I'm saving my moneys to upgrade my acoustic guitar, and I was wondering if my best bet would be to buy the guitar through Guitar Center since they have these 15% off sales a few times a year. Mississippi Music in Meridian said they could order me the one I'm looking at, but they probably wouldn't match Guitar Centers price. Is there a trade off of going with a more local chain like Mississippi Music vs. a big chain with better sales like Guitar Center?
OT: Guitar buying advice
- Thread starter WayboDawg
- Start date
There was a guitar question raised a little while ago on SPS. The best suggestion I saw, and agreed with, is to make sure you play that instrument before you buy it. Guitars of the same make and model can sound different because wood is unique to each guitar.
Earlier Acoustic Guitar discussion
Earlier Acoustic Guitar discussion
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I like and try to support local stores as much as I can, but sometimes going to the bigger ones like guitar center is easier and have more choices. But if the local store is willing to order what you want and match the price of gc then I'd do that.
Yeah my thing is, if I buy from Mississippi Music in Meridian or Hattiesburg, I get the satisfaction of buying local, plus I wont have to drive all the way to Mobile, AL to do a return if something is wrong with the guitar after I buy it. But Guitar Center has some really sweet deals like %15 or even %20 off items over $500.
I'm a Martin guy, but to each his ow There is a great guitar shop outside of Nashville for acoustics. Artisan Guitars. If you want to make a weekend out of it, it's worth the trip. Everything in there is probably $2K and up, but it's the best of the best.
Collings, Sante Cruz, rare Taylors and Martins. Awesome inventory there.
Collings, Sante Cruz, rare Taylors and Martins. Awesome inventory there.
Ahhh.. so you like the sound
of Taylor ehh? Nothing like spending all that money on most Taylor models only for it never to sound any better as it ages, way too tingy, buzzy B string, top E slot cut to close edge, not as good sounding when plugged, and have trouble staying in tune. If you like that, most Taylors are perfect for you.
of Taylor ehh? Nothing like spending all that money on most Taylor models only for it never to sound any better as it ages, way too tingy, buzzy B string, top E slot cut to close edge, not as good sounding when plugged, and have trouble staying in tune. If you like that, most Taylors are perfect for you.
Day in and day out, Guitar Center, etc will give you the best prices. But sometimes the local shops will be competitive. I bought my last acoustic (Takamine) from Morrison Bros in Jackson, and they knocked enough off to match the GC price. I like to deal with locals if possible, but sometimes the price issue makes it tough. The Takamine had soft fret wire and I ended up needing a fret rehab after 3 years, and the guy at Morrison's did a good job. So, in that regard, I was glad I went with the local. You mileage may vary, though.
As has been recommended, play as many as you can before you buy and go with the one that gives you that little something special that makes you smile.
As has been recommended, play as many as you can before you buy and go with the one that gives you that little something special that makes you smile.
If you don't mind buying online, keep an eye on MusiciansFriend.com.
I've made three purchases from them (a 4-string bass, 5-string bass, and acoustic guitar) and have had good experiences with them. They also have a good price match policy. I took advantage of that on one of my guitars. Found a really good deal someplace else, and they matched it, plus 10% off.
Of course, it's owned by Guitar Center, so they may have a similar deal.
I've made three purchases from them (a 4-string bass, 5-string bass, and acoustic guitar) and have had good experiences with them. They also have a good price match policy. I took advantage of that on one of my guitars. Found a really good deal someplace else, and they matched it, plus 10% off.
Of course, it's owned by Guitar Center, so they may have a similar deal.
Uh huh...Yeah that must be why so many professional artists use them and swear by them... I've tried liking Martins, but I just don't like the way they sound compared to Taylor guitars. I just love the bright vibrant sound you get from Taylors compared to the dark low end I hear when I play Martins. Honestly I would probably get a Gibson before I would buy a Martin. To each his own I guess.
