New Guitar shop on Exchequer Street, Dublin 2

universe777

Anyone see it? Not open yet, they are putting stuff on the shelf, should be open tomorrow I'd say.
The shop is called 'Guitar Centre' and is located on the George's street end of Exchequer Street. Very brave of them considering there are 2 guitar shops on that street already, i'd doubt they can compete with the other 2 or online prices...
The guitars seem to be mostly the Cort brand. Cort are not bad, wouldn't mind trying out the 7 string LP shaped one if they have it.

feylya

I noticed that on Friday evening, they were putting up the stock at about 7.30 in the evening. Very brave move given the number of guitar shops in the area and the general recession.

Dord

Fair play to them I say! I'll check it out this week if I get a chance. The more the merrier IMO.

rcaz

Is this an Irish branch of the American giant Guitar Center?

feylya

That's what I said but no, it's Guitar Centre

CiaranK

I drove past today. It looked open. Must definatly try pop in during the week.

universe777

It wasn't open today, I was looking in the window. They had a closed sign on the door, they looked to be putting the finishing touches to the shop.

Lands Leaving

feylya wrote: »

That's what I said but no, it's Guitar Centre

Good localisation?

Killaqueen!!!

Damn..I got excited there thinking it was a branch of the American Guitar Centre chain

rcaz

Killaqueen!!! wrote: »

Damn..I got excited there thinking it was a branch of the American Guitar Centre chain

Why? :pac:

Kenny_D

Because guitar centre stores in the states are usually big stores which stock pretty decent gear. Sounds like this is another budget aimed shop... cort guitars...

universe777

Anyone been to a real Guitar Center in the US? They are not that good at all.
I was in a few in Texas, they are nothing special compared to local 'mom & pop' music stores in Texas.
X music in Dublin is way better than any Guitar Center
.

feylya

I was in a Sam Ash before and that was very impressive.

artvandulet

Interesting. I wonder who's behind it? Best of luck to them anyway.

Kenny_D

universe777 wrote: »

Anyone been to a real Guitar Center in the US? They are not that good at all.
I was in a few in Texas, they are nothing special compared to local 'mom & pop' music stores in Texas.
X music in Dublin is way better than any Guitar Center
.

Yep been in one before, not as good as x-music no but definitely better a lot better than some of the guitar shops in town

Glassheart

universe777 wrote: »

X music in Dublin is way better than any Guitar Center
.

No way...
For the service alone Guitar Center is superior.

Rigsby

GStormcrow wrote: »

Sounds like this is another budget aimed shop... cort guitars...

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. It's like all the big shopping malls... lots of them, all selling the same stuff. Would n't it be nice to have even one shop in Dublin selling higher end gear Granted, we are in a recession now, but it was the same in the boom years.

Anyway, I'll reserve full judgement 'till I visit the shop.

rcaz

Rigsby wrote: »

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. It's like all the big shopping malls... lots of them, all selling the same stuff. Would n't it be nice to have even one shop in Dublin selling higher end gear Granted, we are in a recession now, but it was the same in the boom years.

Anyway, I'll reserve full judgement 'till I visit the shop.

Not even 'higher end' gear, I'd love to go into a shop and see some relatively interesting gear. I had to double-take when I saw a Mustang hanging on the wall in Waltons a few weeks ago. From what I've seen, Fender displays are usually a WALL of Strats and Teles, maybe ONE Jazzmaster or Jaguar. X-Music had a few Jaguars last time I was out there, which was nice, but that's a very big shop, it's still like a scaled up version of the norm.

I'd love a shop that knows what they're on about with pedals. But Music Maker seem to be putting a lot of effort into everything lately. Their pedal display was pretty impressive last I saw.

Keyzer

universe777 wrote: »

Anyone been to a real Guitar Center in the US? They are not that good at all.
I was in a few in Texas, they are nothing special compared to local 'mom & pop' music stores in Texas.
X music in Dublin is way better than any Guitar Center
.

I was in the San Francisco and Las Vegas stores... I spent a good two hours in the Las Vegas store, the guys were incredibly helpful and not pushy at all.
They gave me a few guitars to try out and left me to it.

I eventually got an amazing Strat on the way to the airport to go home.

