Guitar Center never ceases to amaze me

[PowerTube44]

Can someone please explain the logic behind this? Otherwise, I can only assume that there's none at all.

Observe the screenshot I took a few minutes ago:



So here we have a JCM of "unknown" (not listed) vintage, which could be one of the years that was supposed to be plagued with the bias drift issue, listed as POOR condition for $899.99.

To the left is a 2006 model, made after the bias drift issue was supposed to have been ironed out, listed as GREAT condition for $839.99, which is $60.00 cheaper.

So I must ask, is there any rhyme or reason to their pricing? Just to be clear, I'm not in the market for either. I'm just wondering if these numbers are pulled straight out of thin air or if there's supposed to be some sort of reasoning behind them.

It boggles the mind.

 

[paul-e-mann]

Can someone please explain the logic behind this? Otherwise, I can only assume that there's none at all.

Observe the screenshot I took a few minutes ago:

View attachment 123455

So here we have a JCM of "unknown" (not listed) vintage, which could be one of the years that was supposed to be plagued with the bias drift issue, listed as POOR condition for $899.99.

To the left is a 2006 model, made after the bias drift issue was supposed to have been ironed out, listed as GREAT condition for $839.99, which is $60.00 cheaper.

So I must ask, is there any rhyme or reason to their pricing? Just to be clear, I'm not in the market for either. I'm just wondering if these numbers are pulled straight out of thin air or if there's supposed to be some sort of reasoning behind them.

It boggles the mind.

I assume whatever they pay for the used gear they mark it up a flat percentage to sell it.

 

[fitz]

is there any rhyme or reason to their pricing?

I think their used gear pricing is a combination of what they gave out in trade plus a markup (so it depends a bit on what was bought $$$ with the trade in), and what they think the local walk-in market might pay. Obviously not a company / site wide pricing model.
But the world is full of idiots too, so it might just be that...

 

[Wildeman]

They charge extra for the relic job on the poor one?

 

[cooljuk]

Bought and priced by different people, at different times, in different parts of the country.

 

[Gunner64]

Yes. They are morons. Have you ever been in one? The ones around here seem to be very knowledge challenged to say the least.

I would speculate the pay to work there is shit, so if you're breathing, and can tell the difference between an electric and an acoustic guitar, and know what a snare drum is your in.

Just like everywhere here anymore. You don't have to be qualified to qualify for the job.

 

[PowerTube44]

I checked again today, just for the giggles. Sure enough, they've come through again!

 

[KraftyBob]

In all fairness it's like cooljuk said - different people at different locations doing the pricing. And sure, the sales staff are not as knowledgeable as they once were, but it's like anything else you buy in that you should do your homework first. When I go into a Guitar Center I typically know exactly what I'm looking for, specs, etc., and go there to try them out and see if I like it. I don't have expectations of learning something new about the product, and if I do then that's a bonus. It's the same with buying a car these days. There's so much information available online I don't really need the dealer to tell me about the car - just the pricing.

My concern is if Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc. closed down as that would leave very little options to try gear before you buy. Sure, online sellers have pretty liberal return policies but it can still be a hassle.

 

[Kutt]

The individual stores do not coordinate pricing / condition with one another, per se. They might look at sales history to gauge what to price something at but there is no coordinated effort between stores.

The end result is your conclusion... it doesn't make much sense in the bigger picture (unless you're the one getting the better deal).

 

[10kDA]

They pulled the prices out of somewhere. Not necessarily thin air. Just sayin'.

 

[Rokinroller]

I'd rather buy at GC rather than any reverb rip-off listing . I say we should be happy there are still walk-in real stores for us to go buy and check-out gear at . I would never buy any of the over priced junk on reverb . I've never seen ANY good deal on reverb .

 

[10kDA]

My concern is if Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc. closed down as that would leave very little options to try gear before you buy.

Right, if GC doesn't have what you want you can turn around and walk out. Maybe next week something different will show up. But try-before-buy is a necessity! That can happen at a brick & mortar store. I for one am not a fan of all the time that can be invested in internet shopping - getting something nonfunctional or not as advertised - returning etc. Even if the seller takes returns the process has kept me from getting the item I want when I wanted it.

 

[PowerTube44]

As much as I rag on Guitar Center, there actually are things I appreciate about them. For one, I can order used gear from any of their stores, as opposed to sitting back and hoping that what I want will show up locally. Plus, if I order it and don't like it when it arrives, they'll refund me fully.

The crazy pricing also works both ways sometimes. About a month ago, I bought a used DSL100H that was marked at $606.99. It arrived and is seriously in like new condition.

 

[GIBSON67]

Sometimes the prices go in your favor, too! And it's good that they are idiots!

I just snagged a DSL100H untested for $109. Yes, $109! No power chord or footswitch but it has all the tubes and the shell is in nice shape.
I have a feeling the fuse is blown and it will work fine, but if not then it will be a learning experience to fix.

 

[PowerTube44]

Sometimes the prices go in your favor, too! And it's good that they are idiots!

I just snagged a DSL100H untested for $109. Yes, $109! No power chord or footswitch but it has all the tubes and the shell is in nice shape.
I have a feeling the fuse is blown and it will work fine, but if not then it will be a learning experience to fix.

Was this from the GC website?

 

[GIBSON67]

^^No, I went to waste some time during lunch and behold...a DSL100H with price tag of $100! I asked the guy about the price, he confirmed.
He then proceeded to hook it up for testing but no sound came out. All tubes did light up, so I have to do some troubleshooting tonight.

 

[GIBSON67]

Quick update...When I removed the chassis a broken EL34 tube pin fell out and FS1 was blown, also.
Original Marshall tubes were still in there from 2015, so off to get some fuses and a new set of EL34's.

 

[Wildeman]

Yes. They are morons. Have you ever been in one? The ones around here seem to be very knowledge challenged to say the least.

I would speculate the pay to work there is shit, so if you're breathing, and can tell the difference between an electric and an acoustic guitar, and know what a snare drum is your in.

Just like everywhere here anymore. You don't have to be qualified to qualify for the job.

Yep, do your own research, figure out what you want and just go in and get it. I never expect much outta them, but I do shop there and I'm glad it's around, half the time I'm just bored and don't even know that I want anything in particular, it's nice to just take a 1/2 hr drive, get a beer, browse around for a bit, pick up a pedal maybe, some strings.....

 

[PowerTube44]

Quick update...When I removed the chassis a broken EL34 tube pin fell out and FS1 was blown, also.
Original Marshall tubes were still in there from 2015, so off to get some fuses and a new set of EL34's.

Please keep us posted!

 

[Torren61]