This video is a reminder to me of why I will only ever sell used gear. I dreamed of owning my own guitar shop as a kid but in reality now there's no way I would go that route. I respect what you guys are doing over there and we need quality shops that will carry new product but as a one man show the thought of raising the capital to do it this way seems like more harm than good. The good news is you can still make enough money to get by if you're smart enough just buying used and reselling.
@@CasinoGuitars It's the best! I found my only little niche from visiting Japan a lot in the past and I don't get the most inventory but I get to move 4-5 guitars a month that I would otherwise never ever get the chance to try out! I'm happy with that :)
As a former Fender rep (Top Gun, President’s Award, etc.) I highly recommend that Dealers learn one simple thing; learn how to say No. I love you guys cuz you always come dangerously close to the Truth, the Soundhole Truth and Nothing but the Truth. 😎 When a big Chain Store finally locks its doors things are going to change in a day and in a major way. Can you say “Music Man”? “G&L”? Sure you can 😀. I knew you could 😎. For every “McDonalds” there’s a “Burger King”.... right across the street. #loveandpeace
Right on McDonalds should collude with the media to get rid of Burger King once and for all ! Maybe impeach them so they cant sell anymore of those delicious onion rings since we dont offer those.
Thank you, we’ve learned in general about “tier”, but you guys gave some details n figures we didn’t really know about. This is great info for a humble shop as ours and will include the info in our ‘strategic planning (cool to get the “strategic” word in there ha ha). Well, for us looks like used guitars in volume is way to go so we hope to get into used this year ...or latest by next year. Our shop opened 2017 but we been dealing almost only new retail so far. If good for y’all please do a video on used guitar buying and if possible speaking to player/buyer level but also to the small ‘mom n pops shops like ours we’d love to see something along those lines... cheers!
You got it Christopher! We think it only helps folks understand why your local mom and pop may bot be able to get everything you want. Best to you out there!
I love it when you guys pull back the curtain. Going forward I'll always be thinking about this whenever I walk into a local shop. Not to judge the shop but from pure curiosity.
Yup...I own a small craft cocktail bar...still love the craft and the creativity that goes with it, but it's probably about 10% of what I do - on a good day...Absolutely despise the rest of it...I have to constantly remind myself not to let the 90+% ruin what I love about it...I guess it's just what happens when you take something you love and are good at and turn it into a business... Still, it could be worse...at least the a$$hole I have for a boss is myself!...Good luck!
For over thirty years I had the retired guys dream job. I was an offshore fishing guide in Key West, Fl. Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, Sails, Cuba Tournaments, Bahamas and Mexico. Not to mention working for Mel Fisher and Treasure Salvors in the 80s'. Now I'm old working Security in a hotel. Do I miss it? Sometimes, but those days (and fish) are gone. Sort of like there will never be another Woodstock... You shoulda been there...
Thanks for sharing this rarely discussed topic. I'm just a snickity artist and a real live wacky scientist. I started off around the St. Louis Mo. Area 20 years ago. About eight years ago I refined my design with the help of a seasoned pro guitar player. I would build test platforms and I couldn't keep them. Players would offer huge piles of smackaflacks and I'd just build another even better one. I moved way down south to a little town in Southeast Missouri a year ago to help out my mom and I was trippin thinking I would have to quit build axes. Boom, got one in a local studio right now. It's weird to walk into a place and everybody wants to shake your hand like your a hero. I mostly used Fender and Ibanez style necks and parts but recently started something based on a 06 Epiphone bolt on neck and hardware. That angled neck pocket was tricky. I got rid of the F-hole suggesting point on the sides and it really smoothed out the design. The holes on the sides exhaust body waves without unwanted interruption of string wave. I've tried every configuration and a full spectrum of electronics packages but the results are always the same. The longest lasting sustain hands down. It shure was funny when Fender introduced their Accoustasonic line up. They put the sound hole right under the strings. I'm left being Big Daddy. I do like that. A guy like me has to have a hook. Mine comes as soon as it comes out da bag and then gets plugged in. Word gets out and I'm like a guitar god. I went into a new place over in the next county the other day and got the old just get your stuff and go away and it made me laugh thinking about the old days when I was young and not yet accomplished. I got 100×no before I finally got that " hold on, what's that? Gimmee". I'm subscribing to y'all. Your incite is an asset.
You guys are my favorite guitar shop people. You’re fun, informative and come across as very genuine. Thanks for all of the great content, I really enjoy it. When I can finally visit the US again I have every intention of paying a visit and walking away with a little gem. Keep up the good work guys!
I'm half-listening with one ear, and assessing the tier of every shop i can recall entering, based on what i can remember dangling.... this one was deceptively informative, fellers. Thanks!
I learned this the hard way about twenty years ago. A shop I wanted to support took almost six months to get me a particular fender. I could've bought it from one of the warehouse stores without the wait, but wanted to support the shop that sold me my first guitar. Turns out another shop at a higher tier hand picked it for my shop, and what I ended up with is a fantastic guitar. Just had to wait longer than I wanted to I find info like this about how retail works to be interesting. The guitar business sounds a lot like running a liquor store, but with manufacturers taking the place of ABC agencies. If you want to sell the stuff everyone wants to have to buy a lot of certain products that might not sell, and the retailer has little control over how much the products can be sold for. High rollers get to do what they want for the most part and the small business is subject to the whims of distributors
I asked my local shop to order me a Grand Orbiter about 6 months ago... I’m pretty sure they forgot. Could’ve ordered and been sick of it by now, but trying to support local shop.
itsadanimal I enjoy the wait, anticipating the arrival of something I worked hard for and lust after, but 6 months is a long time! I hope your guitar meets or exceeds your expectation
@@honkytonkinson9787 a grand orbiter is a pedal! My point wasn’t clear. I try to support the little guys, to a fault! Your anecdote reminded me that, while this particular shop is generally well stocked with “the good stuff”, I’m sure they’re still limited to shipment minimums, limited space and resources for standing inventory, etc etc etc... I’m likely a little outside of their “target demographic”.
itsadanimal ah, sorry about the assumption. I'm also loyal to a fault and like to support local at the expense of slow service and higher prices, sometime. The locals do tend to show their appreciation and make up for the higher prices and lack of inventory with availability and follow up service
Love the channel and thanks for bringing a little shine to Southern Pines, NC. For anyone who's tentative about making a day trip to Casino due to distance, look into Southern Pines (and Pinehurst) a little - you might end up wanting to stay in the area for a day or two. It's a cool little place to visit.
Thanks that explains why my local shop doesn’t carry much variety and the long wait times to get something that’s not on their books, if they can get it at all.
Man do i miss the days when i could find mom and pop shops everywhere. I wouldnt hate guitar center for killing them off, if they werent so bad at what they do. I swore them off many years ago. As much as i want to try stuff out before buying, id rather take the risk online shopping and lose money on shipping than to give them a dime. If you guys were local, I'd be there at least once a month. May you live long and prosper. We need more shops like yours.
