Why your favorite guitar shop might be closed to the public 

Guitar stores not open to the public is a bad trend. Each guitar is unique and buying sight unseen is not what I’ll ever do. I am bummed by this trend. As a working musician, I do buy expensive instruments from time to time. I have to make sure they are great instruments before I spend my very hard earned money. I can’t afford the risk of sight unseen. Thank you for keeping your doors open. It is a net good.

If you go to a shop by appointment you feel like if you don't buy something, they're probably cursing you under their breath when you leave. You feel like you're inconveniencing them, you can't have any privacy, and whatever you play- everyone is listening. This isn't a problem for someone like me who has played for over 30 years- I don't care- but I remember a time when I did. I remember being embarrassed going into the music shop, trying to hide, trying to play as quietly as I could so no one would hear it, etc. Every guitarist goes through this phase- it's just part of learning to play- or at least it used to be. I learned a great deal going into music shops and watching guys who had played much longer, asking them to show me songs, etc.- that will be gone as well. The first band I was in, I answered a posted ad in the music shop- "Wanted- Guitarist who loves to play loud, must have own gear, no druggies, etc." That's about all I remember; it was the typical band posting back in those days. But yeah, that will be over to huh? Probably already is- what a shame man. I no longer understand the world I live in. I hate to say that, I know it sounds cliche- but it's so true, and it feels really weird. I guess that's supposed to happen though- things always change. It's not that I can't follow what's happening- it's that I can't understand the motivations behind it.- the reasons ppl do what they do. And even when they're explained to me- I don't get it because I can't relate.

Outside a few niche cases the individual shops who close their doors will eventually be outcompeted by the larger stores (ex Sweetwater) and will eventually go out of business.

Being able to put your hands on actual gear and play guitars and instruments Is the number one draw of bricks and mortar..it should be encouraged at all cost then those sales people should seal a deal 🤘😁🎸

Watching your videos the past few weeks I’m learning about all the “rules” for guitar stores. There is a contradictory message of “welcome, have fun” and “ don’t do any of these things”. I know you are not intending for that message to come across, but I find myself thinking that way now. I miss the days of thinking all I had to do was not play Stairway and occasionally buy something and I was a good customer.

Visited Rudy’s Guitar in Soho, NYC a couple months back and the doors were locked. I knocked and they let me in no problem without an appointment. They told me they lock the doors because of grab and run thieves who are ruining the shopping district.

I loved being able to just walk in and be amazed at your collection last week. Still daydreaming about a Strat I saw

If a guitar shop is not opened to the public, theyre not opened to me. There are enough guitar shops that are opened tot he public so I don't need to go to the few that aren't, unless there is a very very boutique product that they have, and even then; reverb with return policies exists for that.

If a shop is going to go online or appt only, then they should take the time to unbox every instrument, and photograph it well, weigh it, measure the neck, etc so that prospective buyers aren't surprised. I'm very picky about figured tops being symetrical/bookmatched with no dead spots if I'm paying premium prices, so I want to see exactly what I'm going to get when I open the case. I also have an adult/old guy back, so weight is important to me (nothing over 8lbs 0oz). Wildwood nails it. That said, sometimes you just need to play a guitar to see if you bond with the neck profile, vibe, etc to figure out what you want/like and brick and mortar shops are the place to do that. And if I rely on a LGS to let me do that, that's where I'm going to spend my money.

You've got to bring those young Squire players through. In 20 years they'll be the next generation of custom shop buyers.

Holy Grail still stands as a classic. It's still good. Absolutely.

Appointment only? Just makin us go online. It's ok but sux. I need tactile...we bought an amp yesterday that we would have never considered if it was online.

I don't know about an appointment, but calling ahead would be cool. I don't blame anyone for being hesitant to leave the doors open, I about crapped when the guy at GC told me about losing 5 nice acoustic guitars in one day to three theives. Crappy People Ruin Everything.

I think that the root of a lot of this is the lost art of customer service. I have walked out on making a $10K purchase on multiple occasions because someone acted like “spend money or get out”. I don’t look like I should be able to spend that kind of money, and I’m not the best player in the world, but I love to play and collect guitars. However, I don’t buy online and I won’t buy from someone acts like they don’t want me there. That’s why I primarily go to Tone Shop Guitars in Addison, TX. They know me, and they know how many times I do walk out with a $6K guitar and a vintage amp.

