True. But it’s refreshing not be directly or passively told to buy more. I never have a GAS attack from their videos. But I do laugh, nod my head and learn from them.
Biggest reasons I drive right past Guitar Sinner, and other big box stores these days, when I used to stop and shop in the past, is the same as for others: I can find whatever I want online and have it delivered to my door quickly. And, I don't have to walk into a big store and hope someone will help me, especially someone knowledgeable, who never seems to be around. That, and the dispassionate staff are put-offs.
Good luck getting that with used gear. I can get in my car drive 2.5 miles walk in and walk out with product and be using before your package gets pick up end of day from the store.
@@DDE_ADDICTSome of the best deals right now are guitar center's used listings...I just have it shipped to my local guitar center store. That gives me an excuse to stop in and look around...and I can inspect the item and return it right then and there if it's not to my liking
I hope Guitar Center keeps rolling for another century. I could not shop better in this generation without GC. Check it: These days with YT and IG we are all so well acquainted with products out there, and not just the ones we see at our local shop, that most of us havent the privilege to try them for ourselves. We trust online demos at best and buy the hype. Last month I finally gave in to buying a Gretsch sparkle duo jet that I've had on my list for 7 years. The million dollar question is what pickups are you going to get - Gretsch filtertrons, BTrons, TV J Classic, TV J Powertrons? TLDR: I bought 4 guitars from GC Online, shipped free to my home to try for 45 days (except one which was used so I paid $22). Had well over a month to figure out which one I liked, returned them all at my local store 15 minutes away. Where else can I do that? In that time, I found someone local who sold me the model I wanted, a 2022 version in excellent condition, for 68% of the retail price of GC :) I didn't give them my money but I sure as love GC!
As a former GC employee, as an applicant, I had to have musical/instrument experience and familiarity to be hired. I feel like that should be a serious consideration for everyone in the company although I know that’s not really how the company would see it. Retail chains fail because they care more about numbers than anything else. It’s bound to fail with that structure. It’s a shame but it’s where we are.
Isn't that funny? If you had a doctorates in Music, you are qualified to work as a Sales rep at guitar center. If you have a bachelors in Finance, you are qualified to work as one of the C-suite at guitar center. So really, learning music is like putting in a lot of work, for very small return because you could make the same amount of money with no degree working at mcdonalds.
You're both right in PetSmart, Bed,Bath,Beyond Exec's. Look up who Barnes n' Nobles recently hired as CEO. He's a book lover from England. Doing wonders. Guitar Center should hire somebody from Sweetwater who will change their behind -the-times marketing. 😎👌
Good question! I think it has more to do with PetSmart and others not developing their E-commerce and/or internet sales efforts. Time crunch has influenced many to just order on-line.@@47Jonesy
Guitar is a luxury item, that takes practice, dedication and passion to get acceptable at. Customers have to have an emotional connection to the product (collectors excluded), in a way that is different from other luxury goods. Such as an Omega or Tag watch, that you only have to wear… Companies that rely on the passion and connection of their customers, should benefit from leadership and employees who share that passion and connection
My sales guy at Sweetwater retired last autumn and I got a feedback email for the new guy. I couldn't give him as good a rating as the guy I worked with for a decade... Simple fact is they haven't been as good on deals or customer service since the buyout and losing my enabler in their sales department. Casino and other small stores have been doing better, as have some direct sale companies like Stringjoy and Rattlesnake. At the same time it looks like the big guys have given customer service a bit of a backseat. Interesting times.
From Leo: Things are changing, not just guitars, but the whole culture including music. In the 1970's it was a pretty small town that did not have a place to buy stereo equipment. When you got your first apartment, you bought a stereo before you bought a dining room set. Record and tape collections were even in poor peoples homes. I have been a guest in probably 50 homes in the last couple years. No one under 40 had a stereo system. All had big screen TV's. I jump to the conclusion that people who don't listen to much music probably have little drive to make music. The instrument market will have to deal with it.
They listen to music still. Otherwise the headphone/earbud market wouldn't be near as big as it is. In my area it's not taught in early grade schools much anymore. No one can afford them if it were. And modern music now days is 75% software, 20% sample/copying, and 10% talent (usually on the production side). Take a trip down music reactors here on UA-cam. You'll find quite a few of the younger generations marveling at the fact the people are playing real instruments in older music videos.
As a post Covid guitarist I make it a point to buy local, even if it means ordering from a small shop across the country. Seeing so many businesses permanently close reminded me how important these shops are to their local scenes and the culture as a whole
I would love to buy local, but it’s just not possible as a lefty. A lot of local shops don’t even have lefty versions apart from the bare basics like Squiers.
There will always be a place for "big box" music/instrument stores. ALWAYS. Oh but you can get it all online? Well you can buy a car online too (I have done it), and groceries online (I do it all the time), and on and on. But the fact is that you will always need a walk in store or sales venue. And it is easier to keep a LARGE one than a small one due to volume. What will happen is that the number of these big box guitar shops will reduce but they will still exist. Remember when Walmart was one of countless stores of its type? And while their are still a selection available, that number has greatly decreased. (But they have not ALL gone away.)
Our major store in Canada is Long and Mcquade. I can't even buy strings there they won't stock the ones I want so I might as well order online. Makes me wonder how many other players are in the same boat.
The problem is these businesses have a fiduciary responsibility to make increasing profits. Fender and most music instrument companies are better off over the long term being private companies that return profits to owners that love the company and the products, and only want to maintain the company for the long term. They are not growth driven companies there are only so many guitar players who theoretically only need so many guitars. The growth we saw over Covid was just another guitar boom (guitar booms have happened before). The smart companies used this as an opportunity to fix their balance sheet and help them maintain their operations for the future.