I have to say, the range of stock they had and the prices they were selling at almost made me cry.... If I lived in the states I'd have a second house full of guitars and amps from Guitar Center.

Johnny Storm

universe777 wrote: »

Anyone been to a real Guitar Center in the US? They are not that good at all.
I was in a few in Texas, they are nothing special compared to local 'mom & pop' music stores in Texas.
X music in Dublin is way better than any Guitar Center
.

The ones I've been in had a huge range of gear and low prices

Rigsby

Maybe the stores here are just replying to the market. Either people dont know their stuff, or else just want the lower end gear. Judging by the gear being offered for sale ( 80 % low end IMO ) here on "adverts" and "Buy and Sell", that is what the majority of people seem to go for. I can only speak for basses, but I'm sure it's the same for guitars.

Alanstrainor

Well i went in there earlier today, it wasn't great tbh, nothing too mad, small enough shop. They had a tonne of Cort guitars, the whole place was full of them. And they had BlackStar amps. There was a lot of acoustics just as you walk in, and one small wall of Cort electrics. Nothing too impressive, i don't know anything about Corts so can't comment on the price. It was very meh, the guy said they haven't got all their stock yet, but tbh all the walls were covered in guitars so i doubt there's a huge amount of stuff left. They weren't going to be doing the whole gibson/fender thing as they'd just be competing directly with the rest already on the street.
I have to say, i wasn't that impressed, well in fairness the strings were a reasonable price, but nothing too mad.

Glassheart

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Well i went in there earlier today, it wasn't great tbh, nothing too mad, small enough shop. They had a tonne of Cort guitars, the whole place was full of them. And they had BlackStar amps. There was a lot of acoustics just as you walk in, and one small wall of Cort electrics. Nothing too impressive, i don't know anything about Corts so can't comment on the price. It was very meh, the guy said they haven't got all their stock yet, but tbh all the walls were covered in guitars so i doubt there's a huge amount of stuff left. They weren't going to be doing the whole gibson/fender thing as they'd just be competing directly with the rest already on the street.
I have to say, i wasn't that impressed, well in fairness the strings were a reasonable price, but nothing too mad.

I'm guessing they had a nice selection of Boss pedals?

Alanstrainor

Glassheart wrote: »

I'm guessing they had a nice selection of Boss pedals?

Didn't see any. Although admittedly i didn't spend that long in there. Really went in to buy a string and have a quick gander. I always hate those small shops when you're the only person in there...

A-C-C#-D

I was in there earlier. They seem like nice guys. Admittedly a lot of Corts. I had a bit of a chat with the guys and they certainly came off as you don't need to spend a **** load on big brands kinda guys. I reckon I'll try and give them what business I can.

Johnny Storm

I genuinely wish the best of luck to these guys. Their timing is pretty bad from an economic point of view.

Corts have always struck me as good value guitars. They have made some pretty high quality guitars for Fender, PRS etc

rcaz

Johnny Storm wrote: »

I genuinely wish the best of luck to these guys. Their timing is pretty bad from an economic point of view.

I was watching a programme last night about a restaurant starting up around now, they said it was a good time to start up, since if they failed, they'd fail quick, and if they made it, they'd know exactly how to deal with tough times next time around, and they'd be well set up for more prosperous times. I thought that made a lot of sense. If this shop can handle themselves now, I think they'll do pretty well.

population

El Pr0n wrote: »

I was watching a programme last night about a restaurant starting up around now, they said it was a good time to start up, since if they failed, they'd fail quick, and if they made it, they'd know exactly how to deal with tough times next time around, and they'd be well set up for more prosperous times. I thought that made a lot of sense. If this shop can handle themselves now, I think they'll do pretty well.

Hmmmm would worry about this attitude. Failing quickly in the resteraunt business will still sadlle you with 100'000 plus in debt. I wish these guys the best but frankly if that is the gear they are selling I cannot see it lasting the year tbh

Rigsby

population wrote: »

I wish these guys the best but frankly if that is the gear they are selling I cannot see it lasting the year tbh

Possibly. Though, as I was saying in an earlier post, there seems to be a bigger demand in Dublin/Ireland for lower end gear.

bellg124

I called into the shop today. I actually did a double take as I was walking down exchequer street. It's all Cort guitars. Every guitar in the shop. They do have some nice amps, blackstar were one brand I noticed. The guy who owns the shop is apparently Ireland's Cort distributer.

artvandulet

bellg124 wrote: »

The guy who owns the shop is apparently Ireland's Cort distributer.