I am a manufacturer rep in the Fire Alarm Industry ( I cover 4 states, TX OK, LA AR). And we go to market the same way, dealer network. Does guitar manufactures control the number of dealers in an area? Or does anyone that can bankroll the opening requirements, get the line? Also, the same thing happens fire alarm, some of my best friends started out as my dealer. Funny story, I am 59 years old, when covid hit, and traveling stopped, ( we still are grounded, lol) I took up the guitar because I did not want to binge watch netfix.... and when I get back on the road, I can practice in the hotel room. MY message: it is never to late to follow a dream and learn the guitar. But be careful: I went from 0 guitars to 7 guitar collection.... in 8 months. My latest is the Lonestar 1996 strat.
Great insight Gary. Yes as well to the amount of dealers. We get regions...or if you are in a big city there may be a few dealers of the same line but usually the manufacture is protective to their dealers. And great point to playing and starting whenever the inspiration hits! Love that and thanks for sharing!
No kidding...I never met his father but Larry is the best...and damn funny to boot. You need to se his stand up routine when everything opens up again!
Yup, our local shop is at the base (let's not say bottom) of the tier system - a little entry level new gear, and a lot of used and vintage gear. Let's also not forget lessons and Band rentals! Small town, small shop, great people.
I think I know the shop Jonathan is referring to that didn't pay for guitars that were sold. I won't mention the shop's name (they're obviously out of business), but if it's the one I'm thinking of it was in a town not far from where I live in Raleigh, NC. Edited: The shop I had in mind might not be the same one that Jonathan mentioned. The shop I was thinking of defrauded mostly customers and consignment sellers not guitar builders. But hey, the shop owner could have done all of the above.
insightful, i've heard stories of Gibson saying that a percentage of floorspace must be for their products including whatever falls under the Gibson Brands header, but that was under the old regime and i'm in the UK so it might be different.
I’ve been friends with some guys who have been Gibson dealers, and it is (or at least was) that way here in the US, too. Gibson wanted to be the prominent brand in all of their dealer’s shops. I feel like they’ve eased up on it more recently because there really aren’t a lot of small Gibson dealers. In the last seven years I’ve lived in or near two large cities that are iconic to American music. Between those two cities I only know of two independent shops that are Gibson dealers (the others are big chain stores). Both of these smaller shops have different specialties. One is primarily a vintage dealer and they sell Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and Gibson Custom Shop and it is my understanding that they are able to actually pick out the guitars they want from the factory. The owner of this shop is a former Gibson employee. The other shop is primarily a high end new guitar shop whose main brand was (I’m not sure if it still is or not) PRS. This store was a full line Gibson dealer including Epiphone this shop also got to pick out their Gibson electrics at the factory (I don’t think they went to Montana to hand select Gibson acoustics, but they might have). On the opposite end of those two stores. When was in my early 20s (in the early 1990s) there was a guy in my hometown who opened up a shop and Gibson was the only brand he sold. He was underhanded about how he got the dealership in the first place. He had worked for “the big chain store” in the largest city near my hometown. He had built a relationship with reps from all the major companies. He moved to my hometown (cheaper place to live and open a business compared to the major city) and went to work for a family owned musical instrument business that had been in business for decades. This shop sold guitars just because there was a local demand. Their primary business was band instruments (this store and all of the local schools conned parents into believing that their store was the only place to get quality band instruments, but that’s a story for another day), and they also sold pianos and pro sound equipment (specifically specializing in churches which they treated the same way they did band parents). Anyway once this guy started working for the shop (and he was specifically hired to grow the guitar business) he convinced the owner to become a Gibson dealer. Gibsons sold fairly well in this shop (which showed Gibson that there was a demand in town). A year later this guy buys his own building quits the family owned shop and takes the Gibson dealership with him because he was the one who had the relationship with Gibson. This guys new shop failed in its first year because the only Gibson guitars he stocked were the high end models. He sold absolutely nothing that was entry level, because he wanted to have a high end shop in a small town that couldn’t support it. The family owned eventually went on it of business as well, but they held out for about 10-15 more years. Once the Internet became the research tool it is band parents (and churches) quit falling for the scam. Ultimately, the store went downhill faster because of some “creative” accounting practices and the final nail in the coffin was failing pay their taxes. The city ended up auctioning off all the store’s inventory to cover their tax debt.
I opened a new shop just about 2 years ago. I made a decision not to go after the big 4: Gibson, Fender, Taylor and Martin as the buy in was a very hefty 6 figures and the market I was in already had a maximum number of dealers. There is room to carry good but more affordable guitars like Epiphone, Breedlove, Teton and Nash. You need to understand your business plan and not have dreams of carrying the totally cool custom shop pieces until you are financially ready. Wildwood Guitars helped me open my shop and we have a great unwritten partnership. They sell high end and I sell the medium priced lines. PRS SE versus PRS Signature Dealer, Epiphone versus Gibson and Gibson custom shop. You need to understand your market and who the other stores are in your area. The goal is to make everyone succeed and recommend each other. The customers appreciate recommendations and will reward you with support.
And with the COVID shut downs, supply has been constrained. The tier system is not only in guitars but other retailers. Yes I have a Rolladex. Virtual NAMM is also a bit shy on supply due to COVID. Thanks guys.
Yes we have heard it across the board from all of our pals in other industries...I always laugh inside when I say "industry" about the guitar world...it's just way too fun to be an "industry" to me....:) Thanks a ton for your thoughts and sharing here!
thanks for moving the guitar on the wall, the blue strat with the ebony board is back. What a fine piece of gear. Wow. Thanks for the excellent content guys 👍
Agreed. As a dealer with companies some are not easy to work with. We talked to many companies and knowing our market we won't able to support them or we may go out of business. Always need to find ways to make a sale or give a deal
Are Lowden considered boutique? They're one of a number of British and Irish small-volume builders like Avalon, Atkin, Fylde, Brook and Elysian and their instruments start at £2,500-£3K (Lowden are nearer £3K) which is the same to a little bit more than a standard Martin. They won't sell you a spruce/mahogany instrument for £4-5K like American boutique builders will. Lowden are certainly original; their shapes are unique, their bracing is of partly their design and the woodworking is intricate. They do also make instruments with exotic woods like ziricote and that's where you'll find boutique pricing. Perhaps the pricing over there is higher because of delivery and import costs. I've looked for Lowden guitars on US guitar shop websites and they're mostly 35s and 50s, not the "core collection" models.
I consider them boutique and for sure a small builder. The new Sheeran line may change that, we will see. The pricing is a bit higher due to import fees but not terribly. We tend to stock the full line but they sell strangely fast. And what is strange is that the 35 and 50 series sell faster than the original series often. Now the new 12 fret originals they just announced...exciting:) Thanks a ton for your thoughts and questions.
My local shop mostly does consignment, but it’s cool because they have some harder to find models. Bought an ‘08 SG Classic from them before Christmas 😬
The tier system is really set up for the factory sales team to separate which retailers to focus on (or ignore). The factories should be excited that small M&P stores will buy, promote, and sell a guitar whether it's one or many units. All it takes is a recession and the factory is scrambling for any sale they can chase down, they will need the cash. +1 for the comment about the whole market getting in a tizzy if/when a certain big retailer topples.
It does fill a niche for some folks and where and how they play. It has also been a huge hit for Fender. I still don't have one of my own but maybe one day...and maybe not. Thanks a ton for sharing and watching!