That's all very well, but public companies have treated "fiduciary responsibility" in some remarkable ways. In particular, there has been "executive capture" whereby companies are run for the benefit of executives rather than stockholders. They have concentrated exclusively on stock price to benefit stockholders rather than dividends. Needless to say, this results in remarkably short-term thinking.
❤ This!More Guitars,Less Sales!Never in a Guitar Shortage!That's my Currency!For My Price!If ya want Something,Somehow you Have It,to Get What You Want!Take care guys!
I've long felt that big box stores of all types should transform into "showrooms". Instead of trying to push the high margin, low end crap that most of them carry, instead have a place to see EVERY product in a manufacturer's line. No sales pressure, just explore and learn. Bring your own stuff to see if it's compatible, etc. And I mean every option on every product. Then you can purchase online right at the store, or from a local retailer, or whatever. That part should be variable. But the biggest problem today is seeing cool stuff online, but then walking into a big box store and not finding it for sale and seeing nothing at all or worse yet, low end junk instead. No matter how you slice that pie, big box stores using traditional models are dead walking. Just a matter of how long it takes the body to collapse.
Sadly, GC is all that is near me. The store isn’t stocked well. The employees look sad and depressed. I wish there were shops like Gruhn’s, Carter Vintage, Casino in Las Vegas.
I know they don't carry all brands, but have you tried looking at Heartbreaker Guitars? They're in Vegas and might be closer to what you're looking for.
The big box guitar stores are in trouble because their business model was about offering a large selection of new at low prices. The reality is that can't beat online retailers like that because it costs more to maintain their storefronts and infrastructure leaving their entire model outdated. They also stuck with the stores having to follow the nationwide model rather than adjusting as easily to meet local needs/conditions like small local shops can do. The other thing is guitars aren't like washing machines or cars where they have a limited lifespan. Guitars essentially last forever so with manufacturers continuing to pump out product and the declining player base, new guitar sales can't continue to grow the way you need them to for supporting big box. Between manufacturer direct sales and online retailers, selling new guitars just doesn't seem viable. I do think local shops focusing on lessons, repairs and used guitar sales can do fine. There is a local store within driving distance of me that seems to do fantastic with an inventory that is 95% or so used/consignment along with giving lessons and repairs with the 5% new being a single brand.
For me at 57, I've been a musician since I was 12. I loved playing Tuba in Symphonic band, but it wasn't sexy. Thankfully, tuba's alter ego is electric bass, which opened the door to rock and jazz for me. Over the decades, I've gone through many purchasing slumps and crazes, but they were always associated with new album releases, genre waves, specific artists that inspired me, and different gear that inspired me. But at the heart of it all was the song. We simply do no have a band culture, a rock star culture, or a music industry that puts out products that motivate and inspire new generations to play music. It's not pushed in the schools, not heard on the radios, and unless your feet are held to the fire, you will not develop a love for 20th century music or jazz, which are the basis of all popular modern American music. Building and selling guitars in today's environment is like building sailboats in a world with no wind - there is nothing motivating anyone to spend the thousands of dollars it takes to nurture a new musician into a great musician. At least not in America. Asia and Europe still care, but America is too absorbed in generic music like Taylor Swift and Cardi B to actually care about the musicians supporting their slop on tour. Until the music industry returns and a new financial structure is developed to allow musicians to actually earn a living based on the insane effort it takes to become good, the instrumental sales side of the equation will suffer.
I live in Tampa Bay and we have two SA stores: the one in Clearwater is closing now, and the one in Tampa is open, but possibly on the closure list per an employee I spoke with. The Clearwater location up until 2019 was well stocked, fully staffed, and a fun place to shop. The past four years, that location has been running on a skeleton crew, terrible customer service, or lack thereof, and half of the inventory they used to carry. It's depressing walking in there and now that all the liquidation sale signs are posted up, it's worse. I read that SA is closing about half of their store locations around the nation, including some famous ones in NY where they are headquartered. It's a sign of the times for brick and mortar retail stores and the survival against online giants like Amazon. It's sad to see the stores go away and people losing their jobs.
It’s really interesting to see the differences from place to place. The Sam Ash that I have frequented in the north Chicago suburbs seemed to recover pretty well the past couple of years, both in general activity and staff enthusiasm. But it’s getting pressured by rising rent along with the general decline in instrument sales. Of the two guys I talked with on last visit, one is retiring and the other accepted a transfer to Indianapolis.
@JJ-fb8sz yes. Unfortunately, when SA took it over, it was let go by the owner. The windows are cracking, the roof has holes in it and leaks inside in places, and the over condition is poor. Restore it to its former glory!
Guitar Center might actually become Cool again with Baxter & Jonathan running it, and truthfully be a fun place to work for those that felt it lost that magic over a decade ago, it also means trimming the fat or weeding out those not Required or Inspired to keep heartbeat of Guitar Center viable for the long run
I buy the most from Reverb shops or individuals but GC, like Sweetwater, has a no-questions-asked return policy. If the gear doesn't work for you, or if it's a simple change of mind, returns are easy. No 'song and dance' is needed.
Just did! Planned our entire vacation around visiting Casino Guitars and Southern Pines. Lots of great stores, great restaurants, live music, history and golf. We will visit again!
This makes me think of Zappa talking about the record industry. You would think that younger hip dudes from the scene would have been better than the cigar chomping old guys in 3 piece suits... but sometimes the problem is people who think they know too much and aren't willing to take any risks.
