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[tonebender]

I told this story in another thread but thought it deserved a thread of it's own.

Since I began pursuing the solo acoustic gigging thing and even before I have been wanting a Gibson J45. Everyone here knows I am a Gibson guy through and through. I have been using several other brands for the shows even though I have a couple of lower end Gibsons. Mainly, an all mahogany Martin MIM DRS-1 and a almost exact same guitar the D10E. I just had in my mind I must have a J45. So, this past Saturday I drove up to GC in Ocala FL. It is a little further than Tampa but a much easier trip. I can actually get there in less time most trips.

I got there, played it and decided it was "the one". Honestly I was not expecting that to be the case but it was. I have played several and rejected each one. This one felt right and sounded just right to my ear. After I played the hard sell, he finally offered me 10% off so I pulled the trigger. Well, that is where things went south. They rung it up and scanned my debit card but then said it did not go through. The problem was, it did go through but their system was SNAFU. I checked the account that it was not denied and was approved and processing. I showed them on my cell that it was deducted from my account, etc. Regardless, they would not let me take the guitar. They were very apologetic and promised it would be locked in the back until the sale was completed electronically. I was pissed as hell, but shit happens and I tried to remain calm.

As with most debit card purchases they have a "processing" status for several days even though they are approved and the balance reflects the deduction. This morning I check and it no longer said "processing" but was shown as posted. Bingo! So, I drove up there to get my J45. I get there and they still said it had not gone through on their end and they refused to give me my guitar. Me and the manager had a very tense conversation in front of several customers who definitely seemed quite interested. The manager kept insisting that he was working diligently with the corporate "audit" group but his hands were tied. I made clear that what was happening was basically theft and I was contemplating calling the sheriff's office and filing a complaint. He asked me to please give him time to resolve the issue so I reluctantly agreed and left. He called when I was about half way home and explained it was a system wide problem that had been fixed and I could come get the J45. I spun around and went back. Finally the saga is over. This will definitely be my number one solo gigging guitar. I need to get it dialed in through the Bose system.

[toomanycats]

It's nice when a story involving Guitar Center has a happy ending.

Would love to see a pic of the new J45.

[dante001x]

What a wild ride! But hey, sounds like it was totally worth the hassle. That J45 is a beast, and now you've got a story to go with it. Hope it sounds amazing through the Bose system.

[BatUtilityBelt]

The manager of my local GC knows how to make it work as promised, but absolutely hates that antiquated system. I've seen her run through a mental game plan before jumping on to loophole her way through making it work. In my opinion, it's not the local stores, it's corporate's choice to keep running a POS POS system.

[tlarson58]

Hooray for the Gibson!

f42ca243c73da80076b92401edb84489.jpg

[Tonray's Ghost]

Pics or it didn't happen....I mean er the guitar not the account statement...

[Floridian FX]

The pictures of the guitar must also be stuck in processing.

[sabasgr68]

Finally! HNGD! Enjoy!

Yes, pics would be nice

[andrewsrea]

First time in a long time, I did not know what emoji to leave.

Foremost a for finding the absolute right one! IMHO in the contrast of acoustics vs. electrics, the latter have a whole lot more which can be done to make a guitar the right one. Other than strings and a set up, an acoustic is what it is out of the box. Having gone thru the process recently with your help, ana acoustic instrument is a more labored purchase. And a great J-45 is wonderful inspiration to a musician.

Secondly a for the GC experience, and totally consistent with my last post regarding them. Glad it finally worked out!

Pics or videos would be great!

[tonebender]

Clearly I have lost all credibility. LOL

J45 .jpg

J45 and Scooby.jpg

[sabasgr68]

Clearly I have lost all credibility. LOL

J45 .jpg
J45 and Scooby.jpg

Wow, I love that color. it's beautiful.

Ha ha, no, you haven´t, but pics are a must, you know

And what's that lovely fella's name? So cute!

[Tonray's Ghost]

Clearly I have lost all credibility. LOL

J45 .jpg
J45 and Scooby.jpg

You never said there was a dog involved, we would have easily allowed her to vouch for you

[tonebender]

....And what's that lovey fella's name? So cute!

That is my best girl Scooby.

[Spike]

Great looking guitar! Congrats!

[andrewsrea]

Scooby approved!

[nomadh]

Nice I fell in love with a Sam ash closeout Gibson ?g45?
Rang like a bell but at $1k and no electronics and no cutaway. I'm no richmans bastard. Really I don't trust my ears without side by side and sometimes not even then.

[SamIV]

Nice looking guitar and HNGD, but looks like Scooby would like it removed from her rug.