I worked in a small surf shop. Boards were 30 days credit, my boss was a straight shooter. She paid on time. Clothing, wetsuits, etc., reps came around with their lines. If anything showed up in a chain store, we dropped it. The biggest pain was factors. Billing companies for manufacturers. Bills would come before we received product. Do you have to deal with that?
Sounds like a great setup. We do often get invoices pre delivery of the guitar. We don't have any billing companies though but sometimes the manufactures are so big it feels like they are different companies:)
So this makes a lot of sense to me. I haven't bought at my local shops in years...I walk into the all the shops at least once every month yet I always order online or travel to far away shops....the locals never have what i want to buy. It's not just me either, none of the musicians I know around me have bought their recent major purchases local. Even my buddy who works at the local shop didn't buy any of his major gear at the local shop he worked for. The almighty sweetwater takes first place, and some higher tier dealers out of town get the business. Somehow this doesn't seem fair...but oh well. Hard for a local shop to carry nothing but low tier stuff that locals can get from sweetwater and usually at a better selection. Letting the locals carry some of the high tier stuff can make sense since those buyers would be more prone to buying them in person. The Fender player series buyer takes a different approach than the American professional buyer..and the CS buyer even more so. Seems like the little guys got everything stacked against them.
I guess this is why I usually get the bull crap told to me sometimes that the MIM/SE/Epi series and on the same level as USA guitars. "Don't throw away your money" LOL..I walk out and go to a dealer that has what i came to buy and doesn't tell lies. I didn't know that the poor store was just trying to survive, because Fender/PRS/Gibson wouldn't let them carry a certain level guitar. This system just seems set to kill the small brick and motar. Shame.
The system is tough and doesn't really work for really small dealers unless they are able to grow their business. Nowadays if they are not a hybrid store (Online and brick and mortar) there is really no chance of meeting the demands of the manufacture if you hope to carry the US built pieces. It is tricky but fortunately the manufactures have started to work with the shops more so than how it used to be. Sincere thanks Ernie for your time and thought in your comments!
This was a fascinating video. I’ve always thought about what it would be like to own a shop. Although I would go out of business quickly, because I’d fall in love with everything that came through the door and keep it! 😂😂😂
Just bought a Pro jr there two weeks ago, bargain basement x-mas deal. Jeremy tried to tell me I play the wrong strings, because mine were out of stock (young salesmen are hilarious). That place almost looks like fender is a silent partner...TONS of Ltd. Ed. stuff. Love it! Just stand your ground on your strings!
It really just depends on what you looking for as a buyer. Sweetwater is a monster and does great work but they don't cover all of the bases for certain folks out there. Thanks a ton for taking the time to watch and share your thoughts!
awesome video jhon & bax as always. keep rocking out good videos. liked the content. love small & big shops . big & small brands of guitars. as long i get the respect of geting a nice piece at good price . if you get a uncommon piece keep it . trust me on that i regret selling my standard pro valley arts. can't find another one.
Cool video. Hypothetical question for you guys... I’ve hit the lottery. I’ve got a shitload of money. Lots of scratch. I want to open a guitar store. I have no guitar retail experience. But I’ve got the money for location, infrastructure, employees, advertising, and stock. Would the big boys sell to me straight away and allow me to be a dealer of their premium guitars? Is their involvement based pretty much based on that criteria alone?
I’m an accountant. NEVER get money and then “go into business.” The equation should always be the other way around. Why would you spend a large sum of money to go back to work?
Do the big brands/dealers object to, or at least discourage, you selling used guitars?...just curious... thanks for the insider peek into the guts of the retail guitar retail machinery!...Seems like one could easily get ground to mincemeat in the gears!
They have no say in that and really do want you to succeed! It's like lots of little mini partnerships...or marriages. They are usually pretty wonderful but can for sure end in tears:)
In your case, in my opinion, things are skewed because the popularity of your UA-cam channel is greater than your tier status as a dealer. (For some brands. You seem to be knocking it out with Fender) It’s a mistake on the part of the manufacturers to not acknowledge that. And by that, I mean that PRS needs to show you more love. Your store may be smaller and local in the brick and mortar sense, but your online presence reaches far beyond that. I have now purchased 2 guitars from you simply because I found your videos on UA-cam. Surely there are many other customers that have found you in same manner. Your reps need to take a chill pill and recognize!
I've also went to the website to check out PRS guitar offerings at casino...but it was dry. The channel is driving customers over...it's a shame the manufacturers use this business model. It would be nice if the shops could carry whatever they felt would sell, after all they usually know their customers best.
Thanks a ton Natahsa and we think manufactures are finally starting to realize the playing field has changed a bit. We for sure know they watch our videos relentlessly just to make sure we don't get too crazy but much love to you and we should be top tier with them soon:)
Thanks a ton Ernie for checking us out...we unfortunately have sold out of all of our PRS pieces...only have a few at the moment but the good news is we have tons on order and more showing up each day. Real thanks for giving us a shot and we would love to help in the future with any of your guitar needs:)
Thanks for the video! It is nice to know how the "business" works; thanks for sharing .. so do you take orders for other brands of guitars that you normally do not carry? is that an issue with getting them from the supplier (whether large or small/boutique), as you are not a "normal" (hesitate to use the term "normal" with you guys) vendor?
This enlightens a lot. What I don't understand however, is why Europe's largest music retailer (Thomann) quit selling Martin guitars. I understand why smaller stores can't sell them, but I can find them in smaller stores. Even one offs. But Thomann stopped selling them. Why? I can't find the answer to this question anywhere on the web. Someone?
Wow...I hadn't heard that. My goodness. There could have been some bad blood behind the scenes for that or perhaps another massive dealer put some heat on Martin about exclusivity but honestly I doubt that...Thomann is a behemoth. Odd indeed!
@@CasinoGuitars ; Thanks for your response. I know, it’s weird. Bax is another large retailer that don’t sell Martins, although I’m not entirely sure whether or not they used to sell them before. Maybe people just don’t want to buy an expensive acoustic unplayed. I know I don’t.
Wow, Baxter’s hair looks crazier than normal. Unfortunately there’s only one mom & pop music store in my area and they don’t carry any of the big brands. We do have a Guitar Center, but we all know what they are going through so that leaves me with Sweetwater. Looking at their website even they are having difficulty getting product
Baxter had a tough night...or genetics simply one again:) It is tough across the board. We have been struggling to keep on top of inventory as well. Taylor has been great but we plan with them constantly. And a ton of fenders are on the way any day now:) yay! Best to you Allison and thanks for sharing your thoughts. What local shop do y’all have put of curiosity? I’d love to know if I knew them by chance.
What do you guys think about Fender selling now from their website (without offering any attention and with the same prices)? Vs brand like kiesel that genuinely do not have retailers, but their custumer service is only available if you are gonna order something 2k+ Thanks
Jeff Kiesel will handle his own fate in due course. Dude’s a loose cannon, and people only have so much patience for immature, spoiled brats verbally assaulting their customers. Tons of manufacturers sell direct. Most encourage you to purchase from their sellers, in an effort to nurture that relationship. Often direct from manufacturer IS the same price as you’d get anywhere else, otherwise no one would want to carry said product for fear that the manufacturer would undersell them and they’d be stuck with product....