Musical instruments are unique in that every one will have its own feel, especially because they are made of wood. No two will feel the same, even the same model from the same manufacturer. (I wonder if that is also true of other stringed instruments made of wood, like violins, etc.). That’s why a bricks-and-mortar store is so important. Big box guitar store executives need to understand that. Focusing on hiring (and paying appropriately) sales reps who have a passion for guitars is central to store success. Buying pedals, amps and other gear like that online is not the same, although some pedal aficionados would see that differently.
As someone who works at a manufacturer in the MI industry, I can wholeheartedly tell you that 5:07 is simply not true. I see the BIGGEST box stores eat up independents market share quarter, by quarter, year by year, and that tide is shifting in the millions of dollars per quarter at the company I work at, alone.
There is truth to that, but it varies depending on the market, at least as far as guitars and other musical instruments go. Casino Guitars does well, for example, and has maintained its' position despite the Big Boxes for several reasons: 1) Baxter is a MUCH sharper businessman than he makes himself out to be on UA-cam. He's figured out that offering personal service at a level the Big Boxes can't match will result in loyal customers who will come back again and again. 2) they picked the right market. Casino Guitars functions in one of the most affluent areas in the US. The Southern Pines/Pinehurst area is populated by numerous wealthy retirees from a variety of industries who share a passion for golf. Pinehurst is one of the most exclusive country clubs in the US, and has hosted the US Open and many other top-dollar tournaments. Casino Guitars benefits from that population. Wealthy retirees can afford nice guitars, either for themselves or as gifts for their grandchildren. 3) They (Casino Guitars) have fully immersed themselves in the community. They support many local charities and do many co-marketing efforts with local businesses. As a result, Baxter's wife was elected Mayor of Southern Pines last year. 4) They have utilized new media (particularly UA-cam) very well. Baxter, Jonathon and the guys come across as good people (and they really are) which has allowed them to develop customers from all over the country. They have many customers who travel hundreds or thousands of miles to see them, largely because on the UA-cam videos. And they treat you like an old friend when you get there. 5) they use online ordering and shipping very effectively. Nearly 70% of their business is online, rather than in the shop. In other words, a smaller shop CAN function effectively even when the Big Boxes are doing well. It takes smart planning, the right market and the right people.
I consider other non-essential, "luxury" items. Would one need to know how to swim to run a swimming pool business? What about yachts? Guitars are a passion though...
Online shop is the death of retail. I love going to a store meeting people getting my stuff to go home with INSTANT GRATIFICATION, and help provide local jobs. I hate amagon.
You need someone who is multifaceted. A pure musician running a GC or something similar will run it into the ground without proper support from people who know how business works. Retail/online, labor, rents, inventory, advertising. And, a business person who maybe could run a department store, can keep it afloat, but they’ll be unable to properly, truly cater to their clients without learning/understanding where they come from, their culture, etc. Basically, they’ll be able to run it, but growth may be limited. Really, what these companies need, are good business men, who are “fans”, or players themselves. Ideally, they will have spent a good amount of time in retail, or customer service as well; so they can understand the business from a ground level, rather than simply a dollars and cents aerial view
Guitar centers problem is they don't let stores order anything on store level the ones by me carry bare bones everything has to be order when asked I get the same answer we deal with what they get sent and they also under staff on the sales floor would be quicker for me to go in the back and get it instead of waiting for a half hour because one guy is helping 4 people and 3 behind the register
Big box stores have too much fixed expense. They have monthly bills that must be paid. The guitars are a very seasonal business, even if you have a pro clientele. The ups and downs of the business cycle make it hard to staff the stores properly. Mom & Pop guitar stores never had these problems.
Several GCs around and they are all decent. The problem is they want to charge new prices for guitars teenagers have been flubbing Schism on for 6 months. Better off using GC to find out what you want and then buy it somewhere online.
I walked into a Bax Music Store (Belgium, The Netherlands) 2 weeks ago and tried 3 Jazzmasters from different series/price ranges. All were poorly set up. One was nearly unplayable. Goodbye.
I don’t see any reason to ever walk into a Guitar-Center again. Sweetwater is one-click away, and seem to be more concerned with pleasing their customers than ripping you off.
Went to guitar center in burbank il a few friday ago Migrants dropped there kids off in there so there kids could play the bongos and lord knows what else while the adults were outside raiding the clothes donation boxes , I was looking for a cutaway acoustic and all the decent ones are locked up, but I couldn’t get no one to help me some lady was pretending to look at the guitar straps and I hung out for 15 minutes and then just glared at the little prick banging on the bongos just to aggravate everyone and he stopped for a sec then just started banging louder lol and I just walked out never to return again lol
I've been trying to get some information on a (not inexpensive) effect pedal from Guitar Center for about half a week with no response. If they want to do anything, they need to first bring in people that actually value Customer Service. You guys laugh, but they could do a LOT worse than bringing you on board.
It’s not complicated. More online sells rendering a lot of brick and mortar locations cost deficient. More places to order but from, more centralized used market online retailers (like reverb), and over manufacturing/purchasing. Throw in the state of the current economy and it isn’t a good equation for big box brands that have spread brick and mortars all over. I often wonder about the correlation with people that complain that quality has gone down for certain brands and how many of these complaints come from online purchases. I still will wait and track down and play any guitar before I buy it. Same with amps.
i realize i am really old skool, but i find it mind boggling that folks base their guitar buying decisions based on youtube videos and reviews....imo, it is waaaaaaay more preferable to sit down in a brick and mortar store and find a guitar you bond with.
There's to many guitars out there made across the globe. Most kid's today are into podcast. Soon someone will get stuck with a lot of inventory. Careful how much you buy.
