Would you feel different if all your guitars ended up at a string of guitar shops about two hours drive from your home? I for one am glad there are SOME safeguards when a guitar disappears from the collection.
Phil, this was a very fun video, and honestly, a must watch for guitatists looking to get into their first real upgrade and are limited on funds. The only drawback is a lot of folks don't have a guitar-minded spouse like Mrs. McKnight to point you to the right deal 😂😂
That is the nicest most fully stocked Guitar Center I have ever seen in my live. I also have never seen a PRS in a Guitar Center. The GCs I have been in all look like K-Mart when they were in their last week in business.
I was in the Ft. Lauderdale store this weekend. They have a PRS section with about a dozen SE models displayed and a few amazing American models locked in the "High Rollers" room. At least 4 of the SE models were on sale for less than $600.
The fact that you can go in and trade guitars that you no longer want is totally cool, in the Australian State I live in all music stores have to have a “ used guitar license “ to sell your second hand guitar. It is total BS that you can’t trade but only put on “ consignment “ which the store takes 30% from your asking price. The very very few second hand dealers give you sweet FA as a trade. Walking in weeks later to see your antique Aria, Gibson, BC Rich hanging in the racks for almost brand new or outrageous prices is also pretty heart breaking.
Good trade. Having been on the other side of the desk at GC a few years ago (part time), I know that to double check used offers, our company policy was to do average eBay sold listings and give 60% from there if the customer wasn't happy with our initial offer. Reverb was not on the table because of their fees and other things. It looked like you got treated fairly, store was clean, and the interaction was good. Overall, great video and closer to what I experience as a buyer/seller at GC in Virginia Beach.
The Guitar Center in my area is horrible. You have to search for an employee and then put up with their obvious disgust at having to actually help anyone. Asking for a discount? Forget it. You feel lucky that they don't yell "No soup for you! "and throw you out of the store. What really sucks about it is that both mom & pop shops in my area closed down during covid so Guitar Center is the only music store around me within a reasonable driving distance. And it's still over an hours drive one way.
The craziest thing in the video to me was $2,000+ guitars at head level that you can grab and play. Here in Seattle those mofos are up high or locked up
Thank you for making these videos and giving people information on what to consider about trading in gear. I watched one of your previous videos and it helped me with realistic expectations and deciding on what priorities I had. If I wanted to prioritize my finances then I would try to private sale but if I want a quick and convenient transaction from a known source then I would explore the trade in, especially if the store has something I want and I have gear that I am not using/not in love with just sitting around my house.
That's a nice GC. Way bigger than my closest one in Bellingham WA for sure, but also looks like it has way way more inventory than any of the Seattle area ones I've been to. Nice tele!
Looks like good selection there. Just visited the store in Yakima, WA about an hour away. Decent selection for a small store opened during Covid. A bit more selection at stores in larger towns, Spokane and Tacoma.
Good video, nice selection and very informative. I’ve purchased a couple PRS SEs from that same sales associate and appreciate how well I was treated. I sure hope you visited the Fore Fathers cheese steak place just east of that GC.
I picked up an 86 Charvel model 1 from this same Guitar Center for $275, the deal of a century! I too also had to wait for a couple of weeks for it to clear, but well worth the wait!
If you're going to trade multiples, and you're getting more than you expect from two out of the three, my way of thinking is you didn't "lose" by getting less with the third, you hit your target plus one dollar overall. Plus, if you had gone back to the other store for 15 bucks more (and yes, account in the plus from the other two trades) would your time spent, plus gas *really* been worth it... especially considering you're already admitting doing trade in out of convenience rather than selling the three guitars on your own. Considering the Tele deluxe is a great instrument, and you got that less than market value, I think you made out very well. Congrats.
You did well all around with your trade ins and getting the Tele. Great that Mrs. McKnight was there with you to spot that guitar with her well knowledge eagle eyes. Sort of related to this story. I was getting the run around from my deferred comp broker getting my money and had to sell my 1978 Fender Vibro Champ at this Tempe Guitar Center. Was treated well and got what I had expected after doing my research. Maybe one day I can get a replacement. I just picked up a 2003 American Standard Strat for $819 and could not leave such a great deal behind. Moving to a new country with a far lower cost of living and can swing their 6 month payment/no interest plan.
