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How do you buy guitars?
Posted on 1/20/22 at 11:04 pm
Posted on 1/20/22 at 11:04 pm
Recently went to guitar center in Baton Rouge, it was horrible but I guess not their fault. Their inventory was small from what it use to be, but that any kind of store. They only brands they carried was squire, epiphone, fender, and maybe 2-4 prs, Ibanez and schecter.
I was trying to go here to try out some different brand guitars that are not the big 3. But seems like no one has anything anymore.
At this point in time when inventory is low, how are you buying guitars? Online and hoping that the guitar plays good? Returning them and ship them back if it’s not exactly what you are looking for?
Or are you playing the reverb game of the endless revolving door of guitars?
I got 2 Michael Kelly guitars which I love, got them from a guitar shop in hammond during college, but since closed. Wanting to try something different. G&L, Yamaha, reverend, charvel, etc
I was trying to go here to try out some different brand guitars that are not the big 3. But seems like no one has anything anymore.
At this point in time when inventory is low, how are you buying guitars? Online and hoping that the guitar plays good? Returning them and ship them back if it’s not exactly what you are looking for?
Or are you playing the reverb game of the endless revolving door of guitars?
I got 2 Michael Kelly guitars which I love, got them from a guitar shop in hammond during college, but since closed. Wanting to try something different. G&L, Yamaha, reverend, charvel, etc
22
Posted on 1/21/22 at 12:55 am to The Dunder Mifflin
If you don’t know how to search out local guitar/music shops within a 100 mile radius, You deserve the likes of Guitar Center. I manage to find a couple really cool shops in almost every mid-size city I visit.
Also…the Guitar Center low inventory thing actually IS their fault, and was going on before the China-flu. They filed for bankruptcy/reorganization a few years back. That’s what happens when you hire a full staff 21 year olds that don’t really know what they are talking about, and have zero skin in the game.
Also…the Guitar Center low inventory thing actually IS their fault, and was going on before the China-flu. They filed for bankruptcy/reorganization a few years back. That’s what happens when you hire a full staff 21 year olds that don’t really know what they are talking about, and have zero skin in the game.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 7:38 am to The Dunder Mifflin
I had always been one who wanted to go put my hands on the instrument and get a feel for it. That is the best way to pick out an instrument. Sadly, the ones I am looking for aren't often in the shop. Sometimes. That leads to buying online, new or used. I have had mixed luck with that.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 7:57 am to wareaglepete
I normally just buy on reverb. Never had an issue doing it that way.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 8:46 am to The Dunder Mifflin
I have never bought a guitar from guitar center, but what I find that it's good for is testing out different styles. For example, I went in there and tried out a seven string and didn't really like the way it felt. So, I didn't feel like it was worth hunting for a higher trim seven string that matched the specs I wanted online.
So, I would use guitar shops to find the style of guitar you want, and then hunt online and on used markets for the exact version of that style that you want. Craigslist is great for local, so you can try it out before you buy. Sweetwater and Reverb are great for online since they have excellent customer service, financing options, and easy returns. That way, you can afford your dream guitar, try it out, and if it turns out that you don't like it as much as you thought you would, return it.
So, I would use guitar shops to find the style of guitar you want, and then hunt online and on used markets for the exact version of that style that you want. Craigslist is great for local, so you can try it out before you buy. Sweetwater and Reverb are great for online since they have excellent customer service, financing options, and easy returns. That way, you can afford your dream guitar, try it out, and if it turns out that you don't like it as much as you thought you would, return it.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 9:32 am to The Dunder Mifflin
Guitar Center was solid when I was I high school - tons of gear, good advice from old stoners, they’d let you just hang out and plays everything. They’ve sucked for the past 10-15 years and are an absolute joke. I actually really like MarkBass amps, but refuse to buy one because GC has exclusive distribution rights in the US for MarkBass and I can’t bring myself to walk into one of their stores and go through the repair/return process.
If you’re someone who absolutely must try/feel an instrument before you buy (I am), then little local independent shops may be your best bet. Just make sure they’re actually a retailer of whatever you’re looking for. For example, if you want to play a more obscure brand like Charvel, go on their website and see if any stores near you carry them. C&M in NO/Mandeville/BR used to be great when I was younger, but I don’t know if they’re still around.
If all your local shops suck, your next move is online. The big 3 online retailers: Sweetwater, Sam Ash, and MusiciansFriend all have great selection, but Sweetwater’s return process and customer service is head and shoulders above the others.
If you’re someone who absolutely must try/feel an instrument before you buy (I am), then little local independent shops may be your best bet. Just make sure they’re actually a retailer of whatever you’re looking for. For example, if you want to play a more obscure brand like Charvel, go on their website and see if any stores near you carry them. C&M in NO/Mandeville/BR used to be great when I was younger, but I don’t know if they’re still around.
If all your local shops suck, your next move is online. The big 3 online retailers: Sweetwater, Sam Ash, and MusiciansFriend all have great selection, but Sweetwater’s return process and customer service is head and shoulders above the others.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 9:40 am to Boring
C&M is still in Kennabrah, but the one in BR is closed.
Guitar Center, and their owned affiliate stores, are the only guitar shops in town other than Pawn shops and the few random guitars for sale at Mid City Ballroom.
Guitar Center, and their owned affiliate stores, are the only guitar shops in town other than Pawn shops and the few random guitars for sale at Mid City Ballroom.
