Guitar Player Blogs - Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

May 25

Written by: GP Blogger
5/25/2010 1:13 PM

    If you play music in any capacity, there is no avoiding that entity known as the music store, where upon entering, one is greeted by an assortment of new and vintage guitars hanging from the walls, enhanced by a surrounding array of amps, effects and accessories. The site of all this gear tends to have an aphrodisiac-like effect upon musicians, yet all too often, it is the attitude of the music store personnel that dampens the guitar-induced arousal like a cold shower. I cannot count the number of times I’ve walked away from a music store wondering the following: shouldn’t buying a guitar or other piece of gear be a pleasant experience and why is it sometimes such an ordeal? And what the hell is wrong with the people that work in these places?
    Please hear me out. I’m not describing all people who work in music stores. Many of them handle their jobs with an aura of professionalism, appreciation and genuine respect for their customers. But in twenty plus years of music related shopping, I’ve found these good-natured types to be in the minority.
    A disproportionate number of music store sales clerks are bitter, sardonic creatures whose cancerous disdain for customers grows each day like a brain tumor. Some exhibit a false bubbly enthusiasm akin to politicians and used car salesmen. Others are void of expression and enthusiasm; depressing, jaded, drowning souls, trapped behind the counter for years, their lives and ambitions fading away like the decay from a Line 6 delay pedal. It is you, the customer, who becomes the scapegoat for this person’s lack of fulfillment with his job and his life. At best, these people are simply a necessary annoyance. At worst, their behavior can turn a potentially fun part of the music process into an unpleasant and morale-damaging experience.
    Here then, are my top three, all time worst music store experiences in chronological order:

Leo’s Music, Oakland, CA, July 1981. I am 12 years old, buying a guitar cable, when the guy behind the counter offers to let me in on a little musician’s secret, something that only the “pros” know. He looks around to make sure no one else is listening, god forbid he should get caught revealing one of the tricks of the trade. Then he whispers to me the secret that, according to him, will make my cable last longer and improve my guitar tone: keep a small knot tied in the cable at all times. Thrilled to have gotten an “insider” tip, I take his advice at face value. (Keep in mind I was 12.)
    A week or so later, I’m at a guitar lesson with one of the Bay Area’s premier hard rock guitar heroes of the early ’80s, Danny Gill. Danny is about to show me a Van Halen lick when he looks down and says, “You know there a knot in your cable?” “Yeah, it’s good for the sound and the cable!” I say this with pride, sure he’ll be impressed that I know the musicians’ secret. He starts laughing hysterically. “Where did you hear that?” “The guy at the store who sold it to me,” I reply. He laughs again. “You mean it’s not true?” “Skolnick, c’mon. The guys that work in these places are jerks. He was putting you on, probably thought it was funny. A knot in your cable? Gimme a break!”
    I have just learned not to trust people who work in music stores.

Guitar Center, Concord CA, April 1996. I walk in and overhear an employee trying to make a sale over the phone. He sounds like a pretentious jackass. Fortunately, I just need a microphone, so this should be relatively painless. He hangs up, places both hands on the counter and flashes me a game show host smile. “Welcome to Guitar Center. My name’s Russell. How can I help you, today?”
    I tell him I need a Shure SM57 microphone. Considered the “industry standard” by audio professionals, the “57” is one of the highest-rated and most used guitar mics of all time. This is true in 1996 and has been true since the 1960s. In 2010, as I write this, it will still be true. “Let me give you some advice, my friend,” the guy says. “The 57 is on the way out. We have much better options today and thankfully, you’ve come to the right place.”
    “That’s ok, I…” Before I can respond, he reaches under the counter and pulls out a different microphone.
    “Check it out. This bad boy is one of the best mics out there. It’s got all the features of the 57 but new and improved. It costs a bit more but it’s worth it. All the 57 users I know are switching to it. You’re really much better off going with this one. What d’ya say?”
    “No thanks, I’ll just go with the 57.”
    “Let me ask you something. What instrument is this for?”
    “Guitar.”
    “And you need a mic for…?”
     None of his business, but I answer out of politeness, “Home recording.”
     “Hang on a sec.” He reaches below and pulls out a different microphone. “Got just what ya need, right here. This mic is made specifically for hobbyists like you. It’s got a higher dynamic range for more control. And we’re running a special on these babies! If you buy now, we’ll give you a ten percent discount on …’
    “Can I just buy the 57, please?” I can’t take any more. That’s when I notice several other employees huddling on the other side of the store. They’re observing us, pointing and whispering. As the overhead speakers play a Sammy Hagar song, Sammy’s voice reflects the frustration I’m feeling. “I can’t Drive…55!”
    All of a sudden, the music stops and a voice comes over the intercom: “Russell to the general manager’s office…I repeat, Russell, please report to the General Management at once. ”
    He beams with pride. “Hang on buddy, got important business, it’ll just take a sec. Anything else ya need?” I shake my head “You sure? Cables? Picks? Strings? I can cut you a special deal if you buy this here mic. Think about it! Be right back...” I roll my eyes, amazed at this guy’s audacity.
    When he returns minutes later, he looks as if he’s been notified of a death in his family. Looking down in shame, he slowly takes his place back behind the counter, He is sober, somber, and reflective. What did they say to him in the back office? “You’re Alex Skolnick.” he mutters.
    “Uh…yeah, I suppose so”
    “The guitarist, right?”
    I nod uncomfortably. “I play guitar, yes. I already told you that.”
    “I…I…don’t know how to tell you how sorry I am, sir. I didn’t know who you were.” Awkward pause.
    “I really don’t see why that matters.”
    “Sir, I truly apologize.” He reaches for my hand. We shake hands and he says, “Mr. Skolnick, sir, I realize your time is valuable. And again, I’m terribly sorry. I’m ready to ring up your purchase now. Would you still like to buy a microphone?” I nod and point to a Shure SM57 under the counter. “I’m going to give you our biggest discount on the price.” He rings up the cash register in a hurry and hands me the bag. “Again, I’m truly sorry. Here’s my business card. If you ever need anything, any assistance, I am here. My name’s Russell and I apologize again. Is there anything else I can do for you sir?“
    I glance around and notice that all eyes in the store are upon us. “Just one thing: you know, it really shouldn’t matter who comes in here. Maybe it’s a 12-year old kid who’s never played before. Maybe Jimi Hendrix is back from the grave and he’s decided to visit Concord, whatever… The point is, every customer in here deserves your respect, ok?” He nods. I leave.
    The next day, a blinking light on my answering machine tells me I have a new message. I press Play and hear the following: “Uh…good afternoon Mr. Skolnick, my name is Russell, I helped you with your purchase yesterday. I just want to make sure you’re happy with your purchase and let you know what an honor it was to have you in our store. Please let me know if there’s ever anything I can do to assist you in the future. You have a good day, sir.” Forty-eight hours later, I receive a new message just like that one. Another one follows a few days after that. I avoid these calls and never pick up or call back. He continues to leave messages like this for about a month.

Rudy’s Music, New York, NY, 2005. The guy behind the counter looks at me as if I’m some stray animal that’s wandered in off the street. Reading the back page sports section of the New York Post, he doesn’t smile or say a word. Stocky, stubby handed and slightly heavyset, he is better suited for a pizza counter than an accessories counter. As the rumble of a hockey game quietly blares from the overhead TV, I ask him where I can find the Gibson guitars.
    “You play?” He asks.
    I tell him yes, I play. And I’m seriously interested in purchasing a red Gibson SG Reissue guitar. He points me to a rack of guitars in the corner and says, “Those ain’t toys, man. You sure you can play?”
    “I play professionally.” No response. I walk to the rack, sift through the Les Pauls, Explorers, and SG’s until I notice a red one like the guitar played by Angus Young of AC/DC. I don’t touch it, yet.
    Eager to play it, I pull up a nearby stool and begin to remove my jacket. The jacket is halfway off when, not even looking up from his paper, he calls out “Remove your jacket, please.”
    “It’s halfway off, already.” I say.
    “All the way off, please.” I’m getting annoyed. Still I put the jacket on the floor and pick up the red SG.
    As my hand reaches for the tuning pegs he yells over “You need help tuning?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “You know how to tune?
    “I said I play professionally”
    “Everybody says that.”
    “Do I look like I don’t know how to tune?“
    “Just checkin’.” He goes back to the sports page. Prick. Hearing me play, he decides I’m worth talking to. He asks if I play locally. I say yes, not bothering to tell him that one of my last “local” gigs was down the street at a place called Madison Square Garden. I also don’t bother to mention that I’m featured in the guitar magazine next to him on the counter, either. Why should I have to spout my resume to shop here? Instead, I just answer his questions politely. But what I really want to do is tell him to f**k off and dump his drink on his head. I decide that no matter how much I like the red SG, it’s not worth it because thanks to this bozo, I’ll always have a negative experience attached to it. I put back the guitar, walk past him without saying a word and leave.
    As I wander through the bustle of 48th St. in Manhattan, the noise of the traffic does little to drown the flood of thoughts flowing in my brain: How does one handle people like this? I suppose I could have opened up the guitar magazine and shoved my picture in his face. Then I think of Julia Roberts’ character in “Pretty Woman,” the scene where she goes shopping in Beverly Hills. I could buy the same guitar from Manny’s down the street, then come back in and say, “You work on commission right? Big mistake.” I decide that in the future, I will not be caught off guard, thrown for a loop, or lose my temper because of someone like this. What I’ll do is calmly inform him that he is not doing himself or his employers any favors with this behavior and that while I may not be one who wears his resume on his sleeve or walks around projecting an aura of superiority, I’m not a guitar player you want to be mess with, either. For the time being, I will tell everyone I know in the New York music scene (and there are many) to avoid this store and hope they hire better staff in the future.
    I’ve often wondered what it is that makes people behave this way. Is it feelings of arrogance? An inferiority complex? A superiority complex? Whatever it is, there is no excuse for it. Music stores exist to serve the higher purpose of art, creativity and expression among civilized human beings. When shopping at a music store, I don’t need to be treated like a prince—but don’t treat me like a leper, either. Just treat me like a person.
    If other stores can handle that, then why not music stores? Can you imagine going to a bookstore and the clerk tries to talk you out of the book you want to buy? Then he tries to get you to buy the one HE wants you to buy? Or he acts as if he’s doing you the biggest favor in the world for even allowing you in the store?
    If you work in a music store, you are the gatekeeper between music makers and the equipment that makes the creative process possible. If you’re a musician yourself, working in a music store doesn’t make you less of one, or less of a person. The negativity spread by behavior such as that described here causes more damage than you can possibly imagine. If you can’t change your behavior, then please do us all a favor: seek other employment and resign immediately.
    Again, these “music store horror stories” shouldn’t reflect on all music store employees. There are some very nice folks working at music stores out there, you just have to look for them. The good ones respect their patrons without prejudging them and understand that the store exists for the greater good. They know their job is to help their customers, not inflict products on them they otherwise wouldn’t buy. And they recognize something especially important: that working in a music store is something to be proud of. If more music store employees felt that way, the music world, and consequently the world, would be a better place.