When they first announced it dealers were very unhappy about it. It really doesn't cut into our sales at all though so in reality we don't really worry too much about it. It accounts for about 1% of their overall sales and they still service their dealers with any pieces before they offer on their own website as available for sale. Now would we all prefer they didn't even have the option...yes:) Thanks for the question and thank you for watching as well!
Do big brands separate out their import lines or other brands? Can you sell just Squier or Charvel without carrying fender and get in at a lower price/tier?
Yes...some dealerships are quite reasonable though like Charvel, Jackson, EVH, even Gretsch isn't terrible...unless you want to carry the Pro pieces. Squier is pretty reasonable as well. And guys like Vox (owned by Korg), Michael Kelly, Ibanez, Behringer...all rather easy to carry. Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Martin....have a beer first. Hope that helps a bit and thanks for the question.
@@CasinoGuitars It does help! I figured it would work from you mentioning with PRS you can start with just SE and add more later, but I thought it might work differently for those side brands or other import lines with the brand name is actually different, and I would think Fender and Gibson could sorta do whatever they want. Interesting topic. Now I wonder if it is better to support a shop by purchasing a brand that doesn't have draconian yearly sales quota requirements or to go for a brand that has those so a shop can meet those numbers. I suppose I would still buy the guitar I wanted at the end of the day, but it could be some odd moral consideration such as simply shopping at a small business versus a big box store, or buying a guitar with the natural streaked ebony etc.
Good friend had a shop until 6 or so months ago in Alberta but tough times. Anyway he had to drop Taylor (or they dropped him I guess?) because of just that. He had 2 or 3 not great years. No more Taylor. I ended up with a great deal on 1 but a crappy way to get it. Turns out all the Taylors in the world wouldn’t save the place in the end anyway. Harsh times brothers. :(
It's interesting to me how the business of art can be so "anti-art". I guess this has always been the case from the beginning of time. I like the idea of small shops helping each other out.
When I was a kid I used to think owning a guitar shop would be the coolest. Of course, when I was a kid I wasn't thinking "economies of scale", lol. Tough business.
You guys left out how in the old model manufacturers would only open X # of dealers ( or tiered dealers) in a certain mile radius. You guys also left out how it is dealing with distributors like KMC 😂
Wow .... Lots of info I had not a clue about .... To much stuff bout who can and who can't .... I do know I love that pink Tele behind u guys .... For sale ?..... Lol
Isn’t this what killed Gibson?-my dealer that was literally down the road from the Bozeman Gibson acoustic factory and they lost out as they weren’t big enough to carry the electric line due to quality and price. The other companies seemed to be more flexible, at least that what was conveyed to me as a customer.
The tier system has fortunately improved and isn't quite as punitive. Back in the old days it was tough...very tough. I understand though that the manufactures want their guitars to be seen in the best light as well so they need to safeguard who and where they are sold. It's a tricky balancing act I reckon. Thanks a ton for your thoughts!
@@CasinoGuitars I am thankful that the new owners took over Gibson as I love them and own quite a few of their 30’s acoustics and one of the original later 40’s ES-125’s (JGeilS’s)-it’s was an accident due to the lag time on a internet auction. Wonderful instrument though. I tried their 2020 Les Paul jr but couldn’t get it in the ballpark to intonate using the saddle Allen screws. Have you had problems with these? I’ve always know there were issues with the older ones with wraparound bride replacement fixes. You would think that they would have wanted to get that right.
This is quickly becoming my favorite channel.
One of us.....one of us....
Thanks a bunch and watch out for Natasha, she’s a fierce one:) and we all love her!
Thanks for joining us!
Sincerely,
Baxter
This video is a reminder to me of why I will only ever sell used gear. I dreamed of owning my own guitar shop as a kid but in reality now there's no way I would go that route. I respect what you guys are doing over there and we need quality shops that will carry new product but as a one man show the thought of raising the capital to do it this way seems like more harm than good. The good news is you can still make enough money to get by if you're smart enough just buying used and reselling.
I hear you and it is quite the daunting task. If it wasn't so damn fun I would for sure encourage any other business...but dang it sure is fun!
@@CasinoGuitars It's the best! I found my only little niche from visiting Japan a lot in the past and I don't get the most inventory but I get to move 4-5 guitars a month that I would otherwise never ever get the chance to try out! I'm happy with that :)
@@AudiomoMusic that is great! I love hearing that and what a fun thing this is:)
As a former Fender rep (Top Gun, President’s Award, etc.) I highly recommend that Dealers learn one simple thing; learn how to say No. I love you guys cuz you always come dangerously close to the Truth, the Soundhole Truth and Nothing but the Truth. 😎 When a big Chain Store finally locks its doors things are going to change in a day and in a major way. Can you say “Music Man”? “G&L”? Sure you can 😀. I knew you could 😎. For every “McDonalds” there’s a “Burger King”.... right across the street. #loveandpeace
Right on McDonalds should collude with the media to get rid of Burger King once and for all ! Maybe impeach them so they cant sell anymore of those delicious onion rings since we dont offer those.
Thank you, we’ve learned in general about “tier”, but you guys gave some details n figures we didn’t really know about. This is great info for a humble shop as ours and will include the info in our ‘strategic planning (cool to get the “strategic” word in there ha ha). Well, for us looks like used guitars in volume is way to go so we hope to get into used this year ...or latest by next year. Our shop opened 2017 but we been dealing almost only new retail so far. If good for y’all please do a video on used guitar buying and if possible speaking to player/buyer level but also to the small ‘mom n pops shops like ours we’d love to see something along those lines... cheers!
Thanks for your transparency. Very informative and as a guitarist this is something I never thought about.
You got it Christopher! We think it only helps folks understand why your local mom and pop may bot be able to get everything you want. Best to you out there!
I love it when you guys pull back the curtain. Going forward I'll always be thinking about this whenever I walk into a local shop. Not to judge the shop but from pure curiosity.
so do you still love it? I'm a small cabinet shop and sometimes the business end takes the joy out of the craft
Great question! I'm a chef, and cooking at home for my children and cooking at work don't even register as similar events to me.
Yup...I own a small craft cocktail bar...still love the craft and the creativity that goes with it, but it's probably about 10% of what I do - on a good day...Absolutely despise the rest of it...I have to constantly remind myself not to let the 90+% ruin what I love about it...I guess it's just what happens when you take something you love and are good at and turn it into a business...
Still, it could be worse...at least the a$$hole I have for a boss is myself!...Good luck!
For over thirty years I had the retired guys dream job. I was an offshore fishing guide in Key West, Fl. Marlin, Wahoo, Tuna, Sails, Cuba Tournaments, Bahamas and Mexico. Not to mention working for Mel Fisher and Treasure Salvors in the 80s'. Now I'm old working Security in a hotel. Do I miss it? Sometimes, but those days (and fish) are gone. Sort of like there will never be another Woodstock... You shoulda been there...
