lost the receipt. They had a Nazi policy at the time of checking your bags and receipt before you could leave with your purchase. I had a real hard time leaving. I pointed to the guy that sold me the gear and said ask him. Have him audit his register. They refused. I finally found my receipt behind the amp my friend was using, and was able to leave with MY purchase.

[@scottjohnson3226]

I am not a professional nor a large purchaser of products but I find our local Guitar Center in Central Alabama to be very helpful. In all of the years I have shopped there I have never had a bad experience. Upon entering the store, without exception I have always been greeted by a smiling face who offered their assistance. If I tell them I am just browsing they leave me alone while I look around. If I tell them I am interested in or need a particular product I have always received what seemed like knowledgeable help from a friendly employee. Not once have I ever felt mistreated, coerced, or pressured into buying a particular product. In just the past two months I have been there three times to look at new gear while discussing the possibility of trading in some old for new. All I have purchased so far was an XLR cable but in each instance they have treated me like a Rock Star. Other than their prices being a little high, I really cannot say enough good things about Guitar Center, particularly the people who work there, always nice and courteous. And to me, that carries weight.

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

Assuming GC wants to keep their big physical presence I do agree that it has to be a playground, maybe even a physical hub for musicians with more service, more performances etc. Unfortunately it is probably a mistake keeping a big physical presence. I dont really care if I can check out a mid level ($1500 or less lets say) instrument but if I'm buying something real nice like a custom shop I do like to see them, others may feel more comfortable just returning until you find the right one.

[@welderdude1]

I used to work for GC before the 1st big crash they had. I was in operations doing inventory. They were terrible about ordering items that actually sold in a given area. The ordering department was disconnected from the sales department so we ended up with a lot of junk that didn't sell. That was my perspective. I loved the job but the management above store level were grossly inept.

[@PJCobi]

*_Guitar Center’s website for used gear is horrible. Bad pictures, very little to no info on what they’re selling. Unreal in this day and age!_*

[@arnoldlester1007]

Yeah, and if you email them with a question, like, why is this more than a new one or, this looks like a sl4x but you have it listed as an sl1x, no reply.

[@StumptownDrummer]

That requires adequate staffing which is very difficult to manage nowadays.

[@schaefertribe76]

I worked my way up to assistant manager at a GC in socal in the early 2000’s, here’s exactly what happened… There was a massive push to hire clerks to ring up sales rather than train experts in each department. You get apathetic employees with limited to no knowledge on the gear that shoppers and musicians feel and despise. Simultaneously, online companies started to explode and, thru the years, manufacturers have sold out to China and phased out their mid-priced ($700-$1200) lines which were the bread and butter for GC sales. Honestly, the commentary on floor models was never really a problem…most musicians (minus the wealthy premadonnas) prefer played gear and being able to hear it before purchasing. Used gear was a huge seller and you’re right, GC was always horrible at being able to move used gear store to store, but I think Reverb has completely destroyed GC’s used gear market!

[@MeekSith777]

Another thought, if they wanted to remain competitive the might want to ditch some of the non guitar departments in areas that they have low demand for.

[@tortillaman2491]

I have to disagree with you there. Not everyone that walks in the store plays guitar. You got DJ's, drummers, sound guys, keyboard players, vocalists etc.....

[@UToobSteak]

Guitar Center was awesome in the 90s. We used to rent 4 tracks and mics from them and record our band in my buddies basement. I haven't been in one in years though. I started ordering gear from Musician's Friend in the late 90s, and we had some good music stores locally too

[@ssb201]

I'll add something that doesnt get addressed, GC's guitar techs. Fuck me, the quality of their techs is all over the place. I used to live in Boston and the GC's over there had phenomenal guitar techs. Was never disasspointed with the work they did. Then I moved to Pittsburgh and last summer handed my favorite guitar for a setup. Dude literally took my favorite guitar and turned it into an unplayable mess, and then has the gall to tell me I should try a different string gauge. I paid $100 for a setup that left my guitar worse off. Never again, next time I need a setup, I'll do anything that doesn't involve walking to GC.

[@Reapprsr1]

I thinking that if you can play, you are a detailed person and are able to do your own set ups. Forget GC and search out local people - friends that can help you - or watch KZbin. Please learn "how to fish" and never pay for a set up again! Nobody touches my favorite guitar (unless they teach me a song I really want to learn)!!

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Great advice! Thanks for watching!