LoL,.no one listens to podcasts outside of say,.Joe Rogan. Other then a very few tht industry is shrinking fast. Kids today are more into video games and if they are into music they stream it from something like spotify and if they make music its created on their laptops,
Joe Bonamassa would make an awsome head of Gibson! I cant think of anyone better for the job. Not that the suits, who wouldn't know an electric guitar from an electric toaster without google, aren't doing great.
So, for over a decade, my local Guitar Center has been outstanding. I pretty much only went there. Great selection of low and high end guitars. Awesome selection of used. Friendly and recognizable staff that all know your name. Heck if they got something in I might like they would call me and let me know. I spent a ton of money there. They got a new manager last year it has all gone downhill. I got mad cause I seriously went in to spent 5k trade one guitar in for 2 other guitars. I couldn't. They were not allowed to negotiate trades. They could only get values on used from ebay not reverb anymore. All trade ins had to go through the new manager who wasn't there in the evenings. I went back last Saturday. Saturday evenings used to be the store was full of customers. I was only one in there. 3 staff. None I knew or recognized. There were no guitars over 1000. Just low end stuff. Inventory was half. This GC with new manager went to one of largest best stores in Michigan to empty.
The CEO of Bed Bath Beyond jumped to his death from his luxury home atop the Jenga Tower in L.A. BBB is now owned by the Overstock honcho, a major Agent Orange supporter. Here’s hoping that GC is not run by greedy psychos!
Although he was not a player, his passion for the instrument was unmatched. That and his determination to give musicians what they wanted at a fair price makes him THE name in the industry as a whole.
He wasnt a guitar player but he listened to musicians and guitarists for advice. He spend almost half his time talking to musicians and getting their feedback. Thats why he was successful, it's not like anyone who has no guitar-playing experience can just create an amazing product without outside help from real musicians.
Bonamassa as head of Gibson? Really? Very intriguing but truthfully,.he'd almost have as much to learn as anyone else . Theres manufacturing and supply chain and marketing and market share and management structure and drama to appease your board of directors and other execs! These big companies often pull leadership from the same small group of MBA's for a good reason,.LoL
I remember getting online in 1997 and realizing I never have to go into a Guitar Center and have some failed musician give me attitude when I want to buy strings again.
I like to support local music stores but the problem is the internet makes it too easy to find a better price. GC's are usually hit or miss for good employees. The times I've been in the New Orleans GC the employees came off as cocky & arrogant. And let's not even mention the annoying part of every GC experience when the teenager is playing speed scales & death metal very loudly through a half stack.
your accents are awesome. I say carry - you say carey (think Jim Carey). i say horror, you pronounce it whore. and there's other 'Merican words that only you pronounce it that way. Oh and colour has a "U" in it as does favour. And it's mm, cm and m. not some olde worlde imperial things ppl in the real world need a calculator app to figure out - USA imperial measurements ? WTF hehe In jest of course, unlike th 'Merican ingest, albeit that's a real word in both languages but i ran out of...... Beers, Ptr
Holy Shituskis! Baxter looks distinguished with the beard. I'm sad to see Sam Ash hurt. They always provided great personal service. GC I can take or leave. It's still sad to see the downfall. Good show fellas.
Casino Guitars video....
1)Pose question
2)Ponder briefly
3)Talk movies
4)Answer nothing and end video
Keep up the good work, boys! Love the videos!
Honestly enjoy the content. Most of these questions never really have immediate answers or are a matter of preference. Just bustin' chops.
True. But it’s refreshing not be directly or passively told to buy more. I never have a GAS attack from their videos. But I do laugh, nod my head and learn from them.
The lack of quality guitar content creators really pisses me off.
Biggest reasons I drive right past Guitar Sinner, and other big box stores these days, when I used to stop and shop in the past, is the same as for others: I can find whatever I want online and have it delivered to my door quickly. And, I don't have to walk into a big store and hope someone will help me, especially someone knowledgeable, who never seems to be around. That, and the dispassionate staff are put-offs.
I go into the store to play the guitar, i'm thinking of buying, and then I go buy it somewhere else.
The staff are dispassionate because they are paid PEANUTS, overworked and undertrained, and have to deal with insufferable boomers all day.
Good luck getting that with used gear. I can get in my car drive 2.5 miles walk in and walk out with product and be using before your package gets pick up end of day from the store.
@@DDE_ADDICTSome of the best deals right now are guitar center's used listings...I just have it shipped to my local guitar center store. That gives me an excuse to stop in and look around...and I can inspect the item and return it right then and there if it's not to my liking
I hope Guitar Center keeps rolling for another century. I could not shop better in this generation without GC. Check it:
These days with YT and IG we are all so well acquainted with products out there, and not just the ones we see at our local shop, that most of us havent the privilege to try them for ourselves. We trust online demos at best and buy the hype.
Last month I finally gave in to buying a Gretsch sparkle duo jet that I've had on my list for 7 years. The million dollar question is what pickups are you going to get - Gretsch filtertrons, BTrons, TV J Classic, TV J Powertrons?
TLDR: I bought 4 guitars from GC Online, shipped free to my home to try for 45 days (except one which was used so I paid $22). Had well over a month to figure out which one I liked, returned them all at my local store 15 minutes away. Where else can I do that?
In that time, I found someone local who sold me the model I wanted, a 2022 version in excellent condition, for 68% of the retail price of GC :)
I didn't give them my money but I sure as love GC!
