i loce the mom and pop stores too. until we got a gc store in our area a while ago, there was no place else to go. the problem is that most of the smaller shops either have a smaller inventory, or the price is higher than gc, or the other online stores.

being in sales myself, i know it's a tough gig no matter what you sell. i will never step into a store, take up someone's time, and go online looking for a price..

if i am looking for gear, i do my homework online, then call the stores to see if they stock it, and what the price is. if it is close, i'll pay a little extra, if not i don't go to the store.

+1

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Don't worry, Be happy.

Richmond or Va. Beach

Personally, I've never had a bad experience with the two GCs I've been to.

Less than a week ago, Mom took my sister and me to Greenwich Village, and we stopped at the Guitar Center there. I'd been there once before and the lady who helped us out was very courteous and friendly, and helped us get whatever we were looking for. I think her name was Kim.
This time, we got Mitch(or maybe it was Mike.... ), and he was another very helpful and friendly salesperson there. He came over to us almost right away and asked us if we were looking for anything in particular. We said no, and he said if we needed anything, just come and ask him.
In the end, I ended up choosing to play a Traditional Les Paul, and he asked me which amp I wanted to play through. Being a lover of Vox AC30s, I said, "How 'bout a Vox AC30?". He raised his eyebrows, said "Wow, you have good taste!!", and then turned and led me away to the amp.

SO, personally, for the two GCs I've been to, I haven't had a single bad experience to say about either of them. And I was at least expecting one of them to have employees who helped us out to be skeptical of a girl wanting to try out a guitar or two, but, no! I'm happy to say, in my experiences, both of them aren't sexist.

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"If it's planned, it's boring." - Freddie Mercury

Guitar Genter is where you go when everyone else has ran you off because you've tried to get something for nothing.........they're like all other big chain stores. At first their prices are great, until all the REAL music dealerships are put out of business, then you take shoddy, shop worn merchandise cause that is all that is available. And Gibson, and others, are at fault as much as them, due to the way they treat their medium to small dealers. I love the Gibson gear I have, but I'll never buy another new Gibson product. And I'll quit playing guitar before I spend a penny at GC or any of the other big stores.

I've only been online with GC. I've talked to customer service reps who helped me in bagging my Fender (which was an awesome deal at the time for the package). I've only had one semi uncomfortable experience. I asked for a price match online for a Coffin Case blooddrive. I got it matched and put the order through. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I called about something about my order, and the rep asked me about who gave me the quote. I lied and said I didn't know. I didn't want to get that person in trouble for helping out a poor gal who wanted a cheap distortion pedal.

Other than that, I didn't have problems. Then again, I've only dealt with the store online.

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"While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

My dad said, "I'm going to miss you."
I said, "Well, now that I broke that sight off your rifle..." (Emo Philips)

Kong, you caught them on a bad day, some GC's have more of those than others. Like a bee hive, if one of the employees comes to work with a feeling that employee spreads the wealth, good vibes all good, bad vibes smile and be glad you don't work there.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

the mom and pop shops usually give you better service and will work with you on prices, to gain a repeat customer. I go to G.C, to look around and try guitars and amps then go to my local mom + pop shop to buy at a better price and service.

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2012 American Vintage Telecaster 1958
09 Fender american deluxe strat.
97 Gibson les paul special P90's double-cut
65 Princeton reverb re-issue
2010 Guild Gad-F40e

Well, when I was shopping for a guitar years ago, one of the local Mom & Pops screwed me over on price, I had only bought guitars in Japan at that time and didn't know anything about buying a guitar. Air Force stationed in Japan. Needless to say that I have since learned my lesson and that Mom & Pop shop hasn't gotten a single penny of the money I've spent. Yes, it was 30 years ago and I have bought quite a bit of equipment, not just guitars and amps, but PA and lighting as well and I bought everything from some other place. I also don't recommend them to any one that has asked me I have steared them away from this store. They have done fine without my business though. The local GC here in Dayton Ohio is okay but I do most of my purchasing from on line vendors. I've always gotten much better pricing and customer service. American Musical Supply and Sweetwater with MF mixed in for good measure.

Guitar Center, its like indoor recess with a substitute teacher with all the BS from high school added in just for fun, but with guitars...

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RAMA LAMA FA FA FA

That pretty well sums it up..... thanks for the laugh

I'm not partial to GC to be honest, but I have had a couple of good scores there. I got a Gretsch 5120 for WAY under sticker price...and they didn't have the color I wanted in stock, so they ordered it. Since I got to pull it out of the box it wasn't played by 400 customers before i bought it. I negotiated a good deal so I bought it.
I also bought a Fender Tele from this same GC. I made them an offer and they accepted it so I walked out with it (again, another great deal).

In my experience, cash is king at GC. I have no particular alliegence to them, but they are aggressive in their pricing. You just need to be sure to inspect the gear thoroughly before purchasing.

I have a 'mom & pop' close by that I go to also. I haven't bought anything there in a while, but their prices are pretty competative.

I have a quick question for the on-line shoppers here: Do you typically get deals on your gear from the on-line retailers? If so, how? I am GAS'IN for a '65 DRRI....

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'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 shop online because it's hard for me to get out taking care of a sick dad.

It depends on what you're shopping for. I always try price matching.

I try shopping for just accessories. I would prefer to try guitars in person, but you know....

Sometimes you can get good deals. I haggle a bit with the price matching. Sometimes you win, sometime you lose.

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"While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

My dad said, "I'm going to miss you."
I said, "Well, now that I broke that sight off your rifle..." (Emo Philips)