"I Want One In The Box!" Are You Sure?
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Online shopping for guitars has created an expectation of perfection that leads many buyers to ask for guitars that are still new in the box rather than the guitar they tried out on the sales floor. While this approach to buying a new, expensive item is understandable we have a caution: not all guitars are the same! Even the same model from the same company can differ from one to the next. Chris and Cooper offer some advice on leaving with the one you fell in love with.
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It's quite simple and it's all in psychology and the buyer's experience as you also said. People are excited to wait for a delivery, track the delivery van, and milk the whole unboxing experience. Smell the new guitar smell etc. At the same time they don't know how a showroom guitar has been treated by staff and other customers. How long it has been around, in what conditions etc. And respectfully, "rest assured that you're getting a good quality instrument" doesn't really cut it. As a fellow says below, when an istrument has been played by a bunch of people it's now a second hand guitar. If you price it accordingly then I'm sure people wouldnt' have an issue picking it up. Let me throw an example. Would you buy a showroom test driven car from the dealership with a few hundred or thousand miles on the clock for the same price as a brand new one? (even if there is a wait time). The answer is no. Or yes, for the reflective price.
Can't disagree with any of this. I've seen kids picking up guitars for fun on a Saturday. I like to know a guitar hasn't been abused when I pick it up. Who wants something covered in dirty prints? I've bought ex-demo guitars before, they're listed as such and priced accordingly. I don't see why this video is being made. Same could apply to a whole bunch of stuff. Would you buy a demo phone in the apple store? A laptop? A fridge? Nah.
That’s a terrible analogy.
what @mikeycat92 said exactly 👆🏼
There's a disturbing trend we've identified going on with guitar sellers, it's that situation where an old banged-up guitar on the wall is sold to you as new, yet the retailer won't budge on the MSRP price.
Damn I’ve never been to a music store where they knowingly sold a damaged guitar for full price.
Exactly.
That's the big problem! If something has dings on it, it should be at least marked down by 5-10%, which is "a center for guitars" internal policy, but the sales associates aren't going to budge on that now with the new commission breakdown being much more aggressive to make a living wage. So now is the time to support local, and the good big boxes that still honor those deals, and let the old dino's go away. This is coming from an ex manager of a said center lol.
They don't buy them used but they sell them used. A demo discount is reasonable.
Absolutely
The problem is once the box has been opened and the guitar has hung on a wall for months and been played by hundreds/thousands of different people, it's not a new guitar anymore, it's a used one. Unless it's priced accordingly, I want a new-in-box guitar if I'm paying full price.
And make sure you do not have fret wear :)
Yes! Exactly. It’s a demo at that point. I don’t want to pay full price for one hundred of people have played
I don't know, i only buy the exact guitar i have played in the shop. I would buy only that one and not one in a box. Maybe it just me not wanting to find out that the one in the box is worse. If I am happy with the one on the wall, why looking for an unnecessary risk?
Lol okay cool. You have fun with your Russian roulette game of finding out whether or not you like a guitar AFTER you buy it.
Who wants to pay full price for a guitar with dead strings and a scratch on the back
When I lived in Michigan, I went to Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI to dream. When I was able to buy what I wanted (an HD-28), I went there. After I confirmed that I wanted that model, the sales person brought me three more of the same model and I picked the one I liked best. I now live in Minnesota’s Twin Cities area. A couple of months ago I bought a CEO-7….from a music store in St. Paul. As before, I played one and fell in love with it. I’m sure others had played it before me, but I was the lucky one to take it home. They even did a great set-up for me before the guitar left the store. Part of the sale is that I can bring the guitar back for tweaking the setup (or a completely new set up) if I think its needed. I know that this may be heresy to those dedicating their lives to finding the lowest price, but a store with knowledgeable sales people and skilled techs are adding value to what they sell and I am willing to pay for that.
💯
Shopped there quite a bit, wonderful store for vintage gear, they are kind of the Norm’s Rare Guitars of the upper MidWest. They will include a free setup on any guitar, even those fresh out of the box. I have purchased multiple new Fender products from them fresh from the factory and they set them all up before I took final possession. Order what you want, they tell you when it’s in, you show up and you and the guitar tech open the box and go from there.
Willie's American Guitars is a great store. I am assuming that is where you went :)
I swear, someday I will buy a guitar from you guys. I have watched hours of your videos. I live in Mexico, getting to you will be tough. But I promise. And even as QA and production become more consistent, wood is wood. It has personality and spirit.
Whether it's a wall hanger or not, it should come in a box with the case candy that was in the original box.
Depends on price point. If it's a $200 POS, no guitar store is going to save the garbage that came with it for you. If it comes with a case or gig bag, than thats a different story.
@@todddammit4628 If it's a 14 year old kid's first guitar price is irrelevant. But I was thinking more along the lines of mid price point and up. Anything that may hold resale value.
First of all, love your videos guys!
I'm guilty as charged and ended up learning something. A few years ago I was at my local guitar store buying a Martin 12 string. The store employee asked if I wanted the one off the wall or fresh out of the box. I said well, the one in the box of course! Obviously it hasn't been played. They were nice enough to let me unbox the guitar in the store and try it, and I noticed that the top had not opened up at all, it sounded tight and choked. They offered to put a new set of strings on the one hanging on the wall and I ended up buying that one. Lesson learned. So keep in mind that's a downside to buying a boxed guitar that has never been played.
I get it. I've seen many guitars that are dusty, scratched up and the strings are old or worn out from being played in store. Nothing odd about wanting something that looks new and hasn't been demoed to death.