As a former GC employee, as an applicant, I had to have musical/instrument experience and familiarity to be hired. I feel like that should be a serious consideration for everyone in the company although I know that’s not really how the company would see it. Retail chains fail because they care more about numbers than anything else. It’s bound to fail with that structure. It’s a shame but it’s where we are.
Isn't that funny?
If you had a doctorates in Music, you are qualified to work as a Sales rep at guitar center.
If you have a bachelors in Finance, you are qualified to work as one of the C-suite at guitar center.
So really, learning music is like putting in a lot of work, for very small return because you could make the same amount of money with no degree working at mcdonalds.
You're both right in PetSmart, Bed,Bath,Beyond Exec's. Look up who Barnes n' Nobles recently hired as CEO. He's a book lover from England. Doing wonders. Guitar Center should hire somebody from Sweetwater who will change their behind -the-times marketing. 😎👌
why petsmart tho? Animals just start eating less?
Good question! I think it has more to do with PetSmart and others not developing their E-commerce and/or internet sales efforts. Time crunch has influenced many to just order on-line.@@47Jonesy
Guitar is a luxury item, that takes practice, dedication and passion to get acceptable at. Customers have to have an emotional connection to the product (collectors excluded), in a way that is different from other luxury goods. Such as an Omega or Tag watch, that you only have to wear…
Companies that rely on the passion and connection of their customers, should benefit from leadership and employees who share that passion and connection
My sales guy at Sweetwater retired last autumn and I got a feedback email for the new guy. I couldn't give him as good a rating as the guy I worked with for a decade... Simple fact is they haven't been as good on deals or customer service since the buyout and losing my enabler in their sales department.
Casino and other small stores have been doing better, as have some direct sale companies like Stringjoy and Rattlesnake. At the same time it looks like the big guys have given customer service a bit of a backseat. Interesting times.
Maybe we had the same guy. Lol
Similar story as well.
@@jacobmauldin230 Alan F. rocked!
From Leo: Things are changing, not just guitars, but the whole culture including music. In the 1970's it was a pretty small town that did not have a place to buy stereo equipment. When you got your first apartment, you bought a stereo before you bought a dining room set. Record and tape collections were even in poor peoples homes. I have been a guest in probably 50 homes in the last couple years. No one under 40 had a stereo system. All had big screen TV's. I jump to the conclusion that people who don't listen to much music probably have little drive to make music. The instrument market will have to deal with it.
They listen to music still. Otherwise the headphone/earbud market wouldn't be near as big as it is. In my area it's not taught in early grade schools much anymore. No one can afford them if it were. And modern music now days is 75% software, 20% sample/copying, and 10% talent (usually on the production side). Take a trip down music reactors here on UA-cam. You'll find quite a few of the younger generations marveling at the fact the people are playing real instruments in older music videos.
As a post Covid guitarist I make it a point to buy local, even if it means ordering from a small shop across the country. Seeing so many businesses permanently close reminded me how important these shops are to their local scenes and the culture as a whole
I would love to buy local, but it’s just not possible as a lefty. A lot of local shops don’t even have lefty versions apart from the bare basics like Squiers.
I was in Paris last year and theres a guitar shop devoted to leftys
There will always be a place for "big box" music/instrument stores. ALWAYS. Oh but you can get it all online? Well you can buy a car online too (I have done it), and groceries online (I do it all the time), and on and on. But the fact is that you will always need a walk in store or sales venue. And it is easier to keep a LARGE one than a small one due to volume. What will happen is that the number of these big box guitar shops will reduce but they will still exist. Remember when Walmart was one of countless stores of its type? And while their are still a selection available, that number has greatly decreased. (But they have not ALL gone away.)
Our major store in Canada is Long and Mcquade. I can't even buy strings there they won't stock the ones I want so I might as well order online. Makes me wonder how many other players are in the same boat.
The problem is these businesses have a fiduciary responsibility to make increasing profits. Fender and most music instrument companies are better off over the long term being private companies that return profits to owners that love the company and the products, and only want to maintain the company for the long term. They are not growth driven companies there are only so many guitar players who theoretically only need so many guitars. The growth we saw over Covid was just another guitar boom (guitar booms have happened before). The smart companies used this as an opportunity to fix their balance sheet and help them maintain their operations for the future.
That's all very well, but public companies have treated "fiduciary responsibility" in some remarkable ways. In particular, there has been "executive capture" whereby companies are run for the benefit of executives rather than stockholders. They have concentrated exclusively on stock price to benefit stockholders rather than dividends. Needless to say, this results in remarkably short-term thinking.
❤ This!More Guitars,Less Sales!Never in a Guitar Shortage!That's my Currency!For My Price!If ya want Something,Somehow you Have It,to Get What You Want!Take care guys!
I've long felt that big box stores of all types should transform into "showrooms". Instead of trying to push the high margin, low end crap that most of them carry, instead have a place to see EVERY product in a manufacturer's line. No sales pressure, just explore and learn. Bring your own stuff to see if it's compatible, etc. And I mean every option on every product. Then you can purchase online right at the store, or from a local retailer, or whatever. That part should be variable. But the biggest problem today is seeing cool stuff online, but then walking into a big box store and not finding it for sale and seeing nothing at all or worse yet, low end junk instead. No matter how you slice that pie, big box stores using traditional models are dead walking. Just a matter of how long it takes the body to collapse.
new leadership won't make a lick of difference if they don't change their business model
New insights can reap results. Having a CEO from another industry can shake things up. Sometimes you need to think outside the ‘box’ 😏
Sadly, GC is all that is near me.
The store isn’t stocked well.
The employees look sad and depressed.
I wish there were shops like Gruhn’s, Carter Vintage, Casino in Las Vegas.