Thanks for sharing this rarely discussed topic. I'm just a snickity artist and a real live wacky scientist. I started off around the St. Louis Mo. Area 20 years ago. About eight years ago I refined my design with the help of a seasoned pro guitar player. I would build test platforms and I couldn't keep them. Players would offer huge piles of smackaflacks and I'd just build another even better one. I moved way down south to a little town in Southeast Missouri a year ago to help out my mom and I was trippin thinking I would have to quit build axes. Boom, got one in a local studio right now. It's weird to walk into a place and everybody wants to shake your hand like your a hero. I mostly used Fender and Ibanez style necks and parts but recently started something based on a 06 Epiphone bolt on neck and hardware. That angled neck pocket was tricky. I got rid of the F-hole suggesting point on the sides and it really smoothed out the design. The holes on the sides exhaust body waves without unwanted interruption of string wave. I've tried every configuration and a full spectrum of electronics packages but the results are always the same. The longest lasting sustain hands down. It shure was funny when Fender introduced their Accoustasonic line up. They put the sound hole right under the strings. I'm left being Big Daddy. I do like that. A guy like me has to have a hook. Mine comes as soon as it comes out da bag and then gets plugged in. Word gets out and I'm like a guitar god. I went into a new place over in the next county the other day and got the old just get your stuff and go away and it made me laugh thinking about the old days when I was young and not yet accomplished. I got 100×no before I finally got that " hold on, what's that? Gimmee". I'm subscribing to y'all. Your incite is an asset.
Much love and thanks for that intense share! What a journey and best to you always!
You guys are my favorite guitar shop people. You’re fun, informative and come across as very genuine. Thanks for all of the great content, I really enjoy it. When I can finally visit the US again I have every intention of paying a visit and walking away with a little gem. Keep up the good work guys!
These stories are great. I really appreciate you guys being honest, and open. Thank you! ❤️
Thank you! It means a lot that you enjoy our ramblings and sincere thanks for sharing that!
I'm half-listening with one ear, and assessing the tier of every shop i can recall entering, based on what i can remember dangling.... this one was deceptively informative, fellers. Thanks!
Always dig these behind the scenes of guitar shops.
Great video guys!
I learned this the hard way about twenty years ago. A shop I wanted to support took almost six months to get me a particular fender. I could've bought it from one of the warehouse stores without the wait, but wanted to support the shop that sold me my first guitar. Turns out another shop at a higher tier hand picked it for my shop, and what I ended up with is a fantastic guitar. Just had to wait longer than I wanted to
I find info like this about how retail works to be interesting. The guitar business sounds a lot like running a liquor store, but with manufacturers taking the place of ABC agencies. If you want to sell the stuff everyone wants to have to buy a lot of certain products that might not sell, and the retailer has little control over how much the products can be sold for. High rollers get to do what they want for the most part and the small business is subject to the whims of distributors
I asked my local shop to order me a Grand Orbiter about 6 months ago...
I’m pretty sure they forgot. Could’ve ordered and been sick of it by now, but trying to support local shop.
itsadanimal I enjoy the wait, anticipating the arrival of something I worked hard for and lust after, but 6 months is a long time! I hope your guitar meets or exceeds your expectation
@@honkytonkinson9787 a grand orbiter is a pedal! My point wasn’t clear. I try to support the little guys, to a fault! Your anecdote reminded me that, while this particular shop is generally well stocked with “the good stuff”, I’m sure they’re still limited to shipment minimums, limited space and resources for standing inventory, etc etc etc...
I’m likely a little outside of their “target demographic”.
itsadanimal ah, sorry about the assumption. I'm also loyal to a fault and like to support local at the expense of slow service and higher prices, sometime. The locals do tend to show their appreciation and make up for the higher prices and lack of inventory with availability and follow up service
I really enjoyed this video, very informative. Nice to now know how this works! Thank you!
Casino Guitars is a top tier guitar shop.
Love the channel and thanks for bringing a little shine to Southern Pines, NC. For anyone who's tentative about making a day trip to Casino due to distance, look into Southern Pines (and Pinehurst) a little - you might end up wanting to stay in the area for a day or two. It's a cool little place to visit.
Thanks that explains why my local shop doesn’t carry much variety and the long wait times to get something that’s not on their books, if they can get it at all.
You got it....just bear with them, we need the local shops or all there will be is the all knowing Amazon one day:( Eeeck!!!
Man do i miss the days when i could find mom and pop shops everywhere. I wouldnt hate guitar center for killing them off, if they werent so bad at what they do. I swore them off many years ago. As much as i want to try stuff out before buying, id rather take the risk online shopping and lose money on shipping than to give them a dime. If you guys were local, I'd be there at least once a month. May you live long and prosper. We need more shops like yours.
Thanks for clearing this up. I always thought “guitar shop tiers” were the soft gentle sobs i stifled as my wife made me leave the store empty handed.
Really like this channel. Lots of good information, and the chemistry between you two is good.
Thanks a bunch! We tend to have a good time and not hate each other...yet!
I am a manufacturer rep in the Fire Alarm Industry ( I cover 4 states, TX OK, LA AR). And we go to market the same way, dealer network. Does guitar manufactures control the number of dealers in an area? Or does anyone that can bankroll the opening requirements, get the line? Also, the same thing happens fire alarm, some of my best friends started out as my dealer.
Funny story, I am 59 years old, when covid hit, and traveling stopped, ( we still are grounded, lol) I took up the guitar because I did not want to binge watch netfix.... and when I get back on the road, I can practice in the hotel room. MY message: it is never to late to follow a dream and learn the guitar. But be careful: I went from 0 guitars to 7 guitar collection.... in 8 months. My latest is the Lonestar 1996 strat.
Great insight Gary. Yes as well to the amount of dealers. We get regions...or if you are in a big city there may be a few dealers of the same line but usually the manufacture is protective to their dealers.
And great point to playing and starting whenever the inspiration hits! Love that and thanks for sharing!
Second paragraph is more than a funny story it's a glorious story!!
Nice shout out to Larry at Music Land! His dad sold me my first guitar
No kidding...I never met his father but Larry is the best...and damn funny to boot. You need to se his stand up routine when everything opens up again!
@@CasinoGuitars Music Land was the only guitar shop for many years in Harford County MD
Awesome vid. You guys are my source of knowledge for shop talk and it's most insightful
Yup, our local shop is at the base (let's not say bottom) of the tier system - a little entry level new gear, and a lot of used and vintage gear. Let's also not forget lessons and Band rentals! Small town, small shop, great people.
Very informative. I never knew this. Still begging for the old strat give away! Love that guitar.
I think I know the shop Jonathan is referring to that didn't pay for guitars that were sold. I won't mention the shop's name (they're obviously out of business), but if it's the one I'm thinking of it was in a town not far from where I live in Raleigh, NC. Edited: The shop I had in mind might not be the same one that Jonathan mentioned. The shop I was thinking of defrauded mostly customers and consignment sellers not guitar builders. But hey, the shop owner could have done all of the above.
insightful, i've heard stories of Gibson saying that a percentage of floorspace must be for their products including whatever falls under the Gibson Brands header, but that was under the old regime and i'm in the UK so it might be different.
I’ve been friends with some guys who have been Gibson dealers, and it is (or at least was) that way here in the US, too. Gibson wanted to be the prominent brand in all of their dealer’s shops.
I feel like they’ve eased up on it more recently because there really aren’t a lot of small Gibson dealers. In the last seven years I’ve lived in or near two large cities that are iconic to American music. Between those two cities I only know of two independent shops that are Gibson dealers (the others are big chain stores). Both of these smaller shops have different specialties.
