Is GC Really that crap?

[RMC1]

Kind of a pointless thread,but i`m curious,being a long time Epi Fan,i see so many threads saying that a person has visited GC in the States,with almost 90% saying that they have given them either bad,or totally wrong info,it can`t be that bad can it?,i would have thought that in the USA they could have at least got the info almost right.

 

[stryker59]

it is that bad at some....i have my research done before i go in there because the kids in there really dont know shit!!

 

[Slapjaw]

I've never had any problem. If one does their homework and knows somewhat about what their looking for, it's no big deal. Usually I'll walk out with what I think is a good buy.

 

[Epison]

I go to Daddy's Junky music. Much better than GC, but if GC's all you have...

 

[RMC1]

It just bugs the hell out of me that such a huge muti store giant seems to give out so much bad info.

 

[lp_junkie]

GC employees are working on commission and will tell you whatever it takes to get you to buy something, for the most part they aren't going to tell me anything new, but I have been playing longer than most of them have been alive. I just smile and look at them without saying anything to question their intelligence.

 

[hbucker]

Yes, it is that bad. But no worse than the Circuit City's and Radio Shacks of the world where employees rarely know much.

If you know what your looking for and have done your research before you go into the store, you can wade through just about anything they throw at you. And of course there are good employees at GC who know what they're talking about. But you must arm yourself with your own knowledge to make sure you're getting what you think you're getting.

 

[jomo]

I almost posted the little guy beating the dead horse but decided not to be "that guy" today.
Guitar Center is the "Walmart" of guitar stores, I shopped at my local G/C for quite a while before I found "my guy". I was about to give up, as every time I would go in, I'd find the goth kid trying to sell me what ever. I'm in sales (100% commission actually) so it was tough dealing with different people every time, but I did until I found someone cool. At my work, I'm the only one that drives, races, and shows my product. When I shop, I expect the same "enthusiast" driven service.
For the most part, I would rather find a good Mom and Pop store, but I haven't found one yet. (until I open my own some day)

 

[RMC1]

Guy beating the Horse,sorry Jomo,being in Europe i was just curious if GC was as bad as people say.No offence intended.I wish i hadn`t asked now

 

[inxs996]

As a general rule, anytime money is on the line, people will tell you what they think you want to hear.. I once called a GC looking to see if they had a Black Epi Standard in stock was told by a salesmen that i had purchased other items from in the past, that he just took a brand new one out of a box and hung it on the wall, that he would take it down and put it in the back for me. Well when i arrived at the store he went and got it for me, it looked as if it had been dropped down a flight of stairs, not to mention the dozens of belt scratches on the back, obviously it had been on display for some time..No Sale!!!

But it is not only GC salesmen, I once went to buy a new Harley-Davidson at the local dealer, and without really looking at the bike i asked the salesmen if it was carburetor or Fuel Injected, he told me it had a carburetor, sure enough when I looked at it it had Fuel Injection, he also worked on commission. Needless to say I bought from another salesmen...

Long story short, always do your research before going anywhere to buy something...

Eric

 

[inxs996]

Just another thought, I recently started looking at a online guitar site, Sweetwater, what i like about their site is that they take pictures of all their guitars for sale, every angle imaginable..

I think i will be buying from them in the future, does anyone have any input on this vendor?

Eric

Heres the link:
Welcome to Sweetwater.com | Call Us @ 800 222 4700

 

[lp_junkie]

Sweetwater is great, you at least get to see the guitar you are buying.

I also like american musical supply American Musical Supply-Musical Instruments, Guitars, Amps, Mics, Cables & Recording Studio Gear as they will let you pay things out over 3 or 5 months depending upon the total (5 months plan they do run credit).

 

[Hectgore]

Yes, it is that bad. But no worse than the Circuit City's and Radio Shacks of the world where employees rarely know much.

If you know what your looking for and have done your research before you go into the store, you can wade through just about anything they throw at you. And of course there are good employees at GC who know what they're talking about. But you must arm yourself with your own knowledge to make sure you're getting what you think you're getting.

Its way worse.The commision drives em nuts and they get paid very little.

Stupid corporate gc is running mom and pop shops out of service and selling the same stuff at there guitar centers.If you dont know what your talking about theyll suck you in and tell you to buy a Line 6 spider or a marshall MG just because they get a crapload of commision on those items.

 

[arcanis494]

I don't think it is bad as everyone makes it out to be.
Yes I would rather shop at a mom and pop store.

I've been to some bad ones.

And a few great ones where all the guitars were in good shape and the employees are helpful.

In all not my ideal place to go and I would rather support local shops, but sometimes it is nice to go there and try out tons of guitars and amp combos

 

[inxs996]

About the only thing GC is good for is testing out guitars and other musical accessories...

 

[Hectgore]

I agree the amps they have in there are always the same ones.I go in there to buy little things like strings.

 

[Slapjaw]

Guy beating the Horse,sorry Jomo,being in Europe i was just curious if GC was as bad as people say.No offence intended.I wish i hadn`t asked now

Never feel bad about asking any question. That's what this and other forums are all about. If you never ask you'll never find out. (man do I sound like one of my old teachers) Take care and keep asking.

 

[Dave67]

What I hate about the GCs, you try out a guitar and find one you like hanging on the wall but can't buy it. They want you to the one in the box. When i bought my JS1000, they brought out six new ones before I bought one, the kid had to get manager approval to do it.

 

[Hectgore]

They didnt want to give my friend and cousin a boxed one they kept saying the one on the wall was the only one they had.Thats BS though!

 

[twinrider1]

I don't think they are all that bad. Like others have mentioned, don't go there looking to be educated. But that goes for buying things in ANY store. Know your stuff first.
And maybe I'm just lucky, but my local GC has a couple of decent guys. You just have to seek them out.