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I don't feel that bad since Guitar Center put almost all their competitors out of business. I remember being furious on the days I had to go to Guitar Center b

by stolio 12y ago

I don't feel that bad since Guitar Center put almost all their competitors out of business. I remember being furious on the days I had to go to Guitar Center because I needed something that afternoon and there was nowhere else to go. As companies like this are grabbing market share the story is always that if they fail the market can just go back to what it was. It rarely does. Interesting is that some of the businesses that GC put under might have been able to compete in markets where GC can't, where customer loyalty is important. There's no reason to buy something from Guitar Center that you could order online unless you need it immediately. But a locally owned music shop where you've known the owner for 10 years and always go play guitars on your days off? It feels good spending money there.

soylentcola 12y ago
My main issue is that they've become the only place (locally) to shop for a lot of music gear. With things like musical instruments or sound gear, I don't want to order from Amazon, not get to play/hear it in person first, then pay for shipping a large item where I need to be home to accept delivery. If I want a guitar I've actually got some OK options with a handful of pawn shops (the thrift store solution where you have to hunt but can get a deal) and maybe one or two smaller music shops with limited inventory. Then there's craigslist where I can look around and hope someone's selling what I want but at least I can go check it out in person. But for stuff like PA systems and amp cabinets I don't want to just read reviews and order some massive shipment from Amazon or hope someone is selling the thing I need on Craigslist. New, current model audio gear isn't always easy to find that way and it's just too big and expensive to ship conveniently. I want to drive to a shop, listen to the different options, feel their build quality, and ultimately load something into the car. For the past several years, GC has been the only place in my area where I can get that stuff. Granted it's not a problem I run into often since I don't go buying PAs with subwoofers every year but when I do need that stuff, I hate only having one store with any chance of carrying what I want.
- dfxm12 12y ago
  Does showrooming not affect the music industry? Amazon does sell plenty of sound/music gear, most with prime shipping.

by stolio 12y ago

soylentcola 12y ago

My main issue is that they've become the only place (locally) to shop for a lot of music gear. With things like musical instruments or sound gear, I don't want to order from Amazon, not get to play/hear it in person first, then pay for shipping a large item where I need to be home to accept delivery. If I want a guitar I've actually got some OK options with a handful of pawn shops (the thrift store solution where you have to hunt but can get a deal) and maybe one or two smaller music shops with limited inventory. Then there's craigslist where I can look around and hope someone's selling what I want but at least I can go check it out in person. But for stuff like PA systems and amp cabinets I don't want to just read reviews and order some massive shipment from Amazon or hope someone is selling the thing I need on Craigslist. New, current model audio gear isn't always easy to find that way and it's just too big and expensive to ship conveniently. I want to drive to a shop, listen to the different options, feel their build quality, and ultimately load something into the car. For the past several years, GC has been the only place in my area where I can get that stuff. Granted it's not a problem I run into often since I don't go buying PAs with subwoofers every year but when I do need that stuff, I hate only having one store with any chance of carrying what I want.

dfxm12 12y ago
Does showrooming not affect the music industry? Amazon does sell plenty of sound/music gear, most with prime shipping.