Did you pre-order the Helix Stadium?

[mbenigni]

These are my loose rantings about big gear retailers:

I know the manager of a local GC and I've been surprised that he seems totally fine throwing around 20% discounts on anything and everything to me and my bandmates if we go in during his shift. But I don't like to deal with the other GC employees. They seem to be like flatulent bulldogs exuding a constant stream of misinformation, aside from the Roland rep. And they take an inordinately long time to do stuff. It feels like a used car dealership trying to tire me out so that I'll just buy their crappy guitar and leave.

Sweetwater has overall been a positive experience for me but they don't seem to be good for preordering hot items. I always end up getting them somewhere else due to various delays. They've been good at fixing their mistakes. Once they did a bad job with a setup on a new guitar and were quick to refund it and pay for part of my local shop's work to fix the issues when I complained. And they do give out discounts but this seems "sales engineer" specific. The quality of info I receive from them seems hit or miss, but better than GC. Right now I still prefer to order from SW if I can't make it into GC in person during the right hours.

I haven't dealt with MF much, but I'm not strongly compelled to shop there unless I have a discount coupon. I did eventually get a coupon to work on the Stadium but this appeared to be an error. Several reps told me that the coupons were never supposed to work. My take is they should've run with the discount and eaten the losses. They could've pulled a bunch of disgruntled SW customers. Customers that are willing to preorder an expensive modeler are probably worth attracting.

I bought a limited edition guitar from American Musical Supply once after Sweetwater borked my preorder. I remember being pretty nervous about it but they were pleasant to deal with in the end. n=1, but wondering if they're a viable option.

I’ve had nothing but great experiences with AMS.

 

[Richard_G]

So I just got a call from my SW rep, who still hasn't canceled the order. Honestly, don't know how to react, but it kind of irritates me. Maybe I'm reading it wrong:

"Just wanted to give you a quick shout here about this order before I cancel on it. Um, I want to see if there's maybe something we could work out because I know we're doing this on the 36 month financing and whatnot. I don't know if, uh, wherever else you're ordering from has the same financing or not, but I have had you a spot in line for this, you know, since June, so I don't want to lose a deal. Um, I, I, work on commission. Um, I do get paid based off of margins. That's why we're usually pretty strict on, on discounting stuff. Um, so if I discounts them and then we'd have no margin in it, then I don't make any money on it, and if I've been talking since June about this, then I'd, kind of want to get paid on it, at least. Um, so give me a shout back if you get a chance, see if we can't work out a deal in some way."

For what it's worth, I'm one of those idiots who NEVER asks for a discount on gear. I'll look for sales and stuff, but I've never — since I was a 15-year-old in a music store — asked the guy to knock a hundred bucks off. (I'm also really bad at buying cars). And furthermore, I told him specifically that I didn't want it on financing and was more interested in the Bonus Bucks.

I think I'll just email him and tell him to cancel (and not say I'd like to be assigned a different rep like I'm thinking about saying), but thought I'd throw it out to your thoughts first.

Reading this, I’m glad the practice of having a so called ‘sales rep’ is not as widespread here in Europe.

 

[Orvillain]

 

[synthpenguin]

Reading this, I’m glad the practice of having a so called ‘sales rep’ is not as widespread here in Europe.

I've personally never gotten much good out of the rep system. I think it can be beneficial at a pro level, especially when they're willing to do more for you, but that's about it.

My original Sweetwater rep who I had for a while was very nice and helpful the few times I had questions, so that was fine. He left or something, and my next one was basically impossible to get ahold of, and tbh was kind of rude. I had a question about something I wanted to buy, sent two emails over a week which weren't answered, and ended up contacting someone else at Sweetwater, and they replied that they had forwarded it to him... which got him to finally respond (within a couple hours), and he said he hadn't gotten my other emails somehow (but this had been a long running problem). I ended up contacting the person who forwarded the email and asking them for a new rep (hoping it would be them, because they seemed nice and prompt, but it wasn't). The next guy I got, my current guy, is nice enough, but basically constantly tries to upsell me and occasionally cold calls me about things he thinks I might be interested in (didn't know they were allowed to do this tbh).

