Snaked By GCREP!

[ozover50]

I don't know whether it counts for much over there, but "Without Prejudice" at the top of that kind of letter is always a good idea.

Thank God we've got nothing like Guitar Centre over here, Darren and Paul (well..... not as far as I know, anyway). I've not found anything but reputable, straight used instrument dealers here in Melbourne (haven't been to Cash Converters yet!).

[jingle_jangle]

Cash Converters sounds like a pawn shop...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33041&item=7335297982&rd=1

Notice the disclaimer that "this item is being advertised locally", etc...

[ozover50]

It is exactly that, Paul, but they are quite a large chain and do a lot of advertising so I think their reputation would suffer if they were down at the level of most of the 'hock shops'.

I love the way phrases such as ".. in great shape considering its age......" qualify the condition, Paul. IMO you'd be insane to buy that one sight unseen (especially from GC)!!

[jingle_jangle]

Yes, Aitch, because as we both know, we're in "great shape considering [our] age", too. And that ain't sayin' much!

[ozover50]

Dead right, Paul. I haven't gone 'pear shaped' yet!!

[jsm610]

I am certainly sorry to hear about the bad experiences that you all have had, but I wanted to chime in that my experiences have been pretty good. I have bought 5 new Rics at GC, the prices were the same as everywhere else, around 48% off MSRP, 3 were on the floor, 2 were special orders; 2 were in Atlanta, the rest in AZ. I also have bought a used Gibson SST Chet Atkins that was $500 - a deal in my opinion. I have also bought most of my Pro-Tools stuff at GC and they match whatever the best price I can find...

I have bought on-line too - the guitar was better than described and I thought it was underpriced. It didn't get any other bids, so maybe I fooled myself. I noted that it wasn't the same GCREP, mine was GCREP114 and the guitar came from Fountain Valley.

I was aware of the 'bad reputation' when I bid on the on-line, and was nevous. But all worked out fine...

Are all GCREPs created equal? Maybe not... Is the bad experiences you all have had confined to GCREP444?

[jingle_jangle]

I've had good dealings with both Fountain Valley and Sacramento, despite both stores being overpopulated with thrashers with $150.00 budgets. (Man, how many colors do those Squier Strats come in, anyway?)

I don't think they are all created equal. I think it's the store manager's call, and some are more responsible and ethical than others.

[rickenbrother]

Sorry to see that you had that experience with GCREEP, Randy. Everytime I click on an auction to view it and realize that it is a GCREEP auction, I feel like I just wasted my time...though sometimes I get a good laugh at their descriptions and when I see what they are expecting to sell something for.

[randyz]

Joey, tomorrow I will darken their doorway and meet GCREEP himself. While I don't relish the idea of walking through the Valley of Death, I know I must do it. I fully expect to be choked by the acrid fumes of hellfire and brimstone, as I make my way down the rugged stone steps into the Inferno. I will no doubt hear the wailing of damned souls and know I must close my ears to it. It is my sworn charge to confront the Devil's henchman and find out exactly why he cheats the honest and forthright in Ebay auctions. If I get the chance, I will surely impale him on a silver pike and watch him vanish into dust (or maybe just score a killer deal on a minty 660/12 MG). So is the end for the evil ones that walk amongst us!

[jps]

I thought it was a wooden spike, or is that just for vampires?

[randyz]

Jeff, heck I don't know. I don't read vampire novels and I don't know what form this shape-shifter may take. But I do know I've got a bunch of silver pikes in my shed, and I'll damn well run him through with one if I get the bloody chance! (or get a sweet deal on a 660/12 MG).

[atomic_punk]

It won't be the wailing of tortured souls you hear, it will be 14 year olds wanking on Squiers.

[ozover50]

The Bridge of Sighs........

"Hell aint nuthin' but a hot Heaven - you just gotta get friendly with where you is!!".

[rickenbrother]

Randy, that was a great post! LOL
Good luck with your GCREEP meeting, hopefully they do something cool to make you happy, like make you an excellent deal.

[randyz]

Forget anything negative that I may have said about GCRep. I just got back from meeting Chris Leland (GC Sales Manager, Dallas), and he's a very nice guy. He asked me what it would take for me to be a happy GC customer. I suggested that we make a deal on a Rickenbacker.

Just to recap, I won an Ebay auction for a really beat-up '94 1997 JG. The auction closed at $999, and store tag on the guitar was an unrealistic $1599. They emailed later to say the guitar was sold before the auction closed, but they forgot to end it.

Chris and I strolled over to the used guitars, where there were six or seven Ricks. Most were unsold stock bought from another dealer, so they weren't really used (620/12 MB, 370 MG, 360 MG, 660/12 MG, 360 JG, etc). But they had a '99 1997 FG tagged at $1999. It had a couple minor chips, but otherwise looked perfect. As I picked out the 'Day Tripper' riff, I asked him for his best price. He said, "$1199" and I said, "I'll take it".

We spoke for few minutes and he really seemed like a good guy. I'm sure he appreciated my professional demeanor, good attitude, and the speed at which I reach for my wallet when I see cool stuff. He asked for my business card and said that whenever any cool Rick, Vox, Hofner stuff comes into the store, he'll let me know.

Before leaving the store, Rick in hand, we shook hands and agreed to leave positive feedback with Ebay. Case closed. Picture to follow!

And to think, I was ready to impale him on a silver pike...