Perhaps it's only the 10-12 GC's I've visited, but has anyone else ever noticed that if the GC store does not have something there, they look at you funny when you ask if they have it? And, then they claim they've never heard of it. Must be a company policy so you'll really feel ridiculous for asking or as a ploy to get you to buy something else.

This happened the last time (last week) I walked in and asked if they had a 10" LP Ice Bell. I had a cat in his late 30's look at me all funny like and said, "No. LP makes an Ice Bell? What's it look like?" I had to leave before I before I became socially inappropriate.








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Alden Merrill

Ford Drums
Zildjian Cymbals, Aquarian Heads
Vater, Cappella and Vic Firth Sticks
Proudly playing drums crafted in the USA.

I know what you mean. I went there once looking for the remO's muffling rings. I had read reviews and they were reviewed higher than the Evans e-rings so I asked for the remos. The guy said what and I repeated it. He was quiet for a moment then he looked up opn the wall behind him. Then he just said, " no, but we have the Evans e-rings, I guess they're the same thing..." I never saw that salesman again...

Yea, I think when Guitar Center looks for employees they look for that nice "Jerk" quality in them.








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I have a friend who I won't mention his name but he plays drums for a very well known singer, they were in town on tour and my friend went to the local GC and found a used cymbal that he was interested in buying. He asked how much it was and they told him it was $89.00. The cymbal probably didn't cost that much new so he offered then $45 for it, they said they were into it more than that. Now GC only pays about $1 an inch for cymbals and this was a 16" cymbal.

He walked out. Well, he just happens to know the buyers for GC and told them what had happened. They came to the show that night and one of them handed him the cymbal and said "Compliments of the GC manager."








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www.medicinemandrumsaz.com

DML Special: 20% off all drums.

Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights do make a left!

they act like tehere the shit and your a noob drummer








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safe sex is in the palm of your hand

Timekeep69 wrote:

The cymbal probably didn't cost that much new so he offered then $45 for it, they said they were into it more than that. Now GC only pays about $1 an inch for cymbals and this was a 16" cymbal.

The general rule of thumb for used cymbal buying @ GC is $1 and inch for sheet, and $2 an inch for cast, however this is not law. Contrary to popular belief, I can realize that it would be an insult to offer you $32 for a cymbal I can resell for $150.
This does not mean though that you can name your price on the gear your trading in. We're going to sell it for what it's worth, thus we can't give you that amount. This system has been used in pawn shops and resale outlets since the beginning.

As far as Atmerrill's simply tragic Ice Bell incident, a little patience goes a long way. Although LP does in fact make an Ice Bell (in 7 and 9 inch sizes), it's as easy as asking the guy helping you to see if we carry it, or if you can special order it. Additionally, Sabian actually produces the more popular "Ice Bells", which I have sold, but have never had a single customer ask for the LP model. As utterly offended as you must have been, there was no reason to get "socially inappropriate".
Kind of reminds me of the guy the came in to my shop yesterday, and threw a fit because we don't carry Nova drumsticks. Good times.








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The truth is not wide.

On a side note, why is this in the "Drum Set" topic?








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The truth is not wide.

ctyjones wrote:

On a side note, why is this in the "Drum Set" topic?

Since they probably sell more sets than others, seemed like a good spot. And, thank-you for the well thought out, reasoned response - your comments are valid, and you're right: We should always be "socially appropriate."

Saying that, I think by now I've simply realized a bigger truth when it comes to the chain store: They're gonna carry what they can can get the kids into; what they were able to beat the manufactures into, and if you're really an older player who isn't into buying stuff just because (insert name) had it in the picture, you're probably smarter to find a true drum shop where you may pay a buck more, but who will cater more to your needs.

It may explain why I've never found True Line and Cappella Sticks (now defunct), Protection Racket cases, Old School Felt bass drum felts, Turkish Cymbals, Aquarian American or Modern Vintage Heads, Zildjian Cymbal Rivets, SKB Drum Cases, Vic Firth Stanton Moore or Steve Smith model sticks, flat base stands (Gibraltar or DW) or a host of other things at any GC in particular. Oh yeah: They can order stuff, but then I can too. Or, I can go to place like LA's Professional Drum Shop and just purchase it there, or at some smaller shops.

