Gibson dealers

[Super400]

Greetings to all. #I've been reading posts here for quite some time and really appreciate the insightful input from all the mando brothers and sisters that post regularly.

I haven't really had much reason to add my own input as I feel to be pretty much a rookie compared to so many of the other players here. #My mando madness started about 4 years ago after playing guitar, dobro and bass in many different styles of bands over the past 40 years. #The instant I started on my own mando journey I knew this is where I needed to be. #I love the mandolin in all it's forms and prefer the style of Bill Monore. #If you have to emulate someone might as well go for the gold!

Anyhow, that's who I am if it matters. #Here's my dilemma. I feel it is time for me to step up to a "better" instrument than the Mandolin I have been playing for the last four years. #It's a Washburn that lacks volume and tone, but is tremendously playable. #So, I began my earnest search about 6 months ago.

Over this period of time I have visited a few dealers and played maybe 30 manodlins of varying quality, but have stayed with brands known to be more quality than "price built." #Some of the makers that I have been blessed to have played include Weber, Collings, Eastman, and a quite large assortment of smaller manufactuerers. #Some have really caught me breathless in their tone and massive volume compared to my 'ol Washburn. #The one brand that I continue to struggle with is Gibson.

My experience has been limited to only 3 Gibson dealers but my experinece with each of these three dealers is almost identical. #My most recent experience occured just yesterday. #My visit to a qualified Gibson dealer about an hour from my home was, at first like Indiana Jones walking into the Well of Souls. #Hanging on the wall were 6 higher end Gibson mandolins. #All had tags in the strings indicating I should ask a clerk prior to playing. #Good idea I thought. #Don't want some beaters ruining these beautiful creations. #The clerk told me it would be fine if I played them. #Just be careful of the belt buckle. #No problem. #Then I noticed I didn't have pick so I asked the girl for a pick. #She said "Oh my, we don't allow any picks to be used on these instruments." #Huh? #I asked her how anyone could play a mandolin without a pick. She said people do it all the time. #I told her there is no point in my even holding one of these without a pick. #

She then went out and got me a pick. #It was a huge RUBBER PICK. #Let me repat - A HUGE RUBBER PICK. I looked at her like she just spoke in Saturnese. #What was I supposed to do with this? #It's all we will allow. #OK. #I tried it but you can guess what the result would be. #It sounded like the lousiest mandolin ever created. #And I knew this one had huge potential to be a contender. #I gave up after a few minutes of fumbling and left the store dumbfounded.

It is completely understandable that a dealer wants to protect his investment. #It is completely understandable that a dealer would want to preserve the item for the person that finally buys the instrument. #But, how can the dealer find a buyer when they won't allow anyone to actually play the instrument properly? #And, after they were informed that I am a serious shopper looking for the right mandolin. #I had my wife and 16yo son with me.

This same scenario had been played out at the other 2 Gibson dealers I have been able to visit to different degrees. #But the common thread was huge reluctance to allow anyone to touch their stock. #Unfortunately, I do not travel the country nor have the time to visit dealers in the four corners of the country. #I have not yet been able to play a new Gibson mandolin at any dealer in the past 6 months of trying. #How will I ever know if "Only a Gibson is Good Enough?"

On the other hand, I have visited non-Gibson dealers who have been way welcoming and allowing me to really enjoy each of the instruments in their stock, some costing twice what the Gibson's sell for. #

Any idea why my experience with Gibson dealers is so different from non-Gibson dealers?? #I present myself the same way, talk with the staff the same way, show interest the same way. #But, each Gibson dealer were afraid to let me play the Gibsons. #

I emailed Gibson and they helped as much as a rubber pick. #

Maybe this group can help me or help some Gibson dealers see the light.

Sorry for the rant, but what gives? Is it me?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[mzuch]

On the outside chance this isn't another Gibson-bashing troll, here's some advice:

1. Next time, bring you own pick.
2. Ask for the manager and/or owner.
3. Go to Mandolin Brothers, where they let you play for as long as you like with whatever pick you choose.
4. At the cost of shipping both ways, order over the Internet from a dealer that offers a trial period. If you intend to try more than one model with an honest intention to buy, let them know and they may give you a break on shipping.