I work around the corner from a Guitar Center. A number of the people I work with are bona fide musicians and then there’s me who’s a hobbyist. I happen to work in an outpatient surgery center, not that that matters. We typically have COB at 3:15 PM if all the cases are done. We have often had groups of 4, 5, or even 6 people head over to this guitar center to have a jam session after work. We’re talking keyboards, drums, bass, multiple guitars, and vocals. The staff there is really cool with us and are generally happy to see us roll in about once a week and lay stuff down because we generally sound pretty good, aren’t playing crap like their typical customers they have to listen to all day, and collectively have spent 10s of thousands of dollars on gear over the years/decades in this way.

Its a tricky one this, my mate in his mid 60s will think nothing of going into a store and taking 2 hours of a staff members time for nothing but a chat. But the next day or week will go in and spend 1, 2, 3 thousand quid no problem. So where exactly is the line i dont know

From a business owner's perspective, it makes a lot of sense to go appt only. No worry about damaged instruments, thieves, fewer people that aren't really buyers, and fewer staff to keep in store. My favorite guitar shop in the next state over did it at the start of the pandemic. They put all the guitars into cases, took them off the walls, and now they do appointments where they let you pick 4 guitars to try out for that 1hr appointment. Before the pandemic, it was the coolest spot to go hang out on a Saturday with lots of people in there playing and buying stuff. A very good community vibe was in there. In a way, it was a community gathering spot. I'd like to think they sold more gear during those times. They've been in business 40+ years and I've been buying there for well over 20 years. It's also nice knowing I can just drop in when I'm in town. I guess I just want the nostalgia of that old vibe in the shop when I walked in there as a teenager. Building new musicians for the next 50 years will keep music and the industry alive. The local guitar shop is key to this. Thanks for understanding this you two!

It's tough to support your local guitar shop if their doors are closed to the public or if you have to go through the hassle of making an appointment-----will you have to wait in a waiting room too?

My local mom and pops guitar shop in a small college town Upstate New York is still open fortunately but to stay afloat they have to provide many other services than just selling guitars and amps. They hire guitar and piano teachers to give lessons to children, they have a full time tech who takes on almost any jobs some of which are luthier level projects. All this while acknowledging that they have to move on some prices on their instruments and amps to reflect online retailers prices otherwise people won’t buy from them. They’re also really good at embracing the used market and also allowing consignment.

Always interesting discussions from you & today's topic doesn't disappoint. All I know is that the only constant is change. What worked yesterday no longer works today, and what works today will be out of fashion/unsustainable tomorrow. As I see it, a key driver in the guitar/instrument business is the "Best Buy Model." That is to say, many folks go to their local Best Buy to "try out" a TV or a computer or a security system, only then to go buy their ultimate choice online. That is what's happening right now in the guitar world.....play at Casino, buy from Sweetwater. No, not everybody does this, but a significant proportion do. And it is a marketplace reality that the indies have to overcome....or go out of business.

I dropped at Wildwood a few years back while on vacation in the area. Lance was super nice and accommodating. Let me play all the cool things that caught my eye. Even gave my boy and me some Wildwood swag. Love those guys!

Romp room-you just described why I rarely buy a guitar off the wall at Guitar Center. 😂

I'm exactly that guy! I sure can't afford a Santa Cruz, a Lowden, and a Bourgeois, but I sure never miss an opportunity to play one!

I was very disappointed when I found out SoundPure was an appointment only. The thing that bothers me is that is not covered at all on the website… if it is, it is minimal. I really wanted to go try them at my leisure. Not that I still can’t, but I feel like if I make an appointment, I will somehow be the center of attention in the shop. I don’t want the anxiety of trying to play alone in a shop that was somehow opened just for me. Am I inconveniencing these people? What if I don’t buy after the shop going to all the trouble to make a special time just for me? Are they judging me? Screw that. That is just wrong.