243 comment(s) so far...

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I am a pro player and buy my share of really expensive gear. I like good stuff, that will never break down. I had a local GC brain surgeon tell me that the Marshall Plexi, model 1959 that was on sale was so overpriced because it was a rare, vintage one made in 1959. And he was the manager of the guitar dept. Uggh. I tried to s'plain that the Plexis weren't made until 1968. He tried to tell me I was wrong. Uggh.

By Joey on 5/25/2010 10:02 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

To play devil's advocate, let's not forget that there are a good many many music store customers that are jerks as well. For every serious, affable musician/customer who comes in, their are a good number of jerks. Like the teens that drop in everyday after school and want to plug in a jam with no intention of buying any gear - forgetting it's a store and not a rehearsal hall. Yea, it's great to support young musicians, but a music store is a business and wear and tear devalues the stock. Or the dudes that insist on diming an amp and playing every lick they know in 60 seconds and then look around for praise and approval - and again without any intention of buying anything. Or the guy who helps walks in and helps himself to the most expensive guitar on the wall and proceeds to drop it and then quickly leave. Or the guy who wants to talk and talk and talk about all the bands he's recorded with and toured with - always uncredited and behind the scenes, of course. And again, he never buys anything. So, yes, there are a good number of jerks working the counter at music stores. And many of them are a reflection of the "customers" they serve.

By Doc on 5/26/2010 2:18 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

On my way to go jam with a friend's new band he was putting together, driving from Nassau County to Queens. I was running late, but I needed speaker cable for my half stack. Stopped as Sam Ash in Carle Place to pick one up. Waited for what I think was maybe 20 minutes, which isn't really bad but when you're in a rush and on your way to Queens feels like a lifetime. Anyway, the sales man I dealt with was clueless to what I was asking him for. He proceeds to hand me a guitar cable to which I had to school him otherwise. I had to take him to a nearby half stack on display and specifically show him what I was looking for. He couldn't get a hold of anyone to help him find what I needed, so he took the one off of the half stack and when he got to the register he couldn't ring it up. So, he calls his manager on how to do what I think they call a "skunk order" which I guess means to key in a price without a UPC. I offered him 20 dollars cash if he would just give me the cable and I could get the hell out of there. Nice enough kid, but clueless. That, and everytime I came in contact with the Geddy Lee lookalike with the hair extensions and the fanny pack who works at the same store. Cluelessness I can deal with. Unjustified attitude, no sir. Not when it's my consumer dollar in the balance.

By Brendan Kelly on 5/26/2010 5:13 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Guitar Center, Sherman Oaks, 2005: I walk in with credit card in hand ready to buy a full blown pro tools system and MAC G5 for a grand total of about $15,000. I speak briefly with the pro audio dolts, who seem confused that I simply want these two big ticket items. They proceed to tell me i'm better of with a Pro Tools LE system, it's better for beginners. Finally I told them i've been mixing records for 10 years, the studios old Pro Tools Mix 24 system is obsolete and i'm looking to upgrade. Then I say, "Now am I allowed to give you $15,000? Or would you still like to convince me to spend $1200 instead?" Idiots!!!

By Jay on 5/26/2010 11:17 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I've met maybe 2 people in music stores over the years that weren't begging for a mouthful of fist. Gotta love the internet. Maybe the people that work at the online stores are jerks too, but I never have to deal with them and find out. Do the people that hire these imbeciles tell them they're not allowed to say, "I don't know"? I feel sorry for anyone that goes there for info and doesn't already know what they want.

By Mike on 5/26/2010 11:37 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Thanks so much for the great comments. This post has been getting quite a reaction on here, alexskolnick.com, FB and Twitter. What amazes me is that no one is surprised or saying "Really? Gosh, I've never experienced anything like that." Instead, there is a universal outpouring of acknowledgment, empathy and sharing of similar experiences. Even music store people, the good ones, are lining up in agreement. What does this say about the music retail industry? We can all benefit by remembering that we're not alone, calling these people out on their bullsh-t and letting them know we're not going to stand for it anymore. Music store customers unite! AS PS I acknowledge the point about some music store customers being no picnic either. Still its no excuse.

By AlexSkolnick on 5/27/2010 7:04 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

oh God, so one day I was at a Marathon Music center in Boynton Beach Florida. Anyway, I saw this sweet Ibanez and so I picked it up and just started playing, then out of nowhere, and employee hops out from behind an amp and he asked "do you plan on buying that?" and then I said "I'm just looking for now" and I continued playing the Return to Serenity solo :). Then he had the nerve to pretty much rip out of my hands and then he said "this is a very expensive guitar, you shouldn't be so rough with it if you don't plan on buying it." after that the same dude complimented me on my playing and then tryed selling me picks and strings. I'm glad I took my business elsewhere. I had another bad experience at a Guitar Center... very long story and I'm not even gonna begin to describe the horror of my experience at that place.

By Rachael on 5/27/2010 8:13 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I have been a customer and an employee of Sam Ash. I loved working there, enjoyed talking to people about gear and trying to help them find the right item to realize their dreams. I never understood the sales guys who threw the most expensive item on customers. Jealousy/angst? I don't know. Nice article!

By Nelson on 5/27/2010 9:22 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I learned electronics because as a teenager all I heard was BS and conflicting info from guys at music stores on Guitars and Amps. I actually feel for people who don't know guitar amp electronics because they learn all this BS and don't know...

By Guytron on 5/27/2010 10:52 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Mr. Skolnick -the next time you are in the Bay Area, do you want a better place to go to than Leo’s or GC Concord?? I live five miles away from the Concord Guitar Center, but i pay the toll and the gas, and schlep to San Rafael to Bananas At Large. Nice store, no hassle no hustle, just guys and gals who know what they are doing. What a pleasure to deal with them!! I am 70 years old and have been playing for a quite a while. (Let’s just say at least I know my way around the dominant 7ths.) I will not put up with the lack of knowledge and the lack of empathy I have found at Guitar Center. I hadn’t been inside the Concord store for a couple of years and went by just last week to just see how it was. Nothing has changed except the personnel, but their traits are still there. Still no sale from me!

By Gil on 5/27/2010 10:58 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

alex--had the exact same vibe at rudy's many times--and i've spent a lot of $ there... rudy--the guy--is as sweet as can be and some of his employess are cool... but i know exactly the type of rudy's guy you so eloquently refer to. thanks for sharing.

By jpo on 5/27/2010 11:29 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Great article. So, this past January 2010 I'm at the same Concord GC. I'm buying a guitar strap for a brand new SG Standard that just arrived at my house (bought at GC) and I also need schaller strap locks. They're out, but the young gal behind the accessories counter (who is really nice to work with and seems to know her stuff)calls a friend who works at another GC, bypassing the computer system wait forever situation, knowing i'm wanting these babies quick before I drop a guitar. She's great, hooks me up, I should get them next day, two at the latest. I stop by the next day, she's not there but some kid behind the counter says he can get them for me. He comes back with a full boxed set of Schaller Tuners. Apparently he doesn't know the difference between strap locks and tuners. I point out to him that someone shipped the wrong thing and can he get it resolved. He looks up at me and says, "well you want these anyways ?". I was floored. Yeah, I could have been a jerk and took them and sold em on ebay for a nice chunk of change, but that's stealing. I felt really bad for that store's owner. Oh, btw, yes, I called the girl who helped me the next day and she got me taken care of pronto. She deserves props.