I had never bothered that other people had played an acoustic guitar before me as long as it was in mint condition. I would have never wanted an unplayed guitar from a box. I always had a preferred guitar if the dealer had several of the same model. During Corona however, I had to order my acoustic guitar I always wanted online, as the exact model I wanted had a minimum of 6 months waiting time at all my nearby dealers and with an announced price increase due to wood and supply limitations during COVID. I am happy with my online ordered Sunburst D18 Martin. Would I have preferred to play it first? Absolutely. Was it brand new and never played? No. It came from a reputable dealer in a different country who had it on display in the store for people to try out. And it was the only D18 he had in the store anyway. However, he played it for me, inspected it, sent me pictures and confirmed that the guitar is perfect. So I ordered it. Availability, quality and trust for me are much more important than a never touched guitar in a box. But I respect those for whom "sealed in a box" is important. Preferences are just different.
I totally agree! “However, he played it for me, inspected it, sent me pictures and confirmed that the guitar is perfect. So I ordered it. Availability, quality and trust for me are much more important than a never touched guitar in a box.”. Says it all.
I bought a Godin fairmount acoustic off the wall, didn't even think to ask for a "demo" discount because I was so in love with the guitar. At first I kind of felt dumb for paying full price for a "demo" but after a year the guitar still impresses me every time I pick it up so I think I'd have more regret if I shopped for a new one instead of impulse buying the one I played.
I think this issue stems for guitar stores (like GC) that don’t monitor their guitars, and what people are doing to them. I’ve seen people hand nice guitars to their kids and watch them literally beat on them, scratch the crap out of it with a pic… Etc. After that nobody wants to pay full price, or even buy a “new” guitar that is all scratched up. That being said…..and as one of those people that did ask for a “new, in the box” I have learned in my now 4 years of playing that what you’re saying is spot on. I’m not sure about electric’s ….unless they’re customs. But I’ll never buy a acoustic guitar without playing it first. So what I suggest to those people who want a actual new guitar is avoid places like GC and shop in stores that monitor who’s picking up and playing their guitars. Then you can buy that guitar that has been played and have a good chance it won’t be damaged or scratched up.
That's true. There are so many high-end guitars at GC that have been hung on the wall for several years and played by people. So when you get to it, even though it sounds good, the strings are rusty and setup is all messed up. Yet guitar center would insist on selling it as new and claim it has the factory setup.
I've seen this happen a lot there.
Last week, my wife and I were in the acoustic room and a guy came in with his young kid. Next thing we know, we hear guitars banging against each other repeatedly, to the point we both just stopped and turned in confusion. It wasn't even the kid! The dad somehow managed to bang up three acoustics while trying to pick up the middle one. It was mind boggling how little regard and possible lack of hand eye coordination he had.
Even though that's been the norm at GC, I've had some good experiences too. I was looking into buying a Gibson, and found a J-15 I liked but it had a slight nick. I asked if they had any others to compare it to or offered a discount. The model was already on sale, so they couldn't really go lower, but they did bust a new one out of its box from the storage room to compare. I liked the first one better, and asked if I could try their D-35 too. I have one and wanted to see if the sound was different enough to not be redundant and if I liked the model enough when compared. The sales guy was very understanding and unlocked the Martin. Him being so helpful convinced me to go forward with the purchase.
On the other hand, I've been to independent shops were the sales people really do their best to showcase the instruments. In one, the rep straight up asked me if I wouldn't mind waiting 5 minutes to hand over one of the guitars I was trying so he could change the strings on it because they sounded dead. I didn't even ask. He's the guy I bought my D-35 from later on.
At another shop, they did most of their sales online, so customers had to set up appointments to go in and try them. They would take a list of the models the buyer was interested in, and had them ready together in stands, tuned up with new strings, a handful of picks and tuner with them, and a stool to sit and play. They did allow trying other guitars they had available, but they wanted to make sure what you were going in for was in the best playable condition possible. It felt like buying a high end car. I took one of their custom Martin OM-15.
@@louisxue3292 I've had that happen at GC multiple times - they'll happily let you bring it back and pay to fix something that should have been checked and found before they hung it on the wall. Since they won't do a setup unless you pay extra for it, I started paying for a setup before I brought it home. Nowadays the selection in the store is poor enough that it's about the same as ordering online. Obviously I need to expand my search for a better local store. Once upon a time, GC was better.
I agree, quick story. I was at a big box store. I was playing some really low end 120$ stuff. There was one that played better then other guitar in the store and sounded great. I was so shocked I asked a few others to play it. We all agreed it was very good.
A guy came in who was just learning, and was looking. I handed him this guitar and told him this is by far the best guitar in the store at this price. He went to the front to by and they tried to give him one in a box. I stopped them and said he wants this one, and that's what he got. I found out later the guitar tech had set up that instead of a more expensive one.
I must disagree. First time I don't agree with you.Those guitars I've bought that has been hanging in the store I have returned. I've found damage on them that I didn't see at first. And cases that has been standing somewhere getting damaged. Plenty people trying out stuff in the store aren't careful with the stuff. It's like buying 2nd hand.
I had the same problem with Guitar Center a couple years ago. Bought a Taylor 314ce "brand new" on the website for local store pickup. The GC store re-boxed the floor demo model and gave it to me. As soon as I took it out of the box, the Taylor looked used with scratches and had a couple major dents on the back of the neck.
@@sabinfire This seems like a problem with GC honesty rather than a problem with buying a guitar that you see in the store. Reboxing a floor demo is not the same thing as selling a guitar from the wall to a customer who is aware of that fact. One more factor is how store assistants treat their stock and their customers. I know some stores which don't allow customers to just take guitars from stands, but hand them in and try to assist the buyer as much as he needs it. This seems to me good policy, rather than letting customers roam around the shop and do everything they want to with the merchandise.
The best way to buy a guitar is out of the box and set it up yourself. I had more problems with Sweetwater guitars than from any other dealer and they admit that they give guitars a 55 point check over. Just leave it alone and send it to me. If its not broke I can set it up and will be happy. Ironically Alamo sold me a guitar years ago and set it up right out of the box while I waited and I still havent had to do any major setup on it since then. So good on their part. Still it's best to learn how to set up your own guitar.