A-Ha. So that would mean that they are also the Blackstar Distributor, and I think Tanglewood too.

punchdrunk

best of luck but ill never set foot in it tbh...

Grolschevik

artvandulet wrote: »

A-Ha. So that would mean that they are also the Blackstar Distributor, and I think Tanglewood too.

Was in for a look yesterday. A mix of Cort and Vintage guitars and basses, but mainly Cort. Good representation of Blackstar amps, including Series 1 stack, HT-5 heads and combos, and the Artisan 15 and 30 combos. Effects range pretty small at the moment, but were Blackstar and MXR. Nice bright airy shop, but small enough and the two guys in there seemed to be knowledgable and sound.

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4

Rigsby wrote: »

Maybe the stores here are just replying to the market. Either people dont know their stuff, or else just want the lower end gear. Judging by the gear being offered for sale ( 80 % low end IMO ) here on "adverts" and "Buy and Sell", that is what the majority of people seem to go for. I can only speak for basses, but I'm sure it's the same for guitars.

+1

its easier to shift a Marshall MG on adverts than a Marshall JCM/JVM. But I think that is down to the amount beginner guitarists Vs Experienced guitarists on adverts. A 100 watt Marshall for only 200! it must be good as its a Marshall

Alanstrainor wrote: »

They had a tonne of Cort guitars, the whole place was full of them. And they had BlackStar amps.

Cort are good for the money, better than epiphone I think. Black star amps are very good, played the Artisan 30 combo in xmusic, was very impressed.

gizmo

feylya wrote: »

I was in a Sam Ash before and that was very impressive.

I've been in the one in Long Island, NY a few times and it was utter heaven. They had pretty much "everything".

Eoin Madsen

I was a bit diappointed with both the Sam Ash and Guitar Centre in Manhattan.

population wrote: »

Hmmmm would worry about this attitude. Failing quickly in the resteraunt business will still sadlle you with 100'000 plus in debt.

No, it won't. Companies have limited personal liability - that's the whole point of a limited company.

Chuffola

Hmm.. Not really. If the Company wants to borrow cash or begin a credit account with suppliers then personal guarantees from the directors will be required as a minimum (possibly collateral too). No such thing as limited liability for a start up company in the real world.

partyatmygaff

Eoin Madsen wrote: »

No, it won't. Companies have limited personal liability - that's the whole point of a limited company.

That's in an ideal world. No bank would ever give a loan to a new business without some kind of security. The only security a new business would have is personal property. Generally if a restaurant fails within a year, you are guaranteed to end up in huge huge debt. Limited liability doesn't mean anything in the real world unless your a well established business that owns a lot of assests.

JackMagic

was in it a while ago, great selection of stuff in there,
the guys in the shop are great, it feels good to be treated properly in a music shop in Ireland
went in to buy a pack of strings the other day and i found a guitar i love, its the brownish one in the window, spalted maple cort model, looks great and havent seen it anywhere else,
ill definitely go back in to get it

shep1

Grolschevik wrote: »

Was in for a look yesterday. A mix of Cort and Vintage guitars and basses, but mainly Cort. Good representation of Blackstar amps, including Series 1 stack, HT-5 heads and combos, and the Artisan 15 and 30 combos. Effects range pretty small at the moment, but were Blackstar and MXR. Nice bright airy shop, but small enough and the two guys in there seemed to be knowledgable and sound.

I was in there today and they had a big stock of Electro harmonix pedals that had just arrived in, and the prices were great! Thay also have Boss pedals and the manager told me Modtone pedals are on the way, thats a good selection of pedals. I agree with you - the two guys know their stuff! Best of luck to them.

CiaranK

What are Cort like? Are they a good guitar? I bought an Ibenez acoustic this time lst year and it is loveley but the guy in the shop said Cort were really good. I'm gonna get a bass. I was thinking maybe a Cort one. Does anybody have a cort guitar or bass. If it's a good guitar I would look into getting one in the future. I played a vintage bass before and they sounded nice. It will be my first Bass to get. I have been playing guitar for years but I decided to get a bass.