And fwiw I've only ever asked for a discount once, and very casually (and ended up buying the thing at full price), and my questions aren't exactly frequent (especially now), so I don't feel like I'm a difficult customer. I don't buy as much as many people though, so maybe it's better if you're a big customer, but I've had better experiences with unassigned, random staff at other stores.

I haven't shopped at MF in a long time, and it seems they've gotten a worse rep lately, but my experiences with them years back were always very positive, and the couple times I had to deal with customer service were fine. I've never bought anything from GC online (well maybe a used synth once?)

The sweet spot for me now is small-to-mid-level regional stores with big online shops, though they're not exactly getting preorders like this.

 

[spawnofthesith]

What do you like about them?

Quick ship times, no hassles I’ve encountered with other sites, no pestering calls at 7am because I have something in my cart or bought a cable, quick and effective customer service (there was one time where I was initially frustrated with a provided resolution, but in the long run they were right and what I was asking for would have bit me). I’ve only gotten a discount from them once, but in fairness I only have asked once

 

[timbuck3]

I said this to my SW rep:

Hope you’re well. I’ve got a pre-order in with you for the Line 6 Helix Stadium XL as discussed yesterday. As an early customer—#46 on the pre-order list—I was expecting to be included in the first shipment. Based on our conversation yesterday, it sounds like I’ll likely be waiting until the end of the month anyways.

I’d really like to keep the order with Sweetwater, but Musician’s Friend sent me a 15% off coupon which brings the unit to $1,869, and their rewards program is offering an additional $149 in store credit toward future gear.

With the current government shutdown and me being active duty military, I’m trying to be smart about spending and explore options to reduce cost. If Sweetwater can match the $1,869 price and provide comparable credit (store credit, accessory bundle, etc.), I’m happy to keep everything with you—especially given the updated timeline.

Please let me know what you can do. I appreciate your help, as always.

He said:

No sir… I have zero wiggle room on new products.

Let me know how you ultimately decide to proceed.

lol every store has wiggle room when as large as sweetwater. They don’t want or value your business I guess

 

[GuitarGorilla]

I've personally never gotten much good out of the rep system. I think it can be beneficial at a pro level, especially when they're willing to do more for you, but that's about it.

My original Sweetwater rep who I had for a while was very nice and helpful the few times I had questions, so that was fine. He left or something, and my next one was basically impossible to get ahold of, and tbh was kind of rude. I had a question about something I wanted to buy, sent two emails over a week which weren't answered, and ended up contacting someone else at Sweetwater, and they replied that they had forwarded it to him... which got him to finally respond (within a couple hours), and he said he hadn't gotten my other emails somehow (but this had been a long running problem). I ended up contacting the person who forwarded the email and asking them for a new rep (hoping it would be them, because they seemed nice and prompt, but it wasn't). The next guy I got, my current guy, is nice enough, but basically constantly tries to upsell me and occasionally cold calls me about things he thinks I might be interested in (didn't know they were allowed to do this tbh).

And fwiw I've only ever asked for a discount once, and very casually (and ended up buying the thing at full price), and my questions aren't exactly frequent (especially now), so I don't feel like I'm a difficult customer. I don't buy as much as many people though, so maybe it's better if you're a big customer, but I've had better experiences with unassigned, random staff at other stores.

I haven't shopped at MF in a long time, and it seems they've gotten a worse rep lately, but my experiences with them years back were always very positive, and the couple times I had to deal with customer service were fine. I've never bought anything from GC online (well maybe a used synth once?)

The sweet spot for me now is small-to-mid-level regional stores with big online shops, though they're not exactly getting preorders like this.

Local shops are the way to go for sure. I've had my local shop do a bad job with repair work from time to time, but I've never had them refuse to fix a problem. I get most of my acoustic gear from them. Including a really nice Taylor custom catch that they knocked a couple thousand off for me recently. It helps that all their employees know me. I figure they want to make me happy because even if they lose money in the moment they know they'll net positive in the long run.

Too bad they'll never carry modeling gear.