In other words, there are things we can do as consumers to overcome unknowledgeable or unhelpful store clerks.

[jimbob]

Fuller's in Houston....no financial interest

[Super400]

Really did not intend for this to be a Gibson bashing thread. Just looking to get some input. Yeh, I felt really stupid not having a pick with me. I always do - except when I need one! If the Mandolin Bros. were just a bit closer than the current 3000 miles...

[RichM]

Just learned that a nearby shop, West Chester Music in West Chester, PA, is a Gibson dealer. Stopped by yesterday and had a great experience. There was the usual caveat around asking before you played, but once permission was received, I played to my heart's content. I imagine it has more to do with the proprietor than anything else. Good proprietor, good shop.

PS: I brought my own mandolin pick, but I was provided with fingerpicks when I tried out the banjos. Big surprise: while the Epiphone mandolins on the wall were a disappointment, the Epiphone "Masterbilt" banjo was terrific. Along with a very good quality Masterbilt dreadnaught that I tried this weekend, I found myself hoping Epiphone might try a Masterbilt mandolin....

[CharlieKnuth]

Yes, by all means, if possible, go to Mandolin Brothers and they will let you play whatever you want with whatever pick you want. I don't understand the experiences you have had with mandolin dealers. Joe Vest is here on the Cafe and you can email him directly and you can tell him of your experiences. I have never had any direct (or indirect for that matter) dealings with him, but many here have and I have never heard anything but high praise for the service Joe has offered.

Visiting Mandolin Brothers may not be an option, but it may be helpful to do some searching on the internet and finding a store near you that carries used Gibsons. There are a few good stores throughout the country that carry a nice supply of used Gibson. Find one, contact them to find out what they have currently in stock and then arrange a time to go play them.

[Wesley]

Did this dealer sell picks? My guess is that they did. Pony up the .50 cents for a pick and use it. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[Super400]

They did sell picks and I asked if I bought a pick if I could use it. No.

[Wesley]

I'm not suprised. Time to find the store manager.

[swampstomper]

You didn't say where you are located, but I am guessing on the W Coast USA. Try to find a dealer with a wider range of mandos than just Gibsons. I myself play Lebeda (from Czech Republic) which you can get from $2k on up depending on appointments and woods, and have excellent quality for the money. AFAIK only Jeff Cowherd of Mandolins.net (http://www.mandolins.net/) carries them in the USA; but if you go to his site you'll see what I mean. He has other good non-Gibsons such as Kimble.

[Super400]

I'm located in Western Washington. It does seem that the wealth of mandolin dealers are NOT in the west.

[swampstomper]

Well, if you are in WA you have just got to talk with Gail Hester, who builds some nice mandos for less than a Gibby. And you can specify what you want! Check out this example (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST&f=15&t=38047)

[first string]

#How will I ever know if "Only a Gibson is Good Enough?"
You could take my word for it, that it isn’t true. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Seriously though, while I don’t have any intention of bashing Gibson, I will say that it is ridiculous the way some people fixate on that name. It’s been proven time and time again that there has been no continuity in Gibson’s production. There were no secrets that were passed down from generation to generation. Do they make a fine Loar replica? Yes, they certainly do; but so do a lot of other makers--and you have to pay a lot to get those six letters on the headstock. It makes me crazy when I hear the oft repeated phrase that “only a Gibson sounds like a Gibson.” It’s hogwash. By all means see if you can play a few. But make sure you also take swampstomper’s advice and check out Gail Hester’s mandos, and some other small builders while you’re at it.

[mnosretep]

you're both fortunate and cursed... fortunate that you have a nearby Gibson dealer to visit and try a few, cursed by the staff of the stores that muck up the experience for you. #I live in St. Paul, MN and when I was looking I could not find any dealer in the Minneapolis or St. Paul (16th largest population center in the USA) with any F style Gibsons in stock so... internet time... gambling with the shipping and insurance expenses of trying before buying with those dealers willing to ship with a trial period and hoping the one delivered meets my expectations and taste. Yes, I ranted about this previously but it still frustrates me!!!!