I am with you on supporting local businesses, but on a purchase as large as a new Taylor you owe yourself the chance to get the best deal and product. GC has way more selection than most locals and a liberal return policy and free shipping. etc. There are some other large Taylor Distributors that can match or beat GC. LA Guitar springs to mind. Join Acoustic Guitar forum and ask, several of the sponsors will probably respond and you can get advice from someone invested in that business versus a random store guy who may or may not know a good guitar. Same thing for Martins or any other guitars.
If you like Taylor's sound but want something with a little more fullness try the 5 series with cedar top. They are a great. They have the Taylor sound but add a really nice bottom.
If you like Taylor's sound but want something with a little more fullness try the 5 series with cedar top. They are a great. They have the Taylor sound but add a really nice bottom.
You are NOT going to get a full dealer discount at Guitar Center or MS Music
and you're going to have to pay tax on top of that. I've gone through about 75 guitars over the last 3-4 years. Primarily vintage and used Martins and Gibsons. If you want to buy new, the best place to get a full dealer discount is MyFavoriteGuitars.com(MFG) or MauryMusic.com or WildwoodGuitars.com. A full dealer discount is typically 40% off anything with a MSRP greater than $2500 and 25% off anything less than that. I really like Jon at MFG. I ordered a custom Martin through him and a couple others. He's prompt and will take care of you if you have any issues and I think he carries Taylor if that's your thing. I bought the Martin Jeff Tweedy model from Wildwood and got a good deal.
If you want to buy used, join the Acoustic Guitar Forum, UMGF or the Gibson Guitar Board. Taylor probably has a board as well with classified on it. Buying used will save you a good bit of cash.
I'm selling a nice Gibson at the moment. if you're interested in spending around 2k or just want some advice on any different Martins or Gibsons, PM me.
and you're going to have to pay tax on top of that. I've gone through about 75 guitars over the last 3-4 years. Primarily vintage and used Martins and Gibsons. If you want to buy new, the best place to get a full dealer discount is MyFavoriteGuitars.com(MFG) or MauryMusic.com or WildwoodGuitars.com. A full dealer discount is typically 40% off anything with a MSRP greater than $2500 and 25% off anything less than that. I really like Jon at MFG. I ordered a custom Martin through him and a couple others. He's prompt and will take care of you if you have any issues and I think he carries Taylor if that's your thing. I bought the Martin Jeff Tweedy model from Wildwood and got a good deal.
If you want to buy used, join the Acoustic Guitar Forum, UMGF or the Gibson Guitar Board. Taylor probably has a board as well with classified on it. Buying used will save you a good bit of cash.
I'm selling a nice Gibson at the moment. if you're interested in spending around 2k or just want some advice on any different Martins or Gibsons, PM me.
Mississippi Music will overcharge the hell out of you. I'm all for supporting your local business ******** but I am also against getting sodomized by some punk-*** kids too. Guitar Center will give you the best price and if you go to the one in Jackson there is a strawberry blond chick with big tittays that shows them off as much as possible but is also very knowledgable about anything involving guitars
I buy a lot of music gear from AmericanMusical.com They usually will price match. The best thing is they offer installment payments with no interest. You just pay like $5 and get the purchase price broken down into 3 or 5 payments depending on how much $ you spend.
I like to use the $ I make playing music to buy my musical purchases...so dividing up the payments always helps.
Whatever you decide to do...go find the one you like in Guitar Center or another store. Write down the cat # and then search online for a better deal.
What range of $ are you looking to spend?
I like to use the $ I make playing music to buy my musical purchases...so dividing up the payments always helps.
Whatever you decide to do...go find the one you like in Guitar Center or another store. Write down the cat # and then search online for a better deal.
What range of $ are you looking to spend?