I realize GC aims for the kids (what the heck, moms and dads hold the purse strings), it would just be nice to actually hear someone honestly say, "We don't carry that because that is not what the kids are into and we're here for the kids."








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Alden Merrill

Ford Drums
Zildjian Cymbals, Aquarian Heads
Vater, Cappella and Vic Firth Sticks
Proudly playing drums crafted in the USA.

Ha ha!.. I swear, this just happened to me tonight..went in asking the kid what the cheapest black bass drum head they had.. he walked directly to the evans, which was like 50 bucks.. i said "what about the remos"..he looked at me dumbfounded and said "remo?" like he never even heard of remo.. he walked to the computer and punched it in and goes .."hhmmm" like he just realized remo made drum heads.. i couldn't believe what i was witnessing. You had to be there..lol








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Remo makes drumheads??

By the way, if you know what you're looking for, you probably wont find it cheaper than at Interstate Music. They're catalog has everything almost.

ATMERRILL,
If you go to the GC in San Marcos, talk to Chris. His badge usually says "Skinny." He always hooks up the lowest prices and isnt an idiot. But I still always check Interstate Music first. They're prices are usually identical, but then you dont have to pay for shipping at GC

22-10-12-14/16 are the only drum sizes currently in use anywhere in the world.
Emads are the correct BD Head.
Something smooth, in black, and with a hole, is the only right choice for a BD resonant.
God created pinstripes.
Sabian are the best cymbals
Bass Drums do not come in 18, 20 or 24 inch sizes.
Whut is a fiber skin?

Based on in store stock, and the relative IQ level of most employees at my Local Guitar Center Drum Shop.

You guys make socially inappropriate almost a personal invitation.








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ThePloughman

ThePloughman wrote:

Duct Tape, Moongells, and Remos...... with pinstripes

Rogers Drums USA

Check this out
http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/showthread.php?t=196158

Atmerrill wrote:

Saying that, I think by now I've simply realized a bigger truth when it comes to the chain store: They're gonna carry what they can can get the kids into; what they were able to beat the manufactures into, and if you're really an older player who isn't into buying stuff just because (insert name) had it in the picture, you're probably smarter to find a true drum shop where you may pay a buck more, but who will cater more to your needs.

+1....

but I will, from time to time, buy things from GC. I do not ask questions, though. There's one guy at a Sam Ash close to me who is very cool, and if I need to buy something from them, I will give him my business.

Oh, Ploughman.....hilarious!








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www.myspace.com/steppinrazorreggaeband

I proudly endorse Medicine Man Drums, AZ

Unfortunately, all the above comments have a least some truth to them. It's the same reason I have some customers who will call ahead to make sure I'm working, otherwise they won't set foot in the shop.
But then again, EVERY workplace has a couple mush-heads on staff. Think about where you work.... Yeah, THAT guy. Which reminds me, did anybody else see "Idiocricy"?








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The truth is not wide.

Well I never really had asked a dumb question but I check online first to see and then go out and buy it.

A couple of weeks ago I went into a GC for a 13" RIMS because it was closer than the drum shop I usually go to. I asked specifically for a Gibralter or any type of generic($40), but the only one they could find in the system was a Gauger($90). Then both salesmen had the ignorance or nerve to say that a 13" is an unusual size and would be a special order. I didn't order and told them that I would look elsewhere, and drove to the drum shop 20 minutes further and found one hassle free.

ThePloughman wrote:

22-10-12-14/16 are the only drum sizes currently in use anywhere in the world.
Emads are the correct BD Head.
Something smooth, in black, and with a hole, is the only right choice for a BD resonant.
God created pinstripes.
Sabian are the best cymbals
Bass Drums do not come in 18, 20 or 24 inch sizes.
Whut is a fiber skin?

Based on in store stock, and the relative IQ level of most employees at my Local Guitar Center Drum Shop.

You guys make socially inappropriate almost a personal invitation.

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activities and collaborators: http://www.myspace.com/bendingthemap - http://www.myspace.com/christopherabruce - http://www.raycoyle.com - http://www.myspace.com/raycoyleproject - http://www.spacebrewer.com