By Mark on 5/27/2010 12:13 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I have been lucky I guess in my music store experiences. Guitar Center seems to get the worst rap but only once did I have a less than pleasant visit to a Guitar Center and I've been to just about all of them in California and a few in other states. The visit I speak of was in the small Gilroy Ca. store. And that was just a matter of a new employee, probably his first day. I was looking at GK bass amps and asked what the difference was between the Backline and regular series. After carefully scrutinizing each amp his conclusion was that "This one costs more". I wanted to burst out laughing but I just said there had to more to it than that. He said he didn't know. But he was trying his best to be helpful and attentive. Plus he was very polite and had zero attitude. He willingly accepted that I knew a lot more than he did about gear and at the end promised to get with some experienced employees for some education. I gave him props for that. I could probably site some stories when I was very young going into small stores back in the 60's where the owners were old folks coming from Classical, Jazz or Big Band era backgrounds and hated Rock&Roll and anyone involved with it. They begrudgingly allowed you in the store because money does talk. They usually knew nothing of gear and trends. And the absolute worst thing was going into a store and the only strings they stocked were Black Diamond. Those things were like bailing wire...am I dating myself ;-) Oh wait, I just remembered something. Stockdale music in Bakersfield Ca. I went in there and was completely ignored. I finally "confronted" an employee. He looked at me like "WTF do you want?". I asked about a certain stomp box (which I "had" fully intended to purchase). He just stood there looking at me like I couldn't possibly be serious. He lingered to the point that it was obvious that he thought if he stared at me long enough with his face of comtempt I would just go away. Which in essence I did. But not until he had gone to the trouble of finding the box in the store room. I waited till he was a few feet away and then walked out of the store. So I guess I do have a "music store horror story" LOL

By George Loose on 5/27/2010 12:53 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Hi there Alex and any others that may be reading this. I have been a professional musician my whole working life (12 years now) and know EXACTLY what you are referring to in your article. We've all "been there, done that" when it comes to the kind of situations and scenario's you have described above. However, let me offer some input from the "other side of the fence" I opened a private tuition school in my area (I'm in Australia btw...) roughly 18 months ago now and at my wife's insistence, we opted to include a modest retail section in the front part of the premises so that students could purchase all the essentials and not have to go elsewhere. Well, let me just say that the whole "retail" thing has been one almighty revelation. And no, I'm not about to launch into a diatribe or a spray about customers. Generally speaking, most of the people that come in are really reasonable and well-behaved and I treat them as I would like to be treated. For me, the revelation has been the experience of dealing with wholesalers and manufacters! Gee, I thought some musicians had egos??? Some of these guys make the worst female lead singers or bass players you've worked with look like patron saints. Once these guys get wind that a new store has opened up they descend on you like vultures and then circle you like a pack of wolves in something akin to a feeding frenzy. After some time, you give in to at least "some" of their deals (I use the word "deals" in the lightest possible sense) and go ahead and set up an account. You are promised time and again that: "this stuff is walking off the shelves", "it sells itself" and "we can't keep up with the demand" Once you receive the stock, you arrange it on the floor and pretty soon after, you realize that you've been bull-shitted into purchasing something that is going to be anything other than what the wholesaler told you. You then go through the process of watching this product that you've spent thousands on get dusty and go moldy before you have to cut any possible margin you may have had and sell it for little more than cost price. At this point, the wholesaler has sent you to the debt-collector and funnily enough, cannot ever remember giving you any guarantees about the stuff "selling itself" The whole thing has left a sour taste in my mouth but in a positive way has been an incredible "eye-opener" for me. Now like Alex, I'm not saying EVERY manufacturer or wholesaler is like this, definitely not. There are a handful of people I will deal with but they're definitely in the minority. The guys who "screwed us" in the early stages I no longer deal with and as we grow I hope one day they'll come back to me and ask me why at which point I'll happily tell them. So from someone who has experience from both sides of the fence, I can tell you that these music-store guys don't always have it as easy as it may initially appear. Before you write some of these guys off, think about what I've said above. It's easy to develop an opinion based on what you already know but it's a lot harder to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Cheers - Bill Palmer

By Bill Palmer on 5/27/2010 9:15 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I'm a nobody. The ONLY time I have ever had a cool experience at a music store was with the folks at Tall Toad in Petaluma. You want an acoustic guitar...go to Tall Toad Music. No pressure, friendly, knowledable. Everything you could want in customer service.

By David on 5/28/2010 3:52 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I'm not a great guitar player but I like playing and do spend money. I can't get over how rude and ignorant the poeple in the guitar stores are around here in Spokane, WA. We have three main places to buy stuff including a GC and not one of them are willing to help you unless they know you and you are a professional player. Due to this I will soon be opening up a small repair/sales shop that will cater to folks that don't need a $5000 guitar but maybe a $300 guitar with upgrades to make it playable and sound good. The one exception is Rick at Dutche's Pawn Shop who is always helpful even if you only are buying some strings.

By GTS on 5/28/2010 7:24 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Fun article Alex. Its always entertaining and somewhat sad to read these stories of how bad stores and employees are. I think it would be great if you could write an article on some of the positive experiences you have had in music stores too. What good music stores have you been to and why? Have you met some good music store staff? What made them great? There are some amazing stores out there actually doing great things for their community. Lets hear about them sometime too. Probably not as easy a story to write and make entertaining but certainly worth it.

By AR on 5/27/2010 4:11 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

In Upstate NY here we have a few stores. 1. GC 2. Mom and Pop shop with an awesome, helpful attitude 3. Mom and Pop shop with a terrible, hurtful, and deceitful attitude that caters to beginners and rakes their parents over the coals. 4. Mom and Pop right down the middle - a bit of attitude, but helpful enough. I have patronized all of them and still don't know what the key is to, as a customer, taking some accountability. I think being realistic up front about your goals and limitations ($) and time (how long until you can afford the instrument), financing, and everything before asking to try stuff out. Then if they still d*ck you around, it's a bad deal. I had an experience at our GC here recently that was so horrible - the 19-year old behind the accessories counter ignoring me to the point where I did NOT buy the $200 reverb pedal. I went up to Mom and Pop shop with an awesome attitude and got just what I needed before the gig. So, having been at this awesome Mom and Pop Shop a few times, we got on a first name basis. I now go through them for EVERYTHING - even strings. Do they offer discounts on strings? Nope. % off gear? Nope. BUT, they were still $50 less than Musician's Friend when I bought my new American Special. The day I bought the special, my 5th strat, they literally let me sit there and demo strats for hours. I know what a pain in the butt I must have been. I took 3 hours to compare an American Special, a Highway One, a Roadworn, a player's strat, and a used '56 reissue. I had FIVE strats in the demo room for hours. So I go with the '56 reissue, and the employee tells me - uh Andrew , this might not be the best one for you - did you hear that fret buzz? I said yeah, it'll need a set up, and then he said, uh, no a set up won't help, it will need substantial neck work or a new neck based on our eval. It was a store demo. I am sorry we didn't tell you this. SO,I chose the American Special. I can tell you the big box store would NEVER have done that as many of my students come in with warped pieces of crap from there all the time.

By andrew on 5/28/2010 2:03 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Craigs Music in Grand Praire, Tx is Great. you can go in there for hours and talk to Craig. I think he used to play bass for Trisha Yearwood or someone like that. He plays Gilleys every weekend. Anyway he's a great guy and doesn't hassle you or anything. His repairs are great too.I just recently saw Guitar center King of the bLues contest let a guy who had bought a new les paul earlier move on to the store finals while better/superior players didn't. This guy could barely play. ha ha.One judge was a teacher at North Tx State.. Go Figure???

By Dave on 5/28/2010 5:44 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I will never ever buy anything from guitar center in San Antonio, Period. I have been in there numerous times, & each time, I have to tackle a sales person, handcuff him to a pole & then put blinders on him so as to keep his focus on me & what I am asking for. I always give a person the benifit of doubt, but when the wife & I went there awhile back (November 22, 2009 to be exact) My wife was looking to purchase for me a tweed guitar case for my Fender Squier butterscotch blonde telecaster. After capturing a salesman, & explaining to him what we were looking for, the salesman, nods his head, says yep I know what you want, I/we have it in stock, please wait right here, I'll go get it & bring it right to you, no problem. I/we said ok, cool, I looked at my wife & said, gee, guess we got a real salesperson. 20 minutes go buy, & no salesman, & no case, My wife & I are getting a little impaitent, My wife wondered out loud if maybe the slesman went to Sam Ash across the freeway to buy the case, I told her I had no idea, the wife excuses her self to use the ladies room, & then she comes back & says "Were Leaving", I said why, whats up?, she said she saw our sales guy talking to another sales guy, & he was telling that sales guy, that he had to dumb ass idiots standing over by the Fender display, waiting for him to come back & give them a price or bring them a tweed case for a piece of crap squier telecaster, & that they probably couldn't afford a case anyhow, since he only bought a squier & not a real Fender guitar. Needless to say my wife was pissed, as the salesman was refering to us. Now, I could have bought the "real Fender" that the salesman was refering to, but as the wife & I are raising our Grandkids, I really couldn't justify plunking down big bucks, (that I could use elsewhere in my budget) for something that I would use once in awhile.. My wife (who is ¾ Cherokee, found the manager, as we were leaving (he was manning the gate keeper desk) at the front door, & she let him have it w/ both barrels, I was thinking to myself, better him than me getting yelled at :-), What floored us, was the manager didn't even apologoze for the salesmans action, all he could say or ask, was, "so you didn't find what you were looking for? You might try our online store. I told my wife, I wouldn't buy from there online store if they were the only place in the world to purchase from. I have had the best of luck w/ Sam Ash in San Antonio I bought my telecaster from them, plus two mini strats for my older grandsons, they even handled the arangements for my Daughter to pick the strats up in Phoenix, where they live at. The other store is a small Mom & Pop place called "Century Music" the sales manager there is named "Bear" I can never remember his given name, but anyway he is the absolute best, has been super helpful, & has the paitence of Job. I buy all of my strings & picks from him, & there service dept. is the absolute best. Well just my 50 cents. Very Respectfully, J. Gary Bodnar

By J. GARY BODNAR on 5/28/2010 7:40 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

It's nice to see that the "hobbyists" aren't the only ones who hate going to music stores. There's a reason why I do all my shopping on Musicians Friend. I go to the stores to test out the stuff, and buy it from Musicians Friend. Hell, even the mom & pop stores are pretentious. If you walk in with a "non-american made" acoustic, they call you a commie.