There is still hope and maybe they can come back swinging!
I know they don't carry all brands, but have you tried looking at Heartbreaker Guitars? They're in Vegas and might be closer to what you're looking for.
The big box guitar stores are in trouble because their business model was about offering a large selection of new at low prices. The reality is that can't beat online retailers like that because it costs more to maintain their storefronts and infrastructure leaving their entire model outdated. They also stuck with the stores having to follow the nationwide model rather than adjusting as easily to meet local needs/conditions like small local shops can do. The other thing is guitars aren't like washing machines or cars where they have a limited lifespan. Guitars essentially last forever so with manufacturers continuing to pump out product and the declining player base, new guitar sales can't continue to grow the way you need them to for supporting big box. Between manufacturer direct sales and online retailers, selling new guitars just doesn't seem viable. I do think local shops focusing on lessons, repairs and used guitar sales can do fine. There is a local store within driving distance of me that seems to do fantastic with an inventory that is 95% or so used/consignment along with giving lessons and repairs with the 5% new being a single brand.
For me at 57, I've been a musician since I was 12. I loved playing Tuba in Symphonic band, but it wasn't sexy. Thankfully, tuba's alter ego is electric bass, which opened the door to rock and jazz for me. Over the decades, I've gone through many purchasing slumps and crazes, but they were always associated with new album releases, genre waves, specific artists that inspired me, and different gear that inspired me. But at the heart of it all was the song. We simply do no have a band culture, a rock star culture, or a music industry that puts out products that motivate and inspire new generations to play music. It's not pushed in the schools, not heard on the radios, and unless your feet are held to the fire, you will not develop a love for 20th century music or jazz, which are the basis of all popular modern American music. Building and selling guitars in today's environment is like building sailboats in a world with no wind - there is nothing motivating anyone to spend the thousands of dollars it takes to nurture a new musician into a great musician. At least not in America. Asia and Europe still care, but America is too absorbed in generic music like Taylor Swift and Cardi B to actually care about the musicians supporting their slop on tour. Until the music industry returns and a new financial structure is developed to allow musicians to actually earn a living based on the insane effort it takes to become good, the instrumental sales side of the equation will suffer.
I live in Tampa Bay and we have two SA stores: the one in Clearwater is closing now, and the one in Tampa is open, but possibly on the closure list per an employee I spoke with. The Clearwater location up until 2019 was well stocked, fully staffed, and a fun place to shop. The past four years, that location has been running on a skeleton crew, terrible customer service, or lack thereof, and half of the inventory they used to carry. It's depressing walking in there and now that all the liquidation sale signs are posted up, it's worse. I read that SA is closing about half of their store locations around the nation, including some famous ones in NY where they are headquartered. It's a sign of the times for brick and mortar retail stores and the survival against online giants like Amazon. It's sad to see the stores go away and people losing their jobs.
It’s really interesting to see the differences from place to place. The Sam Ash that I have frequented in the north Chicago suburbs seemed to recover pretty well the past couple of years, both in general activity and staff enthusiasm. But it’s getting pressured by rising rent along with the general decline in instrument sales. Of the two guys I talked with on last visit, one is retiring and the other accepted a transfer to Indianapolis.
@jameshumphrey2345 Yes, I agree and do think store performance and inventory vary from region to region across the U.S.
That Clearwater store is in the old Kapok Tree restaurant. Beautiful building, I used to go there in the 70s. I hope something good comes of it.
@JJ-fb8sz yes. Unfortunately, when SA took it over, it was let go by the owner. The windows are cracking, the roof has holes in it and leaks inside in places, and the over condition is poor. Restore it to its former glory!
Taylor Swift should run Guitar Center! Cheers Casino!!
Yes and yes!
Never thought I would miss my local shops but I do soooooo much!
Guitar Center might actually become Cool again with Baxter & Jonathan running it, and truthfully be a fun place to work for those that felt it lost that magic over a decade ago, it also means trimming the fat or weeding out those not Required or Inspired to keep heartbeat of Guitar Center viable for the long run
I buy the most from Reverb shops or individuals but GC, like Sweetwater, has a no-questions-asked return policy. If the gear doesn't work for you, or if it's a simple change of mind, returns are easy. No 'song and dance' is needed.
Time to make a trip to Southern Pines for a new guitar 🙂
Come on down!
It's a great place!
Just did! Planned our entire vacation around visiting Casino Guitars and Southern Pines. Lots of great stores, great restaurants, live music, history and golf. We will visit again!
This makes me think of Zappa talking about the record industry. You would think that younger hip dudes from the scene would have been better than the cigar chomping old guys in 3 piece suits... but sometimes the problem is people who think they know too much and aren't willing to take any risks.
When the new GC CEO ended his first post with 'Lets Rock!!' I knew it wasn't going to be good.
That is a funny one:) Well shared!
In the 90s I worked at Home Depot they claimed it was the busiest store Lakewood NJ Didn’t think they would last a year😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫
It's classic corporate incompetence. The ivory tower of delusion trying to squeeze water from a rock instead of stacking rocks to build an aqueduct.
Musical instruments are unique in that every one will have its own feel, especially because they are made of wood. No two will feel the same, even the same model from the same manufacturer. (I wonder if that is also true of other stringed instruments made of wood, like violins, etc.). That’s why a bricks-and-mortar store is so important. Big box guitar store executives need to understand that. Focusing on hiring (and paying appropriately) sales reps who have a passion for guitars is central to store success. Buying pedals, amps and other gear like that online is not the same, although some pedal aficionados would see that differently.
