I know lots of people like to bag on Guitar Center since it's one of those "evil chain stores" and all. But before they came to St. Louis, all you had were music stores trying to rip you off for full retail price on everything! Guitar Center is a great place to "window shop" since you can pick up about anything you want and try it out. They won't kick you out or high-pressure you to buy it. They take trade-ins without much hassle too. You might not get much for it, but at least they just go "by the price book" - and what you get is what you get. None of this B.S. of "Well, we *might* take that in trade - but only if you're really going to purchase this new guitar you've been looking at...." or whatnot.
Don't expect truly knowledgable salespeople, but sometimes they are. It's just a mixed-bag... But come in informed, and you can get a fair deal (or even a great deal, occasionally!).
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