One is primarily a vintage dealer and they sell Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and Gibson Custom Shop and it is my understanding that they are able to actually pick out the guitars they want from the factory. The owner of this shop is a former Gibson employee.
The other shop is primarily a high end new guitar shop whose main brand was (I’m not sure if it still is or not) PRS. This store was a full line Gibson dealer including Epiphone this shop also got to pick out their Gibson electrics at the factory (I don’t think they went to Montana to hand select Gibson acoustics, but they might have).
On the opposite end of those two stores. When was in my early 20s (in the early 1990s) there was a guy in my hometown who opened up a shop and Gibson was the only brand he sold. He was underhanded about how he got the dealership in the first place. He had worked for “the big chain store” in the largest city near my hometown. He had built a relationship with reps from all the major companies. He moved to my hometown (cheaper place to live and open a business compared to the major city) and went to work for a family owned musical instrument business that had been in business for decades. This shop sold guitars just because there was a local demand. Their primary business was band instruments (this store and all of the local schools conned parents into believing that their store was the only place to get quality band instruments, but that’s a story for another day), and they also sold pianos and pro sound equipment (specifically specializing in churches which they treated the same way they did band parents). Anyway once this guy started working for the shop (and he was specifically hired to grow the guitar business) he convinced the owner to become a Gibson dealer. Gibsons sold fairly well in this shop (which showed Gibson that there was a demand in town). A year later this guy buys his own building quits the family owned shop and takes the Gibson dealership with him because he was the one who had the relationship with Gibson. This guys new shop failed in its first year because the only Gibson guitars he stocked were the high end models. He sold absolutely nothing that was entry level, because he wanted to have a high end shop in a small town that couldn’t support it.
The family owned eventually went on it of business as well, but they held out for about 10-15 more years. Once the Internet became the research tool it is band parents (and churches) quit falling for the scam. Ultimately, the store went downhill faster because of some “creative” accounting practices and the final nail in the coffin was failing pay their taxes. The city ended up auctioning off all the store’s inventory to cover their tax debt.
That is the way it used to be and Gibson is still a tough one to work with. They have gotten way better though thank the gods:)
Is that why I can't get Maker's Mark 64 at my local party store?
Yikes...I hope not:)
I opened a new shop just about 2 years ago. I made a decision not to go after the big 4: Gibson, Fender, Taylor and Martin as the buy in was a very hefty 6 figures and the market I was in already had a maximum number of dealers. There is room to carry good but more affordable guitars like Epiphone, Breedlove, Teton and Nash. You need to understand your business plan and not have dreams of carrying the totally cool custom shop pieces until you are financially ready. Wildwood Guitars helped me open my shop and we have a great unwritten partnership. They sell high end and I sell the medium priced lines. PRS SE versus PRS Signature Dealer, Epiphone versus Gibson and Gibson custom shop. You need to understand your market and who the other stores are in your area. The goal is to make everyone succeed and recommend each other. The customers appreciate recommendations and will reward you with support.
I love this channel! I live in the Netherlands but if I ever visit the states I would definitely visit your store
And with the COVID shut downs, supply has been constrained. The tier system is not only in guitars but other retailers. Yes I have a Rolladex. Virtual NAMM is also a bit shy on supply due to COVID. Thanks guys.
Yes we have heard it across the board from all of our pals in other industries...I always laugh inside when I say "industry" about the guitar world...it's just way too fun to be an "industry" to me....:)
Thanks a ton for your thoughts and sharing here!
thanks for moving the guitar on the wall, the blue strat with the ebony board is back. What a fine piece of gear. Wow. Thanks for the excellent content guys 👍
You got it Patrick...I play that blue Strat way too much!
You guys should have Knaggs in your store. They rock!
They do rock! Maybe one day:)
I love watching your videos. You guys know your stuff, appreciate good gear and you're very down to Earth. win, win win!!! 😉
Agreed. As a dealer with companies some are not easy to work with. We talked to many companies and knowing our market we won't able to support them or we may go out of business. Always need to find ways to make a sale or give a deal
I hear you. Some of the requirements are a bit draconian and for sure business killers.
Are Lowden considered boutique? They're one of a number of British and Irish small-volume builders like Avalon, Atkin, Fylde, Brook and Elysian and their instruments start at £2,500-£3K (Lowden are nearer £3K) which is the same to a little bit more than a standard Martin. They won't sell you a spruce/mahogany instrument for £4-5K like American boutique builders will. Lowden are certainly original; their shapes are unique, their bracing is of partly their design and the woodworking is intricate. They do also make instruments with exotic woods like ziricote and that's where you'll find boutique pricing. Perhaps the pricing over there is higher because of delivery and import costs. I've looked for Lowden guitars on US guitar shop websites and they're mostly 35s and 50s, not the "core collection" models.
I consider them boutique and for sure a small builder. The new Sheeran line may change that, we will see.
The pricing is a bit higher due to import fees but not terribly. We tend to stock the full line but they sell strangely fast. And what is strange is that the 35 and 50 series sell faster than the original series often.
Now the new 12 fret originals they just announced...exciting:)
Thanks a ton for your thoughts and questions.
So entertaining. So informative. My favourite UA-cam channel.
My Gibson Les Paul and my Fender Tele and Strat are nostalgia but my PRS is pure perfection 👌 ❤ best fit and finish
Right on Zaccary! They do know how to make a mean machine up there in PRS land:)
This was very entertaining to watch...great chemistry you guys.
My local shop mostly does consignment, but it’s cool because they have some harder to find models. Bought an ‘08 SG Classic from them before Christmas 😬
Nice...I love the rare gems!
Very interesting and informative. Thanks so much!
Thank you for watching!
The tier system is really set up for the factory sales team to separate which retailers to focus on (or ignore). The factories should be excited that small M&P stores will buy, promote, and sell a guitar whether it's one or many units. All it takes is a recession and the factory is scrambling for any sale they can chase down, they will need the cash. +1 for the comment about the whole market getting in a tizzy if/when a certain big retailer topples.
the acoustasonic is a decepticon if it's anything
It does fill a niche for some folks and where and how they play. It has also been a huge hit for Fender. I still don't have one of my own but maybe one day...and maybe not. Thanks a ton for sharing and watching!
Thanks. Very interesting and informative.
I worked in a small surf shop. Boards were 30 days credit, my boss was a straight shooter. She paid on time. Clothing, wetsuits, etc., reps came around with their lines. If anything showed up in a chain store, we dropped it. The biggest pain was factors. Billing companies for manufacturers. Bills would come before we received product. Do you have to deal with that?
Sounds like a great setup. We do often get invoices pre delivery of the guitar. We don't have any billing companies though but sometimes the manufactures are so big it feels like they are different companies:)
So this makes a lot of sense to me. I haven't bought at my local shops in years...I walk into the all the shops at least once every month yet I always order online or travel to far away shops....the locals never have what i want to buy. It's not just me either, none of the musicians I know around me have bought their recent major purchases local. Even my buddy who works at the local shop didn't buy any of his major gear at the local shop he worked for. The almighty sweetwater takes first place, and some higher tier dealers out of town get the business. Somehow this doesn't seem fair...but oh well. Hard for a local shop to carry nothing but low tier stuff that locals can get from sweetwater and usually at a better selection. Letting the locals carry some of the high tier stuff can make sense since those buyers would be more prone to buying them in person. The Fender player series buyer takes a different approach than the American professional buyer..and the CS buyer even more so. Seems like the little guys got everything stacked against them.
