A friend of mine wanted to go to GC last night and try out some amps, and wanted to kniow if I'd go with him, to provide another set of ears. Anyhow, he ends up taking his '60 Fender Tele with him to try out the amps. As soon as we walked in the door with the Tele, GC door guy says we have to take it out of the case so GC can log in the serial number, leave the case at the door, and just take in the guitar. How stupid. My friend asked him "do you really think I would try switching out a new guitar for this?"
My friend took it as kind of an insult, and we almost walked back out. I can see GC idea with this policy, but come on, sometimes they should make an exception.

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Life is like a sh*t sandwich. The more bread you have, the less sh*t you have to eat.

Your Friend probably would not try anything but I am sure there are idiots that have. Reasonable policy in my view.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

Yeah, that rule was probably implemented after it happened a few times so it became a nationwide policy at all Guitar Centers (in fact I know a few idiots who would try that). All it takes is one moron to screw it up for everybody

For as many issues as I have with GC, this isn't one of them. Sure, it's a PITFA but with as much shoplifting and outright thievery committed in those stores (ever seen a Tele or a LP there that wasn't missing its switch tip?) they cannot be faulted for implementing a few safeguards to try and deter the cheeze-dicks who frequent those places.

Arjay

Yeah, your friend may be on the up and up, but as has been said, with idiots running so rampant it's a pretty reasonable policy really.

I don't think that I would give my business to a place that treated me that poorly.

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CREDO ELVEM IPSUM ETAIM VIVERE

This is nothing new at GC! I've been going to multiple GC;s for 18 or so years now and that's the same policy they had back then. What's the big deal? You're friend must get insulted easily.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Maybe in eastern Iowa that policy makes no sense... But it sure as hell makes a lot of sense here in Arizona ... Especially the Metro Center store...

That neighboorhood has a lot of sticky fingers... stickier than the floor of a San Francisco Peep Show...

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In Reference to Blues Legend RL Burnside:
After a heart attack in 2001, Burnside's doctor advised him to stop drinking; Burnside did, but he reported that change left him unable to play.

The Guitar Center in San Antonio carries used gear as well. A policy like this--while slightly inconvenient--actually protects the customer who brings in his own gear. Imagine if someone had accused your friend of trying to steal his own Tele!

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm.

this is a reasonable policy...don't take it personally.

I would have put my case in the car, come back, and then log in the serial number (I wouldn't trust putting my case with the store). I've never been in a music store chain tbh, but with all the shoplifting going on, this sounds reasonable to me. I'm sure there's been a lot of theft and they're just trying to protect themselves. IMHO, I don't know if they do this, but maybe they should have that policy on the door or somewhere before you go inside the store so it isn't a shock to some people.

If someone explained it nicely to me or if I saw the policy on the door, I wouldn't have a problem with it. That's just my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

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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)

I try not to frequent those places.

Exactly, it makes sense to me. Last year when I brought my guitars with me for the King of the Blues contest they had to write the serial numbers down. They were very courteous about it, and it never crossed my mind to be insulted. It's like getting your bag checked before you go into an arena for a concert or sporting event. It's not a big deal and it's for your own good.

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Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
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I'm the first one to bash GC. I've had some bad experiences with them but I was actually in a store when they busted someone for trying to switch out a much nicer STOLEN guitar for a MIM Strat. Cops came and the whole thing.

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Keep rockin'