 

[spawnofthesith]

I’m a massive Wildwood Guitars fanboy - they’re local to me (they have a significant reputation in the online world too) I rarely buy guitars new, but the last two I’ve acquired have been new… if it was up to me would have used them, but they have yet to stock the new PRS s2 semi hollow special and they don’t sell SEs at all, so AMS it was

 

[timbuck3]

MF/GC definitely screwed up. There was no reason to offer a discount on a pre-order of an in demand product. And just because they screwed up, doesn't mean everyone else should follow in a race to the bottom. There is a reason GC has been flirting with bankruptcy forever, and it certainly isn't because they are a well run company with smart people making the decisions.

They need the business and there was no screwup. I even used coupon coupons in the future. I got two more coupons after the first one when I placed the order and I tried it again. It worked so if it was a mistake, they would’ve canceled it after the first release of coupons, but they didn’t.

 

[GTR37]

View attachment 54787

Apparently if you order from Long & Mcwait … sooner that you think

 

[bucephalus]

Yup, I've gotten hit by a june bug. With helmet on (full face), it whipped my head back, and I almost crashed, due to being disorientated. I've gotten hit in the chest with a bird too. That sort of thing isn't really avoidable though, just have to wear proper riding gear and hope for the best.

I was on a vintage vespa once, open face helmet with RAF goggles and a bumble bee hit me just below them and last thing it did was sting me.

Still not sure how I didn't bail that ride.

Also, a bird in the chest is worth two in the hand

 

[Foxmeister]

Yeah I really don’t get how some people, including a particular hot-tub lover, can say “it’s not going to be much different than Helix for at least a year…”.

AI definitely has its uses!

**Hot-Tub Lover (to the tune of “Part-Time Lover”)**

*Verse 1*
Tim Buck’s got a six-string dream,
But he borrows every amp he’s seen,
Late-night jams, no cash in hand,
Plays that Strat—but it’s his friend’s band.

Hot-tub bubbles, neon light,
He’s strumming chords all through the night,
No pedalboard, no new guitar,
Still he sounds like a rockin’ star.

*Chorus*
He’s a hot-tub lover,
Steam and reverb under cover,
Never buys no gear, but oh brother,
He’s a hot-tub lover.

*Verse 2*
Craigslist calls, he lets them ring,
Says, “Why buy stuff when friends can bring?”
He’s got tone, but none his own,
Still he makes the crowd all moan.

Hot-tub glow, he starts to play,
Makes you feel that Marvin sway,
From borrowed strings to borrowed mic,
Tim Buck’s sound is outta sight.

*Chorus*
He’s a hot-tub lover,
Steam and rhythm rolled together,
Never bought equipment—ever,
Still the best you’ll discover.

*Bridge*
Rubber ducky, champagne fizz,
Every show’s a borrowed biz,
Yet the groove’s too good to miss,
Tim Buck’s got that bliss.

He preordered that Helix rig,
The Stadium XL—oh, it’s big,
Tracking says “shipped,” but truth be told,
He’ll cancel out before it’s sold.

*Outro*
No receipts, no gear store trips,
Just warm jets and funky licks,
Tub-side tun
es, no clutter,
Oh yeah—he’s a hot-tub lover.

 

[Chocol8]

They need the business and there was no screwup. I even used coupon coupons in the future. I got two more coupons after the first one when I placed the order and I tried it again. It worked so if it was a mistake, they would’ve canceled it after the first release of coupons, but they didn’t.

They need cash flow and profits. Lets see how their debt rating moves in the next 6 months.

 

[EOengineer]

They need cash flow and profits. Lets see how their debt rating moves in the next 6 months.

We’re getting WAY off topic now, but years back there was significant concern that if MF/GC ever folded they’d take FMIC down with them. Possibly Gibson too. I haven’t looked into it and those concerns pre-existed their most recent restructuring. Wild if true.

 

[DanRad]

I first requested to cancel the order on 11/7. Having heard nothing, I bumped up the request on 11/11. He wrote back to ask if I was sure I wanted to lose my spot in line and that I'd be looking at March for delivery if I re-ordered after cancelling. I confirmed I wanted to cancel. I got that sad-sack voicemail on 11/12. I emailed back to once again confirm the cancellation. Still not cancelled 14 hours later.

So, the order has still not cancelled. I still haven't had any communication with my rep since that voicemail two days ago. He never informed me that they gave me a discount on the Stadium.