Had a really bad experience with Carter Vintage. Went there on my 32 birthday…. Had a SOLID bit of coin saved up and was planning on purchasing my first true vintage guitar. Went to Gruhns first, played a few greats. Met George and found a 68 tele that was stripped that was amazing. But I was searching for a 50’s refin esquire. Carter had one (a blonde ‘58 with maple board) for 19k. I had an appointment, went, and when I asked to play it the salesperson looked at me and said , “yeahhhh we’re not doing that today…” while looking at me like a pretentious little turd that assumed I couldn’t afford the guitar. I had literally sold 4 custom shop Les Pauls and two custom shop fenders… along with save up for about two years for the one. The esquire was what I had my eye on… but never got to play it. If I’d had liked it, I’d have bought it. Went back to Gruhns and bought a great guitar and loved the shop. I will never buy from Carter ever after that experience.

I think this is reference to Wildwood, whom I love BTW. I guess I dont understand how anyone can just purchase a high end $2000+ guitar without putting your hands on it first. For instance, I am looking at Gretsch Pro line Duo Jets. There are a few different options, with different pickups and different bigsby's, along with painted vs. stained necks. If I'm going to spend $2800 on this, I really need to play both versions to see which i prefer. Guitar Center doesnt typically stock these. Anyways, there is value in being able to work through which model is right for me in person. And not to mention how the heck do you buy an expensive acoustic without playing it in person?

A surprising number of my guitar purchases were somewhat unplanned and made while running the racks. A guitar I had no idea I wanted would sometimes catch my eye and just blow me away when I played it. Even when I plan to purchase a certain model, I like to play a few examples of it in the store and get the one that I bond with most. I’ve done “appointment” visits and I don’t care for the attention of being the only one in the store and I can only try 1-2 guitars selected before my arrival. I can’t go on a whim when I happen to get a few hours off but need to plan and schedule ahead. As a result I’ve bought most of my guitars from Guitar Center and only 1-2 from the appointment only store.

When I moved down to St. Augustine Florida, I found the only guitar store in town. I met the owner and told him he was going to be my friend. We have done a lot of buying and Solling together and talk on a reguler Basis. I do not waste his time when he has other customer, but I like to Visit the store and check out the rasant Artikels. Thanks for your vedios!

Shops that are appointment only are off putting. Having an open storefront is way more welcoming and honestly should be seen as the cost of doing business. Appointment only shops come off as pretentious imo. Plus you’re placing more pressure in the customer to feel obligated to buy something.

I stopped doing business with shops open by appointment only. Some people just don’t have time to make an appointment to maybe buy an instrument. I never plan to buy a guitar, it’s always an impulse purchase because I found one so great I couldn’t leave it behind. It’s too bad, used to love Willies American Guitars.

Love my local shop in JAX, Kevins Musicians Superstore. Martin stocking dealer and large inventory. I can try anything I want to and as a result I have taken home 4 instruments, all pro grade (and at fair price). They also are willing to trade for good quality gear and service and staff are awesome. Family run is the secret. Support your local shop if you can. Keep your local music community stronger that way.

You also have to consider the time invested in that boy and his first purchase was an investment for his future purchase of a more expensive instrument and also lessons and incidentals like strings, cleaning kits, tools and upgrades. I still go to the store that did that for me. Also passion is very infectious.

I noticed a lot of people me included go to guitar shops for the fun of going.. NO intention of buying. Literally just to play guitars watch others playing guitars and talk about it. Im seeking a community in these places.. and I think the others are too. My point. If a guitar shop can capitalize on this I think it'd be a powerful business idea. Little place here in Vegas 6 guns does this. Open mic Fridays, barb-q used gear sale Saturday. It's very very awesome and super effective. (were all very very loyal.. Call our selves "6 gunners" etc..). Setup a little coffee shop.. Play room, come play guitar, stage, etc.. I think this would be a super popular place anywhere guitarists live.

After the recent videos at guitar center, I wouldn’t want crazies in my shop either. They might try to trash the store or inventory.

I have a private guitar repair. I work on an appointmabt basis. That way I can control who enters my doorway.

I would buy a guitar directly from the manufacturer sight unseen before I go to an appointment only shop.