Sweetwater is a joke. They sent me a guitar that was a bit beaten up. 55 point inspection? Lol. Yep, I returned it and won’t be back.
I don't buy all my guitars from you guys, but when you have a guitar i want in stock, i usually drive up 4 hours to San Antonio to try and buy. I know you guys take good care of your wall guitars and have no problem buying the floor models. I don't necessarily feel the same way about all guitar stores, though (hence the reason i drive up to San Antonio).
I live in a relatively small town with no guitar stores within a 100 miles. I waited four months before I had a chance to get to a music store. Looking at the store's website, I picked out a couple of guitars I thought I might like to try when I got to the store. After playing a number of guitars I ended up buying an Eastman (E2D) guitar that I had not previously considered. So far I am really happy. No, I didn't ask for a new one in the box. :)
100 miles?! Guitar Center is the way to go, they have a very generous return policy. Order the top three guitars you are interested and then send back the ones you don’t like. As far as setup goes, UA-cam is your friend. It’s a skill you will want to learn to do yourself at some point anyway.
@@jakehopus I have purchased guitars, a mandolin, and a viola online. I seriously considered that this time, but I wouldn't have gotten a guitar that is as good as the guitar I purchased. :)
Under a certain price point they already come in kits and boxed up. Those starter/ beginner instruments are commodities; quick turnover, impulse markets. But after that threshold, the appreciation for variations of one guitar over another of the same make is significant enough to not risk leaving them behind for something boxed up.
Haha! I know what you are talking about. I asked for a new one and I’d do it again.
It is the trauma that Guitar Center has injected into the market.
I went to the GC in my city and 2/3 of the acoustics weren’t playable.
Separated bridges, top cracks, and extremely lot action and buzzy tone.
They had 3 high end Taylor’s on the top rack and each of them had a crack in the center of the top.
Even discounted, all 3 came in just under 7k
Guitar center is the reason why people are asking for boxed guitars.
As a kid, you were so excited to go to a GC.
Now, and sorry for the language, every GC I go to is a complete shit hole 🤷♂️
Amen, brother.
Overall I’m no fan of Guitar Center in general. However, there are at least a couple that are really good. Everyone says the one in Hollywood, CA is the best by far, but having never been I can’t confirm that one from personal experience. As someone who has been to every Guitar Center in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky plus a few in other neighboring states (North and South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois) I can say without absolute certainty that the one in Nashville is best one I have ever been in. For clarification, there are three in the metro Nashville area, I’m talking about the one that actually has a Nashville address the other two are in the suburbs Goodlettesville (sucks) and Brentwood/Cool Springs (mediocre at best).
@@charlesbolton8471 Amazing that you say that. I've been to that Nashville GC when visiting my daughter and thought it was the best one I've been in. The one in my home town is just not great - even with at least one good sales person - so many guitars are just in bad shape. But I've really enjoyed the Nashville GC you mention
I bought a gs mini a little while back and they asked me if I wanted one new in the box, I had already fallen in love with the sound of the floor model but the boxed one had a much more beautiful grain, they let me compare sound and they sounded exactly the same so naturally I took the prettier one.
Common with laminated guitars. There's not much variance in the way plywood sounds. It's a completely different game when you get up to solid wood guitars.
@@todddammit4628 GS Mini has a solid top
There's a disturbing trend we've identified going on with guitar sellers, they think the can preach to customers so they buy a used guitar at full price that has been hanging on the wall played by every pimple faced tween for the last 6 months...
Was at Guitar Center a few weeks ago. A bunch of teens grabbed a few guitars and started pounding on them trying to sing Taylor Swift. Thankfully I was in the other demo room where they keep the nicer guitars locked up.
@@darktater2020 She was Taylor Swift ;-).
Indie shops don’t have that problem. Never buy a guitar you haven’t played, unless your ears are garbage and don’t hear the difference.
You guys are being very polite about this. I worked at GC for a decade and I learned this first hand as well. We would routinely have 5-6 J45s, 3 were HORRIBLE, 2 were alright, and 1 was magic. Can't tell you how many times I had a customer play the magic one on the floor and go home with one of the trash 45s in a box. I was happy to do it honestly. Anyone who doesn't appreciate the nuances that can happen from guitar to guitar doesn't deserve to own a special one. Also its way less work to go to the warehouse and grab the one in the box than to sell the floor model, which required finding the case (a nightmare), and then busting out a new one to replace it (printing skus, price tags, locking it up, inventorying the case, etc). Sure bud, I'll grab you the one in the box, enjoy your hot turd.
How do you know they were trash if they were still new in box? "Magic" is subjective, what you think is magic might be trash to someone else.
@@sabinfire Because we've had customers demo them all at the same time. And no, there's much more objectivity here than that. But hey, it's cool if you don't believe me. Someone's gotta buy the crap guitars.
I purchased a Taylor AD12 about a month ago, I was trying out the floor model and it was nice, but not quite there for me. The sales person decided to bring me the new one in back just out of the box so I could compare. I ended up with the new one as it was exactly what I was looking for. I tried them both out though. I don't think I could buy a guitar without playing it first.
I must admit, when I started playing guitar and knew nothing about it, I did assume that all guitars of a certain model would be identical and I would think, “I want a brand new, untouched guitar still in the box”, but now I’d never approach buying a guitar like that.
I have played multiple guitars of the same exact model. One had magic; the other left me cold. I can’t explain it. It’s just the way it is. You find a guitar you connect with, you grab it and don’t look back.
I agree with you 100%. Just purchased a new 414-ceR and picked the 2022 over the new 2023 because it had the sound!
You guys so nailed this. Each guitar is its own person. Just like we all have a difference voice, so do guitars!
I have no problem asking for new. Guitar Center tried to sell me a beat up floor model when I wanted to buy a Taylor AD12e. Forget that.