Some employees at GC I've met have been amazing over the years, even giving me their one month purchase discount etc. Really some great people. I guess we all love the same thing.
That’s pretty good. I’ve bought and sold many items to GC, and more often than not I was hosed. I also was impulsive and didn’t do my research, so it’s on me. This last time, I sold an Epiphone Valve Junior I had been playing through for a decade. I had upgraded it, given it three channels and reverb, an attenuator, whole thing. I looked at sold prices and looked at what could I get for the price they’d give me. I ended up with a ‘98 Fender Deluxe 112 amp. It isn’t a tube amp and make folks hoot and holler, but it is a surprisingly killer solid state amp that has decent tone and can get LOUD. It’s got Fender tone that can be dialed in to be warm and authentic. I made the deal and am 100% happy with it.
Tempe GC, my old stomping grounds. Haven’t been there in a hot minute since I moved to Nashville. That was a nice trade. Don’t forget to swing by Ted’s Hot Dogs for lunch!
Great video.... I am going to bring down a Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola I've had for a few years that I just never played. I've never visited the Tempe store yet so may do that before Christmas.
You got a very fair deal. If I’m going to trade and they have what I want at Guitar Center, I will go to them nine times out of ten. They have a great trade in policy.
It's always fun to see an experienced player and gear whore shop for new gear. Especially if they are into different gear than I am. I would never look at a Fender, but I would look at a Jackson, Schecter, ESP/LTD. I do prefer a "Strat" shape, but in a modern "super Strat" build. This was fun.
Trade in, take the cash, order parts, build my own to my specs which gives me everything I want from tuning pegs to neck shape to fretboard wire to fretboard material, body material, pickups, pup selector, volume pots, potentiometers, volume knobs, paint job, the whole nine yards. And its fun to do. I know the actual challenge is to go to GC and what would you buy. But if its me, and I want a new guitar, I just build it myself.
I agree with you. The American made is an upgrade. Me personally, I’m about to trade an old iPad and old iPhone to get the brand new Mac Mini. Sometimes it’s about decluttering and filling the missing gaps with even better stuff.
Loved the video and I agree that GC has a sweet spot in the market with the ability to trade, the 10% off on new after a trade, and a great return policy on anything used or new. BUT, they really need to lean into the Used market and upgrade their web presence with better pictures, better descriptions, and also require year of manufacture AND weight. So many times I've seen something on their used site I want but the pics are terrible, I don't know what year it is (can't see the serial number) and I don't know what it weighs. Calling the store is not always possible when I'm browsing late at night. By morning, the urge to buy has passed...
Our major Australian pawn broker chain couldn't price an Epiphone correctly to save itself. *Now they realised there is a higher tier "Inspired by Gibson" range, so many other lower tier models are getting wildly misidentified and wildly overpriced. It happens to a smaller extent with the Squier range of course, but nothing compared to radical price mismatching with the Epiphone range.
Been playing for 37 years or so now... 49 now. Anyways, I'm sooooo picky with everything in life but with my guitars for rock and shred stuff, have been using Washburn Nuno's since 91/92.... so perfect for me. Will never change. Bluesy Strat stuff ? Have a 21 vintera road worn 50s Strat. Love that thing too. I'm good. Have zero interest for anything else. Acoustics, well we have a couple nice breedloves, a fender and a Norman which is nice too.
I asked last Friday, for $549 would you go MIM or PRS SE? I have my answer. I think the $549 SE's are a great value. Only better deal are the $749 SE's when on sale. And I'm a Strat guy but the SE quality is better than most MIM and entry US Fenders. JMO. Thanks for doing this. Now do the same on amps, pls.
I'm so jealous looking at you in your shades and t shirt, watching a breeze blow on a sunny day in AZ, while I shiver in cold and rainy WI, with a high in the 20's forecasted for this Friday 😢😭😭
I too just made a trade at guitar center. I traded in a PRS Mark Holcomb 7 string that I got $500 for and a PRS McCarty 594 that I got $ $675 for. I used my trade in value on a used 2024 fender Stratocaster American professional 2 70th anniversary in excellent condition for $1150 without the tsa case or coa. Which fender replaced the coa for me. The fender color is the dark night hss version.
