Gelb Music in Redwood City, CA

[jcwu]

I stopped by Gelb Music this afternoon, actually to their consignment shop to pick up a PA system.... and thought I'd take a look in their retail space. And lo and behold, I saw the largest collection of Guild acoustics ever in one place. There were maybe 7 or 8 or 9 - I lost count, I was so in awe. A few GADs, a Koa model (didn't look closely), and a few dreads and F20 or 30s. I didn't play any of them - I was in no financial shape to fall in love with another guitar, but I did look, and look I did. So many Guilds, all in one place! And no, I didn't take a picture.

Well, some of you own more Guilds than Gelb stocks, but for me.. it was amazing to see those Guilds on the wall. And the sales rep I spoke to, Jordan, was knowledgeable about Guild's transition from Fender to Cordoba, and he was genuinely excitedly waiting for Cordoba's offerings.

Just thought I'd put the word out there, in case anyone in the SF Bay area is looking for a Guild-friendly dealer!

 

[Br1ck]

Gelb was my music store for years when I lived in Menlo Park. Nice people who know their stuff. Since I moved to San Jose, I've gravitated to Guitar Showcase. They have a huge selection of acoustics since they moved upstairs, but Guilds are few and far between.

 

[jcwu]

Yes, Guitar Showcase is definitely the more impressive of the two, especially considering their Vault, but it was nice to see the Guild representation at Gelb.

Jordan, the sales rep I talked to, said, "You know how Martins and Taylors just dominate everywhere? Well, we try to think outside the box, and we really like Guilds and Breedloves."

Gets my thumbs-up!

 

[fronobulax]

http://www.gelbmusic.com/p-3026-guild-fsr-f-47-koa-cutaway.aspx

The Koa observed is probably the one above although the web site has a couple typos of FSR for GSR.

 

[Br1ck]

The minimum buy in of the larger guitar companies probably have a lot to do with it. I know Gibson's general way of doing business sucks, and sucks more if you are a small store. The guys rebuilding my D 35 are an authorized Gibson repair center, but can't/ won't commit to an all Gibson inventory.

Maybe someone who knows can tell us the minimum purchase from Guild.

The Breedloves I've played were beautiful sounding but too warm for my taste. One day I heard a guy doing Hawaiian slack key on one and it sounded perfect.

Gelb was never a huge acoustic seller. I'm glad they've brought in some higher end flat tops.

 

[fronobulax]

Maybe someone who knows can tell us the minimum purchase from Guild.

Whatever it was it will probably be different under CMG as opposed to Fender.

Circa 2012 they changed it so a potential Guild dealer could pick and choose which factories (product lines within Guild) were stocked. That changed things for the better, in terms of stocking requirements, for my local dealer. He was continually frustrated because some Fender brands were "Fender" and contributed to one stocking requirement (and he had one person to deal with at Fender for everything) but some weren't and he had to manage different stocking requirements as well as different inside sales people. I can't imagine anything but a change for the better (for dealers) under CMG but we'll have to wait and see.

 

[adorshki]

Just thought I'd put the word out there, in case anyone in the SF Bay area is looking for a Guild-friendly dealer!

They get mentioned here periodically, I think 6L6 knows 'em. I do recall through all the factory permutations that Gelb was always an authorized dealer, and that for certain periods they were the ONLY Bay Area Merchant to actually stock the acoustics.
I recall a period shortly after I joined when a rep in Showcase told me they'd order one for me but they weren't stocking 'em. Anther member mentioned Gelb had 'em in stock.
To me it says a lot about a dealer that keeps the faith through thick and thin. I wish they were closer, they deserve the business.

I can't imagine anything but a change for the better (for dealers) under CMG but we'll have to wait and see.

I think you're gonna be 100% validated. The way I've seen things work in a variety of businesses, it would just make the best economic sense for an outfit CMG's size to fill smaller orders more frequently, at least for Oxnard production.

 

[6L6]

GELB has always been a fine guitar store! Adding to the positivity of the place is that the sales folks are on salary, not commission. Worth a look for sure if you're in the area.

 

[Br1ck]

To say nothing about them being really fine musicians, at least those I've heard.

 

[jcwu]

Looks like Gelb was featured on Guild's Facebook page yesterday. Yay!