[tnpathfinder]

I completely understand your frustration...I hate poor customer service, especially when they are idiots to boot.
I have spent many hours in Gibson Showcase in Nashville and played till I my fingers where sore or it was closing time and was treated with nothing but total respect. All of the folks at that shop are first class and make you feel right at home. Big Joe Vest even offered his personal wonderful DMM to me to sample on one occasion. My point is...it must just be something with the dealers in your area. I don't think it is some kind of Gibson mandate that all Gibson dealers are A_. If your heart is set on a Gibson keep searching or deal with folks in other parts or the country or talk to the Managers at the stores you have checked out. BTW...I don’t own a Gibson...yet.

[Mikey G]

The isssue of how to deal with customer damage to a mandolin on display has always perplexed me. I can definitely see both sides of this issue. It's got to be hard for a dealer. I'm sure they have some yokels come in that flail away on a $10k plus mandolin and scratch and bang the daylights out of them. How could they know who will take care of a mandolin that's not supposed to be distressed? I believe Gibson in Nashville used to have a sign that said something like, "If you scratch it, you buy it." I'm not sure how you enforce that with a fifteen year old kid showing off, or some lady strumming one with Dolly Parton fingernails, or Joe off the street who gets lost in the momment; how about some grandpa with a big Peterbilt belt buckle who puts some big scars on the back as he takes the stool? In their defense, it has to be hard for sales people having to play mando cop, and I'm sure a store owner has to cringe when he sees someone who goes beyond noodling.
When I bought my Flatiron at Guitar Center about five years ago, during the Gibson liquidation of the Flatirons, I saw a beautiful Flatiron on the wall that had a belt buckle dent in it that looked like it had been hit with a ball ping hammer: Who'd dish out the same money for a banged up mandolin that they would for one that's pristine? (of course, this was before the distressing fad.) I told the sales guy that I would have bought it if it weren't for that dent, and he said, I've got five more in the back." Of course, we played them in the little room reserved for higher end instruments and he sat right there with me.
To me it doesn't matter if it's Gibson, or Weber, or any other retailer, it seems this is one of the costs of doing business. It's not like you can play a floor model, decide you like it, and then they get you a new boxed mandolin form the back that sounds exactly the same: we all know that's not how it works.
What's the middle ground?

[Super400]

Good to hear I'm not the only one to get the bad stuff; bad to hear that I'm not the only to get the bad stuff!

ya know, I'm not stuck on buying a Gibson but I sure want to try a few and get a good feel for what could be a great mandolin. If there are inconsistencies, that means there must be some great instruments as well as the sonically challenged. So how can a choice be made without experiencing the "holy grail" of mandolin manufacturers? It only means that ya gotta try as many as possible before buying.

Because, as we all know this will be the last mandolin I will ever buy...
....until the next one. But, for now it will be the last one I will ever buy. Really!

And, by the way I will be following up with Hester mandos. Sounds really interesting.

I knew I would get some focused input here. Thanks so much.

[Super400]

The middle ground? Good question Mikey. That is precisely my feeling. The dealer's perspective is to sell an unblemished mandolin. The buyer will have no less. So, how can a dealer protect his interest AND his final buying customer without exposing the instrument to potential harm? Gibson (or other makers) surely would be unwilling to refurbish shelf worn stock because then the dealer won't be as careful. Can't win.

However, I still want to play some Gibbies before the final decision is made.

Man, that Weber I played last week sure spoke to me!

[Mikey G]

Super400, That's what it really all boils down to: what really speaks to you. I always wanted that Gibson that spoke to me, and was fortunate enough, after eight years and four mandolins, to get it.

[F5G WIZ]

I went to a Gibson Dealer in Sevierville TN last week and they let me play what ever I wanted, with a pick. Gibson outlet is the same, of course they have the little signs hanging all over stating something to the effect of "If you scratch it, ding it or damage it you bought it". Check out some used Gibsons, just as good at a fraction of the cost.