I've never seen a Guitar Center with so many guitars. I've also never seen one with the guitars in tune. Or one with cables available to play on amps. Mine sucks. I go to George's Music instead - smaller, less options, but consistent A+ service.
Great video Phil, very usefull if you live in the USA i think, sadly out here one cannot walk into a guitar store for a “trade-in” like that, we do not have large guitar stored here… ( the Netherlands..)
I'm kind of doing the same thing, but all on the used market without any stores being involved. My goal is to raise $1k to $1.1K CAD to upgrade to a used Gibson Lep Paul Studio. With 2 guitars sold- both Harley Bentons- I'm halfway there. My next sale of my Epiphone Les Paul Standard should get me the rest of the way. Love the limitations set and the cool result.
I bought that black fender players series strat new pre-covid for $549 from guitar center. Interesting how they dropped the prices back down to where they used to be.
This was like watching a mystery... which one will be get, will they give him enough trade in?... hooked me in ;^) I thought you made a good deal for a reputable upgrade on the instrument.
Our old guitar player in a band I was in had a '72 Tele Deluxe but it only had 21 frets, and the one you got has 22. Something about 21 fret guitars don't jive with me lol. I own around 16 guitars if you count my two acoustics and a bass, and all of the 6-strings have at least 22 frets. Guess I'm just used to being able to play in E minor/G major way up high and not be one fret short. Yngwie doesn't seem to mind though lol.
![The TPS Red Telecaster Pickup Set By Monty's Guitars! [Short Launch Video]](/img/n.gif)
What is the waiting period all about ? FBI background check ? You are buying a guitar not an assault weapon ...
The State calls it Pawn Clearance, it is to make sure the items are not stolen and are held so police can check against stolen reports
Next, they'll be making you fill out a 4473 for trade ins 😂
Would you feel different if all your guitars ended up at a string of guitar shops about two hours drive from your home? I for one am glad there are SOME safeguards when a guitar disappears from the collection.
@@hellodrjeckyl High capacity humbuckers? Straight to jail, scofflaw!
Depending where you live, the city may have stricter pawn laws than the state.
That's a solid fart 14:11 . Oh, and great video Phil! 👍
That dude at the counter is at every guitar center I have ever been to LOL
Slam!!! Emotional Damage!
Phil, this was a very fun video, and honestly, a must watch for guitatists looking to get into their first real upgrade and are limited on funds. The only drawback is a lot of folks don't have a guitar-minded spouse like Mrs. McKnight to point you to the right deal 😂😂
That guitar center puts mine to shame
That is the nicest most fully stocked Guitar Center I have ever seen in my live. I also have never seen a PRS in a Guitar Center. The GCs I have been in all look like K-Mart when they were in their last week in business.
I was in the Ft. Lauderdale store this weekend. They have a PRS section with about a dozen SE models displayed and a few amazing American models locked in the "High Rollers" room. At least 4 of the SE models were on sale for less than $600.
Read my mind
I think Louisville, KY has PRS. It is very well stocked with guitars.
I snagged a fantastic Se Custom 22 semi-hollow used at my local GC for $600 out the door price.
@@scotcherton i almost pulled the trigger on a McCarty SE. Took all i had to resist.
Mrs. Phil has a great eye for guitars! I was hoping you would nab the black one she spotted. This was a lot of fun. Thanks.
You also got an awesome hard shell case with it - which you'll sell and end up with an even deeper discount!
The fact that you can go in and trade guitars that you no longer want is totally cool, in the Australian State I live in all music stores have to have a “ used guitar license “ to sell your second hand guitar. It is total BS that you can’t trade but only put on “ consignment “ which the store takes 30% from your asking price. The very very few second hand dealers give you sweet FA as a trade. Walking in weeks later to see your antique Aria, Gibson, BC Rich hanging in the racks for almost brand new or outrageous prices is also pretty heart breaking.
Good trade. Having been on the other side of the desk at GC a few years ago (part time), I know that to double check used offers, our company policy was to do average eBay sold listings and give 60% from there if the customer wasn't happy with our initial offer. Reverb was not on the table because of their fees and other things. It looked like you got treated fairly, store was clean, and the interaction was good. Overall, great video and closer to what I experience as a buyer/seller at GC in Virginia Beach.
You can never go wrong getting a tele!
That's the quietest Guitar Center I've ever seen! It's always been deafening when I tried to shop at one.