Well closing to the public only gives more incentive to go thru Sweetwater or another online retailer. Should people play things they are not serious about buying, no; but anyone who actually plays guitar know there are so many differences between different pieces. Why would I go thru say, Wildwood guitars, and get made to feel like a burden for only asking questions and the second they get the sense you're not a buyer immediately, they're out. I have never had that experience with Sweetwater. Some players feel out things before they buy. I have had great customer service thru Sweetwater in every sense of the word where customer service from actual stores is hit and miss. Many shop owners make you feel bad for even walking into their store unless you have a few thousand on hand and you're ready to line their pockets. Guitar/Music shop owners themselves and irresponsible musicians have created a large space for Sweetwater to flourish .

This is tough, I see both sides… at the end of the day, bills have to be paid. I have no desire, or need, to try out a Murphy Lab, or Fender custom shop. They’re cool, but even if I had the money, they don’t interest me. A LP standard, and an American Fender below $2000 from Sweetwater are just fine - probably more than fine for what I’ll ever do. If it’s messed up, return no questions asked. It happens, so be it. I think part of it is this fascination with finding the “right one.” And, there is something to be said about finding it (sometimes at random), as opposed to ordering on a website or a phone call and it shows up 3 days later.

My Local Music Store, which is unfortunately also the only Luthier around doesn't do that thankfully. I can always go there and check out and play some guitars. But I always at least buy 1 one or two packs of Strings or other small stuff a guitarist might need. I cannot drop 2k on a guitar spontaneously. But I like to get a feeling of what I want next. So last year, I was contemplating getting a Tele. I've always wanted a Fender, and I like the Tele. I went there, talked to the guy straight away and told him, that I cannot buy today, but that I am planning to spend my Christmas Bonus next Month, and that I need to try some guitars to make up my Mind. I also made clear, that I will buy it in Store and not online somewhere else if he spends time on me as a customer. We talked a lot, and he was super helpful. I found a guitar I liked. 1,5 Months later, I went there, that same guitar was still available and I bought it straight away. That would not have happened if they would do appointment only. Because even tho I was able to drop 1,5k on a guitar, It doesn't mean I do it spontaneously. Thats still a fuckton of money.

The biggest reason I stopped going into GC was all the people sitting in the main room playing horribly and loud. And then none of them buy anything.

I had a store say I couldn’t strum the guitar because it was expensive!? It was a 1k guitar, so I went home and ordered it online and haven’t been back to that shop since.

I'm thankful for the favored local guitar shop celebrating 25 years in business this year. I've been giving them my hard-earned money since I moved to Portland almost 10 years ago. Dedicated and knowledgeable staff, good selection (Fender, Gibson, PRS, Gretsch, Taylor, Breedlove, and a few more), and plenty of amps and accessories. Sounds like an ad or decent review... 😂😂

You guys make my day! Love these videos, great personalities, great humans! Cheers fellas 🤙🏼🇨🇦

A SURE FIRE WAY TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS !

Honestly I like the idea of appointment only. For most smaller things I'll just shop online and return it if I hate it. It's a Classic Vibe P bass. It works or it doesn't and it needs a setup anyway. There are 5 people that are more than happy to buy it sight unseen. The salespeople have better things to do than babysit while I hem and haw.

Its a good idea because you don't want tire kickers , Watch stores in Europe do this - appt only . Good Idea . New guitars become used once several people play it - scratches and all . Amazon is taking over .

I'm 100% here for that. Local stores = higher prices and a smaller selection. Their used section is low margin trash That's decoration for the walls. The high margin and valuable stuff is on Reverb either by the original owner or the shop owner. Local stores should be boutique shops with boutique merchandise in impeccable shape. That just isn't possible when every lookie loo with a pulse is jamming on it.

I just watched your video regarding most mayor brands going direct and that reps are not visiting the way they used to visit... I could be wrong, but having to deal with customers is the only reason to exist as a store, if not, just throw all your stock on reverb and sit back and digitally start haggling out the price. I can understand and appreciate that no store owner is looking forward to 100 bored teenagers coming into a store and just causing havoc, so there having some kind of store etiquette policy would make more than sense, yet only opening doors if you are on the guest-list to me sounds stupid.

