mnewb1
HC Refugee
OK, this is really not a thread bashing GC as a whole, not even completely the local establishment, but I do need to vent a little.
As part of my decision to finish out my career by active duty in the Navy ( mission based practice is the only way for me ) this has taken me temporarily from Michigan, which I love, to Norfolk VA. Nothing against this place at all, I am digging it. While here though, the available music store options are much less than I enjoyed before, and that may be part of the problem. The only easily drivable place to try out gear, or just browse, is the local GC. Last weekend, after catching offset fever, I wanted to try the different Jazzmaster offerings from Fender/Squier. So went to the only place available, the local GC. I was able to try the Squier Classic Vibe 60's, the J Mascis Sig, the Player II, and the Vintera III. While there, I also tried out an exclusive they have, Epiphone Les Paul Black with P-90s and I discovered another exclusive they had an Epiphone Std SG with slim taper neck in Pelham blue. Probably spent a couple hours there that day.
After I left to do additional research and think about it, I discovered and ultimately decided to pull the trigger on a Foals FJM7 Ultra. But, that Pelham SG was weighing on my mind... if it had a Maestro/Vibrola on it...Chefs Kiss, it would be mine... but it does not. There is the Inspired By Epiphone SG with the vibrola, but that has the standard wider neck and I really do prefer this slim taper. So Rabbit Hole opened. There is a Pelham Version of that Inspired By Epi SG which appears to have been sold in Europe and Japan. However, it does appear that this could be ordered directly from the Gibson website. I also saw that GC had another exclusive which is a Gibson 61 SG with Vibrola and slim taper neck...Certainly more expensive, but the other alternative is a ML Custom shop at almost $6000.00....
but 
. So yesterday, I went in to AB the Gibson vs the Epiphone... Just trying to rationalize whether this is worth it or not. So I see the counter guy who helped set me up with an amp over the weekend, let him know my intention. So then he says something along the lines of (my interpretation) futility of ABing Gibson/Epiphone...Yep I get that sentiment, but then says, "well you certainly tried out enough the other day".
Now that one bothers me... There is a very good chance that it bothers me because for over 20 years I have had the good fortune to live near Elderly's in Lansing. That place is like a dream... I have spent so many hours in there just playing everything... And spent multiple thousands over the years there too... But never any interaction that was not gracious and positive... even when requesting a discount and politely told, "No". I am sure I am spoiled... but man has it put me off wanting to deal with the local GC...
anyway just a vent. Still don't have solid SG plan.
As part of my decision to finish out my career by active duty in the Navy ( mission based practice is the only way for me ) this has taken me temporarily from Michigan, which I love, to Norfolk VA. Nothing against this place at all, I am digging it. While here though, the available music store options are much less than I enjoyed before, and that may be part of the problem. The only easily drivable place to try out gear, or just browse, is the local GC. Last weekend, after catching offset fever, I wanted to try the different Jazzmaster offerings from Fender/Squier. So went to the only place available, the local GC. I was able to try the Squier Classic Vibe 60's, the J Mascis Sig, the Player II, and the Vintera III. While there, I also tried out an exclusive they have, Epiphone Les Paul Black with P-90s and I discovered another exclusive they had an Epiphone Std SG with slim taper neck in Pelham blue. Probably spent a couple hours there that day.
After I left to do additional research and think about it, I discovered and ultimately decided to pull the trigger on a Foals FJM7 Ultra. But, that Pelham SG was weighing on my mind... if it had a Maestro/Vibrola on it...Chefs Kiss, it would be mine... but it does not. There is the Inspired By Epiphone SG with the vibrola, but that has the standard wider neck and I really do prefer this slim taper. So Rabbit Hole opened. There is a Pelham Version of that Inspired By Epi SG which appears to have been sold in Europe and Japan. However, it does appear that this could be ordered directly from the Gibson website. I also saw that GC had another exclusive which is a Gibson 61 SG with Vibrola and slim taper neck...Certainly more expensive, but the other alternative is a ML Custom shop at almost $6000.00....
but . So yesterday, I went in to AB the Gibson vs the Epiphone... Just trying to rationalize whether this is worth it or not. So I see the counter guy who helped set me up with an amp over the weekend, let him know my intention. So then he says something along the lines of (my interpretation) futility of ABing Gibson/Epiphone...Yep I get that sentiment, but then says, "well you certainly tried out enough the other day".Now that one bothers me... There is a very good chance that it bothers me because for over 20 years I have had the good fortune to live near Elderly's in Lansing. That place is like a dream... I have spent so many hours in there just playing everything... And spent multiple thousands over the years there too... But never any interaction that was not gracious and positive... even when requesting a discount and politely told, "No". I am sure I am spoiled... but man has it put me off wanting to deal with the local GC...
anyway just a vent. Still don't have solid SG plan.