[testore]

Gail does make beautiful stuff as do MANY builders here on the cafe. When you start talking to people in the know privately they all have bad Gibson stories much like yours. Stick with a builder,establish a one on one relationship with them and play their mandos. When you can work with the actual maker instead of a distant representative of a factory you will more often than not end up MUCH happier.
Gary

[Gerry Tenney]

The Fifth String In Berkeley Ca, (www.5thstringberkeley.com) #has some very nice Gibson's . I bought my Fern there , by trying out various Gibson's and jamming with the guys who work in the store . It was a great experience over all and I don't regret spending more than I wanted to because I got a great instrument and a store that's helps me with set up and other questions I might have.

[mangorockfish]

You didn't say where you are located, but I am guessing on the W Coast USA. #Try to find a dealer with a wider range of mandos than just Gibsons. I myself play Lebeda (from Czech Republic) which you can get from $2k on up depending on appointments and woods, and have excellent quality for the money. AFAIK only Jeff Cowherd of Mandolins.net (http://www.mandolins.net/) carries them in the USA; but if you go to his site you'll see what I mean. He has other good non-Gibsons such as Kimble.
Janet Davis Music here in Arkansas is a dealer and has a nice selection on her web sight. Supposed to be great folks to deal with. NFI - Heck, I've never been there!

[Mando Gil]

Who's the small builder trashing Gibson and pitching themselves? Are you reading something that isn't here. I don't think anyone bashed Gibson! I don't think anyone "hawked" themselves! People have alot of guts in Cyberland! Come on down to real world and talk to me. In my opinion San Rafeal has highjacked a discussion and vented. The original link shows that this person is seriously interested in playing a Gibson. I own one and love it. I bought mine used and don't think I'll ever find a better deal. I will go a step further and say that if you find one new(which the original poster is interested in doing) you probably won't find a better service guarantee on a musical instrument. But, instead of adding anything constructive to aid the original poster this guy shows his tail piece. To the original poster, I played a Gibson F5 at a registered dealer this past week. I don't think the problems that you are having are related to Gibson but instead the dealers. I wouldn't leave a message but instead call Gibson until you get the voice and ask them to recommend a dealer nearest you that will allow you to get familiar with their work. As for hit and miss I'm not buying it. Gibson mandos are probably more like incredible and far better than average, I highly doubt that anything leaves there a lemon.

[MandoA5]

Here in Lynchburg, VA, Gibson rep came back in to us one day, rather humbly, wondering if we would like to be a dealer again. I said, Sure, why not, it sells due to the name alone, let's make some money 'til the rules of the game change again. We have lots of mandos' Gibson, Weber, Eastman, Kentucky, used, and let people play them in our acoustic room. If it's too noisy, I'll take them back to my office to play in a quiet environment. I'd say the dealer that gives out rubber pics definitely needs to wake up. We put signs on drum sets that say,"Do not play without assistance", and have similar in the acoustic room, but in the end they have to be played to know whether it speks to you. Gibson's instruments are generally top quakity, but as with anything, we see less than optimal sometimes, and either work on it to fix it or send it back. We try to give customers the best selection possible, and hope that the customer will appreciate it and the service and not grab whatever off the internet. I still say you can never replace shopping for an instrument online as a better way than going to a dealer and trying it out, where we can customize to the player's spec.

[Big Joe]

I am terribly sorry about the experience you had with the dealer you went to. That is not the way we do business in Nashville.Our mandolins, banjos, dobros and guitars are available for anyone (nearly) to play. If I have mine there I have no problems letting anyone play it. You can play the lowest price or the most expensive with no obligation.

We do not dictate what dealers allow but it would not be the way I would handle the situation. Also, you indicated you e-mailed Gibson. Unless you know who to e-mail that can be quite frustrating. You can e-mail me anytime and I will be happy to do what I can for you. You can reach me by e-mail at joe.vest@gibson.com or you can call me at 615-533-6830 and I will be happy to talk to you.

If you are ever in Nashville you can come to our facility and play all the different models and even purchase one if you find the one that speaks to you.

One last note. There are many good builders in the world today. I could list any number of builders whose work is first rate. Still, only a Gibson sounds like a Gibson. Each builder has thier own sound and it is a great sound, but it is their sound and not a Gibson. If you want a Gibson tone, you have to have a Gibson. If you want (name brand) sound then buy their product.

