[S Lowe (Steve Lowe)]

There's been discussion about poor experiences and one particular large retailer.. but not a lot of discussion about good buying experiences and favorite dealers. So who's your favorite retailer and why? Share good stories, too!

For me, it's Wildwood Guitars (http://wildwoodguitars.com/) in Louisville, CO. They have a great selection and the knowledge of the crew is outstanding. Steve Mesple, the owner, is a player, too (Wind Machine was his band - mostly Colorado folks will recognize the name) and he has a great vintage collection as well. I've bought several things from them over the years and had a good experience each time.

The most memorable experience wasn't really a purchase, though I was willing to give them money. I have (in my possession, anyway) a 1959 Les Paul Custom that my dad bought new. It technically belongs my mother, but since I'm the guitar player in the family, it resides with me. Anyhow, my mom was talking about selling this guitar and splitting the proceeds between her kids (3 of us). Some have fallen on hard times financially, and my mom doesn't want my brother-in-law to get a hold of it (long story). So, I called Wildwood and asked if they could take a look at it and give me an idea how much it's worth. They said sure, bring it in.

I'd done some research beforehand, and knew that most places charge $50-100 to appraise an instrument, so was prepared to spend that when I went in there. Gruhn's in Nashville will do one online for $50 if you send the pics and info. They spent 2 hours (Steve and Troy, one of his crew) poring over the details of this guitar and making notes, talking to us (my brother and I went down there) about the story of the guitar, and taking some pictures. Steve made a few calls (including to his friend George Gruhn....) and called me back later that day with an opinion on what the guitar is worth. They did all this without charging me a penny. I offered to pay him, but he declined saying that first, he loves old guitars (especially Gibsons), loves hearing the stories, and likes to help people in our situation.

Because of that, when it comes to guitars, especially Gibsons, I'll go to Wildwood first.

Oh also, for you guys afraid to buy a guitar sight unseen, I'd recommend you call them about what you need. They will play the thing over the phone for you, give you any measurements, pictures, etc, and an expert opinion on the quality of the piece you're interested in. Great service!

So who's your favorite, and why?

[D Schulteis (Deej)]

I like the guys at Wildwood. I've been in there once (stay away due to fear of bankrupcy ), but have called them on several occassions looking for specific stuff. I definitely hope they are as good as they seem... I'm on their list for any cancellations of tribute goldtop orders.

Musician's Superstore in Westminster comes in first for me. I've been shopping with those guys for 10 years, and they always give me good service, even if I'm not in there to spend money. Usually can't get out of there for an hour or more, just 'cause we end up chatting, asking about wives and the like. Miss those guys now that I've moved to the Springs... no good places down here, and I find that I end up in GC rather than some of the others - believe it or not - out of preference.

[D Bighorn (LesPaulNut)]

It simply HAD to be the smaller shops with the hidden gem's and the personal service.

I refuse to buy Gibson guitars now, due to the fact that the dealer closest to me are w**k

In fact, I can't think of a dealer that I do like, they're all these terribly un-professional, unfriendly, in-experienced, super centre types.

[P Petiniot (Blues4U)]

There aren't any smaller stores in my area that are selling Gibsons--I can think of at least 3 stores within an hour or me that use to sell Gibsons--all for 20 years or more--Now they don't fit into Gibson's image or business model-

Two of my last three Gibson guitars were purchased from private individuals -- Collectors that had an over abundance of guitars (great guitars)

I have had several conversations with the guys at Eddie's guitars in St Louis and would have bought a guitar from them a while ago, but it sold while I was making my mind up-

I will buy from them eventually I am sure.

I can't remember the name of the shop I have been in a couple times down across the river from Cape Girrardeau, Mo. but it is local owned and the folks are nice and knowledgeable.
I purchased accessories from them as my brother lives close and I have been in there a time or two.

As far as large retailers go, I like Sweetwater up in Fort Wayne. I have to pay sales tax as I am in Indiana but it is worth it to me as I get fantastic service and they will meet or beat prices elsewhere--

[F Shrimer (J185-4Me)]

Fuller's in Houston TX!

Fred

[M Keegan (Axvault)]

I do not the the big "box store". Everyone knows who I am talking about. I know Gibson had to cut back on the number of dealers i.e. increase floor stock$. But I am disappointed that there are do few dealers in MA.

They did not give me proper advice on care for my 87'l4. Now I have a big crack. Guitar is barely worth anything now. I play it out all the time and it still sounds great. But to take such a big $ hit. I had a Gibson authorized dealer try and repair. But I ended up getting a better job from a non- authorized guy.

I would like to see more buying options. I cannot buy online. I have to play it first. Every guitar has a slightly different feel.