I agree with everything that Chris and Cooper are saying, every guitar does sound different even if its the same model. I have never bought a guitar in a store at full ticket price. I always ask politely for the best price and have gotten the right price everytime for me to buy the guitar.
Unless you play the guitar blindfolded, you can always inspect the guitar thoroughly before you make the deal.
I do understand the folks here that want a brand new in box guitar because I was one of them folks years ago. I was uneducated and don't understand that every guitar is slightly different and needs setup from shipping. It's videos like this that will hopefully spread this knowledge.
I recently bought my next level acoustic guitar at a local shop. Tried several guitars and found some I liked, notably was my Yamaha FGX800C (special thanks to Alamo Music videos for helping me find the sound I wanted). I came back a few days later and remembered the ones I liked. When I tried it again though, I was very displeased with the tone. Turns out they had 2 models that were on the floor and I had played the other one before.
When I went to purchase some time later, , I asked a worker to help me determine the differences, since the quality of workmanship on both were equally impressive. Everything was the same, except the sound.
I chose the one that had a darker tone and am very pleased with it. That was my preference though.
- - I love the videos! Thanks! - -
I agree with you guys. Unless it is scratched up or something is obviously wrong, I wouldn’t think of considering it used. But the store should offer to set it up with new strings if the buyer asks for that. Buy from stores with great turnover and you will not have an issue. And as someone who test drives guitars a number of times, almost everyone guitar player is cognizant and handles the instrument with care
Relatively new to the game, but have purchased two new guitars this year. One is from a boutique guitar shop where you need an appointment to look at the guitars. Without a doubt, every guitar is treated with care. Then, purchased a 'demo' from a big box retailer and got a slight (~9%) discount. Knowing that thousands of people have played that guitar, a discount felt good. Both are limited editions - anything wrong and I can't 'get one new in the box'. Indifferent, I think where you buy matters and mentally changes the 'demo' effect. I might feel different in a few years as I learn to appreciate different tones and characteristics of each guitars' voice, but those are my thoughts now. Cheers!
I would be the person freaking out and refusing to purchase if you opened a guitar that I special ordered. that right is mine.
Lol so you're just a collector, not a player.
@@todddammit4628you can be both. I don’t understand your argument. You can’t be a player but also keep your possessions in good shape?
I completely agree. Every guitar sounds and feels different. I have an 810e that I love, but, I still miss an 810e that I played regularly at a church that I left behind many years ago.
Being in Musical Instrument Retail, I get this ALL the time. It's fine with me if any customer doesn't want the one on the wall, but all of them are individuals. The next one will be different than the one in your hands. That's true of Taylor, Martin or Gibson.
Ok so I agree with everything . But, be aware that sometimes buying in the store can cost a person several hundred dollars more. I am an example. After selling my D-28, I realized I didn’t own a guitar anymore! I had been watching you for months and decided that perhaps the AD27E may be a good guitar for me. But, having a 1993 Taylor 812c (which I bought 2nd hand) and found out I hated it. I hated the gold tuner’s. I thought it sounded shallow. So I sold it to buy the D-28 and broke even. When I sold the D-28, I made 500 bucks on it.
So, I went to my nearest guitar center with a list of 3 guitars. Taylor AD17E, Martin D-15M, and the AD27E. Never did I waste the time of any sales people. I was there about 90 minutes playing each guitar over and over. I really didn’t like the AD17E. I had my heart on another Martin but, that particular D15M sounded flat and joyless (perhaps, the strings needed replacing). But, the AD27E set my ears and hear afire. Price….1799.99 plus tax…. 1953.80 out the door.
Went home, called ALAMO Music Center (did you ever hear of them?), got it for 15% less, no sales tax, and free shipping total cost 1529.15 and it arrived in Michigan 3 or 4 days later….and I LOVE. I do miss my D28 but this Taylor is so much more comfortable.
Thanks for all you do, you provide a GREAT service to the music community! BTW, my coworker bought a Baby Taylor from you a few months ago based on my recommendation!
Brilliant video guys. We’re online only but deal with this all the time. Guitars, amps, pedals..
I want an inspected and set up guitar whenever possible 😊
I do too but how do you get that? How do you assure you're guitar was set up from either an online retailer or a physical store?
I don't know any retailer that does a free professional setup as part of the buying process. I'm not convinced any of these retailers do anything more than open the box and give it a once over to make sure it's in one piece, and then let a bunch of people play the guitar.
There’s a local partnership for 3 shops in OKC that are pretty top notch.
They were willing to transport guitars from another shop so I could play side by side.
I wanted the 324 builders edition real bad, but ultimately, the 324 non builders edition sounded better. Even the shop staff agreed, when often typical stores staff push the higher priced product.
When you find good service you become loyal.
two pieces of wood from the same tree just a few inches apart can be very different in grain,, density, etc. Buy the one on the wall that you fell in love with. Should be a no brainer!
Stores complaining about this yet complaining about companies selling direct to customer
I have never bought any guitar without sitting down and playing it at a store. And I've been through quite a few. Each one is distinctive in its own way. Plus you get immediate support for any issues from a local store.
Spoon Phillips and I were JUST talking about this. It's on our "guitar myths" podcast, coming soon. Great minds think alike :) When buying a guitar, you do NOT want to be the first to find out if the Mfr QC passed something they shouldn't have.
When buying my 814ce quite some years ago in the UK, after paying and just before leaving the store I saw a rather noticeable chip in the lacquer on the back of the guitar. The shop were very apologetic said take it home anyway and they would order a new (boxed) one to replace it. A week or so later they called and said the replacement had arrived, so I went to the store intending to exchange the one I had for this new one. Took the new one out of the box in the store and played it a bit. Visually it was perfect, it just didn't feel or sound like the one I'd bought, so I kept the one with the chipped lacquer!!
