Guitar Center reliable for guitar set-ups?

[Webb]

I need a couple of my guitars setup and don't really know of anyone in the area. I know Guitar Center doesn't have the greatest rep for knowledge and know-how, but surely they could do a good job at a typical setup, no?

Anyone have experience (good or bad) using GC for setups and/or minor guitar tweaks?

[dr_love6977]

Guitar Center doesn't offer setups themselves. Certain ones will have local (self-proclaimed) luthiers come in certain days to offer setups, etc. The two I've had experience around here didn't know their ass from a hole in the ground. Find a mom n pop music store and ask them who they know in the local area.

[Recycled_Brains]

I would NEVER have a GC employee set up my guitar, unless I knew the person well, and could vouch for his skills.

[rty5150]

Originally Posted by dr_love6977

Guitar Center doesn't offer setups themselves. Certain ones will have local (self-proclaimed) luthiers come in certain days to offer setups, etc. The two I've had experience around here didn't know their ass from a hole in the ground. Find a mom n pop music store and ask them who they know in the local area.

[rty5150]

btw, i am the best guitar tech i know. weird how so few people can properly setup a floyd rose trem! if you look for more than string changing and polishing, go elsewhere than GC.

[theblue1]

Like any shop, it all depends on who's behind the bench.

But it's hard for me to imagine someone really good staying at a GC for long. Harder still to imagine they could get good at a GC. ("After conservatory, I did a 7 year apprenticeship with Joe Blow at the Capital City Guitar Center. And then they gave me my own bench." )

[deeper]

Originally Posted by Webb

I know Guitar Center doesn't have the greatest rep for knowledge and know-how, but surely they could do a good job at a typical setup, no?

"Surely"? I wouldn't bet on it. Sounds very scary to me! I'd rather risk crossing an intersection with my eyes closed.

[kafka]

Originally Posted by Webb

Anyone have experience (good or bad) using GC for setups and/or minor guitar tweaks?

Learn how to do minor tweaks yourself. For the major stuff, find out who the professionals near you go to. Setup is cheap, even from the best.

[Lee Knight]

Call the coolest music store in town. The one with all the vintage stuff... and ask them. They most likely have someone on staff that's very good. If they don't, they'll be even more truthfull and recommend the local hotshot.

Go to the hotshot if you can. Prices don't very that much and it's wonderful to play your guitar after the local guru has done his thing.

[joeydego]

the guy in the queens store has done decent work in the past.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by theblue1

Like any shop, it all depends on who's behind the bench.

Originally Posted by Lee Knight

Call the coolest music store in town. The one with all the vintage stuff... and ask them.

thumbsup and thumbsup

War

[doncaparker]

Remember that country song, "Lookin' For Love in All the Wrong Places"? I think you are looking in the wrong place for what you want. Guitar Center ain't it.

The coolest guitar shop in town is a good place to look, but you can get right to the source by calling the folks who specialize in guitar repair. You're in Philadelphia, right? There are a few listed on a quick Google search. These folks don't just do repairs; they make their bread and butter doing simple setup jobs. It's how they build a loyal clientele for when your Les Paul hits the floor and the headstock pops off.

Pay premium dollars for professional setups. It is really worth the money.

[BOWIE]

Little story; I once had a GC employee I know spot me shopping in the store and say, "I'm glad you're here. We set-up this girl's guitar and now it won't produce any sound when plugged in!" I went to check out the situation and discovered a GC guy holding a soldering iron with a broken tip, attempting to poke around inside the electronics cavity. Since these guys always give me big discounts, I fixed it for them but I was shocked at the situation.
I like GC but would never recommend taking a guitar there for a set-up. It seems harmless enough but the tiny screws can be easily stripped, body scratched, or you could end up with someone sticking a broken soldering iron on your electronics.

Oh, and even the well-established shops can do crap work so I always advise that a person learns how to do it themselves.

[KurtR]

Not sure about guitar center but the Sam Ash in orlando has a guy that rents a room upstairs and makes / repairs / sets-up guitars and does work sometimes for Sam Ash. Maybe some guitar centers are like this?

[Ken Walker]

Originally Posted by Webb

I need a couple of my guitars setup and don't really know of anyone in the area. I know Guitar Center doesn't have the greatest rep for knowledge and know-how, but surely they could do a good job at a typical setup, no?

Anyone have experience (good or bad) using GC for setups and/or minor guitar tweaks?

PM sent. Check this shop out. It was started by a very respected luthier.

[jimcroisdale]

There is a fantastic setup section at "IBANEZ RULES!!" - Ibanez Guitars - New and Used

This guy sells guitars all over the world on reputation alone - his setup and tech skills are amazing and he is more than willing to share.

Check it out!

Jim

[Meriphew]

The Guitar Center here in downtown Seattle has a repair shop right next door to it called "Parsons". After my experience there, and after hearing of a friend's experience last week (which pretty much duplicated the type of service that I received), I'll avoid them like the plague from now on.