I was in an upscale Petaluma CA guitar store, heard the staff badmouthing reliced guitars. I was selling my old gigging gear so as. A possible gift to some young Nashville kid that knows what he’s playing, I walked in with my Kevin Heffernan Thin Line Tele & a 1970 Fender Twin Reverb for them to make an offer. I didn’t tell them it was a custom guitar & they probably figured I ruined it at home. They offered a pittance, probably knowing the amp was a hot item, but they ignored the guitar. I took their offer & I still day dream that some young Nashville hopeful walked in to that store, recognized what that guitar was & got it cheap. Walking into a guitar store is a treasure I hate to see evaporate, but I’m really old & calloused.

If more stores can offer extended payment programs with zero interest it will bring more purchases. I have made several purchases that I could never make but, because they were made though extended payment programs, they became a reality. Yes, I couldn't try the instrument until it was sent but, if it didn't feel right, it was easy to send back. I would love to have the same program at a local shop and be able to interact with the owners and instruments. I hope this will become more of a reality... Love what you guys do and will get to your shop one day...

I think I will always prefer to walk in a shop. Simply, for the story you told at the end of the video. I still remember the first guitar I was able to buy for myself at Chuck Levin’s when I was in high school. It was such a great experience and that guitar is still my number one today!

Many museums, firearm research collections, and library archives are now by appointment only, as well. Perhaps for different reasons, but I thought I'd add my irrelevant info.

Congrats on the R0. Nothing wrong with clearing out a bunch of average gear for something you really love. It sounded like bridge pickup had a real Tele quality to it. Very nice.

I think appointments only is for exclusivity. High end auto and watch shops and the like do this now too. It’s supposed to make you feel like the one I do believe.

I get where your coming from but let’s say I am a fan of the channel and come through and would like to see the shop? There have been many times that I plan to visit small shops when I’m in their area because they’ll have things that I’ll never see in my local store.

Any store, regardless of what they sell, if they were previously open to the public, would not get my business if they did this. A guitar store isn't a doctor's office or a beauty shop. It shouldn't matter if I'm only there to look, spend $300, or spend $3000.

I'm a southpaw and many shops have little or no left handed models. So i buy online. It really sux when you have to buy a guitar just to try it.

Why open a shop with a physical location if your going to do appointments only? To me that is just lazy. Music Zoo, Southside Guitars, and more are like that here in NYC. I guess the good thing for my bank account is that I just don’t buy guitars on a whim like before-but I think ultimately worse for the retailer.

I'd say if an independent guitar dealer wants to work by appt only, he likely doesn't need a lease/storefront. That dealer can likely work out of a smaller cheaper space and increase online sales. Weeding thru the looky lou's has and always will be the the utter bane of retail.

I go to guitar center by my house every month or so to check on the used section to see if anything I'd want is there and they've never come around asking if I need help. Well once a guy did so not never but close enough. I've bought an amp and guitar there before too so it's not because I won't buy anything.

I appreciate why the stores do it, but there are some cases where it's disappointing. If I make the drive up to Nashville, it bums me out that I can't just wander into Carter Vintage anymore since they went appointment only after getting purchased by North American Guitar.

So I have a local shop that is appointment only. The only thing that I really don’t like about it is the simple fact I really believe in support local, but when I don’t have time to book an appointment for a set of strings, cables, or pedals ect. I’m going to GC or sweet water for such purchases instead of that money staying local. Sure if I have a big purchase I will make the appointment, but I’d prefer to even go to a true local shop for me little purchases too.

Do a show on silly reasons why people return gear. My favorite, that happened several times. "Ummmm.....my wife said I have to return this.".

My worry about this has always been that some customers will be more equal than others. And how much you want to spend will determine how soon you get an appointment.

It sounds like all those small shops that do that are going to put themselves right out of business.

Shoutout to Grayson’s Tune Town in Montrose, CA for letting people try out their guitars and pedals. I do understand the risks why shops are appointment based only.

One of the only good shops locally is Eddie's Guitars that is by appointment only but they've always been like that. I guess because they sell extremely high end gear, which is understandable but yeah, its kind of a hassle.

When I visit my local guitar shop, I at least buy strings or something. It’s just courtesy.

The kid who bought the Squire will have a lifelong memory of that day. That is also what creates lifelong customers. Ordering online prevents that core memory from ever being made.