For me, it depends. If I'm buying a ~$500 Epiphone, give it to me in the box. It's probably not going to be in its final form anyway. If I'm buying a ~$6,000 Santa Cruz, then I want to go there, I want to play it, I want to talk to dealer about it, I want to compare it to other similar guitars in that shop and maybe in other shops too and I want that exact unit coming home with me.
I'm a brand new guitar player. I've done more research than is healthy. I appreciate your videos and those of other YTers. The comments before mine address something I considered: how long has a certain guitar been on the wall of whichever shop I went to? How was it treated? How can it still be justified at "new" price if there is visible damage or even if it's been there a while? I will admit to going to a store in my city to look and not buy but not for the reasons you mentioned. I did it because a guitar I was interested in was only found in one store anywhere near me but it was a higher end model than what I was considering/could afford and it was the only place I could lay hands on one anywhere (and they only had that one guitar, not multiples) to see how it felt (I had a guitar years ago that was also purchased online and it ended up being so uncomfortable to play I ended up selling it and waiting a long time before I tried again so I learned that I have to actually hold it first). I did end up buying the model I was interested in from an online retailer because none of my local shops, big or small, could either: A. get that guitar because of lack of availability (even the shop I visited couldn't) or B. dealt in that manufacturer of guitar. I made my online purchase of my "new" guitar only for it to arrive with an appalling amount of surface scratched on the top. The retailers was chagrined but it still happened. My bigger issue was, and remains, that if I go to any shop as an absolute beginner how am I supposed to know if the one I pick up is for me if I can't play? So then I rely on YT reviews and info and cross my fingers hard that I can make a good choice.
Obviously certain guitars have mojo and (here’s the kicker) IF it has not been abused on the sales floor and is in clean condition I would buy one that has the “it” factor over a new-in-box guitar any day. However, that is not always the case. Even if a guitar is legally “new” because it has not been sold, it may still have damage from being on the floor. Sorry, but if I still want that specific guitar I would expect a discount, or I would order one online that has the full specs and pictures with the security of a generous return policy. I can imagine this is why many stores have gone appointment-only or have locked up their guitars, requiring supervision to play. I understand it goes against the ideal vibe of a music store, but sometimes business concerns need to take priority and people just aren’t respectful or trustworthy enough to be left to their own devices. Gotta keep the lights on and protect expensive merchandise.
The importance of playing a guitar before you buy... The AD12e Ebony was a limited-edition guitar Taylor-made (see what I did there?) for a certain chain of guitar retailers. I apparently happened to deal with one of the few really good ones in the country. When they first came out, I tried out an AD12e and while I was captivated by the look of it, the tone didn't impress me. A few months later, during a visit to the same store, I gave the AD12e another try, and this one made a connection. After negotiating a price, I had the salesman set THAT ONE aside for me, and came back in a week or two to complete the purchase. That guitar has opened up beautifully in the last couple of years and it one of my favorites today.
Gotta agree with you guys on this one and I can approve with Chris' explanation.
True story: I was on the hunt for an FG Yamaha with our local and was trying out a couple of display pieces. I was playing among the 800, 820, and 830. The one that caught my attention was the 820 and it has that "magic" for being a display piece.
I ended up getting it as it sounds great compared to the other two. It had an Autumn Burst finish that looked cool too and with some checking on the finish that added up to its presentation. Sure it needed some setup but man that one was just phenomenal.
You gotta visit and support your local. The best experience in finding that magic is to play and hear the guitar itself.
Think outside the box!
Went to GC 10 years ago with a friend to buy an SG. We did a blind test on every SG they had. We both ended up choosing the same one. Yes there is a difference.
I am now in the market for a new acoustic and played every Taylor, Gibson, Guild and Martin in 2 different GCs. Fell in love with the 214ce but I really wanted a 214e plus. They ordered one for me and I take delivery this week. Fingers crossed.
Give us more Fretboard Confessional!
Know what, this was pretty close to an episode
I had quite the opposite experience. I went into a big box dealer, and played a guitar, and just loved the sound of it. I would say that it sounded far and away better than the standard for its class and price point. I said to the guy working the guitar room, "I want that one." 15minutes of arguing and a manager later, I finally managed to get out of there with the guitar I wanted and not a new one in a box from the back. I always want the one that I liked the sound of. Amps, and pedals... for me its 50/50 depending on how beat up the floor model is.
What great advice
Thank you so much from this 60yo beginner guitar. I’ve been behind a drum kit my whole life.
I insisted that my road worn fender came in a box. I didn't want it to have any scratches!!!
When I walk into my "local" stores, they all come out and say,'hi'. Even if I'm not buying something. I mostly buy acoustics.
Inspected and set up is what I like. I just got an 811e LTD and I’m sure many people played it, but know one can play it like I can.
I insist on taking a guitar for a test drive before buying it. Wood grain and tone really speaks to me and can make or break the deal. I bought a strat online a decade ago and regret that purchase. I look forward to visiting your store someday!
A guitar is certainly not a commodity! As long as it is made from wood, there will always be variance. Whenever possible, I buy my guitars at a store, as I don't want "a" guitar, but "the" guitar I've had in my hand, played, looked at, listened to. That said, with electric guitars I might be more forgiving and in fact I bought a Godin XTSA online, since no dealer in my country has these in store. But I wouldn't do it with an acoustic guitar.
Just because there's a consistency in building, doesn't mean there's a consistency in wood. Every piece of wood is different. The left half of the top is different from the right half even though it's book matched... I totally agree with this. My first guitar buying experience was bad, because I got a guitar "right out of the box"...
I think there is good reason To ask if there are more of the same model in stock. Namely to try them all out and choose and buy the one that fit’s you best
So, a dozen years ago, my spouse and I were refrigerator shopping. I got bored and wandered next door to Guitar Center. I’d been playing the same Sigma that my folks bought me in the 70s and was curious. Played a few-meh. Then I sat down with a 214ce and fell in love. We didn’t buy the refrigerator. 😉 Years later, I have 3 more Taylors and my spouse has one. All started because I fell in love with that first 214ce; I played the other one they had in stock and I already had the right one in my hands. Oh, and my spouse is kind.