As someone who works at a manufacturer in the MI industry, I can wholeheartedly tell you that 5:07 is simply not true. I see the BIGGEST box stores eat up independents market share quarter, by quarter, year by year, and that tide is shifting in the millions of dollars per quarter at the company I work at, alone.
There is truth to that, but it varies depending on the market, at least as far as guitars and other musical instruments go. Casino Guitars does well, for example, and has maintained its' position despite the Big Boxes for several reasons: 1) Baxter is a MUCH sharper businessman than he makes himself out to be on UA-cam. He's figured out that offering personal service at a level the Big Boxes can't match will result in loyal customers who will come back again and again. 2) they picked the right market. Casino Guitars functions in one of the most affluent areas in the US. The Southern Pines/Pinehurst area is populated by numerous wealthy retirees from a variety of industries who share a passion for golf. Pinehurst is one of the most exclusive country clubs in the US, and has hosted the US Open and many other top-dollar tournaments. Casino Guitars benefits from that population. Wealthy retirees can afford nice guitars, either for themselves or as gifts for their grandchildren. 3) They (Casino Guitars) have fully immersed themselves in the community. They support many local charities and do many co-marketing efforts with local businesses. As a result, Baxter's wife was elected Mayor of Southern Pines last year. 4) They have utilized new media (particularly UA-cam) very well. Baxter, Jonathon and the guys come across as good people (and they really are) which has allowed them to develop customers from all over the country. They have many customers who travel hundreds or thousands of miles to see them, largely because on the UA-cam videos. And they treat you like an old friend when you get there. 5) they use online ordering and shipping very effectively. Nearly 70% of their business is online, rather than in the shop.
In other words, a smaller shop CAN function effectively even when the Big Boxes are doing well. It takes smart planning, the right market and the right people.
I consider other non-essential, "luxury" items. Would one need to know how to swim to run a swimming pool business? What about yachts?
Guitars are a passion though...
Online shop is the death of retail. I love going to a store meeting people getting my stuff to go home with INSTANT GRATIFICATION, and help provide local jobs. I hate amagon.
“If you don’t play guitar or music at all…”
Remember Leo Fender?
Man...that is a super good point! Well said and thank you.
Good subject guys. Love the show ! 👍😎👍🎸
Leo Fender not a guitar guy, but his guitars were pretty good.
As great as his guitars are I would argue his amps are even better.
The key ingredient needed to make both: passion for what you do
The key ingredient needed to make both: passion for what you do
Not so much in Canada as we dont have as many big box stores.
This subject is interesting. I wonder which types of stores will survive the next 10 years.
You need someone who is multifaceted.
A pure musician running a GC or something similar will run it into the ground without proper support from people who know how business works.
Retail/online, labor, rents, inventory, advertising.
And, a business person who maybe could run a department store, can keep it afloat, but they’ll be unable to properly, truly cater to their clients without learning/understanding where they come from, their culture, etc.
Basically, they’ll be able to run it, but growth may be limited.
Really, what these companies need, are good business men, who are “fans”, or players themselves.
Ideally, they will have spent a good amount of time in retail, or customer service as well; so they can understand the business from a ground level, rather than simply a dollars and cents aerial view
Remember MARS Music ?
Guitar centers problem is they don't let stores order anything on store level the ones by me carry bare bones everything has to be order when asked I get the same answer we deal with what they get sent and they also under staff on the sales floor would be quicker for me to go in the back and get it instead of waiting for a half hour because one guy is helping 4 people and 3 behind the register
i stood in line at home goods checkout for over 15 minutes last sunday, they are flying
Do you guys have soft filters on?
For years the guitarists said you couldn’t sell online, that you needed to pick up and play guitars before buying them. Boy they were wrong….
I shop both small and big stores. I will support a store, but never online.
Big box stores have too much fixed expense. They have monthly bills that must be paid. The guitars are a very seasonal business, even if you have a pro clientele. The ups and downs of the business cycle make it hard to staff the stores properly. Mom & Pop guitar stores never had these problems.
Several GCs around and they are all decent. The problem is they want to charge new prices for guitars teenagers have been flubbing Schism on for 6 months. Better off using GC to find out what you want and then buy it somewhere online.
I walked into a Bax Music Store (Belgium, The Netherlands) 2 weeks ago and tried 3 Jazzmasters from different series/price ranges. All were poorly set up. One was nearly unplayable. Goodbye.
I'd have thought that Guitar shops or any shops, TBH, made of boxes ? They'd collapse when it got any decent rain surely ?
Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘
Jazz Hands! Good morning, Fellas!
You guys are correct. Esteban can play very well. I think he still gets on QVC.
Smiles all around here! Love that
Baxter!! Such blasphemy!! Guitars Are a NEED
I don’t see any reason to ever walk into a Guitar-Center again.
Sweetwater is one-click away, and seem to be more concerned with pleasing their customers than ripping you off.
Went to guitar center in burbank il a few friday ago
Migrants dropped there kids off in there so there kids could play the bongos and lord knows what else while the adults were outside raiding the clothes donation boxes , I was looking for a cutaway acoustic and all the decent ones are locked up, but I couldn’t get no one to help me some lady was pretending to look at the guitar straps and I hung out for 15 minutes and then just glared at the little prick banging on the bongos just to aggravate everyone and he stopped for a sec then just started banging louder lol and I just walked out never to return again lol
I've been trying to get some information on a (not inexpensive) effect pedal from Guitar Center for about half a week with no response. If they want to do anything, they need to first bring in people that actually value Customer Service. You guys laugh, but they could do a LOT worse than bringing you on board.