By The Great Southern Brainfart on 5/29/2010 12:46 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

My bad music store experience was one time I was in GC in VA. I'm at the mall, with absolutely no cash, so I just head the GC to mess around with cheap guitars. I picked up some cheap Ibanez that was under $100, and a salesman walked over to me. He told me to either buy it or leave, and that got me mad. I had played a $1000 Jackson there before, and this guy is on my tail for one a tenth of the price! Either the fool thought there was another zero on the price tag or he was just a plain idiot, that got me pretty worked up. Thanks for the article, Skolknick, and keep shredding with Testament!

By Nick on 6/1/2010 9:33 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

The Genie is out of the bottle here...I feel compelled to give a shout out to Keith at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, who last month sold me a vintage Tele on a tour. He had no idea who I was and was very helpful. Also, some of the guys at GC Manhattan, esp. Shahan and Joe, are very cool and refuse to surrender to the 'dark side.' :)

By AlexSkolnick on 6/1/2010 12:02 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

PS. And of course, House Of Guitars in Rochester, NY. Great store, great folks.

By AlexSkolnick on 6/1/2010 5:13 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Although all of this thoroughly sucks, it's kinda nice to know that it doesn't only happen to us amateurs. I live in the Netherlands and been to music stores in Germany and Belgium as well and had similar experiences in a lot of them.

By Jorgo on 6/1/2010 8:03 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

It's amazing how many people here feel burnt out by big music stores. My disappointment truly came about when my favorite store manager, Ken Dumelle, one of the finest people I ever met was demoted and pushed out from above. He was a loyal employee for over 2 decades and always reached out to customers like me as a friend or family. He kept the relationship personal like a small business. I knew it ached him when he had to do suggestive sales to me, when he knows that I know exactly what I want. Luckily, another store knew his value and gave him a new home. Back when I started buying gear in the late 70s to early 80s, if you treated customers bad or took advantage of them, you lost customers until the store closed for good. Now, it seems like normal 'business;' even in a rough economy. I'm thankful I know a person like Ken for my gear addiction.

By MDiazjr on 6/2/2010 11:31 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Here's the deal- Skolnick is guilty of the same crime that he charges to the music store employees- that of 'tude. The first example is of somebody playing a practical joke on him. Okay, Alex- get over it, you're a 12-year-old kid, it's gonna happen. The second two "horror stories" have, at their root, the heinous crime of the employees not recognizing "The Great Alex Skolnick Who Shall Be Immediately Recognized And Worshiped By All Music Store Lowlifes". Sorry, Alex, buddy- you're just as guilty of 'tude as those other guys, just in a different way. Get over yourself, you're just a guitar player like the rest of us. Of course, congrats on your last paycheck- it's considerably larger than mine, but it's only as good as it lasts.

By Doug on 6/3/2010 1:00 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island. It's a long way to go, I took the train, the Staten Island ferry and a bus to go there. When you walk in they take your coat and bag and then they leave you alone. It's mostly acoustic and jazz guitars there. You can pick the $10,000 Martin off of the wall and pick on it and nobody will bother you unless you want some help. I was in the room with the jazz guitars all by myself for quite awhile. Pulled the $40K D'Angelico off the wall and plugged it into the amp and nobody came to see what I was doing. I eventually got a Campellone. In addition I have purchased two Martins and a Weber mandolin there. Pretty cool place. Just wish they were up here in Westchester County NY! KW

By Keith W on 6/3/2010 1:01 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I had a bad experience when dumping some good money on a USA Jackson King V at the Guitar Center in Sacramento when the sales rep said the truss rod cover wasn't standard. What a joke!!! Gimme a break a $2000 plus guitar and not a stupid truss rod cover, nor a hard shell case.

By Steve on 5/26/2010 8:46 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I actually used to work at the GC in San Jose, back at the beginning of the Clinton administration. That's no picnic either, as their sales model at the time was similar to what one encounters on a car lot; almost everything tagged with the msrp, sales people forbidden to quote any 'hard' prices, but instead encouraged to elicit "offers" ("how much is it?"..."Well, how much do you want to pay?"), after which you had to take your customer's offer to the manager in back, leaving the customer standing there while you do so. Of course, fully half the time, the guy would get sick of waiting and would be gone by the time you got back. You'd then have the same manager give a raft of shite because you "walked" your customer. I always tried very hard to help people out, find answers if I didn't have them myself...it was never enough for these management types. I even caught hell one time because, having been helpful to a particular customer who was coming back to me frequently for pro-audio stuff, he came in one morning and asked me what my number one pick of the electric guitars would be...I pointed out a $4000.00 PRS Custom that was hanging there and he bought it on the spot. He didn't want anything to do with the guitar guys there, so he bought it from me. What followed was a lot begrudging stares from guitar salesmen, lectures by the assistant manager about not crossing over departments, just a ridiculous grind in every way. There was one store in the area that was a joy to visit, although they are unfortunately no longer around, the owner having retired. Draper's Music in Palo Alto was always very friendly, willing to leave you alone while you try stuff out...never any pressure. They were a Larrivee dealer back when hardly anyone knew anything about them, and they were more than willing to allow me to play these fabulous guitars in their store for a couple hours at a time...of course, I finally bought one from them and it's still my main acoustic. The main point being that I was actually happier paying a fair "customer" price to a cool establishment than to use the employee discount that GC always tried to dangle like a carrot. Guitar Center doesn't just hire pricks...they actively turn these guys into pricks. Needless to say, I finally walked away from it after about 6 months...most of the decent guys that hired on there didn't even last that long...and I rarely saw anyone work there for more than 2 months.

By max ferry on 5/28/2010 3:38 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Our local GC and 2 family owned music stores are not bad. GC is slowly choking the business from the mom and pop stores. Here's my point. There is a small repair shop in town and the owner can be a real turd. He plays only in his shop. I've known him for 20 years and have never, ever known of him playing in a band. I've been in his store when someone comes in for something minor, like a broken tuner or maybe another "quick fix". This dude goes on and on about what a piece of junk their guitar is and that they need to leave it with him so he can make it play right. He also just terrorizes young players. Every guitar player in town has a horror story about this guy. If you make the mistake of bringing up politics or religion, you are in for a real scalding from him. I have seen him just "explode" on people for no reason. A person like this guy could have a booming business but he chooses to act the way he does and have a mediocre business, at best. I used to go in the old Arnold & Morgan store in Garland, Tx. Great place but several of the salesmen were just flaming A-holes. I was a customer who made purchases. I didn't come in to just look around. I really enjoyed your horror stories from the past.

By Bob on 6/3/2010 5:38 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I know exactly where this is coming from, but I have to stand up for Rudy's, which is a place that is mostly out of my price range. I went in there once just to look, it was a quiet day, and Rudy hisself was there and chatted with me for a while about guitars and stuff, knowing full well he wasn't going to make a sale. I think the problem is that people who work in music store are either very short-term, or it's their day job while they try to pursue music at night. Either way, they tend to not care very much or just lack sense.

By Ben Niderberg on 6/3/2010 8:39 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I was a guitar salesman at the Guitar Center in my hometown fer about a year....and the only advice I can offer to anyone looking fer musical instruments is to stay as far away from Guitar Center as you can!....I know it may be difficult in some areas, as they have quite the monopoly now, but go out of your way to avoid giving them any of your hard earned cash....That corporation is founded on principles that their own managers can't even adhere to....if you need stuff....go elsewhere!

By Paul Yacobellis on 6/4/2010 3:54 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Worst experience?...well, there's been a few, but Willcutts in Lexington,Ky. probably ranks right up there. Arrogance and a condescending attitude never make me want to part with my hard-earned money. If you come in with $100 bills hanging out of your pockets, I think they probably snap to though. Best would be Guitar Emporium in Louisville...they're always great to deal with.

By Mike on 6/5/2010 5:39 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

The one with a good selection of stuff in Santa Monica I mentioned in the above post is 'Fulltone' - alas what a snobby attitude !!!