[@ssb201]

@@Reapprsr1 Great advice. I've done setups by myself before, but I think there's value in a very experienced tech (not GC techs for sure) taking a look at my instrument from time to time.

[@Reapprsr1]

@@SapulpaGuitarAcademy A phrase for you to use: Or if you are expressing good to a student: "If you can play; you can intonate." Anyway, you are the teacher, so I'm saying that with students you should relate Playing ability and Intonation ... mechanical precise movements -with- in tune sounds all over the place.... thanks for your GC upload, it is necessary to hold corporate to mission. excellent reveal on GC _R

[@countzero5150]

If you're still in Pittsburgh you have access to far better music stores with far better techs. Nstuff Music has been around for a very long time and they have an excellent reputation in most every regard. Or if you can take a drive out of the city, Micarelli's Modern Music would be my first choice.

[@grandpadaveswoodworking8932]

Your analysis is spot-on. 20 years ago, I bought an Epiphone semi-hollow body from their location on Ventura Blvd in CA. It was the best I could afford at the time, and their people could not have been more helpful. Fast forward to last year: I had always wanted to own a Fender Stratocaster, but raising a family had to take priority. Finally, I had the money to get the guitar of my dreams. I went to the location in Las Vegas. I had the cash in my pocket and was fully anticipating walking out with my "baby". Nobody greeted me at the entrance. The few employees that were there looked the other way as they walked by. All the guitars were locked on the hangers, so I couldn't even pick one up to entertain myself while waiting. After waiting there for over half an hour, I decided to just leave. Nobody asked me if I found what I was looking for on my way out. I ended up buying from Fender online. I will never go back there!

[@vorteco7692]

Guitar Center does not discount their guitars enough. I'm looking to buy my first "nice" acoustic. They had a D18 for full price that is beat up from use in the store. They had a D28 (advertised as new) with a cracked bridge and a missing button and cracked out strap button hole. They were offering $200 off MSRP. What?!? A guy played it for an hour and then offered them $2k. They came down another $100. They still wanted almost $3k for this broken guitar. LOL

[@JacobAndJamal]

I graduated High School in 2000 . My youth “sweet spot” was 1995-2005 . During this time I got into Dance music, DJing and music production. My favorite stores to spend time in were Guitar Center, Barnes & Nobel, Best Buy/Circuit City and GameStop … It’s weird seeing all these stores either go away or in spot that’s a shadow of their former selves. 😢

[@rockerbuck967]

I heard that years ago, they put out B-Stock merchandise. I bought 2 guitars there, and both of them were duds. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I never bought anything there again, and I always tell people to do the same. My local GC also has poorly staffed people who know next to nothing about most of the gear. Luckily I have a fairly close mom & pop store that I've been going to for years, and he's a former player and sound guy. When he retires, my world will crash...HE knows his stuff.

[@kimlombardy3393]

They really don't use B stock but I can see how people get that impression because alot of their instruments are handled so much they look used, or B stock. now I don't know about the used gear they sell, they could be B stock. I agree the times I went to GC to buy a guitar, I found I knew more about the stuff than the sales rep did, just a kid. I feel your pain thats why I went to Sweetwater and am very happy. My mom and pop store was basically put out of business by GC........so sad.

[@rockerbuck967]

@@kimlombardy3393 I feel bad that they have to hire people that don't know much, and I understand that not everybody knows everything about the music business. But maybe they could at least learn a little about the products. It might improve their sales and reputation. Even have a tablet with them that could discuss the features of a product, anything than "Uhhhh....yeah, that's a good guitar, man." Know what I mean?

[@mikepeterson443]

I just placed a web purchase from GC - the experience was just bad. The product was "ready to ship" according to the web page, but got stuck in shipping for days (label created and never got to UPS). I'm thinking to myself: Why would I want to go through this again if Amazon can send this to me overnight for the same price?

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

The retail employees just don't package as well as people who work in a warehouse all day, like they would at Sweetwater, either. I've heard a few stories of damage to a guitar due to poor packaging by a GC employee. There's just too much competition for them to be this sloppy.