The Guitar Center in my area is horrible. You have to search for an employee and then put up with their obvious disgust at having to actually help anyone. Asking for a discount? Forget it. You feel lucky that they don't yell "No soup for you! "and throw you out of the store.
What really sucks about it is that both mom & pop shops in my area closed down during covid so Guitar Center is the only music store around me within a reasonable driving distance. And it's still over an hours drive one way.
Never seen the inside of a Guitar Center besides my local one. Now I know my Guitar Center SUCKS!
Guitar Center and Total Wine a match made in heaven
Great deal. I literally played that guitar a few weeks ago and nearly took it home that day!
The craziest thing in the video to me was $2,000+ guitars at head level that you can grab and play. Here in Seattle those mofos are up high or locked up
Can't quite see IKEA in the reflection on Phil's sunglasses, lol
Thank you for making these videos and giving people information on what to consider about trading in gear. I watched one of your previous videos and it helped me with realistic expectations and deciding on what priorities I had. If I wanted to prioritize my finances then I would try to private sale but if I want a quick and convenient transaction from a known source then I would explore the trade in, especially if the store has something I want and I have gear that I am not using/not in love with just sitting around my house.
That's a nice GC. Way bigger than my closest one in Bellingham WA for sure, but also looks like it has way way more inventory than any of the Seattle area ones I've been to. Nice tele!
Looks like good selection there. Just visited the store in Yakima, WA about an hour away. Decent selection for a small store opened during Covid. A bit more selection at stores in larger towns, Spokane and Tacoma.
I would have bought that SG from you.
That Telecaster Deluxe is my dream guitar. I think you got a great deal. I've never been good at negotiating trades.
Great job Phil!!
The next store should be music-go-round.
I like the trade, USA Tele Deluxe...solid.
Yup
I've wanted that exact model Tele for years and never came across a good deal on one. Something about the pick guard and headstock that looks perfect.
Cool video Phil!. 🤘
I think you got a stand-up deal on your trades and a great upgrade. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Good video, nice selection and very informative. I’ve purchased a couple PRS SEs from that same sales associate and appreciate how well I was treated. I sure hope you visited the Fore Fathers cheese steak place just east of that GC.
I picked up an 86 Charvel model 1 from this same Guitar Center for $275, the deal of a century! I too also had to wait for a couple of weeks for it to clear, but well worth the wait!
If you're going to trade multiples, and you're getting more than you expect from two out of the three, my way of thinking is you didn't "lose" by getting less with the third, you hit your target plus one dollar overall. Plus, if you had gone back to the other store for 15 bucks more (and yes, account in the plus from the other two trades) would your time spent, plus gas *really* been worth it... especially considering you're already admitting doing trade in out of convenience rather than selling the three guitars on your own.
Considering the Tele deluxe is a great instrument, and you got that less than market value, I think you made out very well. Congrats.
I actually played the same blue JM at my local Guitar Center and was surprised at how much I liked it for it being a vintage spec instrument.
You did well all around with your trade ins and getting the Tele. Great that Mrs. McKnight was there with you to spot that guitar with her well knowledge eagle eyes.
Sort of related to this story. I was getting the run around from my deferred comp broker getting my money and had to sell my 1978 Fender Vibro Champ at this Tempe Guitar Center. Was treated well and got what I had expected after doing my research. Maybe one day I can get a replacement.
I just picked up a 2003 American Standard Strat for $819 and could not leave such a great deal behind. Moving to a new country with a far lower cost of living and can swing their 6 month payment/no interest plan.
Great video, keep em coming
Definitely came out ahead. When I worked @ GC Nashville, it was known as "The Cool Guy Discount"
Some employees at GC I've met have been amazing over the years, even giving me their one month purchase discount etc. Really some great people. I guess we all love the same thing.
That’s pretty good.
I’ve bought and sold many items to GC, and more often than not I was hosed. I also was impulsive and didn’t do my research, so it’s on me.
This last time, I sold an Epiphone Valve Junior I had been playing through for a decade. I had upgraded it, given it three channels and reverb, an attenuator, whole thing. I looked at sold prices and looked at what could I get for the price they’d give me. I ended up with a ‘98 Fender Deluxe 112 amp. It isn’t a tube amp and make folks hoot and holler, but it is a surprisingly killer solid state amp that has decent tone and can get LOUD. It’s got Fender tone that can be dialed in to be warm and authentic.