I bought an ‘87 American Strat new. I played 20+ guitars that day. The guy tried to give me one out of the back room. I told him I didn’t play the guitar in the box. I played everything they had. I loved the guitar I picked. That’s the one I got. I still have it. I have many guitars, but that Strat will stay with me the rest of my life.
I bought an 816 ce builder’s a few months ago, it was the one displayed. I loved it. After a couple weeks I realized it had a dead spot. It was unacceptable.
I took it back to the store. They had a new one shipped to my house. Knowing that’s a gamble I said okay. At least being a builder’s edition I thought there was a better chance of it being a good guitar. The store said if it wasn’t then we’d order a third one in.
The guitar arrived at my home, and it did not have a dead spot. I really like it. I only kinda wish the headstock was more solid black but the ebony has quite a bit of blonde in it.
I really like those completely black Taylor headstocks.
I want it in a box!! I'll take my chances that way!! I bought a Gibson Les Paul once from Guitar Center. There were issues with the knobs that I didn't catch until I got home. They also didn't even give me the correct case! They couldn't find the case for the guitar, so I was given one they did find in the back. I take it home and all the case candy was open and the pic of the guitar from the factory wasn't my guitar. So I took it back and requested an unopened guitar. I am happy that I did. I ended up getting a much nicer, new guitar. So call me a jerk, but I am going to ask for one in the box. I've bought a lot of guitars hanging too and had a lot of luck that way. Just not at GC. There isn't quality control. And unlike Alamo, I usually don't spend time with any of the sales people. They are usually hard to find and know very little about their products! Bottom line is that if I am putting out my hard earned cash to buy an instrument, I expect it to be in mint condition. Let me put the dents in it!! And don't get me started on buying an amp!! Keep up the good work, Alamo Music. I enjoy your videos and commentary even if I don't agree with you! Oh, I dig the podcast too...helps the time go by at work.✌
Stores should have a place to wash hands easily accessible for those who want to handle the guitars.
Bricks & mortar retailers provide not only products but also services, most importantly in this context the ability to try out an item before purchasing. Doing so costs them money, so if you go into a guitar store, check out instruments, then buy from an online seller, you are essentially stealing the value of that service from the guitar store. As more people do that, there becomes increased pressure for these stores to focus more exclusively on online sales. Then, we all lose out. If you insist on doing things this way because you will save a little money, the very least you can do is say, "Hey, this retailer will ship me one for x dollars, what can you do on your price?" If the difference isn't a ton of money, then buy it from the store that you are in. You'll get it right away (or maybe after a quick setup time), and you will know that the guitar you are getting is not one you will have to return because you have had the opportunity to check it out in person.
As for "in the box," I totally understand the desire to get one that hasn't been out in the store and subjected to who knows what. I am the same way. I would prefer one that has not been out on display. I would still want to pull it out and look it over, and I would see if it needs some setup before I take it home. Some retailers automatically include setup work with every new guitar, but if not, you might see if they are willing to fix some things to bring the instrument "up to code," as it were. If I am buying a demo, I do think that should be reflected in the price, and I might wait for a sale on demos.
I bought my first Gibson from GC and I can definitely agree that no 2 guitars are the same. Got to try 2 SGs of the same model and the one I bought just resonated with me more than the other. I tend to buy stuff online now but I still prefer getting the feel, look and tone of the guitar before buying it.
I bought a GS MIni rosewood plus about 5 weeks ago, it is already opening up sound wise. I don't have a shop withiin 100 miles, so was happy to buy from Alamo, who have been very supportive. When I earn my next guitar (proficiency reward) I'll fly to San Antonio and go to all the Alamo Stores to play and choose. I learn so much from these videos, they are deeply appreciated.
There is absolutely a difference from one guitar to another and it is worth sitting down in a store to find the ones that speak to you. I have gotten lucky in buying guitars online for the most part, but I also do a ton of research ahead of time. But at the end of the day, you will be happier if you set down, play a bunch of guitars, and look for the one that is trying to find you.
I will ass the caveat that if a guitar shops up that is new and is obviously very played in, I will be upset. I have heard of this happening more with bigger retailers. Especially GC more recently.
I watched the guy at my local shop pull a squier cv jazzmaster out of the box, and before he could hang it up I took it from his hands, plugged in, and the bridge pickup didn't work. The guitar felt amazing for a budget guitar, and I said if you fix it, I'll buy it today.... They fixed it on the spot.
Glad I didn't get a "new one in the box".
If I have a guitar that has that feel I don’t want to let it go because a new one in the box more often than not won’t have that feel I just fell in love with
I'm curious if the majority of buyers that want brand new in the box are the result of a poor experience with Guitar Center. I've pulled down guitars off the wall there with scuffs, scratches, and one time a foot print on it. I feel like GC has just made many wary over the years about guitars out in the open.
Yes, this.^^ A guitar on the wall at a small shop is a very different than a guitar on the wall at GC. Because of the traffic at GC, including hordes of kids, the guitars on the wall are quite literally beaten on. I'll happily buy a wall-hanger at a small or boutique shop, but almost never at a GC.
@@heyitsandrewcraft
I completely agree. However, there is one exception for small shops. If it is a very low volume store some of the guitars might be hanging on the wall for years before they are sold.
I used to own a TV/Hi fi shop back in the 90s and this conversation with customers was sooo frustrating. "Have you got one in a box?" "Sure". Monday morning comes round - "I got this home and it didnt work! I'm going to complain Panasonic?Yamaha (fill in your own manufacturer) about your poor service!" "What poor service? You wanted one in a box, sealed. You didnt want us to open it and check it!" On acoustic guitars especially, if you like the guitar you are playing? Just buy that one. THAT one. These guys know what they are talking about. Really.
