So, this hasn't happened yet, but it looks likely that Guitar Center may be taken over by one of its major creditors. Even if you don't buy from Guitar Center, this will likely have significant implications for all of musical instrument retailers. An old friend recently closed the doors on his once superb independent drum shop. I do prefer local, independent retailers, but I've bought a lot of equipment from Sam Ash, Guitar Center and their brands Musicians Friend and Music123 over the years. This will likely be bad news for small musical instrument manufacturers and even some devs I know who move a good deal of software through retail will feel an immediate impact if their lines are no longer carried (as GC would likely cut back on all non-big sellers). 

What are everyone's thoughts?  When was the last time you went to a physical music store and do you prefer GC and big chains with huge buying power or local independent shops?
http://bobbyowsinski.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-beginning-of-end-as-guitar-center.html
[EDIT: Replaced the link.]

I like shops that stock stuff I want to buy.
 
I don't care if it's small... if I can squeeze through the door it's ok by me.
 
I don't care if it's big... I don't mind looking at lots of stuff I don't want as long as I can get what I want before closing time.

I usually hang around after closing time to see if one of the "managers" forgot to lock the door.
 
Ain't happened yet, but it will one day. Mark my werds.

Isnt GC and MF and ZZounds all the same????

musicman100
Isnt GC and MF and ZZounds all the same????

GC and MF are the same but never heard that ZZ was too...

gustabo

musicman100
Isnt GC and MF and ZZounds all the same????

GC and MF are the same but never heard that ZZ was too...

Music123 I think is/was.

bapu

gustabo

musicman100
Isnt GC and MF and ZZounds all the same????

GC and MF are the same but never heard that ZZ was too...

Music123 I think is/was.

OK yes that was/is it

Zzounds is independent...been dealing with them
(and loving them - literallyh) for years...

One of the best places to buy gear....no if's, and's or butt's....

Hey, you could have warned us about the paywall...
 
Where I live, Guitar Center is pretty much the only game in town.  If they go down and other stores fill the vacuum, that might not be bad.  If the creditor tries to run GC like they want people to actually come in and buy things from them, maybe it might be a good change.
 
I recently got a "thank you for shopping here" coupon from them where they excluded virtually every item in their inventory from the discount.  Way to show some customer appreciation.  Maybe things will be better under the new management.

I can't speak on all guitar centers, but the local one is awesome.  They have great service.