By Karl on 6/10/2010 11:30 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Great stories! My worst experience as a (prospective) customer was at the old Sound Stage in San Jose, CA around 1972. I'd never been in the store before, and as soon as I walked in, the salesman leaped from behind the counter, grabbed a mic stand, and swung it at me screaming, "I told you never to come in here again, you ******..." I don't know who he thought I was, but he didn;t wait for me to explain that I'd never been there before, and wasn't who he thought I was. I got out of there as fast as I could, in fear for my life. Six months later the place was gone--I guess he'd run off all the customers. A few years later, I was in the San Francisco Guitar Center and got corralled by a young over-enthusiastic salesdude, who tried to sell me a new ('77) Tele as a "vintage piece". After I tried to explain to him some of the differences between '50's and current Teles, he stuck to his story and insisted that this thing was a valuable vintage guitar. I got so disgusted that I walked out, and wouldn't go back into a GC for years after. To be fair, there are some decent people working for GC, but the company's hiring and sales practices keep them few and far between. About ten years ago, I was in a band with a bass player who got a job at GC--in addition to playing bass, he was a keyboard and MIDI expert--so, what did they do, but put him in the warehouse! We were always having to find substitute bass players at the last minute, because they wouldn't let him have time off on weekend evenings for gigs--and for that they paid him minimum wage. They finally promoted him to sales in the keyboard department, and put him under so much pressure to sell, sell, SELL! that he finally quit.

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

My worst music store situation was when I went to a Guitar Center in San Diego to buy a Blackstar HT-Dual which is an approximately $250 distortion pedal. It was Christmas shopping time and the accessories area was swamped. But the management in the their lack of wisdom had not added any more staff to help out during this crunch. Anyway a guy was taking up a lot of time for one of the staff while he was buying some guitar strings. Then another dude snaked in ahead of me to buy some small accessory. After being ignored by the sales staff too long I finally lost my temper a bit and asked if there was someone who wanted to sell me the $250 Blackstar HT-Dual effect or should I go elsewhere. Yes that got the sales staff's attention but it could have easily been avoided if the store had brought in more people. I too have met Guitar Store Sales Snob Clerk, Excited Sales Clerk, and the other bad types of sales staff at music stores. But I have met and bought guitars from some very cool people who were helpful and respectful. I bought 3 of my guitars from a guy I know at the Guitar Center in Seattle. He works in the acoustic guitar room and liked buying from him so much I bought one of my electric guitars and tube amp from him as well. I bought my Eastman T186MX from a friend of the guy at Guitar Center who worked at American Music because he recommended her.

By Kerry on 5/25/2010 3:25 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Long&McQuade Victoria BC Canada. I'm staring up at the Custom Shop Strats and Teles... numerous staff at the front counter chatting... I'm hanging around gazing at the $3000-$5000 guitars looking interested... still chatting... I leave. WTF?

By Victor on 5/25/2010 3:28 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Thanks for that! It rang very true for me. My wife, who is a professional classical musician, won't even go into the local chain music store with me. She can't believe the arrogance of the weird losers who work there. I would boycott them myself if anyone else in town had a comparable stock. Many of the smaller places are just as bad as well.

By Mike Daley on 5/26/2010 2:17 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

So true brother Alex. The reason I play the lottery is so I could someday Manage a Guitar Center for free and show them how to move product and have a rabid following of customers. I've had a better feeling being screwed at the drive thru than leaving many Music Stores, especially the snobby ones in the East Bay.

By Kevin Daniel on 5/26/2010 2:20 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

So true, sadly. The big-box stores have made the problem worse than ever - the worst "DON'T TOUCH" places used to be the piano and organ stores. That said - some of my absolute BEST memories were hanging out at Ithaca Guitar Works (Ithaca NY) in the early '80s - the kind of boutique guitar shop where everyone played, everyone loved guitars, and everyone was welcomed. We still had to use common sense not to scratch up the inventory of course, but everyone was ENCOURAGED to play whatever was in the store. It was (and still is, I believe) the kind of place where they watch your back. I remember blasting in there, late for a gig any number of times with some emergency repair or needing a spare axe, and they never let me down. Still have a G and L F100 the owner cherry-picked for me in 1981 or so. My retirement biz is going to be running some kind of "player's" store where everyone is welcomed like that. Even if it's just out of my garage I think players would come to be treated the right way. P.S. Mr. Skolnik, you're an entertaining writer - good job. I'm just wondering why you'd bother with a Guitar Center- Concord or not (and PS - I'm familiar with that location...pretty much the same BS as all of them). Also not surprised Rudy's gave you all kind of attitude - that's 48th street for you. Remember Manny's? People talk about it now like a shrine, but it as exactly the same crap attitude.

By James Smokeweedington on 5/26/2010 11:57 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Bizarre Guitar, Phoenix AZ, early '00s: I had just moved to Phoenix and had noticed this place while driving around town. One day I had some time, so I made the trip downtown and stopped in. All in all, my first impression was that it was a really cool shop. They had a good selection of new and vintage stuff, including some seldom-seen/obscure stuff. Guy behind the counter gave me a cursory nod and went back to whatever he was doing. I actually like to browse and explore on my own, so I liked that he wasn't all over me trying to make a sale. I wandered around the guitar section and found several examples of guitars I had always dug but never had actually seen in the flesh, including a Gibson J-160E. It was a guitar I had been pining over for a couple of years, and though I had no immediate plans for a purchase I really wanted to try it out. There was the typical signage around the store stating to ask an employee for help, and I did so. I still remember the exchange to this day Me: "I'm interested in trying out the J-160E on the rack over there." Sales Guy: "Do you have $1800?" Me: "Ummm...is that how much it costs?" Sales Guy: "Yes, and unless you're planning on buying it, I'm not taking it off the rack." OK fine, there's probably been tons of punk kids that have gone through the store putting their grubby mitts on expensive stuff and the sales folks get sick of it. Understood. At least I asked. It was actually hanging at about shoulder-level and I could've easily taken it down by myself. Me: "Well, I'm very interested it..." Sales Guy: "Doesn't matter. If you're not a serious buyer I'm not taking it off the rack." A little tact would've gone a long way (e.g. not cutting me off mid-sentence or asking me how much money I brought with me) with me here even if the guy wasn't going to oblige my interest. Me: "OK thanks...I'll look elsewhere."

By Brian on 5/26/2010 2:08 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Alex, thank you so much for writing this article! I want to forward it to GC.com which is well known for hiring young pricks with attitudes who half the time don't know what they're talking about. Also, Melodie Music in Sterling , Va needs to read this-especially the owner Rob who has a very mistrusting attitude towards new customers who could be repeat customers had he not been a prick!

By Rob on 5/27/2010 9:53 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

In my 40+ years playing I can say I've had many of the same experiences. I usually found them highly amusing. It is sad that we have managed to kill off most of the local music stores where there was a sense of community and you could just enjoy hanging out for a couple of hours even if you were just picking up some strings. I have shopped numerous times in the stores Alex mentions. My only disagreement is with Rudy's. I was in NY for a brief amount of time and on my last visit I picked up a couple of gold EH 12AX7's. I loved the tone of these things and had to get more for my other amps. The only place I ever found them was Rudy's. Mr. Pensa was always very kind to me when I was in his shop. This time I showed up about 15 minutes after they closed. It was raining. I wanted those tubes! I knock on the door. The guy (could be the same one Alex described) says "were closed". "I'll be quick." "we're closed." Just then Rudy comes down stairs and sees me. He has words with the guy, invites me in and we have a very nice chat while he makes the guy go in the back and find the tubes. I bought the remaining stock. My guess is the guy working the counter was probably a nephew or someone he was employing as a favor. As far as GC Concord goes, fortunately most of the idiots have been replaced and there are actually some nice humans working there these days....

By Richard Silletto on 5/27/2010 10:38 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Wow, music store horror stories! Endless! One of my worst experiences happened when I went to a store to apply for a job. A friend employed there informed me he was leaving and a position might be open. While waiting for the manager to have some free time, I talked to other customers in the store, some interested in equipment.The two salesmen on duty were busy. Being a pro I knew just about everything in the store. One guy was looking at PA equipment, and before long I'd shown him exactly what he was looking for, and had a full list of components for a complete system. I told him, "I don't work here now, but talk to one of those salesmen when they're not busy, especially regarding prices and package deals." Soon a salesman rang the customer up for $2300 worth of equipment, after discount. I finally got to see the manager re the job, told him I'd already helped sell some stuff today, and was highly interested in the job, and knew I'd do well as I was very connected in the local music scene. He asked about my education on the app, etc., probably feigned interest, said he'd be in touch. Two weeks later after screening several locals the job went to an out of towner who had "impressive" degrees in sales and marketing. OK, here's the nightmare. Real experience sometimes means nothing. Music as a career has been ruined by jerks with marketing degrees and MBA's. Notice I qualified that with the term jerks, there are good people with those degrees, but there are also too many people with those degrees who really know nothing about the real world, they're in it for a buck and nothing else, and think they can connive grandma into buying a Lamborghini. If you find yourself dealing with one of those smiling, condescending, arrogant jerks mentioned in stories above, chances are they have some meaningless degrees with no real experience or love for music. My education? An AA degree in computer science 1969, electronics in the Navy, and 40 years playing music and actually using stuff on real gigs. Maybe music stores should help the local music scene, hire locally connected, gigging musicians over jerks with paper degrees, paper personalities.