I was in a local music store just the other day. They carry a large line of PRS, Fender and others. I wanted to support this local store. But every guitar I played, about 15 in all, had a bowed neck and the action was too high. Each PRS I touched mostly Core and Silver Sky, was not fun to play. Most of the other guitars had some sharp frets as well. Obviously a humidity problem. Unfortunately it left me not wanting to return again. I know it's difficult for them to keep up with all the guitars. Maybe they make most of their money with pianos and band instruments.

Many people close their doors when the see me coming, no surprise to here :) Keep shining y'all.

Happened to me at Willcutts - was in town in Lexington - had window shopped their site for some time and decided to drive up … alas. They have something on their website now.

There’s a shop like that here in Jersey. Haven’t been there, and no plan to. I know as a customer my job is to buy stuff, but there’s a social element to the hang as well. I bought 2 guitars that a rep put in my hands that I had no plan to buy. The closed door shop can stay closed. I’ll pass. I’d rather hit a shop where I can hang, play a few, maybe that day I buy one, maybe I don’t.

I went to a screening of the Holy Grail at a local theater a couple of years ago. I hadnt seen it in 30 yrs and I was in tears it was so funny

How do you get that cool hair style? Do you stick your head out the window when driving to work or do you stick your hand in a light socket?

We've stuck to appointment only since the pandemic and our customers really appreciate being able to come in knowing they're getting a personalized experience without anyone else shredding while they try to hone in on the perfect guitar. I'm sure we miss some business, but if you knock on the door and we don't have an appointment already we're still happy to let you in. Carrying higher end guitars, our customers can also know their new 3-4k guitar hasn't been shredded on by a bunch of people already. Also, as much as we love to share our gear with everyone, we're only a staff of 2 so a couple of visitors just looking around can set 50% of our staff behind schedule as opposed to an appointment we can plan our workday around. It's not perfect, but there are definitely perks for the business and the customer.

Look,it's gonna happen and when I go out on a guitar safari to get me an R9 I better be able to go to a shop and try it out first. I can tell if I'm gonna like something pretty quickly. I usually look at their inventory online then make a decision to go try it and if it's a winner I buy it

I've never heard of this. Didn't know any shops were doing this. Thankfully not in my area here in California.

You realize this is the end of guitar shops, right? Like trying out records at Tower was, right? Cuz it is....

We have a shop here in the Phoenix area (but not Phoenix) that was appointment only. I had them put in a LR Baggs pickup in well over 10 years ago that was appointment only. It had pretty high end lines and models but it was very bougie. This was a decade before the pandemic and as a player and a buyer I found it all a bit much. I definitely was not his customer base but this shop should have been in Scottsdale or Beverly Hills, that was this level. The guy was both professional but I could see that he was not thrilled I chose his shop to come to either. I felt more tolerated than as a potential future customer. That said he did a really good job putting the pickup in my Epiphone AJ acoustic (it was upgraded with a bone nut and saddle too so not far off from a J-45 in terms of tone) and he did not dig my Americana/ Cow Punk tendencies as I am a basher as a acoustic rhythm guitarist. I got out quick sensing his vibes and thanked him. But I did not feel welcomed there by any measure. So even though I did bring in business to this shop, I was not courted as a future customer. I did refrain from playing any of the high end acoustics and the only interesting guitar to me was a well played older Guild but I am not really too interested in buying from there in the future. On acoustic I am more Americana, Cow Punk, Sad Bastard type of guitar player. I do like a Martin (D 15 dreadnaught) and a Gibson J 45 (has to be the right one) but my Epiphone AJ and my other upgraded beaters/campfire acoustics sound just as good as professional models. I find it funny about that AJ as it is worth well over a grand now just based on the players and songwriters who have signed it, one of which is no longer around. I actually had to retire that guitar as my busker/beater because a few years ago a replacement AJ was the same as MSRP when it came out. Now my main acoustic is a Tawaan made early 70s Yamaha that has a LR Baggs pickup, and bone nut and saddle. This one looks like Mad Max's campfire guitar with a old school pinup on it. I bought both guitars for $100 used and love them both. But for all of my moded low level acoustics that have been moded to professional standards, I am still $400 better off than a run of the mill Gibson J 45. If I am going to spend more than a grand on ANY guitar, I want to put my hands on it first and play it as I would in real life. 😉👍✨

I think offering a gear 1 on 1 workshop is good idea. Maybe charging 30-40$ , allows people to try and get to know products (pedals) ask questions and get tone tips, Without feeling guilty about not buying that second. And stores can offer up time and space without loosing there shirts. I took guitar lessons, I could you lessons in Amps and pedals.

