Do you bring your guitar when shopping for another?

[not darth]

I mentioned recently that I am going to go take a listen to a 12-fret guitar soon, and someone suggested that I take my current Taylor along so I can compare the familiar sound to the new sound, in that specific setting.
Sounds like a great idea, a little bit of a pain, but a great idea.

Anyone do this?  Have you ever had negative feedback from the storekeeper?
Thanks!

-K

[cjd-player]

When I was wanting to replace my 2003 812ce (a dealer custom with a redwood top) with a new, short-scale model I took it along to see if I could find something with a similar voice.   There were no issues at the store. There was also no similar sounding guitar, so I did the BTO.

[Cindy]

I've never done this, but I would think the store would perceive you as a VERY interested prospective buyer. I doubt they would object. Be sure to empty out any unnecessary items from your case as I expect they would inventory what's inside it on your way in and out. My local GC does that for set ups as they have an authorized Taylor luthier there. You could always ask the store manager ahead of time to be sure it will be okay.

[Gutch]

I've done it in the past and, as others have said, it is an indicator to the store that you're seriously in the market.  That's a good thing for them.  It's also good for you to be able to objectively determine your likes and dislikes.

Have fun!!!

[DMBfan41]

When you buy a car you drive your old one to the lot.  New cell phone, same.

If you wanted to take your git with you to shop for a new one, I can understand why.  If the store people had a problem with it, they don't need your business.

When I shop for a new rig, I don't take my other ones.  I'm pretty comfortable that I know the sounds enough.  Furthermore, getting a new one that sounds the same defeats the purpose for me.

[DennisG]

I was the poster who suggested you take your guitar to the store when shopping.  My shop (Dusty Strings in Seattle) is totally fine with it, and I would think any good store would completely understand your wanting to compare the tone and feel of what you've got now to something you may buy.

[DMBfan41]

I was the poster who suggested you take your guitar to the store when shopping.  My shop (Dusty Strings in Seattle) is totally fine with it, and I would think any good store would completely understand your wanting to compare the tone and feel of what you've got now to something you may buy.

Right on.  Now that I think about it, if I were to take any of mine with me, I'd most likely be tempted to trade up or something and go outside my budget.  I totally lack self-control like that.

[michaelw]

sure & sometimes even when i'm not actively looking for an addition to the stable -
even if the shop has one like it in stock, i've never had any glares or negative comments

having a point of reference & familiarity is a good thing, imho, as guitars can sound different in the shop than they will in
one's home or their respective playing environments & sometimes the end result has been, for me, that i will find a guitar that
i was not even considering (playing or purchasing) & having a guitar i'm familiar with helps to reinforce 'wow. that's nice !'

Cindy has a good point in that if one going to a shop where they 'check in at the gate',
checking the pick box or gigbag pouches for extra items (especially new strings) that
may not be needed, to minimize confusion (proof of ownership) when 'checking out'

if i were to encounter a shop that had an issue with bringing my guitar in, i'd politely say
'have a nice day' & i'd be certain to make sure the door didn't hit me on the way out -
that happened to me way back, when i needed to have a string replaced & not only
was the staff rude (strumming it with a broken string), the owner saw it & didn't care

[darylcrisp]

i've done it many times with no issues. its very wise to hear what you've been used to in a setting where you are trying out a new one-puts things in perspective. about 75% of the time i leave without buying-my old guit holding its own and letting me hear whats real.

d

[roadbiker]

If I did that I would never buy a new guitar- the sound of my Guild is really hard to beat. I am quite sure that the shop I patronize wold not have a problem with me doing this, however. On the other hand, when buying a new new guitar (=adding to the family), I,m doing it to get something that has a different sound and feel. If I were in the replacement mode, then I would definitely consider it. I think that it's a good idea.

Jim

[ggj]

No and I can't imagine why I would.

[michaelw]

No and I can't imagine why I would.

playing & evaluating a guitar on its own merit is good thing, imho, &
having a 'point of reference' to refer back to may help reaffirm what
one is hearing is actually 'different', rather than what one 'wants to hear'

if one is looking for a guitar has tonal contrast compared to what one owns
(deeper' or 'warmer', 'brighter', 'more complex' or 'stronger fundamentals'),
a guitar that one is already familar may make the differences a bit more distinct

good to see you here
WELCOME !

[markallen]

playing & evaluating a guitar on its own merit is good thing, imho, &
having a 'point of reference' to refer back to may help reaffirm what
one is hearing is actually 'different', rather than what one 'wants to hear'

if one is looking for a guitar has tonal contrast compared to what one owns
(deeper' or 'warmer', 'brighter', 'more complex' or 'stronger fundamentals'),
a guitar that one is already familar may make the differences a bit more distinct

This is the same basic principle I've used in my dating life (and also may help explain why I've been married three times). 

[michaelw]

This is the same basic principle I've used in my dating life (and also may help explain why I've been married three times). 

i guess it's good that guitars cannot compare 'notes' (no pun intended)
with each other, amongst themselves - the 'player' has to be there too

[Jack Sparrow]

I haven't, because I'm the type that likes to go shop relatively anonymously without salesmen hovering, and I suspect that bringing in a guitar would make me look "serious" and attract attention. However, in concept I think bringing in your own guitar to compare is a great idea.