Rigsby

CiaranK wrote: »

What are Cort like? Are they a good guitar? I bought an Ibenez acoustic this time lst year and it is loveley but the guy in the shop said Cort were really good. I'm gonna get a bass. I was thinking maybe a Cort one.

Here is a review of Cort basses. Not familiar with them myself. I did n't realise there were so many models. :rolleyes:




http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/brand/Cort

CiaranK

Rigsby wrote: »

Here is a review of Cort basses. Not familiar with them myself. I did n't realise there were so many models. :rolleyes:




http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/brand/Cort

Thanks!!

punchdrunk

Hmm I'm always a bit of a sceptic when I see new members
raving about a business???

I take back my earlier statement about not setting foot in it
if they have ehx pedals
I'll stick my head in the door
and post back with a field report!

68 lost souls

CiaranK wrote: »

What are Cort like? Are they a good guitar? I bought an Ibenez acoustic this time lst year and it is loveley but the guy in the shop said Cort were really good. I'm gonna get a bass. I was thinking maybe a Cort one. Does anybody have a cort guitar or bass. If it's a good guitar I would look into getting one in the future. I played a vintage bass before and they sounded nice. It will be my first Bass to get. I have been playing guitar for years but I decided to get a bass.

Cort make about 70% of Ibanez guitar and basses so the quality is quite good. They have a huge range from sub 200 euro up to the 1000+ range. I really like some of their basses, specificaly the curbow if thats your style and the A4. They are worth checking out al right.

CiaranK

68 lost souls wrote: »

Cort make about 70% of Ibanez guitar and basses so the quality is quite good. They have a huge range from sub 200 euro up to the 1000+ range. I really like some of their basses, specificaly the curbow if thats your style and the A4. They are worth checking out al right.

Thanks! They sound great! Whats Xmusic like for basses?

Rigsby

CiaranK wrote: »

Thanks! They sound great! Whats Xmusic like for basses?

I've only been there once, and they had a reasonable selection (though not as much as I'd like, considering it's size). They also had Cort, if I remember correctly. Here is the link to their site.

http://www.xmusic.ie/home.php


There are also great used bargains going around if you were interested. Keep an eye on www.adverts.ie and www.buyandsell.ie

CiaranK

Rigsby wrote: »

I've only been there once, and they had a reasonable selection (though not as much as I'd like, considering it's size). They also had Cort, if I remember correctly. Here is the link to their site.

http://www.xmusic.ie/home.php


There are also great used bargains going around if you were interested. Keep an eye on www.adverts.ie and www.buyandsell.ie

I was out there once myself, But I didn't take any notice of the basses because I wasn't thinking of getting one.

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4

CiaranK wrote: »

What are Cort like? Are they a good guitar? I bought an Ibenez acoustic this time lst year and it is loveley but the guy in the shop said Cort were really good. I'm gonna get a bass. I was thinking maybe a Cort one. Does anybody have a cort guitar or bass. If it's a good guitar I would look into getting one in the future. I played a vintage bass before and they sounded nice. It will be my first Bass to get. I have been playing guitar for years but I decided to get a bass.

cort are good for the money, aimed at beginner/intermediate level players. Played a cort guitar last week, very nice neck and very good fret coverage. Our bassist has a cort bass, this is it. http://www.thomann.de/ie/cort_curbow4mic.htm
its easy to play and sounds allright.

uptoeleven

68 lost souls wrote: »

Cort make about 70% of Ibanez guitar and basses so the quality is quite good. They have a huge range from sub 200 euro up to the 1000+ range. I really like some of their basses, specificaly the curbow if thats your style and the A4. They are worth checking out al right.

Cort have made for lots of brands, kind of globalised homogenised. I have a couple of models myself. The chinese models don't seem as good as the original korean models, but i'm not sure if they're still making them. Lots to choose from in the range though.

funkyfink

artvandulet wrote: »

A-Ha. So that would mean that they are also the Blackstar Distributor, and I think Tanglewood too.

The people behind this new store are HC Distribution who happen to be the distributors for the Cort brand for here and the UK !!! So thats why the shop is full of Cort guitars , I wish them lots of success so make sure you drop in and support the lads rather than supporting zee Germans !