The blue single pickup guitar with a white pickguard in the background. What is it? I need it.

if i have to make an appointment to shop in your store, im going elsewhere.

Trust me, Baxter and the fellas will treat you right. I’ve bought several guitars from them. He’ll hook you right up to a two rock and pull you right in 😂.

#1 sales closing line...."Hey....you gonna buy that ??"

cool Jonathan, where are in Canada are you coming to? I am in Nova Scotia! Hope you have a great time here! At least you wont be here in the winter! The only thing I hate about Canada is the winters! By the way, when asked if you have anything to declare when going across the border, say "Just my great intellect!" rumor has it that that is what Oscar Wilde once said when came to Canada!

Cool story about the 9 yr old and his musical tastes. There’s hope for us yet. I can’t bring myself to make an appointment to look at guitars. I’d feel under observation and feel guilty if I didn’t buy anything.

I was really bummed on last vacay, went to Colorado and sure the rocky mtns are awesome... Wildwood was closed to public. my 1st trip to NYC as a young adult was highlighted by a visit to Manny's. I get it but, it sux.

Soundpure is my favorite shop. Their selection is amazing of interesting guitars. It's not your normal guitar center inventory.

The shops that are closing their doors, it makes me think of those classified ads you see where the seller is like, "SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY. I KNOW WHAT I HAVE." Basically the message being sent by said shops is, "If you're not committed to spending money before you even think about setting foot in here, then you're a waste of time." And what they're totally missing out on is the IMPULSE BUY. How many times have you walked into a guitar shop with no intention of buying anything and then you absolutely fall in love with something and end up walking out with it? Or you fall in love with something and within 3 days you're back in there buying it? So yeah, if they're going to go to an online only broker, that's fine. Then just close the bricks and mortar shop completely and sell guitars out of a warehouse and drop the pretense that they're a "cool" mom n pop guitar shop (looking at YOU, Willies Guitars in St Paul). Guitars (and amps) are expensive purchases and a lot of the time the EXPERIENCE of buying it is just as important as the item itself. I think the pandemic demand made it so guitars just flew off the hooks and retailers really haven't had to make any effort whatsoever to sell them in about 3 years now. It's sad that some shops have become so arrogant as to think they don't need to try anymore.

Jack has left Peach Guitars! I'm sure there's big things ahead for him. Maybe he'll come see you for a chat?! Think he pulled out all the stops in his latest demo of an Olympic White CS strat.

Here in the UK you have a better chance of finding a guitar store that is open than finding a doctor or dentist prepared to see you.😊

We only have Guitar Center and Willis Music. I don't care for either. We had a place call Music House. It was great. Wish it was still here in NKY.

I went to Ed Roman's store in Vegas when I used to live there. 2002. The door was locked. I knocked. A guy pokes his head out the door and asked if I had an appointment. No, I didn't. After a few minutes Ed let me in and another guy birddogged me everywhere I went in the store. I got annoyed and insulted. I wasn't just goofing around. I was actually looking for a new guitar. At that point I had owned about 100 guitars or so. I left and never went back. Such rudeness.

I love how the Thumbnail has Johnathan in the "Because Aliens" pose... Why are some guitar shops appointment only? Because Aliens....

JR, where are you going to be in Canada?

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot with the ads!!! Has anyone seen the german kitchen ad here on youtube? Guys over 50 going from 3 inches to 8 inches......Good lord. RU-vid is hard up for cash apparently.

That aqua 335 looks kool but it’s sold. 😀

May God bless you and your corporation…you need it.

I myself would not be opposed to making an appointment at the shop; buying should not be a spontaneous decision; by doing an appointment both parties are committed to finding the right guitar. That way the salesman has time to work with you and find an instrument that is satisfactory . Win, win for everyone.