Ps: I played a Martin at guitar center that had terrible set up and an 1in of dust on it. Something hanging on a wall for months to a year played by tons of people is a hard sell as new. Just saying
If it had an inch of dust on it, it wasn't being played by tons of people.
@@todddammit4628 everyone knows guitars from box stores are trashed and cost more
I’ve played some at Find Your Fit events where I was just blown away from playing them. I can attest to how two guitars of the same model from the same year can sound different.
I agree that take THE ONE you fall in love with, But still give me a box to take it home! I hate it when the expectation is just to carry the guitar out by the neck and put it in the car. Just Hate it.
I have purchased both an open box Taylor guitar, and I have purchased a Telecaster Ultra that was hanging on a music store wall. Both at different times and both are good guitars. I still have them. However both were discounted for being opened and both had factory new warranty. Had they not been reasonably discounted I would have insisted on a “new in the box guitar”. I understand the music stores want to rotate there demo guitars so that one doesn’t get over used, but people simply feel better paying full price on an instrument that is direct from factory unopened. Unless you know the dealer, feel the guitar in your hands, play it, give it a good careful look over, and it’s well discounted, get one in the box! That said, regardless of how well a demo is discounted, if it doesn’t sound and feel great, hang it back on the wall and get one in a box.
So I have attended NAMM 2023 Thu/Fri/Sat. So no Gibson, no Fender, no PRS. Reduced booths by most Manufacturers including Taylor who had a token appearance with no open displays. Bob Taylor said that they and the industry in general are evaluating the need for NAMM and their approach.
First I'm a Taylor Fan and Owner since 1994. As far as I'm concerned Taylor has made very few missteps historically. That said, to me this somewhat relates to the discussion of your video. While many buyers are not pre-playing the guitar they want, aren't Dealers taking a similar approach by not evaluating models first-hand and making buying/stocking decisions? Without giving away too many trade secrets, how does Alamo approach this and how is the reduced NAMM affecting you all?
I visited the MusicStore in Cologne, Germany, and it was the most unusual experience. They had tons of guitars hung on the walls, but all of them were scratched and beaten to death. I was thinking, how are they selling these? Maybe this whole store is a pre-owned section?.. Then a sales rep explained to me that these are all demo models. You pick a guitar, you play it and if you like it YOU GET A NEW ONE IN THE BOX from the warehouse. And given the state of the instruments in the show room there's really no other viable option, unless the buyer is happy with scratched and chipped finish. And buyers seem to be ok with the fact that they never tried the instrument they actually end up getting.
Playing in the store really helps, even with electric guitars. The more expensive ones are usually higher up on the wall, or locked so they don't get banged up and dropped by the swarms of teens whose mission in life seems to be turning every guitar in the store into a road-worn heavy relic style at the local GC.🎸
The way I picked a guitar is I went in with enough money to buy any guitar in the store. I tried big brands like Martin and others but I wanted to get the one that sounded the best to me in the store. I settled on a Guild because it sounded the best to me. The fact that it was cheaper than the Martin didn't bother me at all. It was the one that sounded the best to me. That was 1977 and they said that the guitar had been in the shop for a year. It had cherry finish and I think they said that it was mahogany. Unfortunately, my house flooded and the neck cracked in half while I was at the shelter.
I did NOT ask for one in the box because I knew that it might not sound the same.
I ordered a Strat from my local store but they did not have one in stock however one of their affiliate stores had one and it was shipped to the local store. When I picked it up, it was delivered in an old hard case and I was asked to inspect it for flaws as it had been on " the rack" as a demo model. All I got was the guitar, no tremolo and no Allen wrenches, they did give me a tremolo arm from their stock, but overall I would much preferred one in an unopened box.
I love a floor model discount. Usually played in and set up as well.
Out of the 10 guitars I have, I bought 7 online, for 2 reasons: the ease of return if I was not happy with it; more importantly, 24 month interest free financing, not offered at my local store.
These comments are unbelievable. I play guitars in the store to find the one I want, sound, setup and wood grain. One time I spent an afternoon playing 4 of the same model limited edition to find the one I wanted. Every guitar I have bought online is no longer in my “herd”. The comments of my salesperson have been incredibly helpful in making a decision. I have played a guitar for 20 minutes and bought it, and agonized over one for 6 weeks. Both are among my top guitars. I totally agree with Chris and Cooper’s analysis and conclusions.
I purchased a Fender Player Strat Plus Top from a local big box store. They don’t keep anything that comes in the box I was told. (how difficult is it to take everything in the box, throw it in an envelope or zip-lock, write the guitar serial number on it and put it in a filing cabinet? Anyway, I had to wait thirty minutes for them to try find a tremolo arm for it (which had different color plastics, but that was all they could find). Not to mention, no discount for the small ding in the neck, it had cruddy strings on it which they wouldn’t replace and greasy looking fingerprints all over it and I couldn’t even get a light setup done on it. So, yeah… I’ll ask for new in box every single time.
In Sacramento Ca, most guitars on the wall are dusty, dirty, sweaty (yes even have visible dry drip marks) dings, dents and scratches. The dealers won’t mark them down, so yes I always ask for a new one in the box. I can’t tell you how many of them have had some kind of damage I missed at the store.
Guitar stores are now saying no we only have one. And I get it, but when you are spending big bucks you want it to be perfect, not something everyone in town has had in their hands.
When I order a guitar from one of my reps they know to send me one from the warehouse not from the store. Most times the store will send the worst example they have. I have sent many back that were obviously demo guitars, but I’ve also got a couple in the box, that had damage right out of the box. Regardless of whether I buy in a store or from one of my reps, my luck is far better new and coming straight out of the box. As a buyer you guys should understand my point of view. I understand yours if it’s a very expensive guitar.
