GC vs Sam Ash

[Sweb]

When I was pondering a Martin OM-21 the folks at Sam Ash did not have one in stock and said if I put down $400.00 (refundable) they would bring one in for me from another store.

 

I called GC this PM and they are bringing in a Breedlove Focus Grand Concert Cedar R/W from another store at no charge to me.

It will be here in a couple days and they'll give me a call.

 

Apparently, I'm being charged a nuisance fee at Sam Ash?

[guitarist21]

I always have been a GC fan. Mostly because there's a few guys at my GC that are really helpful and that have helped on a lot of my major purchases. Most recently my Epi, which they shipped in at no cost to me, whether or not I was going to buy it. That was nice to know.

Sam Ash, or at least the one near me, I've found to have a smaller selection and poorer service. Just IMO.

Ellen

[kwakatak]

I have no experience with Sam Ash, but IMO Mom & Pop > GC .

[guitarist21]

Originally posted by kwakatak I have no experience with Sam Ash, but IMO Mom & Pop > GC .

 

 

Didn't know Mom & Pop was an option. However, I did have the opportunity to buy my Epi from a Mom & Pop place, but I would have been obligated to buy the guitar because they'd have had to order it. I, being a nervous wreck about the guitar potentially not being the holy grail, chose to get it from GC.

 

Love my Mom & Pop place, though. Great selection of electrics, especially, and Pop sets up my guitars.

 

Ellen

[WaveRay]

The best Mom and Pop's will rotate their stock as the sell guitars. As opposed to having the same six models in stock, once one is sold, they'll order something different. It makes customers such as myself check back frequently to see what they have. Not all small shops do this, however and if the Alvarez they have isn't the one you want, too bad.

But, I certainly more apt to seek out and buy from these shops rather than deal with a GC or Sam Ash. I just don't like the big stores. I like to stop and talk about things for a minute or two. The kids in GC don't seemed interested.
Just my experience.

[Sweb]

Originally posted by WaveRay The best Mom and Pop's will rotate their stock as the sell guitars. As opposed to having the same six models in stock, once one is sold, they'll order something different. It makes customers such as myself check back frequently to see what they have. Not all small shops do this, however and if the Alvarez they have isn't the one you want, too bad. But, I certainly more apt to seek out and buy from these shops rather than deal with a GC or Sam Ash. I just don't like the big stores. I like to stop and talk about things for a minute or two. The kids in GC don't seemed interested. Just my experience.

 

 

No doubt. The acoustic room at the GC here in Winter Park isn't staffed by kids but there isn't a lot of knowledge when there should be. No big deal with me. I bring that myself. I only need them to be able to work on the money issue with me.

 

There is a mom/pop in the local small town of Sanford but their inventory goes up to the Seagull line and stops there. The only other thing I buy is strings and I do get them there. Big ticket guitars I NEED to play before I buy and that doesn't mean play one here but buy from over there. That could be a disaster for both parties.

[Havar2]

Originally posted by Sweb There is a mom/pop in the local small town of Sanford but their inventory goes up to the Seagull line and stops there. The only other thing I buy is strings and I do get them there. Big ticket guitars I NEED to play before I buy and that doesn't mean play one here but buy from over there. That could be a disaster for both parties.

 

 

 

You go to the Winter Park store? Me too!

 

Its the only place around here, sadly (Im from Deland)... Its also really sad to see that all the guitars aren't set up well at all, and neither are the amps!

[Sweb]

Originally posted by Havar2 You go to the Winter Park store? Me too! Its the only place around here, sadly (Im from Deland)... Its also really sad to see that all the guitars aren't set up well at all, and neither are the amps!

 

 

This past weekend was my first visit there. There are other guitars I would like to play there but one can't get them all played in one visit - too confusing. The classical room looks interesting as well. I don't play the spark-chasers so I didn't bother with them. Sam Ash's store seems better suited to those but everyone must know it because the place sounds like one big garage band.

[WaveRay]

Is it just me or do all the kids these days prefer the mosch pit atmosphere everywhere they go? It drives me mad with a ll the noise all at once. It always has, I don't think it's just because I'm growing old....which I am.


I love nice, quiet, acoustic rooms. With the smell of the nice, quiet wood. and the sound of the nice, quiet Dr's waiting room from my childhood.
I think all acoustic rooms should have an aquarium in them. That would be nice......and quiet.

[glyconerd]

Guitar Center is the place for me because you can get lower prices on gear than advertised sometimes..I just returned from "mom 'n' pop" place a few hours ago and I must say I prefer the spaciousness and anonymity of a large retail shop.

[T'aint]

Originally posted by glyconerd Guitar Center is the place for me because you can get lower prices on gear than advertised sometimes..I just returned from "mom 'n' pop" place a few hours ago and I must say I prefer the spaciousness and anonymity of a large retail shop.

 

 

You insensitive dog. I spit in your general direction.

 

And, I completely agree. The mom/pop's I've been too don't have but about 5 minutes of interest for me. They just don't/can't have the inventory. As you point out, one can get lost at the larger retailer and that makes it worth my trip.

[Ultimate Dave]

Originally posted by T'aint You insensitive dog. I spit in your general direction. And, I completely agree. The mom/pop's I've been too don't have but about 5 minutes of interest for me. They just don't/can't have the inventory. As you point out, one can get lost at the larger retailer and that makes it worth my trip.

 

 

i agree, i just went to one down by the shore in jersey, in order to buy a couple boxes of strings. I asked for a box of DR acoustics and a box of nylon, and the guy looked at me like i was an alien. he then proceeded to point at packs of strings.. at this time i specified that i wanted boxes again, and he goes in the back.

 

minutes later he walks out with a half empty box of fender acoustic strings... definately not what i wanted.

 

so i look around, nothing piques my interest.. the exit followed that.