[Mikey G]

Big Joe, Did Gibson make any varnished Flatiron Festivals in 2001? A local luthier repaired a bridge and asked if this mandolin had a varbnished furnish. It's serial # is 10613020. I has the 29 fretboard and is triple bound, ivoryoid-black-ivoryiod on the top. As close to an F5G as can be found....beautiful instrument, This mando is one of my favorites: any information on it? Thanks, Mikey

[teamroper40]

Sorry to hear about your experience with those dealers. I have only been to 2 Gibson dealers Morgan Music here in Missouri and the Gibson showcase in Nashville before buying my F5-G. And both of them were great! I couldn't believe they were encourging me to play these high dollar mandolins as long and as hard as I wanted. I played a lot of them on several different days over a few months before I found one I couldn't live without. I played a lot of other mandolins also but the Gibson sound is whats pleasing to my ears.
Good luck on you quest for a new mandolin.

[Big Joe]

Hey Mikey...we never built one for production with varnish. That does not mean someone has not refinished it with varnish. Anything is possible, but we did not do one for sale in that way.

[OlderThanWillie]

Living in western Washington makes it possible to attend the Wintergrass bluegrass festival in Tacoma. A number of dealers exhibit there and they all seem to think you should try out their mandolins. Gibson exhibited there the last time I attended. Many people tried out their instruments. Perhaps Joe Vest can tell you if they will be there in 2007. Look up the Wintergrass website to get the dates. Wintergrass is a mandolin-oriented festival. You'll see that a lot of their performers are known for their mandolin skills. At the festival I attended, Gibson donated one of their F-5's for the Wintergrass raffle.

[chattachef]

This is a funny thread. I go to the big Gibson store in Nashville, and it is the is on the other end of the spectrum. They have a 8K dollar Sam Bush, or a half dozen f5 at kids level to grab and play. I asked the sales person and he just said that that is Gibson's policy. Let everyone experience these great mandos (and guitars). If you are ever in the south don't miss this store. Bring a credit card!!

[farmerjones]

Show me a bad music store, and i'll show you a future location of a tae-kwon-do studio. Or a Shoe Carnival.

FJ

[june39]

Add over 9% to the cost of anything purchased in Tennesee for state and local sales tax. That´s a lot of money on Master Model.

Doug McCash

[Dan Cole]

I would have loved to have been able to test drive a new Gibson when I bought my mando. Problem is the only place that sold them locally got squeezed out in the current market strategy Gibson has. I ended up getting a Weber Big Sky locally simpley because Gibson wasn't availble to demo without driving hundreds of miles. The last time I got to play a Gibson was while driving through Bozeman, MT at Music Villa.

I'm very happy with my Weber, but I personally feel Gibson lost a sale because of lack of availability to the consumer. I guess Gibson feels they can swallow the potential lost dollars and customers. In my case I'm not talking about a $500.00 mandolin in lost sales either, a Weber Big Sky certainly isn't inexpensive.

Please Gibson rethink this strategy and let us in the hinterlands be able to test drive your wares too.

Cheers,

Dan

[Big Joe]

Doug...we ship free to out of state customers and you do not have to pay sales tax if you are out of state.

Dan...you may want to check our website. There are over 30 dealers around the US currently.

[cooper4205]

9.5 cents on the dollar, but at least we don't have a state income tax

are the prices at the gibson showcase the list price or what they sell for there? i remember being there at the beginning of the summer and they had a new epi MM 50 for $949 + tax, and all the artist models had 10K price tags. do they sell for that much there or do they mark them down 30% like everyone else?

[Super400]

Big Joe and I had a great conversation regarding the Nashville store. Makes me all the more saddened that this same opportunity does not exist closer to home. What a great guy and it sounds like a tremendous experience to visit the store. Joe and his crew are definitely doing it right. Sure wish others would follow their lead.

I may have to travel to Music City to try out the Gibson line (from Washington State). As wonderful as the Gibson store sounds, that sounds like a bad joke, doesn't it. If I do make the trip I will be sorely disappointed if the Gibsons don't live up to their huge reputation!

Thanks for your time and insight, Joe. I do appreciate it.

Also, the posts here are really shedding a new perspective on mandolin journeys. There are as many stories, good and bad, as there are players here. Fantastic! Thanks guys.