[@Foxrock321]

This was the demise of Mars Music…all the “new guitars” hanging on the wall, became used guitars hanging on the wall..because of playground theory…

[@jerryhatrick5860]

And daddy's junky music. I order three times from the to store vintage Kramer they call me I drive an hr o the store and they can't find the guitar they diseapeared. Those guitars I always wanted would have been investments. Everyone these corporations are so fucking greedy now.. They can all kiss my ass. I'll buy a 150 dollar Amazon guitar and make it great myself. Screw em all. Don't like Duncan or dimarzio pickups either. Everything is way over priced and the same sound and quality can be found for far less

[@DVSPress]

Nailed it. I had a very similar experience living in Fresno. In the 1990s even with his big as that town is, you couldn't get a good amplifier. Impossible. We made peddle boards out of plywood because we had never heard of companies that made stuff like that. Nobody stocked it. There was ONE store that sold Gibson guitars. Guitar Center changed all of that. Suddenly you could get a good guitar and a good amp without driving to LA or San Francisco. The mom and pop stores were blindsided because they had been stocking cheap and mid-range guitars from wholesalers. Anything above that they wanted to sell the customer on a special order. Meanwhile Guitar Center had the guitar on the wall and you can try it out. However by 2008, you didn't just have a market turnaround, you had things like Craigslist and eBay that would allow you to actually buy and trade gear with other musicians. Did have a huge opportunity to sell a used gear if they just took good photos of it and had an inventory system for it. It's crazy how they're missing out on that opportunity. Imagine you could go to a guitar Center and someone there could give you a deal on a used piece of gear you're looking for. "Too much? Will we have a used one in Tulsa. Here's the photos."

[@kelalamusic9258]

I would sure hate to see GC go under. Yes, there are a few small music stores around, but not the selection. I’ve purchased from Sweetwater before, but I’ve been bummed out receiving a guitar that had supposedly gone through their multi point inspection only to receive the guitar looking and playing like it hasn’t. The main reason I like GC is that I can play the guitar I’m interested in before purchasing.

[@JohnShalamskas]

Another major plus for GC is their generous return policy, even for used gear. I have made use of it on several occasions.

[@bmoraga01]

Spot on analysis and well articulated.

[@scbtx]

Sweetwater gives u candy😍

[@billfriesTPA]

You made some excellent points and mirrored my experience with Guitar Center. I went in there to buy something specific. I waited a long time and when they rang me up, their system was so outdated that it took the guy forever to punch it all in. I felt like I was back at Radio Shack in the 1980’s. More recently, I went in to inquire about purchasing an expensive Korg arranger keyboard. Of course it wasn’t in stock but they could get me one in a few days; however, after listening to the sales person call around to other stores, I just didn’t trust that I would be getting a new one, so I left and ordered mine from Sweetwater. The store is a dump. It’s a mess with limited inventory, outdated systems and limited staff. The “playground” concept could be its main differentiator but they need to have a better selection of gear available to try, clean up the stores and hire more people to help. As a keyboard / piano player, I would love a place where I could try different keyboards before I buy. I like Sweetwater’s customer service and I would love to visit their showroom but it’s not practical to visit them in Indiana. I wish they would set up some regional showrooms in major music hubs - cities like Nashville, New York and Atlanta. Even Orlando & Vegas with their large tourist base would be good strategic showroom locations to create a destination for musicians to visit and try new gear. Maybe this could be a strategy for Guitar Center too. Fewer but larger well-stocked, well staffed regional super showrooms…or playgrounds as the CEO called it.

[@tufif]

I worked at the Boston GC back in 2003, and I haven't shopped at one since. It was awful. I still have nightmares sometimes about being back there decades later.

[@mslevy59]

Totally Agree and spot on with your assessment of GC. I have bought many of my guitars from GC. We have two in Tampa. One is nice, the other totally run down. The problem I see when buying an expensive guitar is it's getting harder to actually play it before buying. I remember when Best Buy was selling guitars and there were some good deals are intermediate level guitars, but they got out of the business of selling instruments probably for the reason you're stating. They were losing money. The other problem quality has gone down while prices of guitars have gotten extremely hight. I think used guitars is the way to go today. Selling instruments is another battle...unless they are high-end, you lose so much money on them.

[@philipliethen519]

Elderly Instruments, Lansing, MI.

[@Josh_rga32]

The guitar center I go to has a few great people. One guy I’ve seen there for 10+ years. He sold me one of my first guitars and has always been great to me. Recently used their guitar services to give one of my guitars a spa. The guy was knowledgeable and you could tell he had a passion for guitars. Got it back and everything was perfect. Exactly what I asked is what I got. Great dude. Sadly I’m sure not everyone will find these type of employees everywhere… I bought my last guitar from Sweetwater and the sales rep was awesome. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I love the option of getting to choose your guitars serial number or if weight is a thing for you by weight. Not all guitars are the same, the wood grains aren’t the same so being able to choose one out of a handful is really cool. I think if guitar center had something like Sweetwater where you can choose from the bunch. Maybe have floor models that are just floor models. Personally I would rather get a guitar that hasn’t been touched than one that’s been picked up 400 times because it’s a floor model. Just my two cents. Sam ash stores near me are closing too. I think they all are?

