By Curtis Hendricks
Musicians are rejoicing! Finally, Guitar Center has come to our great valley. No more driving to San Bernardino or having to order online for Guitar Center deals. The Spectacular grand opening took place at their new location in Palm Desert, in between T.J. Max and Famous Footwear. As the event started promptly at 7pm, the Guitar Center staff ripped paper off the inside of their doors as if excitedly opening a long awaited Christmas present. The staff opened the doors and welcomed the long line of people eagerly ready to shop. A tented stage was set outside of Guitar Center in their parking lot where Fatso Jetson performed a spectacular fusion of punk, blues, jazz and rock music for the attending crowed. The event was on, music set the mood, and I was ready to experience our new Palm Desert Guitar Center.
People from all around the valley came to support the grand opening. The line waiting to get in was approximately four people thick, and went from just outside the front doors, down the sidewalk, around the corner, and ended in front of Best Buy. Many people got in ahead of the crowd by signing up for music lessons at a discounted price. While in line, the attendees had free shirts from Schecter Guitars thrown at them as well as a free Guitar Center shirt as they crossed the threshold into the store.
I entered the store and immediately notice the size was much smaller than the average Guitar Center I was used to, but no worries, I was excited. All the sections were present, such as the guitar, bass, drum, piano, and DJ/KJ sections, but the size did feel a bit crammed in. The inventory was also lacking in options. I wanted to buy two new cymbal stands for my drum kit, but was only given two options, none of which matched my drum kit maker. I have never encountered this at a Guitar Center before. When I inquired about this dilemma, the associate I spoke to told me that the inventory they had in stock was only for the grand opening, and that their inventory will greatly expand. He also stated that the store was an “opener,” which meant that if they needed to expand due to supply and demand, they will make the appropriate changes. Although a little bothered by the small size of the store and shortened inventory, the Guitar Center vibe was ever present. Having all those musicians under one roof, friendly people who knew what I wanted, and playability of all the equipment was fun. I felt like a kid in the candy store. I could not decide where I wanted to go or what I wanted to play first. Regardless of my personal expectation, I was still happy.
While in the drum section, I was impressed by the helpful associate’s knowledge, so I began asking questions of various associates around the store in their different sections. All of the associates I questioned where very knowledgeable within their section. The associates were also musicians in their own right. The practice/lesson rooms where ready with top of the line equipment for anyone to try out during a lesson or while visiting the store after the grand opening.
I had a great time at Guitar Center’s grand opening. The associates where helpful by running around and taking care of everybody they could with professionalism and a great attitude. I have been waiting years for a Guitar Center to open in this valley, and now I am grateful. I do hope to see bigger and better things from our Guitar Center, which I already know will happen. Thank you for kicking off an awesome grand opening that seemed like a block party, inviting our valley’s own Fatso Jetson to perform for us, and making this a great experience for our valley.