[Lee]

Whoa, Big Joe, be careful there. I believe Buyers are legally obligated to pay sales tax in their state of residence from out-of-state purchases.
We all do this... don't we.

[farmerjones]

That doesn't sound like a bad joke at all. There's more than just the Gibson store in Nashville. Without sounding like a tourist brochure, even if you don't bring home a manlin from any one of the shops, there's lots of stuff to do. Steve Perry's, Gianna's Violins is close by too.

[cooper4205]

friendsville is about 170 miles (2 and a half hours) from the gibson showcase. gruhn's is right in downtown nashville, though

[Dan Cole]

OK Big Joe, I'll bite, I checked your website for locations, here they are in proximity to my Boise, Idaho home:

OREGON Distance: 431 Miles
Apple Music
225 S.W. First Ave.
Portland,OR 97204

WASHINGTON Distance: 505 Miles
Hugo Helmer Music
701 South First St.
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

CALIFORNIA Distance: 942 Miles
Westwood Musical Instr.
1627 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles,CA 90024

The next closest is:

TEXAS Distance: 1940 Miles
Fuller's Vintage Guitar
116 North Loop
Houston, TX 77008

Old Boise Guitar had Gibson. They are 5 Miles
Hartz Music had Gibson. They are 4 miles.

If you life east of the Mississippi you're golden. If you live west of the Mississippi, good luck playing a Gibson at a dealer. The only reason there were any Gibsons at Music Ville in little ol'e Bozeman, Montana is the Gibson guitar factory down the street.

I really believe your company's marketing strategy is flawed.

Dan

[mand0l1n]

"Any idea why my experience with Gibson dealers is so different from non-Gibson dealers?? " - This from the origianl poster

Super 400,
I think you were just unfortunate with who you dealt with. I have dealt with non--gibson dealers who were not easy to deal with either. You will have good and bad with anybody you deal with. I would say Independent Builders would have to be a little nicer if they want to make a living doing it. I have dealt with Gibson at their showcase in Nashville, Merlefest, and at the Lonesome River Band festival in Live Oak, FL and they were all very nice, accomodating, and willing to let you try what you wanted as long as you were careful. I had the chance to play DMM's, Bush's, Bensons, and Master Models, and enjoyed the experience.

Mando Gil,
This is an open forum, and I dont think that it has been hijacked. I am glad that people can share their experiences here and trade information. opinions and thoughts. I agree with some that have mentioned that there is too much of this "Only A Gibson is good enough" mess, which the original poster mentioned. I had good experiences dealing with Gibson, but I never bought one because I did not think that they lived up to all the hype. I gave them an honest shot though. I will never understand why some Gibson owners get so defensive if someone is honest with their opinion of Gibson. Some people dont like the mandolin I play either. I think their consistancy is not as good as others and the Company's true glory days are over in regards to what else is out there. I find Collings have way more Consistancy than Gibson and look and sound better. BUT that is my opinion and I think that the origianl poster should get a fair chance at Gibson and I would suggest trying one of the three places that I mentioned because they were very easy to deal with and friendly.


http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Windflite]

I have to agree that its the dealer (or possibly an overzealous salesperson)...not the manufacturer. #Case in point, about two months ago I passed through Nashville and stopped to audition (with intent to buy) an Internet advertised Mahogany Bourgeois guitar at Gruhns. #I walked in the store in khakis and a button down, carrying my Brazillian Collings Winfield in its Calton case. #After getting the 'saleperson' at the computer in the acoustic room to finally acknowledge that I was standing in the room, I explained that I was looking to buy a Mahogany Dread, that I wanted to play the Bourgeois that was advertised and anything else he may recommend with a 1 3/4 neck, and that I wanted to A/B them against my Collings. (for neck shape, string spacing, setup etc..) #He replied... "OK, cool' and went back to his computer. #After a few minutes, when I realized he wasn't going to help me find the Bourgeois, I asked him to find it for me. #He found it,(it was priced at $1,700 used) and handed it to me. #When I reached in my pocket to grab my pick, he informed me that I was not allowed to use a pick on 'an instrument that was so expensive'...