I guess this is why I usually get the bull crap told to me sometimes that the MIM/SE/Epi series and on the same level as USA guitars. "Don't throw away your money" LOL..I walk out and go to a dealer that has what i came to buy and doesn't tell lies. I didn't know that the poor store was just trying to survive, because Fender/PRS/Gibson wouldn't let them carry a certain level guitar. This system just seems set to kill the small brick and motar. Shame.
The system is tough and doesn't really work for really small dealers unless they are able to grow their business. Nowadays if they are not a hybrid store (Online and brick and mortar) there is really no chance of meeting the demands of the manufacture if you hope to carry the US built pieces.
It is tricky but fortunately the manufactures have started to work with the shops more so than how it used to be.
Sincere thanks Ernie for your time and thought in your comments!
This was a fascinating video. I’ve always thought about what it would be like to own a shop. Although I would go out of business quickly, because I’d fall in love with everything that came through the door and keep it! 😂😂😂
At least you would get at dealer cost.
@@charlesbolton8471 truth!
Awesome shout out to Music Land in Bel Air MD. That’s my local fender custom shop dealer.
Just bought a Pro jr there two weeks ago, bargain basement x-mas deal. Jeremy tried to tell me I play the wrong strings, because mine were out of stock (young salesmen are hilarious).
That place almost looks like fender is a silent partner...TONS of Ltd. Ed. stuff. Love it!
Just stand your ground on your strings!
Right on! Tell Larry Hello for me (Baxter) when you see him next.
That's a good story! Love it:)
Because of you guys I found out of Willcutt guitars and got those custom carved PRS’s
Right on! We all love those gals!
Really dig your vids, liked the "X" brace pun too...😁
I gotta imagine that this would steer a lot of people directly to Sweetwater.
It really just depends on what you looking for as a buyer. Sweetwater is a monster and does great work but they don't cover all of the bases for certain folks out there.
Thanks a ton for taking the time to watch and share your thoughts!
5:06 "Like if we had a baby" statement. - I can't unsee your baby. Gonna buy me some scotch to try to forget that sentence :)
If Robert Smith and Chris Stapleton had a baby do you think it would look like Lyle Lovett?
We are here for all of your future post traumatic street disorders:) Tons of love from the Casino Crew and thanks for enjoying the humor!
Nice content guys, still loving your video production quality as well
Bill thank you sincerely! Well let Derrick know he is appreciated:) One day we need to pull him out in front of the camera to take a bow!
@@CasinoGuitars please do! Baxter's back light is a thing of beauty!
awesome video jhon & bax as always. keep rocking out good videos. liked the content. love small & big shops . big & small brands of guitars. as long i get the respect of geting a nice piece at good price . if you get a uncommon piece keep it . trust me on that i regret selling my standard pro valley arts. can't find another one.
Thanks a ton Matthew! Always good to hear from you and great advice there. Hang onto those special pieces:)
@@CasinoGuitars rock on baxter ........
@@matthewking8944 rock on Garth:)
@@CasinoGuitars very funny bax lol keep rocking
Cool video.
Hypothetical question for you guys...
I’ve hit the lottery. I’ve got a shitload of money.
Lots of scratch.
I want to open a guitar store. I have no guitar retail experience.
But I’ve got the money for location, infrastructure, employees, advertising, and stock.
Would the big boys sell to me straight away and allow me to be a dealer of their premium guitars?
Is their involvement based pretty much based on that criteria alone?
I’m an accountant. NEVER get money and then “go into business.” The equation should always be the other way around. Why would you spend a large sum of money to go back to work?
Do the big brands/dealers object to, or at least discourage, you selling used guitars?...just curious...
thanks for the insider peek into the guts of the retail guitar retail machinery!...Seems like one could easily get ground to mincemeat in the gears!
They have no say in that and really do want you to succeed! It's like lots of little mini partnerships...or marriages. They are usually pretty wonderful but can for sure end in tears:)
In your case, in my opinion, things are skewed because the popularity of your UA-cam channel is greater than your tier status as a dealer. (For some brands. You seem to be knocking it out with Fender) It’s a mistake on the part of the manufacturers to not acknowledge that. And by that, I mean that PRS needs to show you more love. Your store may be smaller and local in the brick and mortar sense, but your online presence reaches far beyond that. I have now purchased 2 guitars from you simply because I found your videos on UA-cam. Surely there are many other customers that have found you in same manner. Your reps need to take a chill pill and recognize!
I've also went to the website to check out PRS guitar offerings at casino...but it was dry. The channel is driving customers over...it's a shame the manufacturers use this business model. It would be nice if the shops could carry whatever they felt would sell, after all they usually know their customers best.
Thanks a ton Natahsa and we think manufactures are finally starting to realize the playing field has changed a bit. We for sure know they watch our videos relentlessly just to make sure we don't get too crazy but much love to you and we should be top tier with them soon:)
Thanks a ton Ernie for checking us out...we unfortunately have sold out of all of our PRS pieces...only have a few at the moment but the good news is we have tons on order and more showing up each day.
Real thanks for giving us a shot and we would love to help in the future with any of your guitar needs:)
Thanks for the video! It is nice to know how the "business" works; thanks for sharing .. so do you take orders for other brands of guitars that you normally do not carry? is that an issue with getting them from the supplier (whether large or small/boutique), as you are not a "normal" (hesitate to use the term "normal" with you guys) vendor?
Lowden guitars.. great Northern irish guitar builders.. 40 miles from my house.
that’s awesome! did you ever check out their site? :) i’m jealous!
I love your neighborhood then as I have been there many a time:)
Z I will sen you a post card next Tim e I am there!...:)
That’s interesting. Didn’t know how that worked out
I just prefer to buy boutique/luthier guitars and deal directly with them when possible
This enlightens a lot. What I don't understand however, is why Europe's largest music retailer (Thomann) quit selling Martin guitars. I understand why smaller stores can't sell them, but I can find them in smaller stores. Even one offs. But Thomann stopped selling them. Why?
I can't find the answer to this question anywhere on the web. Someone?
Wow...I hadn't heard that. My goodness. There could have been some bad blood behind the scenes for that or perhaps another massive dealer put some heat on Martin about exclusivity but honestly I doubt that...Thomann is a behemoth. Odd indeed!
@@CasinoGuitars ; Thanks for your response. I know, it’s weird. Bax is another large retailer that don’t sell Martins, although I’m not entirely sure whether or not they used to sell them before. Maybe people just don’t want to buy an expensive acoustic unplayed. I know I don’t.
Great video...first thought, makes me never want to shop at a large retailer again...second thought, Baxter's fear of his wife is worrying...
Wow, Baxter’s hair looks crazier than normal. Unfortunately there’s only one mom & pop music store in my area and they don’t carry any of the big brands. We do have a Guitar Center, but we all know what they are going through so that leaves me with Sweetwater. Looking at their website even they are having difficulty getting product
Baxter had a tough night...or genetics simply one again:)
It is tough across the board. We have been struggling to keep on top of inventory as well. Taylor has been great but we plan with them constantly. And a ton of fenders are on the way any day now:) yay!
