Buying a Guitar - any store ratings?

[Liz]

Hi Liz - I haven't heard of that store, and couldn't get a dealer list to come up on their website. Musicians Friend, who I've dealt with many times, has two models listed but nothing like you're looking for, I'm sure. You could try to contact them and see if they could do a special order, but it might not be the least expensive way to get it. They've always offered free shipping over $100 or $200 (changes from time to time).

Personally I'd rather buy an instrument in person just because there can be differences in the same model. Line up 10 of the same guitar, and one will be best. Here's their USA contact info, maybe they could tell you who in your area would have their guitars - I'm sure there's gotta be some one! And I completely understand being comfortable with a brand or type of instrument. One camera or another doesn't affect me much, but (bass) guitars are a whole different deal!

Thanks Steve,

I had already checked out their USA contact list, but most of the places I called in NJ said they didn't sell them, or they just sold the 3/4 size guitar for beginners $69.

I went to the Guitar Center as they have many stores around. The person told me that Hohner guitars are still made by hand, not factory-made and he said that is the reason they don't sell them. I couldn't figure that statement out because they sell other brands, but didn't question him. I purchased my original Hohner because I couldn't believe the rich deep sound coming from a relatively "cheap" guitar. It sounded better than all the others I tried for that price - and even the much more expensive guitars.

I agree that the best way to buy is in person, but I can't find any around here. I did find one further away which I think is more expensive, but will probably go there if I don't find anything closer. I'm going to keep trying. There has to be someplace around that sells these guitars. It's a mystery because Hohner guitars have such good reviews.

Liz

[another view]

I went to the Guitar Center as they have many stores around. The person told me that Hohner guitars are still made by hand, not factory-made and he said that is the reason they don't sell them.

Guitar Center bought Musician's Friend several years ago, so you're likely to get similar answers. That's sort of what I meant about special orders; as long as they have it and it's an "automatic" thing for them you'll be fine and probably get a really good deal. That statement makes absolutely no sense - they sell high-end Taylors and Martins which are hand made. Exactly what constitutes hand made has spurred lots of boring debates on guitar forums (think film vs digital) but generally it can still mean that things like necks might be carved out by a CNC automated machine tool. Not that it's worth any amount of worrying about - the sum of the parts is what matters, and why buying in person is what matters. I've had all kinds of funny answers like that from GC over the years like "oh, that's a '57 Fender Jazz Bass" in a really condecending tone (but that model didn't come out until '59). Stuff like that.

The quietest time to go to a music store is probably a weekday when they first open. Saturday afternoon at Guitar Center requires earplugs. After looking around, you might even find another brand that you like. You'll know when you find 'the one'.