[@isaiashinojosa_guitarist]

I work at GC and I can tell you, even when they put the guitars on clearance, they don’t lose money, so floor models are really not the issue, it’s just that they have been understaffed for a long time (which they are fixing), and there was a lack of cool gear ready to try (which they’re fixing with a huge influx of high end guitars and the pedal station), future looks bright, let’s see how they do

[@Djtonystewart]

I worked at guitar Center from 2012-2023’ they are going to go out of business. They don’t give AF about their employees. They changed their commission structure in Feb of 2023. They don’t have knowledgeable employees, they have ran them all out of the store. The lack of staff and consideration for the customer is glaring. From October of 2022 to 2023 I was the only pro Audio employee for months. It’s really sad but they did it to themselves.

[@ericwarrington6650]

They don't discount floor models whether they're beat or not..they sent me 2of them as brand new w full price in different boxes with missing equipment and then ghosted me completely when I wanted to address the issues..both guitars are over 1000 bucks.. ridiculous..they get zero from me now as I've spent at least 10k with sweetwater and zzounds since . Screw guitar center

[@ratwynd]

I wanted to try an acoustic baritone. Good ones (Taylor, etc) are north of $2k so looked at Alvarez and Guild, both import. Local GC had an Alvarez per online, they had to go find it and it was a mess, dings and chips, missing a string and had standard 6 string gauge missing one string. But I got to at least see it. Went online and bought one new in box for less than they would discount the beat up on from MF, 30% off from their online side. Sealed new box 2022 production. Needed a good setup but once done is great value for price.

[@adorable_anarchy2]

I really enjoyed your video. I can recall many a guitar bought at guitar Center over the years. Now, I don’t go there anymore because the local competition is so much better. Local competition (in my case, Dietz music In Omaha ) has better products (Strymon for example ) for advanced and professional grade users, and are willing to make better deals. The local guitar Center here is like a graveyard for forgotten dreams. It’s sad to see. Totally agree with your assessment regarding not enough registers and employees. They need a dedicated person for people looking to sell instruments. Basically I will go to guitar Center to sell my instruments and get out of the house. They don’t have much there that I’m interested in buying anymore.

[@Irishlen64]

Guitar Center put a lot of local shops of music out of business here in Northeast Ohio. I actually 1 year ago bought a Jackson King V that was an excellent price & in mint condition. I snatched that thing up ASAP. However, that was a totally rare find for this place. They do not keep the great brands in stock in store like they used to. They carry a lot and I mean a lot of Epiphone and Squire guitars but rarely do you see a good Fender or Gibson. If you do, they are behind the counter and they will only let you handle them briefly.

[@american23t]

Doman's in Elyria. Bought my Fender Jazz Bass there. $360 with hard case in 1974. Best bass setup ever, best customer service ever.

[@Irishlen64]

@@american23t Ill explore this one I live about 35 minutes from Elyria in Lorain County.

[@paranormaltheorist]

Poor customer service ruined the GC brand decades ago, and continues to do so.

[@drummerman4444]

I left with money in hand a few times because of the way I was treated and/or ignored.

[@JesseeSage]

I agree, I can't see purchasing a new musical instrument that has grime and blemishes due to how the store operates. And it's been going on forever. Approx 7 years ago I went to check out a DanElectro 12 string. Though loved the playability, the knobs were loose on the body and grimy fingerprints everywhere. The rep said it was the last one and could only negotiate a few bucks lower. Sam Ash was much better in that regard. Today I prefer Amazon and especially Sweetwater where I have a designated, knowledgeable rep. BTW, new to the channel, great stuff.. Cheers!

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Guitar Center is the K mart of guitar stores☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

[@jmapplewhite]

Definitely agree with the register problem. I walked out of the old Times Square store a few times. In a store that size I could never understand why they didn’t have people whose sole function was to ring up sales and move people through happy campers instead of frustrated shoppers wondering if they’ll ever bother going again.

[@billmiller9763]

IF you're in a band there's no one gonna hire you because no one pays for music anymore. Recording is almost gone. People use the cheet sights now and just rip off the bands and get what they want for free.You may play in a band at a bar , but getting a recording contract is amost impossible. Touring is all where the money is at.there a lot of bands this is all they do. Alot of people don't know this and wonder why they're not hired.