Best to you Allison and thanks for sharing your thoughts. What local shop do y’all have put of curiosity? I’d love to know if I knew them by chance.
@@CasinoGuitars McNiel Music in Vestal NY
@@allisonholmesmusic97 thanks for sharing that. I don’t know them but will for sure check them out!
What do you guys think about Fender selling now from their website (without offering any attention and with the same prices)? Vs brand like kiesel that genuinely do not have retailers, but their custumer service is only available if you are gonna order something 2k+
Thanks
Jeff Kiesel will handle his own fate in due course. Dude’s a loose cannon, and people only have so much patience for immature, spoiled brats verbally assaulting their customers.
Tons of manufacturers sell direct. Most encourage you to purchase from their sellers, in an effort to nurture that relationship. Often direct from manufacturer IS the same price as you’d get anywhere else, otherwise no one would want to carry said product for fear that the manufacturer would undersell them and they’d be stuck with product....
When they first announced it dealers were very unhappy about it. It really doesn't cut into our sales at all though so in reality we don't really worry too much about it. It accounts for about 1% of their overall sales and they still service their dealers with any pieces before they offer on their own website as available for sale.
Now would we all prefer they didn't even have the option...yes:)
Thanks for the question and thank you for watching as well!
Glad I watched this in the morning so I can forget about your love child before bed.
Oh the horror!
Do big brands separate out their import lines or other brands? Can you sell just Squier or Charvel without carrying fender and get in at a lower price/tier?
I know several dealers who have done that. It is still EXPENSIVE to do.
Yes...some dealerships are quite reasonable though like Charvel, Jackson, EVH, even Gretsch isn't terrible...unless you want to carry the Pro pieces. Squier is pretty reasonable as well.
And guys like Vox (owned by Korg), Michael Kelly, Ibanez, Behringer...all rather easy to carry.
Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Martin....have a beer first.
Hope that helps a bit and thanks for the question.
@@CasinoGuitars It does help! I figured it would work from you mentioning with PRS you can start with just SE and add more later, but I thought it might work differently for those side brands or other import lines with the brand name is actually different, and I would think Fender and Gibson could sorta do whatever they want. Interesting topic. Now I wonder if it is better to support a shop by purchasing a brand that doesn't have draconian yearly sales quota requirements or to go for a brand that has those so a shop can meet those numbers. I suppose I would still buy the guitar I wanted at the end of the day, but it could be some odd moral consideration such as simply shopping at a small business versus a big box store, or buying a guitar with the natural streaked ebony etc.
Good friend had a shop until 6 or so months ago in Alberta but tough times. Anyway he had to drop Taylor (or they dropped him I guess?) because of just that. He had 2 or 3 not great years. No more Taylor. I ended up with a great deal on 1 but a crappy way to get it. Turns out all the Taylors in the world wouldn’t save the place in the end anyway. Harsh times brothers. :(
It's interesting to me how the business of art can be so "anti-art". I guess this has always been the case from the beginning of time. I like the idea of small shops helping each other out.
Great video boys
Thanks a bunch brusier!
Love your guys’ content, but even if I didn’t, I might still watch just to drool over that pink Tele! The GAS is real!
Thanks a bunch George:) That pink tele is amazing...I feel that:)!!!
My local shop is always trying to get me to buy a Mesa Boogie Cali Tweed combo. I’m like bro I’m here for some Ernie Ball 10’s...
That’s the one Mesa I’d probably buy if I had a Mesa dealer near me. I like the Lonestar also, but I really don’t need another amp.
That's funny:) One day they figure you might just add that to your checkout:)
Fender player’s series is the gateway drug.... What!
When I was a kid I used to think owning a guitar shop would be the coolest. Of course, when I was a kid I wasn't thinking "economies of scale", lol. Tough business.
Yikes...but honestly it still is very cool:) Economies of scale can take a back seat to that!
Appreciate the insights!
Thank you David!
Thanks Casino. ⚓️
You guys left out how in the old model manufacturers would only open X # of dealers ( or tiered dealers) in a certain mile radius.
You guys also left out how it is dealing with distributors like KMC 😂
So a mom and pop simple guitar store would need a cool $1,000,000 to open a shop?
5:06 is why I watch this channel. LOL!
Oh my...we really need to censure ourselves...this is just getting out of hand:)
Thanks a ton!
Yes…’Rolodex’ is back!
Great eye opener. Opening a guitar shop was my lottery win dream but doesn't sound as much fun as you'd think it would be.
It's still insanely fun...just have to stay on top of it and make sure the guitars sell:)
Wow .... Lots of info I had not a clue about .... To much stuff bout who can and who can't ....
I do know I love that pink Tele behind u guys .... For sale ?..... Lol
Pauly Shore and Silent Bob have a kid and name him Bobcat Goldthwait
Yes! I'm the first!
Love the show! 👍🏻
This was totally a Silent Bob episode! Ha, Ha!
Silent Bob and the goth kid from South Park
I wonder if chibson has tiers?
They have Factions.
House Of Guitars, Rochester, NY.
Isn’t this what killed Gibson?-my dealer that was literally down the road from the Bozeman Gibson acoustic factory and they lost out as they weren’t big enough to carry the electric line due to quality and price. The other companies seemed to be more flexible, at least that what was conveyed to me as a customer.
The tier system has fortunately improved and isn't quite as punitive. Back in the old days it was tough...very tough. I understand though that the manufactures want their guitars to be seen in the best light as well so they need to safeguard who and where they are sold. It's a tricky balancing act I reckon. Thanks a ton for your thoughts!
@@CasinoGuitars I am thankful that the new owners took over Gibson as I love them and own quite a few of their 30’s acoustics and one of the original later 40’s ES-125’s (JGeilS’s)-it’s was an accident due to the lag time on a internet auction. Wonderful instrument though. I tried their 2020 Les Paul jr but couldn’t get it in the ballpark to intonate using the saddle Allen screws. Have you had problems with these? I’ve always know there were issues with the older ones with wraparound bride replacement fixes. You would think that they would have wanted to get that right.
Roladex is a really fancy watch! Duh!
ZOinks!
You two should think about adoption. I think that would work better.
How do I find the Mickey Mouse inlays no I got about that prs
Contact Taylor...they hide the inlays in the factory:)
dudes hair is killing me lmao
"That's a great thought" 😂😂😂
Are they the owners?
I think so...that's the scary part:)
Bax,
You should watch your hand gestures. At 12:14, you do gesture while explaining "Parking Cards".
🤨 🤔 😒😂
Yikes:) sometimes those hands just have a mind of their own...:)
Tier one : F you pay me
Tier two: F you pay me
You're a good kid . Knock it off Morrie ua-cam.com/video/JKDgjLf_rk4/v-deo.html
The dude bro db's strike again.
If I won a billion dollar lottery I would open a guitar shop as a business expense tax write-off.
Too bad Forrest Gump didn't pick up guitar instead of Ping Pong.
So true...so true:)
..dude on the left looks like Jose Canseco came across the right side of his head with a bat .....good video tho... cheers 👍
Mamn that is one of the best I have heard yet...you didn't take the easy path of The Cure or Tim Burton...cheers!
And another fine one...props to both of y'all. Legit with the Gundy pull:) Sincere love on that!