Just got my Taylor 214ce qs dlx it was hanging got it online couldn’t be more happy with Alamo and the guitar looks and plays great thanks had a demo on it that’s what sold it keep up the videos
I purchased a new Martin 000-18 in a box from a local dealer only because the floor model had dents and scratches. This was a little back when they were back ordered so I figured the fact that they had one in stock in a box meant that it was meant to be. As it it turns out, the guitar is great. I got lucky 🤓
A guitar hanging on anyone’s wall is not a new guitar IMO. Unless you want that opened guitar to be an ornament in your show room, don’t open it. I don’t need a dealer to open my guitar up to check it and see if it’s ok. If it’s not, I will return it.. Most people have done their homework on youtube or internet to know what they want before they even go to a guitar store for a new guitar.
That crap of falling in love with the one particular guitar is a joke. Unless you’re buying some kind of custom guitar, they are all pretty much the same.
The wood grain is the only reason to chases, seek out, or buy one that is not in the factory sealed box.
The last 5 guitars that I purchased were from online retailers and they came new in the factory sealed boxes. I couldn’t be happier..
Gives me a special peace of mind knowing that nobody else has touched my new guitar.
My new 812ce 12 fret was picked out at the factory as a "special guitar"...It does sound better than all that I tried and is full of "bear claw" marks (eleven marks are easily visible and some minor ones show close up). At first I was aghast when I saw all the marks. I thought bear claw was bad for tone, that you need straight grain...I was wrong, as was pointed out in this video, bear claw seems to add to the tone. Just this morning I was blown away practicing with my new favorite. The more I play the better it is sounding.
i worked in tom lee in canada.. i never heard this circa 00s.. but its a trend thats been happening since post covid.. still i agree with consumers.. the guitar thats been used by many people is not new and should be marked down..
I’m torn on this subject. I get it, you should definitely buy the one you like and heard and played. But that same guitar has been in the hands of many other people who have also played it. In my mind it’s no longer new and the price should be reflective of this. Maybe it should be priced as a floor model? But I also don’t want to pay full retail price for one in the box that I’ve never heard. I think you’ll continue to hear this time and time again. I’ve always bought my guitars online (even tho there are stores close by) b/c ultimately I want mine untouched.
Interesting topic. For me, I wish I could buy 'off the floor' every time.
Guitar stores (mostly) put the effort in to look after you, and with that comes a cost to the business... meaning that there is often additional mark-up on products. The issue I had was that when I was looking for my american pro strat... I was testing a guitar instore, fell in love, BUT it was over £300 more expensive vs a reputable online store. I couldn't justify that extra cost when I SHOULD be getting a standardised product at that price point.
Also, as a lefty, good luck getting guitars to actually demo instore 😅 I've played some guitars instore that are covered in dust with rusty strings due to lack of interest... no chance I'm buying that one
After 25 years of playing and buying guitars, I went from where your opinion is to being the new in box guy. Once you’ve become a great player, can do your own setups, and are only looking at the highest end guitars… the odds are extremely high the guitar will be great with zero or minor adjustments you can do yourself. The magic thing is way overrated outside cheap guitars that can and do sometimes have a winner. Sure those stand out against the comparative crap line they are a part of.
For high end guitars, I go in seeking a specific tonality and then do heavy research with studio monitors and headphones, absorbing every available sound clip/video. Once I’m confident on what I’m hearing, I buy a brand new boxed version at the best available price online and have yet to be wrong (because I know what I’m listening for) and have yet to get a bad one (because I’m buying top tier). .
So really it depends where you’re at. If you’re a new player looking at sub 2k guitars, yeah you might benefit from finding the best one to maximize your minimal ability/finances.
I have never and will never ever buy a guitar that I haven’t had in my hands and played. Especially acoustic guitars. I left a Martin HD28V at a shop one time that had a specific sound, went back the next day, it was sold and I spent 10 years until I found a guitar that sounded like that particular guitar.
It’s funny because I totally would ask for one in the box but I never have. Like you say, when a guitar fits you it’s not a subtle experience. If you’re thinking about a stuffed up one in back then you’re not fully in the moment.
If you're going to charge me a new guitar price, then I want a new guitar in the box.
I once bought a new car with only 57 miles on it. The next new car had only 3. Usually a new car has over 100 miles showing. I may not test drive it, because it is a car and can be fixed.
My last guitar, I drove to North Carolina from Kansas City to check out. It is great! Sorry, but you don't carry the Martin CEO 7.
I agree with everything said. It seems y’all’s store has a lot of options there too. There are about several GC stores within a 70 mile radius from where I live. I tried to give the smaller guys a chance 1st but many of them have off brands and other brands such as Alvarez or Ibanez as their main sellers. Any of the other brands they would have to order. Which I found frustrating. Also, at the GCs the ones I like (Mahogany or Walnut back and sides) in particular may not be there or available but Rosewoods only (which I don’t care for). Or if I’m looking for a cutaway dreadnought and all they have is Grand Concerts (I do like Grand Concerts btw) then that would steer me towards buying online. And buyers remorse IS a REAL thing! Which mainly happens when purchasing online LOL! “This one didn’t sound as good as I was expecting…” or “the playability is not that great…” Or if you like to sing to the acoustic as I do this takes it to a whole new level of picky. “Well this one sounds good but not with me singing”
I have a feeling that it's going to take a long time for me to find a guitar that sounds good with me singing. I hope such a thing actually exists.
@@javatar1900 Yeah probably just be being picky on the guitar it’s self. But I notice a difference when I play a smaller body versus a full size dread for grand concert. Not a fan of the smaller body guitars for that matter. Also in favor the sound of mahogany over Rosewood style back and sides.
@@jasonkennedy2348 I was at a guitar center a while back, I really wanted to try a Mahogany guitar. they didn't have one in the Taylor room, I should have asked about other brands.
Most of the time the guitar you like from a wall in the store, they will not allow you to have it even if you're willing to pay for it. Instead they get one from the back end that's inside a box and sell you that, which, will be totally different even if it's the same model. And you need to have it setup inhouse at the store,hopefully for some discount