I made the deal and am 100% happy with it.
Tempe GC, my old stomping grounds. Haven’t been there in a hot minute since I moved to Nashville. That was a nice trade. Don’t forget to swing by Ted’s Hot Dogs for lunch!
I think you did very well.
I like this. Every guitar player has some gear around to go play the trade game at guitar center with. Something I do often myself
Pretty cool to see your process, and cool to see GCs prices arent terrible.
Thanks buddy this was super cool 😎👍👊🎸
Nice video. And vety helpful! Tks, Phil
Great trade! Love that Tete! AND you got a great case!
Cool, good choice. I have the exact same Tele deluxe in black body & black pickguard in the Squier Affinity version (with belly cut) I love it.
Great, now I have to go to GC to look at that purple Mex Strat.
Great video.... I am going to bring down a Gibson SG Standard '61 Maestro Vibrola I've had for a few years that I just never played. I've never visited the Tempe store yet so may do that before Christmas.
You got a very fair deal. If I’m going to trade and they have what I want at Guitar Center, I will go to them nine times out of ten. They have a great trade in policy.
Way nicer guitar center than the ones in Virginia & Maryland.
That’s facts the ones in VA suck
@@Shogunai87 If you are referring to the store in VA Beach yeah it does suck at least it did the last time I was there.
@RayC234 the ones in Richmond are not great are the ones I’m referring to. The one in Chesterfield, I have a horrible experience everytime I go
It's always fun to see an experienced player and gear whore shop for new gear. Especially if they are into different gear than I am. I would never look at a Fender, but I would look at a Jackson, Schecter, ESP/LTD. I do prefer a "Strat" shape, but in a modern "super Strat" build. This was fun.
Good trade. I haven't been to my local GC in years. Maybe I'll go check out the used stuff.
Great video although the Sam Ash one has some LEGENDARY subtitles lol 😂
Excellent choice!
Trade in, take the cash, order parts, build my own to my specs which gives me everything I want from tuning pegs to neck shape to fretboard wire to fretboard material, body material, pickups, pup selector, volume pots, potentiometers, volume knobs, paint job, the whole nine yards. And its fun to do.
I know the actual challenge is to go to GC and what would you buy. But if its me, and I want a new guitar, I just build it myself.
I agree with you. The American made is an upgrade. Me personally, I’m about to trade an old iPad and old iPhone to get the brand new Mac Mini. Sometimes it’s about decluttering and filling the missing gaps with even better stuff.
Great trade and great new guitar!!!
I have a dual humbucker squier telecaster custom. It's my main guitar. Tone for days!
Loved the video and I agree that GC has a sweet spot in the market with the ability to trade, the 10% off on new after a trade, and a great return policy on anything used or new. BUT, they really need to lean into the Used market and upgrade their web presence with better pictures, better descriptions, and also require year of manufacture AND weight. So many times I've seen something on their used site I want but the pics are terrible, I don't know what year it is (can't see the serial number) and I don't know what it weighs. Calling the store is not always possible when I'm browsing late at night. By morning, the urge to buy has passed...
I would have 100% done the Tele Deluxe. Thinking of getting one myself!
Our major Australian pawn broker chain couldn't price an Epiphone correctly to save itself. *Now they realised there is a higher tier "Inspired by Gibson" range, so many other lower tier models are getting wildly misidentified and wildly overpriced. It happens to a smaller extent with the Squier range of course, but nothing compared to radical price mismatching with the Epiphone range.
That was a good choice guitar. I like the tele deluxe. It bothered me a little to see you get rid of 3 to get one and I really liked that sg.
Good score Phil. I want that Tele
That guitar center looks WAYYYYY nicer than any in my area. I walk about it my guitar center feeling like I need all the disinfectant
I bougt a 97 mex strat because it was a color i loved and put 54 customs in it and i absolutely love it
Been playing for 37 years or so now... 49 now. Anyways, I'm sooooo picky with everything in life but with my guitars for rock and shred stuff, have been using Washburn Nuno's since 91/92.... so perfect for me. Will never change. Bluesy Strat stuff ? Have a 21 vintera road worn 50s Strat. Love that thing too. I'm good. Have zero interest for anything else. Acoustics, well we have a couple nice breedloves, a fender and a Norman which is nice too.
