I am still in the hunt for my first Fender guitar. I was wondering if Guitar Center was a reputable online dealer. Is it wise to order a guitar over the internet or should it be an in-store experience? Just wanted to see where people stood on this issue...

Thanks for your time

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"There is more to life than increasing its speed." Mahatma Gandhi

Owner of:
-2008 American Standard Strat in Candy Cola Red
-Vibro-Champ XD
-Fender CD-60 Acoustic (Sunburst)

FenderSeeker,
I would prefer to play the guitar before purchasing it, but if you are not able to go to a store (Guitar Center) to test drive the guitar then buying on-line is the best option. If you go to the store in person it will help you know what model you want. There are a lot of options from many different manufacturers and until you try them all out it is difficult to speculate what is best for you.
Best of luck.

_________________
'04 Fender Telecaster (MIA)
'07 Gretsch G5120
'08 Gibson '59 VOS Reissue Les Paul Standard
'08 Fender Acoustic
'08 Fender Jazz Bass
'08 Fender Telecaster FSR (MIM)

Fender Pro Jr. (Tweed)
Vox AD50VT
Acoustic Bass Amp

I realize there is no Guitar Center in Vermont but surely there are other guitar shops hopefully locally. It should be an in store experience, particularly for a first time buyer.

Definitely an in store experience!

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CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

I have had limited experiences with Guitar Center but so far they have been positive.

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I tried to think of something clever to put here but- OH! Something shiny!!!

I have had positive experiences with Guitar Center also. I know that a common opinion of GC is to avoid them, but they have been alright to deal with. No complaints here.

_________________
'04 Fender Telecaster (MIA)
'07 Gretsch G5120
'08 Gibson '59 VOS Reissue Les Paul Standard
'08 Fender Acoustic
'08 Fender Jazz Bass
'08 Fender Telecaster FSR (MIM)

Fender Pro Jr. (Tweed)
Vox AD50VT
Acoustic Bass Amp

If it's your first guitar, go to a couple of local stores and try out some different brands and models. You'll find the guitar you want.

Hello Fenderseeker09,

Been dealing with them for years,
any problems were quickly fixed.
That said I would still rather pick
my guitar in person but many buy
through the mail and online, happily.

Best of luck on your choice.

Cheers.

I have purchased two guitars and lots of pedals and such from several different Guitar Centers here in Southern California. Have have yet to report a bad experience from them. If you are buying online, keep in mind that MusiciansFriend.com is owned by Guitar Center.

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Calling an illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is like calling a drug dealer an undocumented pharmicist.

i have bought a guitar and bass from them in stores and havent had any problems but have never bought one online

Me personally, id rather take an $@! kicking than go into a Guitar Center - last one I was in, Knoxville TN, and only because I was on a business trip, and I was bored one evening at my hotel - Used to go into the one in Charlotte, NC when I lived down there - I just cant take all the friggin noise! Several different idiots beatin on drums, the loud guitars, its crazy!! The people that work there would have to be on a huge dose of prozac to even work a shift in that place! JMO!!

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

I would buy online from Guitar Center, or any other reputable dealer for that matter. I would also find a music shop first though so I can get a hands on feel if I want the guitar.

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http://www.bluesrepublic.org/

2008 Fender American Stratocaster
2008 Fender Deluxe Telecaster
Fender Power Jazz Bass Special 1987 (MIJ)
Egnater Renegade Head
Egnater Tourmaster 2x12 cab

i think it would be a whole lot more meaningful and fun to go to the store personally, and see all the cool guitars, and test out some that you probably hate. my first time, i hated the telecaster, i tried playing it and i fell in love. go to the store. do yourself a favor. love, live, and learn.

_________________
You say Miley Cyrus, I say Jimi Hendrix.
You say Jonas Brothers, I say Van Halen.
You say Soulja Boy, I say Slash.
You say Pop, I say ROCK!!!!
80% of kids are listening to Pop and Rap with cussing. Please... bring Rock back...

I've also had nothing but good experiences at G.C. stores. They even send me gift cards all the time because I spend so much there. And I do spend a lot there. Gear for myself and my son plus gifts for friends, it all adds up fast.

I always enjoy going to Guitar Center and I can go to 4 different ones. Not to mention a Sam Ash, a number of smaller stores and a small chain of stores called Robbies. If I go into NYC, well, that means 48th Street. I have never really had a bad experience at GC, they have always been very helpful. Once they know you, it gets better because they know the stuff you like and also may own. Plus if you go to a couple you will find the stuff you may need if one doesn't have it in stock. What I also do is test drive a guitar and then hunt it down on ebay or look for a scratch and sniff dent. If you don't have a GC then try the smaller stores and negotiate, you'll get the right price.