By Louie Bond on 5/28/2010 8:50 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Thx for the storys man peopl can be real ass holes

By DD on 5/30/2010 6:08 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Alex,i'm in total agreement with you on this.i like to go to 48th st.NY's guitar mecca.anyway,it was prob. '04 or '05,had to be the same guy behind the counter.didn't even look up or acknowledge me.at the time,i was interested in picking up a Rivera knucklehead,they had one in stock.now,my general rule is if i'm there for 10 min. and no one helps me...i'm plugging S^%t in!once i started fumbling around with cords and what not,he put the newspaper down and came right over.

By rob derasmo on 5/25/2010 3:38 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I was working in Richmond VA on an out-of-town job. Over the course of a year and a half, I had accumulated way too much gear to bring home with me after the project ended, so I brought a Silverface Fender Twin and a Marshall 4x10 cab to a local "Mom and Pop" store to place the items on consignment. I priced both items at a more than fair price in order to move them quickly, and explained that I lived out of town. "No problem", they said. "We'll send you the check when we sell them." I told them I'd call in every couple of weeks to check in. Well, that stretched out over a year, always with the reply "Nope ... haven't sold them yet. After 18 months I was assigned to a job back in Richmond. I made a bee-line to the store, with a friend of mine who just happens to look like Luca Brasi from "The Godfather" Sure enough, not only were my items sold, they were sold 1 WEEK after I had left them there! Needless to say I was a little pissed, and told the owner he had 5 minutes to cut me a check, as I nodded over to my friend, "Luca". I thought the guy was going to crap his pants. His hands were shaking as he wrote out my check, and I asked him if I was going to have any problem cashing it, pointing over to "Luca". "No Sir! No Sir!!! No problem at all!" By now the guy was white as a ghost. Had a good laugh when I left, but an even better laugh a couple of months later when the place went under.

By Geo Jacopec on 5/26/2010 8:24 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

hmm, reminds me of the music biz in general, I am so used to being completely ignored,even after 145 albums that I am used to it.rant... Anyway,this happened to a friend of mine and we still laugh about this: He was trying out a guitar and there was a poster of a well known guitarist who happens to be bald but was wearing a wig in the poster. my friend tells the salesman "hey thats so and so on that poster; he's bald".The salesman looked at him, pulled up his hair piece and said "so am I" haah talk about foot in mouth. I also tried to buy a guitar pick only to be corrected that I was actually looking for a "plectrum". I then asked about a multi f/x unit in the glass counter and the salesman/guitarist said "well if you really want to see it ok,but I just use a patch chord and I wish I didn't have to use that" finally,and I still wonder why, I was asked to leave several stores after trying a couple of guits.I was wippin' out "some enter sandman" and "stairway to heaven", hahahahhahahaaha -NOT anyway, it might be better to be ignored than to have salesman drooling all over you I would think. DT

By dfenis taaffe on 5/26/2010 12:53 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Great read. I think GC salesmen are bred on some genetic farm, because for the most part they are all the same. Back in the mid 90's I worked for a low budget sheet music store in San Diego that carried a few guitars and band equipment so I've seen it from the other side of the counter. We were hourly plus commission off set prices but our store made its money off the sheet music so it wasn't nearly as bad as GC. I had been to GC prior to that job and knew who I didn't want to be. I do recall being very green when I started and talking people's ears off when they had questions, usually providing a little more tech talk than they needed, but hey I was excited to have a job. One guy in particular came in a few months into my job and was asking about this Multicolor Ibanez Universe that had sat around for a good number of years on the rack with a "Do Not Touch" sign on it. Him and i chatted a good amount talking about Vai and this new band called Korn. I mean I applied for that job there because I wanted that seven string too but needed money to buy it. I let him plug it in and riff out for about 30min. He left soon after but a week later he came in, walked right past the assistant manager who welcomed him and walked right up to me as I clocked in, plopped $1400 cash down in front of me and bought that Universe. Fortunately for me they had an Ibanez S7420 and I bought that a few days later. Yeah there are plenty of customers who come into these stores, ding up a $2000 Les Paul with no care, but there are also the douchebag salesmen who will try to sell it to you and convince you it's pre-relic'd. As Alex said, there are some great stores but they are few and far between.

By James on 5/27/2010 1:08 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Sometimes music store owners and employees have less than memorable experiences with their customers. Here's a story about an experience a friend of mine had with a famous guitar player back in the day in Memphis, Tennessee. My buddy spent many years playing professionally around town and the local area with lots of musicians some of whom were famous and some not so much. After all that he settled down, opened his own shop and called it "MusicTown". Late in 1971 a big name guitar player came to town to record in a local studio owned by another friend of mine. The guitar player liked to sleep all day and work all night. Late one night my friend gets a call and is asked to hurry on over to the studio for an emergency repair job. So he gets out of bed grabs his tool box and heads on over knowing that the guy needing the work is kind of a big deal and needs his help. When he gets there, the emergency is a busted nut on the big star's Tele. Luckily, my friend has a blank that will work, removes the broke one, seats the replacement, cuts it and voila big dude is back in business. When my friend asks for twenty five bucks for the repair, he gets a mouth full of BS and is stiffed. So he leaves. The time is 2:00 A.M. Now when the guy who owned the studio heard about this, he made sure my friend got paid and thanked him profusely for coming out in the wee hours. When I heard this story from my friend in later years, he was pretty philosophical about it. It's sad that people, great and small get treated badly in music stores, but sometimes the customer is the jerk and it is doubly sad when it is someone who should know better. Incidentally, my friend's name is Bob Fisher. He is I believe still in business at Bob Fisher's Music Town in Memphis. The recording studio was Trans-Maximus, owned by Jerry Williams and Steve Cropper. I won't name the guitar slinger. You guys probably wouldn't believe it anyway.

By Mick Jones on 5/28/2010 2:44 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

GC has such a bad rep in miami FL that several of my clients would rather PAY ME to go and shop there on their behalf. Yes, they are wealthy people but they're PASSIONATE about music and guitars in particular. To them GC has ruined the fun of guitar shopping! Nice business model...

By L P on 5/30/2010 3:39 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

My pick for best retailer / owner ever is Mike Carparelli of Carparelli Guitars in Ontario Canada. He treats everyone, young or old, like they're a signed artist. They take the time to teach newer players how to set up their instruments and they want everyone to pick up a guitar when they come in and try it out. I bought several instruments from him including a couple of 7 strings; they worked with me on different pickup selections until I found the right one. Carparelli was a refreshing change from the big city stores....

By Glenn Poirier on 6/2/2010 9:35 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I used to dread going into music stores. Pretentious, pompous pricks mostly. Virtually all of them are out of business now. Woodsy's in Kent, OH rates as a player's place. It just smells right, if that makes any sense. Also - while Guitar Center has a generally lousy rep, store 616 in Akron, OH totally bucks the trend. Solid knowledgeable staff and as unpretentious as I've ever found. Just nice people. As an example my 2 year old LOVES to go to GC. The drum guys gave him a set of sticks and said "Go nuts, kid." Riot to watch - and dad makes sure he doesn't destroy anything. They let him take the sticks home. Not all Guitar Centers (or Sam Ash) are the stereotypical "Big Box" joints. Unfortunately like everything else - a few bad ones destroy the rep of everyone.

By Ruefus on 6/2/2010 12:48 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

In defense of music stores, they inevitably weather a lot of abuse from certain arrogant, silly customers with sticky hands, scratchy belt buckles, and no intention of buying the Martin D-28 they just spent 20 minutes making little pick scratches on. A long time ago, as an ignorant young man, I went into Leo's in Oakland and asked to exchange the new light gauge strings on my Guild 12 string for mediums. Leo himself heard me and said, "Did you buy them here?" I replied that I had bought them across the Bay. "So," he said, "You didn't even buy them here, you've already used them, and you want us to trade you new strings for them." Even then, I still didn't realize how stupid my request was. Leo, looking somewhere between perplexed and amused, told the sales person, "Oh, give the kid the strings," as he walked away. My point is that the sales guy who is rude to you might really be a jerk, or maybe he's just a good person who had been worn down.

By Bruce on 6/2/2010 1:00 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I've had more bad experiences in music stores than good ones. However, I feel I have to point out the BEST attitude I've ever received in a guitar store. It was the Guitar Gallery in Canonsburg, PA - just South of Pittsburgh. They are one of the only places I fell I have been respected as a customer and musician - and they earned my business long-term. Respect between salesman and customer has to be mutual, but it also has to be earned by both parties.

By FullThrottle64 on 6/2/2010 4:19 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

If you're in the Phoenix area, or anywhere in Arizona for that matter, the place to go for the best hand picked guitars, electric & acoustic, is Cave Creek Guitars in Cave Creek AZ. I've bought virtually every piece of gear I own from the owner Paul, and I have never regretted a single transaction. Absolutely the best, best best. PH

By Paul H on 6/3/2010 3:43 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

It appears Alex gets dissed on both coasts. That's too bad, and what's worse is thinking about how many other victims there were at the hands of these "salesmen". If you're ever in the Philadelphia area stop by Music Museum in Pitman, NJ for an outstanding experience where the owner treats you like a friend. If in Albuquerque, NM stop by Grandma's. It's been 12 years, but I can't imagine they would stear you wrong. And lastly, if you find yourself in Rochester, NY (I do get around) the House of Guitars (HOG) just has an amazing assortment of instruments and pleasent guys hanging around.

By Don on 6/3/2010 4:31 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

The guys at Guitar Emporium in Louisville are the anti- of the losers being described here. They are the best, everytime. I don't work there, they don't know me, etc. Just a customer.