I asked last Friday, for $549 would you go MIM or PRS SE? I have my answer. I think the $549 SE's are a great value. Only better deal are the $749 SE's when on sale. And I'm a Strat guy but the SE quality is better than most MIM and entry US Fenders. JMO. Thanks for doing this. Now do the same on amps, pls.
You got lucky. That guitar smashes the other 3. There are two Guitar Centers near me and they’re both awesome.
Very interesting !! I like your trade and I would like to see a deep dive on the Tele Deluxe.
Great video! Now do one of what you would get for 500 at Total Wine!
I'm so jealous looking at you in your shades and t shirt, watching a breeze blow on a sunny day in AZ, while I shiver in cold and rainy WI, with a high in the 20's forecasted for this Friday 😢😭😭
Awesomeness
You did great on the tele.
I would’ve went next door to Total Wine and traded in my gear for a bottle and a six-pack. Much better deal.
I too just made a trade at guitar center. I traded in a PRS Mark Holcomb 7 string that I got $500 for and a PRS McCarty 594 that I got $ $675 for. I used my trade in value on a used 2024 fender Stratocaster American professional 2 70th anniversary in excellent condition for $1150 without the tsa case or coa. Which fender replaced the coa for me. The fender color is the dark night hss version.
The Tempe GC is one of the nicer ones. Their table full of pedals you can try out is really cool. Pretty comprable to my trade experiences at GC.
Zimm's Guitars
Great choice
now do norman's rare guitar
I've never seen a Guitar Center with so many guitars. I've also never seen one with the guitars in tune. Or one with cables available to play on amps. Mine sucks. I go to George's Music instead - smaller, less options, but consistent A+ service.
Nice guitar. Definitely worth the trade up!
i always thought total wine next to guitar center was just a my area thing, so funny to see this isn’t a one off
You and me both. Thought it was an NJ thing
I'm surprised as well lmao.
Because you need a drink after either what you spent or what you were offered for your trade in
Thats hilarious. I guess the same demographic
For me it’s Michael’s or Hobby Lobby which makes it convenient to drop off the wife while I browse.
With the way Reverb is nowadays, this is a good option. My local GC has good employees, corporate GC can be an issue.
Great video Phil, very usefull if you live in the USA i think, sadly out here one cannot walk into a guitar store for a “trade-in” like that, we do not have large guitar stored here… ( the Netherlands..)
I would have got that sea foam green player strat. Great video. Great outcome without bending over.
Definitely an upgrade. Can't do the Princeton at that price though.
Thank you Phillip
You bought tge coolest of all (I don’t like teles, normally) and it was a very interesting video🎉
I'm kind of doing the same thing, but all on the used market without any stores being involved. My goal is to raise $1k to $1.1K CAD to upgrade to a used Gibson Lep Paul Studio. With 2 guitars sold- both Harley Bentons- I'm halfway there. My next sale of my Epiphone Les Paul Standard should get me the rest of the way. Love the limitations set and the cool result.
Keep that thing!!
I bought that black fender players series strat new pre-covid for $549 from guitar center. Interesting how they dropped the prices back down to where they used to be.
That guitar is available for him to take home on my birthday.
Looks like a dam good deal !!! I'm thinking of the same ? I have too many guitars . Do they do the same with amps ?
Cool vid thanks for showing the process. GC in ohio is dicey on trade in price.
This was like watching a mystery... which one will be get, will they give him enough trade in?... hooked me in ;^) I thought you made a good deal for a reputable upgrade on the instrument.
Good pick. Good deal.
That GC is miles better on inventory, quality and quantity than the one near me
Our old guitar player in a band I was in had a '72 Tele Deluxe but it only had 21 frets, and the one you got has 22. Something about 21 fret guitars don't jive with me lol. I own around 16 guitars if you count my two acoustics and a bass, and all of the 6-strings have at least 22 frets. Guess I'm just used to being able to play in E minor/G major way up high and not be one fret short. Yngwie doesn't seem to mind though lol.
Lmao this is the same guitar center I go to. I go there after a trip to the C2 tactical range.
Nice trade, the Epiphone was a hard decision, p90 are great
Keith Richards gives a double thumbs up!!!!!!!!