This post was edited on 1/21/22 at 9:40 am
Posted on 1/21/22 at 9:45 am to kingbob
I love C&M in Kenner especially if you like anything PRS. Sad the BR one closed. The one in Lafayette is smaller but still has some good stuff.
I've always been about trying guitars in person, but it's harder now. Especially if you're looking into less mainstream brands.
Resale value should be good for most things on Reverb unless you get a lemon.
I've always been about trying guitars in person, but it's harder now. Especially if you're looking into less mainstream brands.
Resale value should be good for most things on Reverb unless you get a lemon.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 11:22 am to Easye921
quote:
Never had an issue doing it that way.
I haven't had any transaction issues buying online, I just have had a couple of instruments that I got them and played them for a while and realized they just weren't for me. Had I had a chance to play them in person, I would have been able to figure that out.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 1:31 pm to metallica81788
quote:
Reverb
Forgot to mention this, but Reverb used to be jackasses like me selling gear out of their house eBay style. Now, there are a lot of awesome little shops who just use Reverb as their online storefront for both new and used gear. If you live in Louisiana and can’t find a certain amp (SWR Redhead anyone?), then hit up Reverb and you’ve got a good shot that a reputable shop in New York or Chicago has one for a decent price.
I’ve only ever sold on Reverb and only had one bad experience out of maybe 10-15 transactions. Skip eBay altogether.
Posted on 1/21/22 at 2:25 pm to The Dunder Mifflin
I use EBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center online used.
I was Baton Rouge yesterday and almost went to Guitar Center, glad I didn’t
I was Baton Rouge yesterday and almost went to Guitar Center, glad I didn’t
Posted on 1/21/22 at 5:06 pm to The Dunder Mifflin
I'm in the Midwest and recently went to Guitar Center and they had a ton of acoustics under $1k but all of the "good stuff" was locked up where you couldn't play it.
Basically nothing from Martin, Gibson, or Taylor.
Meanwhile, the local shops will let you play $5k and $6k guitars.
I doubt I ever go back to Guitar Center.
Basically nothing from Martin, Gibson, or Taylor.
Meanwhile, the local shops will let you play $5k and $6k guitars.
I doubt I ever go back to Guitar Center.
Posted on 1/22/22 at 2:04 pm to wareaglepete
I haven't had any transaction issues buying online, I just have had a couple of instruments that I got them and played them for a while and realized they just weren't for me. Had I had a chance to play them in person, I would have been able to figure that out.
I only have a guitar center in Mobile and they don't have much, so reverb is my main option. I've pretty much liked most of the guitars I've bought. I'm generally pretty careful to buy guitars that if I don't like, I can quickly flip them. I did buy a used Custom Shop Strat that didn't have the certification papers on it. I was super nervous about that one, but it's now my one of my favorites. I do wish I had a bigger variety of stores to shop from. I envy people that live in places like Nashville. They have to tons of great stores to buy gear.
I only have a guitar center in Mobile and they don't have much, so reverb is my main option. I've pretty much liked most of the guitars I've bought. I'm generally pretty careful to buy guitars that if I don't like, I can quickly flip them. I did buy a used Custom Shop Strat that didn't have the certification papers on it. I was super nervous about that one, but it's now my one of my favorites. I do wish I had a bigger variety of stores to shop from. I envy people that live in places like Nashville. They have to tons of great stores to buy gear.
Posted on 1/23/22 at 1:07 am to The Dunder Mifflin
I used to use pawn shops, now I use reverb. If I dont like what I get, ill fix it up and re-sell it for a profit.
My last purchase im pleased with.
My last purchase im pleased with.
Posted on 1/23/22 at 5:10 am to The Dunder Mifflin
I usually don't leave my house with the intention of buying a guitar. Really, I never do that. I have friends that have guitar shops though, and sometimes they have something I can't resist.
Posted on 1/23/22 at 3:46 pm to auggie
Guitar Center can kiss my arse. I prepaid for 8 lessons, used 6 of them and they took away the last two with no refund because I would not sign up for and I quote the lesson specialist a "monthly lesson subscription like Netflix" which was twice as many lessons as I wanted per month cause I couldn't make it weekly.
Posted on 1/23/22 at 5:15 pm to The Dunder Mifflin
Hit up used sections, even the used sections at Guitar center. I got a nice Ibanez premium bass from the Guitar center in NOLA for a fraction of new price and less than half of what they were going for online used and it looked like it had never been played.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 5:54 am to armsdealer
“Used Guitar Center”.
This. From the website. Have it delivered to a nearby store if that’s an option for you. You get 45 days to return but if you go to the store and notice it’s damaged or reeks of smoke or whatever is your deal killer, leave it there and start the return process.
Bought both my electrics this way. Zero problems.
This. From the website. Have it delivered to a nearby store if that’s an option for you. You get 45 days to return but if you go to the store and notice it’s damaged or reeks of smoke or whatever is your deal killer, leave it there and start the return process.
Bought both my electrics this way. Zero problems.
Posted on 1/24/22 at 7:52 am to The Dunder Mifflin
try out Baton Rouge Music Exchange too
Posted on 1/24/22 at 11:04 am to The Dunder Mifflin
Bought my last couple online from Sweetwater. They have very good customer service, and if there is any type of damage they’ll take care of it instantly. My guitars have arrived in perfect shape, but one of my speaker cabinets had a damaged corner once. They shipped out a new one before I even returned the damaged one. Everything I’ve bought from them was also with 0% financing.
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