I think they'll be firm with their online pricing. I know I've had different experiences in store. I bought some new bongos from them years ago and they cut the price for the bongos and stand. My father in law got his first "real" drum set (a Pearl Export which was an upgrade from the cheap set he had first) for a good price. It was a 7 piece without a snare stand, kick pedal, or mount for the first 2 small toms. When we started talking about it this older employee grabbed a used snare stand, cymbal stand and stool and threw it all in.

I have had it the other way. I found a used mixed set of Pearls with an older Ludwig Acrolite. I told the kid there I wanted the Acrolite and would give him $80 cash. He said "cash doesn't mean much but I'll talk to my manager." He called me back the next day and "sorry we can't sell just that snare."

My advice would be to go in and find someone who's been there for a while. Talk with them and see if they could give you a better price. Unlike that kid, I would say cash is still king.

I have had similar experiences.

Plus I prefer to see stuff in hand when dealing with them, especially with used stuff. Often they don't really know if the 'correct' Rogers strainer is on this rogers drum you're looking at... Stuff like that.

They will be super firm on-line or on the phone, but they can be reasonable in person. For sure get someone who has been there, and preferably build a relationship with them. I was looking at a used Yamaha kit recently and was given $50.00 off without really having to twist anybodies arm for it, but I was dealing with the same guy I always deal with. Try to wait if you have to, and even buying mundane stuff like sticks and heads, work with the same guy all the time, and don't monopolize his (or her) time when you are working with them.

Once you get to know them, they will start calling you when vintage stuff comes in, so you get first dibs (very handy!)Cool1

I dunno...I have had good experiances in dealing with GC. However, lately I have been trying to deal locally and keep my money in someone's pocket rather than some huge company. That being said, I recently purchased a Taylor from there...I still do shop. I buy sticks and heads from GC. I have one person I deal with in each department. Since I buy from the drum area, guitar area, amplification area, and often ask questions about PA gear...I am on a first name basis with 90% of the store. I know who to avoid, who to trust, and who will give me a deal. I seldom pay asking price for anything I am looking for and I can trust the advice given.

My brother-in-law purchased an old Harmony guitar from GC's website. He had our local store order it and I had the tech give it a once over. He ended up paying exact asking price because an employee of GC in GA I think knocked the guitar down and broke the head stock. They sent it out to a luthier to have it "repaired" (more like rebuilt) at no cost. Really the work was amazing given the damage done. Look into the cost of rebuilding a headstock on a vintage piece that is in shards. It's not cheap. They did right by him on this deal and the repair is still holding.

I also see the reason for them being firm over the web and phone but more willing to deal in person being a price protecting measure and a time saver...to deter long phone conversations or "tire kickers". We all know they will work with those who keep their doors open.

The manager at the Ft. Worth, Texas store is a vintage drum guy. He takes in only top-notch stuff and will give you a deal if he can. He's a big Camco guy. I've bought stuff from him, and had it shipped to the GC near my home in Atlanta, and it's free. You have to pay taxes though, if there's a GC in your state. Agree about dealing with the same guy at your local store. My guy knows vintage drums, and knows that if I get something in, it's going to be of interest to him. Are there GCs in Canada? Anyway, I wouldn't buy anything from them sight unseen except the Ft. Worth store, and my store. The large majority of employees in the drum departments don't know anything about vintage gear. Case in point, the Acro tied to the Pearl kit.

Good luck.

Stephen

I helped a friend get his Rogers kit from GC. We saw the kit in person and picked over the set a bit, made a lower offer and the manager said ok. I'm sure they still made money on it. The kit had been there a while with no takers so I think everyone walked away happy.

GC is like Darth Vader and the EVIL EMPIRE.......I hate....no, wait.....I LOATHE that place. If I walk into one again and hear "dude, can I help you?" one more freakin' time!

First of all, I don't know you, so don't call me dude, and second of all, if I need help from your 18 year old know nothing about the instrument you claim to play a$$ I'll let you know. No go back there and get your McManager so I can tell him the same thing!

Funny Post

Soap Box

Falling Do

I've had similar experiences....I've become pretty casual with a great guy in the drum dept at my "local" GC and he always turns me on to great new arrivals...new and used...and he'll always throw the best deal he can, sometimes by manipulation of various sales, my way without my even asking. It's probably a store-by-store thing but I've been real lucky and get great service.

Russell

LOL!!! Yeah...that's a pretty good caveat....look for a more mature guy/person and you'll have much better odds of finding that knowledgeable, helpful person you'd like to find....:)

Yeah, and the "help" they provide you is misinformation and stubbornness to go in the back and get you the thing you want to buy...