[C Robinson (bluenote)]

I purchased my ES-339 Custom Figured, Vintage Burst - in Montreal Canada at Italmelodie. I bought it in late December, 2009. You might say a Christmas gift to myself! Anyway, Italmelodie treated me very well. They were professional, and did not press that I should focus on any certain product. I was there for a good four hours one afternoon milling through their Gibson stock. By the way they had a very cool display for the Gibson section, which was enclosed within a glass walled structure. They made sure I could sit comfortably and plug in to my choice of a few amps that had in there at the time. The salesman was patient and brought me many great guitars before I made my choice. The manager also dropped by a couple of times to see "how I was doing". I'm sorry I don't remember their names at this point, or I would give them kudos here. Generally the staff were great. It's a good feeling to buy from a place that treats their customers with respect, and displays a passion for music. Much better than buying from a Big Box store. Now, nine months later, I am really enjoying the ES-339. It's a gem!

[r ferrell (raven999)]

Not a fan of the "box-store's, none of them really care as much about the instruments, except as sales figures. Here in Montana, Outlaw Music in Missoula, the owner Sam used to be on the production/QC line, and him & Dave are wizards when it comes to fine-tuning a guitar, to get the personal touch we all have. For repair work, if I couldn't send it to the factory, I'd got to a luthier who actually procuces their own guitars. Its more expensive, but you'll get better craftsmanship from people who build guitars by hand for a living.

[r wells (wolfman63)]

I do not currently buy Gibson products. I used to. My favorite dealer is ABSOLUTE MUSIC in Fairborn Ohio. I will buy used Gibson guitars from them. I'm dissapointed in Gibsons practice of "weeding out" smaller dealers in favor of the "box store". I've dealt with Absolute for twenty-five years and been well taken care of in all that time. I am friends with the owner, and am unhappy with Gibson, for some of their treatment of their dealers. You at Gibson know what I'm talking about. If you don't, maybe you should take a lesson from the TV show "Undercover Boss" and find out. I've also read blogs about how you take care of your employees at your manufacturing facilities. They are not real happy with their treatment. AND unhappy employees don't really do as good a job. That might explain some of the quality issues I've seen and heard about. Maybe you should consider also, cutting back on the number of different guitars you make available. Why waste time and material on loosers like the Dark Star? How many people can realisticly afford to pay that kind of price for an over engineered, battery operated, whiz-bang, robotic sled? If you've got that kind of money to throw away, you should know better. But I guess I've strayed from the original subject. For that I'm sorry.......
Absolute Music in Fairborn, Ohio is my favorite dealer.

[K Gilbert (Kevin1960)]

East Coast Music Mall in Danbury, CT. Good blend of selection, customer service and support following the sale. (set-ups, repairs, etc)

[V Russelavage (Vic Russelavage)]

So far we have great comments on:

Wildwood Guitars, Louisville, CO
Musician's Superstore in Westminster, CO
Eddie's Guitars, St. Louis, MO
Sweetwater Sound, Fort Wayne, IN
Fuller's Vintage, Houston, TX
Italmelodie, Montreal, CA
Outlaw Music, Missoula, MT
Absolute Music, Fairborn, OH
East Coast Music Mall, Danbury, CT

Great businesses all.

What other music retailers are out there who have provided an above and beyond music experience? Who get's involved in the local music community, has great expertise, cares about their customers, has great inventory, killer repair shop, goes above and beyond?

Doesn't have to be a Gibson or Epiphone dealer.

[J Luekemeyer (ACELUEK)]

Jim's Music in Tustin,CA..

[R Sage (AXE®)]

http://eddiesguitars.com/

[K Bolas (lespaul1963)]

Encore Music in Auburn, California. The owner Larry Gosch (and his lieutenants, Johnny and Paul) will most often do the "little niceties" for free while you wait. He's not a Gibson dealer anymore, anyway, for the reasons stated by many with regards to the small, independent retailer. I'll shop there out of preference and buy from him regardless of price. Larry is the "Answer Guy", plays in a local band or two. Heck, he's offered to let me take new gear on loan and try it out in a live setting to see if it would work for me. Encore also has a qualified music education department and is the go-to place for the greater Auburn are if one desires lessons. He can fix just about anything and has even personally taught me how to effect my own repairs. Lastly, if he can't fix it, he's connected with people that are eminently qualified to do so.

[I Stoddard (Low-B 5-String)]

V Russelavage (Vic Russelavage), on 27 November 2010 - 10:17 AM, said:

...
Great businesses all.

What other music retailers are out there who have provided an above and beyond music experience? Who get's involved in the local music community, has great expertise, cares about their customers, has great inventory, killer repair shop, goes above and beyond?

Doesn't have to be a Gibson or Epiphone dealer.

Since you asked (and not only I have bought five guitars from them over the past decade but they restored my '69 GoldTop to pristine shape) I will nominate:
Danny D's Guitar Hacienda, League City TX

[S Sanchez (trekhead)]

I know a lot of folks have issues with the big box stores, but the guys over at Guitar Center of Tallahassee are a great bunch, and all I have to say are good things about the experiences I've had with them. I'm especially grateful of Joe Steinhart, Neel , and Paxton.

[C Robbins (Blackwidow 21)]

I loved the Gibson retail store in Nashville it was the best. I bought 3 guitars from there. I have since started buying from the retail store in Memphis.