When I questioned him and explained that I couldn't possibly buy a guitar for flatpicking without, well, flatpicking!, he told me that it was store policy. # Not feeling inclined to beg a store for the chance at my business, I left and will not return. #

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

On the flip side, several years ago at Winfield, Jim Bagett of Mass Street Music sent me back to my campsite with 3 brand new Collings MF5's to a/b against another with instructions, 'Bring back the ones you don't want.' I (and several friends) played all of those mandos for a couple of hours in blind taste tests and got opinions from#as many folks that happened to pass which allowed a really nice environment for making a decision. #(Obviously I bought one!)#Like everything else in life, it's the people that count!

#http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

(Edit was cuz I hit submit to quick and hadn't added the 'good story' too!)

[sgarrity]

Sounds like a typical visit to Gruhn's to me. I won't spend a dime in that place...

[Jonathan Peck]

Any else notice that this thread is over a year old? Here's a video of a bunch of kids who walked into the Gibson showcase in Nashville. All of these instruments are for sale as evidenced by the sale tags hanging from the headstocks. No Rubber picks here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhLVOJtcqMo)

[AlanN]

Funny, for every bad Gruhn story there is a good one. Maybe the guy didn't like the button down look http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Windflite]

My wife says I can look a little scary sometimes! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[foldedpath]

Add over 9% to the cost of anything purchased in Tennesee for state and local sales tax. That´s a lot of money on Master Model.

Almost as bad here in Washington state. Folks here sometimes go to Oregon to buy cars, to avoid the sales tax. Maybe the OP could make a short trip down Oregon-way? There must be one or two Gibson dealers down there, maybe in the Portland area?

Western Washington isn't the best place to look for acoustic instruments. There are a few good shops here and there, but it gets tough when you drill down to wanting to find a specific brand to try out. That's why I ended up with a Lebeda, bought over the Internet on trial purchase basis. I just didn't find enough out here to try locally. Maybe I should have thought of the Oregon idea, but I'm happy with the way this turned out.

(edit): Oops, didn't notice this was an old thread. Shoulda read to the end before posting.

[rfloyd]

There are so few opportunities to play the instuments we would like to play that it seems worthwhile to do whatever it may take.

A music store in my area had a practice of attaching an index card to the pick-strike area with a very small piece of Scotch tape. (finish experts can weigh in as to any potential problems) It would be easy enough to csrry cards when you go to a store and suggest it as a solution. Also, you would have peace of mind knowing you weren't marking the instrument.

Granted, it's not as satisfying as refusing to do business with such philistines, but much easier than the alternatives.

[mandolirius]

<Big Joe and I had a great conversation regarding the Nashville store. Makes me all the more saddened that this same opportunity does not exist closer to home. What a great guy and it sounds like a tremendous experience to visit the store. Joe and his crew are definitely doing it right. Sure wish others would follow their lead.

I may have to travel to Music City to try out the Gibson line (from Washington State). As wonderful as the Gibson store sounds, that sounds like a bad joke, doesn't it. If I do make the trip I will be sorely disappointed if the Gibsons don't live up to their huge reputation!

Thanks for your time and insight, Joe. I do appreciate it.>

I think you're giving up too easily. From what I can gather, you're experience was at the hands of a store staffer. Some people working in stores are just not very good at their jobs. People in general are saying that service isn't what it once was. These days it seems, just as often as not, you have to complain just to get decent service.

I would call the store and find out who the manager is and make an appointment. Then I'd take a printout of some of this stuff, go down and tell him/her your experience and find out from the horse's mouth if this is indeed store policy or not.

I recognize that stores have to have some kind of policy, especially for costly instruments, but no-pick isn't a policy, it's sheer lunacy. By taking the trouble to contact the store manager and indicate you are a serious buyer, you could get to try the mandolin out properly. You might even help smooth the road for future customers.

Keep in mind, policy is a rather meaningless word. Anyone can make up anything at anytime and call it policy. Who knows, maybe whoever trained the person you dealt with mistakenly told her that was the policy.