It’s not complicated. More online sells rendering a lot of brick and mortar locations cost deficient. More places to order but from, more centralized used market online retailers (like reverb), and over manufacturing/purchasing. Throw in the state of the current economy and it isn’t a good equation for big box brands that have spread brick and mortars all over.
I often wonder about the correlation with people that complain that quality has gone down for certain brands and how many of these complaints come from online purchases. I still will wait and track down and play any guitar before I buy it. Same with amps.
i realize i am really old skool, but i find it mind boggling that folks base their guitar buying decisions based on youtube videos and reviews....imo, it is waaaaaaay more preferable to sit down in a brick and mortar store and find a guitar you bond with.
I hope GC stays open, I don't want the only option to be looking at pictures of guitars.
Agreed! We hope they figure out a way forward as well. There is hope as they are still over 20% of the industry for a lot of our favorite brands.
Lack of product knowledge and corporate mentality. Dollars today not lifetime customers
"We're filing for bankruptcy... with extreme prejudice!" 😊
There's to many guitars out there made across the globe. Most kid's today are into podcast. Soon someone will get stuck with a lot of inventory. Careful how much you buy.
LoL,.no one listens to podcasts outside of say,.Joe Rogan. Other then a very few tht industry is shrinking fast. Kids today are more into video games and if they are into music they stream it from something like spotify and if they make music its created on their laptops,
@@terryshrk LOTS of people listen to pod casts, especially true crime. I don’t know anyone who listens to Joe Rogan
The problem with a lot of businesses these days is akin to a vegan running a steak house.
The vintage washing machine game is strong.....
Johnny definitely wins the beard-off.
Joe Bonamassa would make an awsome head of Gibson! I cant think of anyone better for the job. Not that the suits, who wouldn't know an electric guitar from an electric toaster without google, aren't doing great.
Bed Bath and Beyond still exists?
Good one:)
So, for over a decade, my local Guitar Center has been outstanding. I pretty much only went there. Great selection of low and high end guitars. Awesome selection of used. Friendly and recognizable staff that all know your name. Heck if they got something in I might like they would call me and let me know. I spent a ton of money there. They got a new manager last year it has all gone downhill. I got mad cause I seriously went in to spent 5k trade one guitar in for 2 other guitars. I couldn't. They were not allowed to negotiate trades. They could only get values on used from ebay not reverb anymore. All trade ins had to go through the new manager who wasn't there in the evenings. I went back last Saturday. Saturday evenings used to be the store was full of customers. I was only one in there. 3 staff. None I knew or recognized. There were no guitars over 1000. Just low end stuff. Inventory was half. This GC with new manager went to one of largest best stores in Michigan to empty.
The CEO of Bed Bath Beyond jumped to his death from his luxury home atop the Jenga Tower in L.A. BBB is now owned by the Overstock honcho, a major Agent Orange supporter. Here’s hoping that GC is not run by greedy psychos!
Oh wow...that is horrible...For sure don't wish that on anyone in this wonderful world, yikes!
Guitar center is only good if you need a instrument cable and youre willing to pay 3x what it should cost.
except for the fact they don't?
I buy a used $200. guitar every 10 yrs. Even that’s too much….
You forgot that Leo Fender couldn't play guitar but made some fantastic guitars and started more than 1 guitar company successfully.
Although he was not a player, his passion for the instrument was unmatched. That and his determination to give musicians what they wanted at a fair price makes him THE name in the industry as a whole.
He wasnt a guitar player but he listened to musicians and guitarists for advice. He spend almost half his time talking to musicians and getting their feedback. Thats why he was successful, it's not like anyone who has no guitar-playing experience can just create an amazing product without outside help from real musicians.
That is true and I agree completely with the folks below there. Great comment and food for thought!
Bonamassa as head of Gibson? Really? Very intriguing but truthfully,.he'd almost have as much to learn as anyone else . Theres manufacturing and supply chain and marketing and market share and management structure and drama to appease your board of directors and other execs! These big companies often pull leadership from the same small group of MBA's for a good reason,.LoL
I don’t think Joe knows what the average “Joe” wants.
Sam Ash does well?
I remember getting online in 1997 and realizing I never have to go into a Guitar Center and have some failed musician give me attitude when I want to buy strings again.
i meeeean...leo didnt play, jussayin
I like to support local music stores but the problem is the internet makes it too easy to find a better price.
GC's are usually hit or miss for good employees. The times I've been in the New Orleans GC the employees came off as cocky & arrogant. And let's not even mention the annoying part of every GC experience when the teenager is playing speed scales & death metal very loudly through a half stack.
Cocky and arrogant employees aren’t limited to GC.
Where the fuck does Joe Bonamassa get all of this money? Ive never met anyone that actually listens to him. People just, like, reference him.
Apparently the people who invest in Joe Bonamassa aren’t very vocal about it.
Electric cars are like modelers. Lame
First view nice 👍
your accents are awesome. I say carry - you say carey (think Jim Carey).
i say horror, you pronounce it whore.
and there's other 'Merican words that only you pronounce it that way.
Oh and colour has a "U" in it as does favour.
And it's mm, cm and m. not some olde worlde imperial things ppl in the real world need a calculator app to figure out - USA imperial measurements ? WTF hehe
In jest of course, unlike th 'Merican ingest, albeit that's a real word in both languages but i ran out of......
Beers, Ptr
Holy Shituskis! Baxter looks distinguished with the beard. I'm sad to see Sam Ash hurt. They always provided great personal service. GC I can take or leave. It's still sad to see the downfall. Good show fellas.
Try doing a YT search: Tokyo guitar street, it will amaze you, 5000 guitars in one neighborhood
Somebody's based lol