By Tony on 6/3/2010 6:46 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I have a Fender Hot Rod Delux Amp that I love. I had a problem with a 60 cycle hum. Took it to Alamo Music, in San Antonio Texas to get it repaired. The technician told me that they were all like that and called me an idiot because I disagreed with him that that was not right. He was extremely rude and even yelled at me. I took the amp and went to Avalanche Pro Audio Repair, near Randolph Air Force Base and the people there were extremely helpful. The technician also said that they all did that. He kept it for a few days before calling me to come get it. When I got there, I asked him if he had the diagram of the amp. He got it and I pointed to the power supply filter capacitors and said, "One or both of them are bad". He took the amp back and checked the caps and when he came back, he had this puzzled look. He asked me how I knew and that I was right. He replaced them both and now the amp is absolutely quite at full volume. I have and will continue to use Avalanche. Very good service, friendly staff. I'll never go in the door of Alamo Music again. Also love Sam Ash in San Antonio. I've probably bought $4000 worth of guitars and equipment from them. Love Sam Ash.

By Ray Callahan on 6/3/2010 1:43 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I've had a few bad experiences over the years. The worst is probably at this mall music store that was in the Ocean County Mall in the early '80s. They sold me a set of replacement pickups for my bass that they knew wouldn't fit without completely routing the thing out. This led to me finding Garden State Music up in Silverton, and meeting Scott Quinn, the salesman there, and having one of the best experiences ever. He traded me the pickups straight across for ones that would fit (an obscure Duncan pickup for the first-gen P-Bass). He also sold me his personal copy of Guitar Electronics since the store was out. Great guy. That mall store sold me a Daion Headhunter guitar a couple years later, and got me with a bait-and-switch on the layaway. The one I tried was *not* the one they gave me when I paid it off, and the case that was supposed to be included with it for the price was somehow disincluded when I picked it up. The guitar I got had *awful* fret sprout, and some neck issues, while the guitar I laid away played and felt great. I moved to Cactus Country in the middle of The Great Frying Pan several years later. That's Phoenix, BTW, and it gets a bit warm here.... :^) I had a repair guy here ruin a '74 hardtail Strat I had him refret by putting railroad tie frets at a 16" or 20" radius on it when I asked him for "Gibson frets" (i.e., bigger than vintage Fender) and specified a 10" radius. Thankfully the guy disappeared into the ether somewhere a few years later. I have also been in Bizarre Guitar a few times, and got fed up with the "if you're not planning to buy it don't touch it" attitude. How the heck would I know if I like the thing enough to plunk down hundreds or thousands of dollars without trying it first? Needless to say, I never bought *anything* there. The Guitar Shop in Scottsdale used to be nice, but has been gone for years. The one salesman Billy that worked there cut me a smoking deal on a Vox wah after my late '60s/early '70s Thomas Organ CryBaby was stolen out of my car (along with my work boots and the car's *engine*). Another great guy. I heard he went on to work for Fender. I've also gotten nice stuff at Milano's in Mesa back in the '90s and early '00s, but they don't have much that's not "mainstream", and as time's rolled on, they've gotten even more narrow in their gear scope (to the point that they don't have any strings I can use), so I've pretty much stopped going there. Maybe one of these days I'll take a walk through there and see what's going on. Over the last decade or so, though, I have bought virtually all my gear 120 miles away, in Tucson--either at Rainbow Guitars on Campbell north of Grant (excellent staff there, great attitudes, cool gear), Tucson's GC (another place with absolutely excellent staff) on Broadway and Swan, or a small mom & pop place called Guitars, Etc. on Speedway. So, I guess there are good and bad places. There's a lot of salesmen in any environment that give off that "used car salesman" vibe, I guess, but there are also a lot of good ones too. The good ones will get my repeat business, even if it is a while before I can afford another piece of gear.... I'll have to go check out that Cave Creek Guitars place that was mentioned up-thread, too. Sounds cool....

By Dale Van Zile on 6/3/2010 3:35 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Yep , Long & McQuades or Lang & McClains or Loan & persuade In Canada are getting like that , employees scoop any good trade in's , are mostly beat down & miserable , rarely offer up anything other than some weak attempt fulfilling your request . They're driving people to Kijiji or the internet but don't seem to care , just working the lesson and weekend type people

By okgb on 6/4/2010 1:24 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Guitar Center Rancho Cucamonga Newbie bass player here so I go and get an Ibanez GSR200FM,turned out defective with a bad bridge J pickup; traded for another...two months later the thing developed a back bowed neck, out of the blue he noticed something wrong and started to adjust the truss, nothing he could do so I take it back. So I try to remember what my teacher said, I take it in and told the sales guy that my teacher says something it wrong with the neck and it's backbowed and he can't adjust the truss. There was fret buzz up at the frets by the headstock and around the 8th fret. The guy plugs it in and noodles on it, says "it's fine." So I'm clueless, I dunno what to do next and started my discouraged attitude. A week later I told my teacher everything and he got on the phone with the same guy at the store and told him everything better than I could. He calls me says that they are going to take care of my issues. I go back...they were good enough to give me full cred on the Ibanez. So I'm looking through the new stuff, not really impressed. I found a $500 used Warwick, after playing it, it was the one for me. Ok so, we pay for it but it's on some kind of hold, the guy failed to tell me what this was about. I don't know much about the laws with this sort of thing. At first he says it can't leave until the 26th, then when ringing it up, says oh..it's ready to go earlier, the 10th. only 5 days, cool. I go in...all enthusiastic and ready to take it home and jam on it, this time it was another guy. He says he can't let it go until the 26th, I'm not happy. The other guy lied to me, that's how I saw it. There went my enthusiasm out the window. I wasn't even in the mood to play my Squier. Now the 2nd guy wasn't happy with the 1st guy, he said when he got in that day he was getting chewed out. The wait was not easy, I was both discouraged and eager to get back playing. I was back there on the 26th, 11am and there was the 1st guy, "I know what you want." he gets it all settled with the computer so I can go home. No apology, nothing. He acted like nothing happened. I'm just there to get it and go. Which I did. Not going there again. Thankfully there was no switcheroo, the Serial matched. Nothing was changed on it, and it plays like a champ. No more GC for me, I'll order on the internet elsewhere

By Gina on 6/4/2010 5:19 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I'm a hobbyist player. My playing sucks. But I am a hobbyist and I know it. I have a little money to spend every now and then on music stuff instead of on kid expenses. I also want to support local music stores. There's one in particular that I would go in and buy a little something - last purchase was a voodoo labs power supply - it's locally owned, the owner runs the store and is there all the time. But I had come to notice over time that the owner treated me like I was an annoying offensive bit of flotsam. So I guess I won't be going back there again.

By dennis o'neill on 6/6/2010 2:28 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Ironically, one of the best experiences I've had in a gear shop was at Best Buys, of all places. Dude asked right away if I needed help, actually listened to what I wanted, and made a good suggestion or two along the way. I was shocked!

By SteveO on 6/3/2010 6:49 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Gads there are so many horror stories. I have a few of my own to relate. At the local GC store they sold one of my students an Epi SG which had a neck with a reverse bow. It was unplayable... They had raised the action up so high it would not buzz, but you could not finger it. Another student bought an amp at the same store, the amp blows up the first time he plugs it in. His mom returns it and the clerks ignored her until she went and carried a very heavy amp into the store. Reluctantly they gave her a substitute, which she had to haul by herself. Embarrassing, I no longer recommend that store to my students. In Dubuque Iowa I had a store clerk tell me that Music Man amps were better than Marshalls. "Any day of any week". Another local music store, fully staffed and not busy, I would be completely ignored visit after visit. For my band mate's it became a game to see if any of us could go in and have someone acknowledge our presence. Funny, I never bought much there. But to be fair, I've been in some great stores with thoughtful, helpful staff. A friend of mine used to own a small mom & pop shop, in a small town. He burned out and closed his store, he was sick of 'musicians' that would damage merchandise, steal, not make their payments. At the end he was going to court weekly to recover money or instruments. Despite that he was (and is) one of the nicest guys you could ever want to meet. I bought tons of gear from him. Thirty some years ago he helped a teenage me with the purchase of a 74 Tobacco Sunburst Les Paul Deluxe. Which I still own...(and covet) Paying a whopping $450. Oh how times have changed.

By Jeff on 6/3/2010 6:58 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Amen, Alex. Many years ago Guitar Center moved in and slowly killed all the small music shops in my area (kinda like WalMart does). I've poured tens-of-thousands-of-dollars into that chain with no acknowledgement of patronage. Lately you get 2 experiences at GC: 1."We're out of stock but I can order it!", Ooh really? Order it on a computer?? Wow!!; or 2. "Sorry, we don't cary that" like 10 gauge Fender Bullets. Really??. Needless to say that between all the online merchants and eBay, I can find anything I want at a reasonable price and have it shipped to my door and not darken my day with some sales reps crappy attitude. I'd like to see GC go out of business.

By John on 6/6/2010 2:22 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

great story, Alex .... i never really thought about about this subject .... i've had many good experiences in music stores and a few lousy ones ... thanks for relating your insights ... and have a very nice holiday ! ( tomorrow's memorial day ) .... although sometimes, it's nice to be workin' on the holidays ! ( especially New Year's Day ! )

By Stringsthings on 5/29/2010 9:48 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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By Nikolas on 10/25/2010 1:24 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Excellent article!