[@tortillaman2491]

You know what a touring musician really is? UNEMPLOYED.

[@jblues145]

Bought a Gibson Custom Korina Explorer a few years ago for $1800. They made me buy the case separately. They used to come with the Axe...... about 6 months later I brought it back to get the money I needed for a lifesaving surgery for my Dog. It was in perfect condition, always in the case went not being played and never abused. They only offered me $600. w the case for a better than $2000. initial sale. Saw it later on the wall for original price and advertised as new...never again.

[@tyronejoihnson7046]

The stores smelled like farts, so customers stoped coming.

[@SapulpaGuitarAcademy]

Top comment. 🤣

[@boblabahh4893]

It’s more that they are the physical embodiment of a fart.

[@theincrediblemisternobody8724]

@tyronejoihnson - you don't know the half of it! I worked for Guitar Center until 2003; my coworkers and I used to crop dust people noodling on the guitars if they sat around too long without buying anything.

[@TeddyRayThomas]

SWEETWATER SUCKS. 55 POINT INSPECTION? ANYONE CAN SIGN AND PLACE AN INSPECTION CARD FOR YOU TO FIND. When the strings are flat, touching the neck people send it back. What happens next? Restocking fees or more money, which means you lose. No wonder Sweetie Water is a 1.6 billion dollar online RIPOFF. I documented my RIPOFF on a Fender Hendrix Signature Stratocaster and I am gathering participants for a class action suit. A motion to show cause and you can talk about something other than FREAKING FARTS.

[@billwayzata]

Hard core.

[@eliemusic93]

You have spoken the truth, I have felt that way from the start, my reason for that is that I worked music store retail since the early 80’s and also I have been a luthier since that time and it was so frustrating for me to go in there and feel and also know that I know more about the product, customer service, retail business than this guy and it caused me to walk out of there and not go back in.

[@markybgoode]

I worked at GC as a guitar instructor and you’re spot on about the service. They hire young inexperienced kids to sell retail. And, as u said, they under staff the store. I saw so many potential customers leave because of the long lines. It’s really easy to steal accessories and equipment because the staff is preoccupied. I’ve seen people walk in stuff a ukulele in his pants and walk out. Or bring in an empty guitar case and put a new guitar inside the case and walk out. I was on a sinking ship and glad to move on

[@steviem4181]

I’m in Canada and have to drive 3 hours one way to closest store! Last year I emailed dozen + times GC to ask about a used item, received one email back!!

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

Hey in Minneapolis/St. Paul, the lines at Guitar Centers are short. As in, no wait to check out. Is that bad?

[@hawkfan1212]

Great presentation! Subscribed!

[@emericklamontagne3652]

Very little help at the Pearl Highlands location on Oahu. Many of the items for sale are very dusty, partially opened boxes, some shelf items are not neatly stacked. Can see some greasy hand and fingerprints upon some of the guitars there.

[@jamessauve2419]

What you described reminds me a lot of what happened to Circuit City. They couldn't seem to adapt to changes in the market very well. Then they let go of all their more experienced staff (the ones who were getting paid a decent amount) and replaced them with kids who didn't understand the AV equipment and couldn't advise customers on how to setup a home theater system. They also got rid of appliances and replaced them with DVD's just as streaming was becoming a thing proved the end for them.

[@sparkeyjames]

I remember the ONLY Circuit City near where I live. It was built in an old Best Buy building (that moved across the street) a couple of years before they went out of business. When they went out I went up there expecting a deal or two so they could clear stuff out. Nope full retail price on EVERYTHING. They had the nerve to put going out of business CLEARANCE signs up too. I walked out shaking my head.

[@jamessauve2419]

@@sparkeyjames You were probably right to leave. I have worked a lot in retail. I will say though that typically when stores go out-of-business like that it's usually a liquidation firm that buys and handles selling off the remaining inventory. The prices do come down eventually as the deadline to clear out of the building approaches.

[@skh1825]

A lot of the problems you mentioned are nothing new for mom and pop stores going back years or even decades. At two local Dallas stores, I remember waiting half an hour for the one guitar dept. clerk to help me and I remember buying an amp and they had a 14 day trial period. I returned it on day 15 and they refused to give me a refund. I also remember selling an amp on consignment and they never called me when it sold, so I called them but they said I had waited too long (after 90 days) and they would not give me the money. After those experiences, I just started ordering from the online companies!