Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

[TRex]

I have been looking around, and outside of the used market there isn't a whole lot of choice in stores. Small stores seem to not be able to swing the minimum order size for Gibson or Fender

For Example, it seems large Guitar centers only carry 3 to 5 Gibsons at a time. Not to mention they are poorly setup and often in need of new strings. Mostly they will have two or three studios, an SG, and maybe a LP standard or trad. Same goes for American Fenders.

Ordering online seems like it would be a crap shoot, as you dont even get to try before you buy. I guess returning would be available though.

Where do you guys buy new guitars? Are there some small shops still selling new high end guitars around you?

 

[uOpt]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

For guitars, there's only Ebay...

For basses: Paul's Bass Matters has a good selection.

 

[Condemnedsoul]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

What are you looking for? Try Martin Music in Memphis Tn.

http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/

 

[Demanic]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Camp Verde.

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[B2D]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

I'm fortunate to live less than an hour away from Guitar Row on Sunset in LA. The REALLY good stuff is over at Tone Merchants in NoHo.

 

[TRex]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Right now im not looking to buy just yet, i was just wondering where you guys get these cool guitars. Just window shopping at the moment.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Chicago Music Exchange, Make 'n Music, Rock and Roll Vintage and the good Guitar Center. Yeah, it's rough in this town.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

There are a bunch of booteek shops still around but none of them is named "Guitar Center" or "Sam Ash". A bunch of them have been mentioned already. My favorite is Washington Music Center in MD. Local to me is Wildwood. Guitar Sanctuary in TX seems to have some nice stuff, too.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

First of all, forget new. With high end items, the risk of getting a turd is a lot lower when unable to try before you buy. Ask a lot of questions and request detailed pics though.

Los Angeles Craigslist, Reverb, and Ebay are your best bet. I'm even considering starting a business where I buy from LA Craigslist, ensure condition, and ship. It has it's risks, but we simply have the best access to the best gear.....not a boast, but a fact. If you find something here, PM me.
I'm a shipping pro. I'll help forum bros if I get compensated fairly. I've brokered many deals for people around the world. I actually do it weekly, even though I don't advertise it on the forum. If it's something in particular, PM me. A lot of hip gear goes through my hands, or can be found within minutes.

LA is the dumping ground of top notch music gear. If you can't find it here, you don't need it should be our motto.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

To give an idea of how I can be counted on, I'll be driving all Friday evening, over a hundred miles for a Mexican recording artist, picking up mint used strats, before bringing him to a studio where I'll be laying tracks as well. I'll also be stopping to pick up a pedal for an internet friend, and also a LP for myself.

Gearjoneser wasn't a name I made up.....it was given to me by band mates who thought I was outta control.....like the Lachman brothers....Pat from Damageplan, one of them.

 

[NjuiMusic]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Chicago Music Exchange/Reverb

 

[NjuiMusic]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Guitar Porn Gear Exchange group on facebook, I do many dealings there!

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Tough for me in the Pacific N.W. I did a lot of biz at GC, but they are not what they used to be.

I often buy used; all but one of my G&Ls were bought used. My last two amps, a Mark V:25 full-stack and a Mark V:35 combo with custom vinyl were used and I got fabulous deals. Of the last six Martins I've bought, only two were new. GC gave me great deals on the new ones. The last one, a 2010 D-41, I got a deal nearly a Grand under bluebook price.

I have a ridiculous inventory of guitars, amps, and PA gear so my buying is limited these days, unless it is something I REALLY want. It helps that I know what I like and what works for me, and that I'm happy with my tones.

However, I'm listing my '59 Historic Les Paul for sale. At some point I may want to get another Historic, but they are rare up here. I will look at the dealers who sponsor the Les Paul Forum (many of them have stellar reputations) to try to find my dream guitar. So one thought would be to check in with the manufacturer's forum, and you will get some good ideas about good stores that carry that brand. There are shops that specialize in Rics, Gretschs, Gibson Historic, Martin or Fender Custom Shop, so this is a good start.

Good luck!

Bill

 

[Mincer]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Generally Ebay or Reverb, or direct from the manufacturers.

 

[Shooter.556]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Wilcutt Guitars in Lexington Kentucky and the Guitar Emporium in Louisville, Kentucky are both high end shops with a great selection.
If you go to Guitar Emporium and ask nicely Gearmanndude himself might even come out and talk to ya.. Then you can help put all them Jack Black rumors to rest..

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

First of all, forget new. With high end items, the risk of getting a turd is a lot lower when unable to try before you buy. Ask a lot of questions and request detailed pics though.

Los Angeles Craigslist, Reverb, and Ebay are your best bet. I'm even considering starting a business where I buy from LA Craigslist, ensure condition, and ship. It has it's risks, but we simply have the best access to the best gear.....not a boast, but a fact. If you find something here, PM me.
I'm a shipping pro. I'll help forum bros if I get compensated fairly. I've brokered many deals for people around the world. I actually do it weekly, even though I don't advertise it on the forum. If it's something in particular, PM me. A lot of hip gear goes through my hands, or can be found within minutes.

LA is the dumping ground of top notch music gear. If you can't find it here, you don't need it should be our motto.

Let me know if you ever come across an early 90s Green Matamp.

 

[Zarg]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

In Germany we dont have craigslist in particular, but a division of ebay which is for local ads, found a lot of gear on there, basically its craigslist. always making sure you can try before you buy is important.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

My local GC carries a ton of Gibsons, not as many US Fenders, and some high end PRS. Amp wise they kind of sucks. But fortunately I'm not that far outside of Chicago.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Heard/read nothing but good things about Sweetwater...

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Where do you go to buy high end stuff?

Camp Verde.

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Ha ha ha that made me laugh a good one! Only the best for those who know....