The guitar I specifically want is the Taylor 414ce which retails for $1999.00, and I have already made up my mind that I want to buy new not used. The best deal I have seen so far has been a 20% off sale on Black Friday at Guitar Center. I guess my real question behind this thread was: Do I gain anything besides personal satisfaction of buying local instead of going with a lower price from Guitar Center? So far, the answer I am seeing is no I won't. I see that Sweetwater.com offers free shipping, free tech support, a 2 year free warranty, and 24 month no interest financing, which would give a positive mark on my credit by doing that instead of just paying cash. I'm a little hesitant of the idea of buying and then shipping a new $2000 guitar through the mail....
WELLO
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Search/...or+414ce&src=taylor+414ce&acukd=+Taylor+414ce
buy used and saVE !!
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Search/...or+414ce&src=taylor+414ce&acukd=+Taylor+414ce
buy used and saVE !!
AmericanMusical is offering 12 easy payments on that guitar for 0% interest right now...for a limited time. Thats what, 166 bucks a month...you only get charged a $20 service fee for using the payment method.
Personally, I've had 3 or so guitars shipped from there and never had any problems. I've ordered Amp Racks, amps, speakers, lights you name it online...the cheap stuff is the stuff you have to worry about being shipped. I've also sent back expensive items before...no hassles
If you order from a website...feel free to call up their customer service and ask them about damaged shipping...to ease your mind.
As for the shipment....when ordering something expensive. I always try to have it sent somewhere where I know there will be someone there to great the UPS or FedEx truck when it arrives. That way, if there is bad damage visible, you can just refuse the shipment and make them send you another one.
Personally, I've had 3 or so guitars shipped from there and never had any problems. I've ordered Amp Racks, amps, speakers, lights you name it online...the cheap stuff is the stuff you have to worry about being shipped. I've also sent back expensive items before...no hassles
If you order from a website...feel free to call up their customer service and ask them about damaged shipping...to ease your mind.
As for the shipment....when ordering something expensive. I always try to have it sent somewhere where I know there will be someone there to great the UPS or FedEx truck when it arrives. That way, if there is bad damage visible, you can just refuse the shipment and make them send you another one.
just buy used
or if you buy from sweetwater, call them and ask if they give a full dealer discount and what it would be. also, you can email Jon at www.myfavoritemusic.com for a quote for that Taylor and he'll send you his full dealer discount quote for comparison. works like this with all online dealers.
add 7% tax for all guitarcenter purchases, new or used...plus shipping. only perk with GC is that you can return it at any GC within a month for a refund. most dealers offer a 72 hours approval period.
or if you buy from sweetwater, call them and ask if they give a full dealer discount and what it would be. also, you can email Jon at www.myfavoritemusic.com for a quote for that Taylor and he'll send you his full dealer discount quote for comparison. works like this with all online dealers.
add 7% tax for all guitarcenter purchases, new or used...plus shipping. only perk with GC is that you can return it at any GC within a month for a refund. most dealers offer a 72 hours approval period.
how about opinions on Rocksmith vs live lessons? I have only had about a month's worth of lessons... thinking very seriously about going with the new ROcksmith 2014 when it comes out in October. Buzz on the net is that it is much better way to learn...
The all-new Rocksmith 2014 Edition is bigger, better, and faster than
ever. Rebuilt from the ground up, you'll experience vastly improved features, a
new look, more flexible and deeper practice tools, new techniques and tunings,
over 50 new hit songs, and much more.
With the revolutionary Session Mode, Rocksmith 2014 Edition takes
guitar-learning to the next level by allowing you to play guitar with a virtual
band that follows your every lead. Select from an assortment of backing
instruments or styles, and Session Mode reacts to the notes you play.
The all-new Rocksmith 2014 Edition is bigger, better, and faster than
ever. Rebuilt from the ground up, you'll experience vastly improved features, a
new look, more flexible and deeper practice tools, new techniques and tunings,
over 50 new hit songs, and much more.
With the revolutionary Session Mode, Rocksmith 2014 Edition takes
guitar-learning to the next level by allowing you to play guitar with a virtual
band that follows your every lead. Select from an assortment of backing
instruments or styles, and Session Mode reacts to the notes you play.