By Парфюмерия on 11/23/2010 7:45 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Ahh, good that this issue comes up - if only some of them guys working in and owner of music stores would read this! Seriously, I'm so frustrated to go to any music store (I'm in Los Angeles). There's one with a nice selection in Santa Monica (small and independent store) but so full of arrogance - can't go there. There's the really cute shop on Pico, McCabes, they pretend to be cool but have no problems asking for prices that are way out of line (I've paid 3x the price for a few set of strings than in any other store! And when I sent them an email with those facts after finding out I've never got an answer, how caring, right!) Then there's the Guitar Centers and though I've had my share of pretty lame experiences there, overall they come in second, right after mail order! As another poster mentioned, why can there decent book stores (lots), decent Cafe's (lots), decent grocery stores (Trader's !) but not one friggin' decent music store - puzzling....

By Karl on 6/10/2010 11:28 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I live in NYC. Unfortunately, most of my experiences with Sam Ash, Guitar Center, Rudy's, 30th Street guitars and others have been poor. You either get bombarded by people that only see a dollar sign in your face. Or they simply dont give you the time of day. That is why I purchase most of my stuff on line or with very small boutique stores. The issue is that the owners and managers in these establishments do not change the culture and it's a shame. I hope they read these posts. Maybe they will change? JP

By JPulido on 6/10/2010 11:35 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Thanks Alex for your article! The most fun read I've had in years! G.C. came to Lancaster, PA about 4 years ago, and put every Mom & Pop music store out of business in the first 2 years. Sad state of affairs; but whatcha gonna do 'bout it? I played professionally (yeah, that's how I paid the bills)for over 20 years, until my first kid was born, and that called the road gig to a halt! Even though I changed careers, I still had an intense love of guitars (especially high end stuff). I stumbled in the local G.C. one day in my dirty work clothes, and started checking out the PRS guitars. The salesman saw me staring at the guitars, looked at my dirty clothes, and said "I guess you are dreaming about owning one of those", in a snide way. His comments meant I couldn't afford it, based upon my looks! I currently rotate 2 Tom Anderson's, 2 Sadowsky's, and my new James Tyler. Thanks for your great post! BT

By Bill Trimble on 6/10/2010 2:01 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I really appreciate the article Alex and all the comments everyone has written. This is exactly what I stress to my sales staff. While it would be impossible to compete and stay in business with the GC's and mailorder strickly on price, we can be the best at customer service and friendliness. And while there are those individuals who try our patience or damage merchandise and never tell anyone (never an "I'm sorry")or deny they did it when they were seen when it happened, we can't get attitudes. We shake it off, write it off and keep going. I left the construction business and opened a music store because I wanted to have the kind of store everyone here seems to be wanting. Probably the worst "business" decision I ever made (I would have been financially better by not going this direction), but I love being around the gear and providing a place of joy that music stores can be. Thanks again to everyone's input. I am printing this article and comments for required reading for the staff. Rock on! John

By Jammin' John's Music on 6/11/2010 1:57 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I understand completely all these stories ring too true for me. I live in Puerto Rico and we used to have 3 big stores to buy musical instruments in the 70's to 80's. Today only one remains and a bunch of small mom and pop type stores. In the old stores the selection was very limited, Yamaha, Ibanez, Peavey and a few Fender's. I remember the lousy attitude of the salespeople. I eventually became one at one of the stores, but I was limited to sell cheap stuff because the owners would not buy good quality things. Thank God for the internet, now anything I ever want or need is just a few clicks away.

By Rolando on 6/11/2010 2:44 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Last week I went to Best Buy in Hunt Valley, Maryland. While my girlfriend looked for some tear jerker, love story movies, I went over to check out the guitars. I took a road worn strat off the wall and sat down to play. I asked the kid behind the counter for an instrument cable so I could plug into a blues junior. After five minutes or so he asked if I meant a wire to plug into a speaker. OK, he works at Best Buy, where I guess instrument cable = wire and amplifier = speaker.I played for about thirty seconds before he told me I was playing to loud. The amp was set on 2 with a clean tone. Give me a freaking break. Plus the store was practically empty at the time. After about fifteen minutes, I hung the guitar up and went to the counter to get some strings for my twelve string Washburn. He said "I guess you don't want the guitar". I replied "no I don't feel like spending $900 today". To which he replied "I don't blame you, that's alot of money for an old, worn out guitar". Totally clueless. But enough of the negative. If you live in Baltimore go to the Guitar Center in Glen Burnie. The managers name is Cris. The staff is knowledgable and they never try to talk me in or out of anything. I have never waited more than ten minutes for help, even when the store was packed. The GC in Towson is pretty good too.

By charlie krysiak on 6/11/2010 3:19 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I have fond memories of Driver Music in Bethany, Oklahoma. From the time I was 12 until I was in my 20s I was probably in there at least two or three times a week. Never had a bad experience there. This is in high contrast to Rock World, the flashy shop that opened up in the late 70s on NW 23rd street in Oklahoma City. The only thing that you could readily mess around with without getting attitude were the keyboards. I remember messing with ARP synths and I played my first Polymoog there. Fell in love with it, but at age 19, $5000 was out of the question. Thanks for all the anecdotes.

By Alan Seeger on 6/11/2010 7:16 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Hi Alex, It's me, Russell. I helped you with your purchase several years ago. I just want to make sure you’re happy with your purchase and let you know what an honor it was to have you in the store. Please let me know if there’s ever anything I can do to assist you in the future. You have a good day, sir. :-)

By Russell on 6/11/2010 9:44 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I was surprised to see two people mention having good experiences at Guitar Emporium in Louisville. There are a couple guys there who are friendly. But there my general experience is that the staff are total dicks who hate their lives and somehow blame me. I generally trust these dudes with my high end vintage gear, because I know they'll do a good job. But I definitely don't go for the customer service.

By Frank McD. on 6/23/2010 8:27 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

I think the word of the day is used car salesman? That's what a lot of these shmucks remind me of.I hate to be bugged once i find a guitar im interested in buying and they keep coming back every 2 mins you like it! what do you think pretty good huh !! shesh

By joe shmoe on 6/10/2010 9:51 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Don't have enough cash to buy a building? Worry no more, just because that's real to take the loan to resolve such kind of problems. So take a sba loan to buy everything you require.

By OdonnellBrandy21 on 7/14/2010 6:53 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

My experience has been a bit different. I shop mostly at Guitar Center in Columbus and Wildwood Music in Coshocton, Ohio. I've had nothing but excellent help in both places. Even growing up with Americana Music near Dayton, the salespeople were always helpful, enthusiastic and honest. Maybe I'm just lucky, and I definitely don't have low expectations! My biggest frustration in any of these stores has been too many things I want combined with too few $$$ in the bank. Funny article, I hope I never see that kind of stuff.

By Mr.Dave on 6/16/2010 2:51 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Alex, You are a class act there is no way if I were you I wouldn't have jammed that guitar mag in his face and gone "do you know me know??" and stormed out of there - I mean if he was cool and didn't know who you were that;s fine but seriously..who works in a guitar store and does not recognize Alex Skolkick? that's jacked up

By Jeff Schmitz on 7/6/2010 5:30 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Ah, yeah. My problem these days does tend to be with some of the customers. I like my heavy music, but I do try to keep the volume down a bit when I test guitars. Honestly, some players (esp. younger ones) don't seem to realize the value of playing a guitar with nothing but a clean tone. Even in my teeny days, I always tested a guitar with a clean tone at first. If only I could get a room to myself with a decent Fender SS combo or half stack, I'd be content. As far as people showering me with compliments to come back? If I like the store, chances are I will come back without much prodding (unless I'm just visiting one from out of town).

By Some Guy Also Named Alex (R) on 6/15/2010 3:41 AM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

Excellent article! You got to have a laugh because you know its true - it's happened to all of us I'm sure. Alex, when you (and Testament) visit Australia in August 2010, make the trip to Canberra, ACT to a place called "Better Music". Greatest music shop in the world to check out. I last bought an Amp there several years ago, and they still treat me with the respect and courtesy you mention, knowing full well that I am not in the market to buy, but just want to have a look. Let me know you're coming - I'ld like to say "hi" too.

By milan on 7/15/2010 7:04 PM

Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

And all this time I thought I ran into this type of treatment because I'm not a touring professional. To know that it happens to someone like Alex just blows my mind. What I find interesting is that now that I'm 43 (been playing since I was 14) and look like a business person(at least moreso than I did when I was younger), I do tend to get better, more attentive service at these stores. Money (or the appearance thereof) talks, I guess.

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Alex Skolnick: Music Store Horror Stories

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GP Blogger

Matt Blackett's Musings

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Barry Cleveland: 3 Reviews with Audio Streams (Stick Men, Sonic Mining Company, Julie Slick)

Barry Cleveland: Joel Harrison & Spirit House at Douglas Beach House 4/7/13

Barry Cleveland: Digging SKYDOG The Duane Allman Retrospective Box Set

Carvin Allan Holdsworth HH2

Barry Cleveland's Studio Tips: A Simple Trick For Adding Delay to Individual Notes of a Phrase or Solo

How many guitars do you own?
1
2
3 or 4
5 or 6
7 or 8
Too many

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