I don't know. Maybe at this point I'll just see which one ships first. The MF deal is still somewhat better, but I'd pay a little more to get it sooner.

Think I will ask for a new SW rep after this.

 

[Whizzinby]

AI definitely has its uses!

**Hot-Tub Lover (to the tune of “Part-Time Lover”)**

*Verse 1*
Tim Buck’s got a six-string dream,
But he borrows every amp he’s seen,
Late-night jams, no cash in hand,
Plays that Strat—but it’s his friend’s band.

Hot-tub bubbles, neon light,
He’s strumming chords all through the night,
No pedalboard, no new guitar,
Still he sounds like a rockin’ star.

*Chorus*
He’s a hot-tub lover,
Steam and reverb under cover,
Never buys no gear, but oh brother,
He’s a hot-tub lover.

*Verse 2*
Craigslist calls, he lets them ring,
Says, “Why buy stuff when friends can bring?”
He’s got tone, but none his own,
Still he makes the crowd all moan.

Hot-tub glow, he starts to play,
Makes you feel that Marvin sway,
From borrowed strings to borrowed mic,
Tim Buck’s sound is outta sight.

*Chorus*
He’s a hot-tub lover,
Steam and rhythm rolled together,
Never bought equipment—ever,
Still the best you’ll discover.

*Bridge*
Rubber ducky, champagne fizz,
Every show’s a borrowed biz,
Yet the groove’s too good to miss,
Tim Buck’s got that bliss.

He preordered that Helix rig,
The Stadium XL—oh, it’s big,
Tracking says “shipped,” but truth be told,
He’ll cancel out before it’s sold.

*Outro*
No receipts, no gear store trips,
Just warm jets and funky licks,
Tub-side tun
es, no clutter,
Oh yeah—he’s a hot-tub lover.

 

[timbuck3]

AI definitely has its uses!

**Hot-Tub Lover (to the tune of “Part-Time Lover”)**

*Verse 1*
Tim Buck’s got a six-string dream,
But he borrows every amp he’s seen,
Late-night jams, no cash in hand,
Plays that Strat—but it’s his friend’s band.

Hot-tub bubbles, neon light,
He’s strumming chords all through the night,
No pedalboard, no new guitar,
Still he sounds like a rockin’ star.

*Chorus*
He’s a hot-tub lover,
Steam and reverb under cover,
Never buys no gear, but oh brother,
He’s a hot-tub lover.

*Verse 2*
Craigslist calls, he lets them ring,
Says, “Why buy stuff when friends can bring?”
He’s got tone, but none his own,
Still he makes the crowd all moan.

Hot-tub glow, he starts to play,
Makes you feel that Marvin sway,
From borrowed strings to borrowed mic,
Tim Buck’s sound is outta sight.

*Chorus*
He’s a hot-tub lover,
Steam and rhythm rolled together,
Never bought equipment—ever,
Still the best you’ll discover.

*Bridge*
Rubber ducky, champagne fizz,
Every show’s a borrowed biz,
Yet the groove’s too good to miss,
Tim Buck’s got that bliss.

He preordered that Helix rig,
The Stadium XL—oh, it’s big,
Tracking says “shipped,” but truth be told,
He’ll cancel out before it’s sold.

*Outro*
No receipts, no gear store trips,
Just warm jets and funky licks,
Tub-side tun
es, no clutter,
Oh yeah—he’s a hot-tub lover.

Wow

 

[timbuck3]

They need cash flow and profits. Lets see how their debt rating moves in the next 6 months.

The helix is just one thing out of the thousands and thousands they carry so it’s just one item it’s really not that major. I mean it might be for initially because of the release but a year from now sales will probably slow and they’ll have other stuff to offer discounts on

 

[timbuck3]

So, the order has still not cancelled. I still haven't had any communication with my rep since that voicemail two days ago. He never informed me that they gave me a discount on the Stadium.

I don't know. Maybe at this point I'll just see which one ships first. The MF deal is still somewhat better, but I'd pay a little more to get it sooner.

Think I will ask for a new SW rep after this.

Get Mitch on the horn… escalate this asap

 

[AlbertA]

Get Mitch on the horn… escalate this asap

https://thegearforum.com/threads/did-you-pre-order-the-helix-stadium.9219/page-34#post-429278