[kyblue]

I'm amazed at the Gruhn stories. I go in at least once or twice a year, and have not had any trouble getting help. Even recently during IBMA when the store was crowded. I went in to look at a 1923 Gibson tenor banjo, I told the guy I was probably only interested in spending the $400 they wanted for it but that he was welcome to try to sell me somthing more. He pulled the tb jr off the wall, found a pick so I could try, then pulled down a couple of nicer ones to let me a.b. I wound up liking the $400 on the best, thank goodness. When he started upstairs to get the case, I asked if I could try a couple of the Bourgeois guitars they had, since I have one and every time I play it someone in the crowd asks me if I know where they can get a good used one. He said sure and asked another guy to get me whatever I wanted while he was upstairs. I kept his loaned pick and tried several. He also pointed me to several private rooms I might use in order to hear better (or maybe so other people wouldn't hear me!) There were many other people in the store, flat-picking away on more expensive instruments.

They do like to pull the instruments off the wall for you, understandable and I'd rather they did this as they hang close to their neighbors and it's easy to ding one. But, other than that, they've been great.

Paula

[sgarrity]

I was seriously interested in buying one of their 0000-18GE custom guitars. When I asked about them not only did it seem to be a world of trouble for them to talk to me but when I wanted to play one you woulda thought I had just asked to rub the Dali Lama's head. I eventually got to play one but after the way they treated me and the other 3 friends I was with, I sure didn't buy the guitar. That was my second experience like that in their store. And I dress nicely and am a decent picker.

Now the Gibson Showcase.....they were pulling mandos from the back rooms for us to play. Very nice folks. I'd buy from them in a heartbeat!

[mand0l1n]

I have had similiar experiences elsewhere and that is a sure fire way to ruin a reputation. I have never been to Gruhn's and have been to Nashville a few times and considered trying to find that place. I think I will just go to another music store if I am in Nashville.

[MikeEdgerton]

Gruhn's isn't hard to find. It's down the block from the Ryman.

[AlanN]

Last time I was at Gruhn's, there was a young, somewhat grubby guy playing (and singing) Tony Rice tunes in front of the store, case open. He was picking a Bluett F-5, pretty darn well. I was just listening, at one point, a Gruhn guy came out and asked him to move down the street, he was blocking the store access. I guess par for the course if you run a retail deal and want customers to feel easy about coming in.

It ain't no Mandolin Brothers (but what is).

[sgarrity]

I bet that was Mandolin Mike as he is known. I mean how many guys are hangin' out on the street and pickin' a Bluett F5? He is quite the character and has had one heckuva rough life!! Another great Gruhn story. They have a mando right now that I would seriously consider buying......if it was anywhere else! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[Klaus Wutscher]

Re: Gruhn

Been there, was duly impressed by the inventory and while the staff was treating me politely, I was told by a friend that the deal there is to be invited upstairs, by knowing the RIGHT people because the best instruments are UPSTAIRS and upstairs at Gruhn´s is WHERE IT´S AT. My friend eventualy made it there. I didn´t even try.
See, if the staff knows I´m possibly in the market for a high end mando or a trade + cash and they choose not to show me what they have because I don´t know the secret handshake, then it´s their loss, not mine.

Luckily, there is no shortage of fine builders and class act dealers these days!

[GTison]

I've been in Gruhn's. ...got to play what ever i wanted. w/ a pick , got to A vs B my old vs new. Shopped, left went to FQMS played what I wanted, (mostly), played at the Showcase, called Gruhn negotiated a little bit and purchased my Gib. mandolin on the phone. easy enough.

as for Hugo Helmer Music? well, I bet they don't sell many that way. Some shops just hang them on the wall like a sign to say "hey look we've got the best". Then sell the lesser brands because they are affordable and "just about as good" to the average joe. I know a local electric dealer like that.

[Bill Van Liere]

I was at Gruhn's about five years back and played everything on the wall; Gibson, Collings, Summit etc. A nice sales guy walked up and asked if he could help. I said yes, that I liked the mandolins on the wall but was interested in a Dearstone mnadolin which I had heard good things about and that sound wonderfull in the hands of Shawn Lane. The sales guy walked right behind the counter and pulled one out. I was impressed. I was unable to buy it as someone else had a first option on it.

[Daniel Wheeler]

Fuller's in Houston....no financial interest
yea fullers is great..here in Houston if your halfway near..gibsons out the wazoo