The Fall of a Titan: Sam Ash Closes Doors, Baxter and Jonathan Face Eviction
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- Опубликовано: 16 май 2024
- In this video, we explore the shocking closure of Sam Ash music stores, a beloved institution for musicians and music enthusiasts alike. We'll delve into the reasons behind the shutdown and its impact on the music community. Additionally, we'll uncover the unexpected eviction of Baxter and Jonathan during filming and how they are coping with these sudden changes. Join us for an in-depth look at this significant moment as we say goodby to one of the titans of the musical instrument industry and the stories of those who started their musical journey at Sam Ash.
#samash #guitar #musicgear 
Развлечения
Baxter and Jonathan:
I too am horrified that you were asked to stop filming in the store and you're 100% right my dad would've been livid as well. Myself and my cousin Derek are both avid viewers of the channel and we were devastated to see you both weren't allowed free reign to film. Clearly, this was a miscommunication from corporate to the staff as we explained that any inquiries about the closing should be brought up to corporate but in no way did we suggest filming wasn't allowed; in fact, we encourage it!
Nonetheless, thank you both for your kind sentiments and all the love you've had for my dad, Sammy, and our company. Hoping you both continued success, both in store and on RUclips! To all the Casino Guitars fans: support the store and the channel!
- Ben Ash
Being kind to the employees was a big mistake. Somebody wanted to feel power, maybe their last shot at it
I went to my local Sam, the experience sucked. 5% off is bullshit
Look on the bright side: at least you now understand why you don't have a business any more.
Oh it's Ben Ash, the failure!
A bit late to figure out that there are serious communication problems.
What's horrifying is the lack of concern for those on their way to the unemployment line. These guys are more worried about their shopping experience, and the Ash family name; certainly not the working class people stuck in a country that is seriously lacking in safety nets. They also ignore how Sam Ash came into all these communities and destroyed the local music stores. Another empty Big Box is NOT sad. But let's worry about Sammy's good name? 😂
So corporate ran it out of business and even in closing down they can't get out of their own way. I love Sam but if you can't even advertise for free, it's time to shut it down.
It makes no sense whatsoever that they would ask them to stop filming. They are already going out of business! What harm can the filming possibly do? Corporate idiots.
They were getting free advertising to sell their inventory. The few tags I could make out didn’t seem like much of a sell. Maybe Gibson and Fender won’t let them sell the guitars for a deeply discounted price.
That sums up why they’re not in business anymore. You guys took the high road and that’s what will hopefully keep y’all in business for many years to come! Always a pleasure and 1st class experience doing business with you.
Sam Ash Corporate still treating their customers the same crappy way right until the very end. They haven't learned a thing.
I did business with the Brooklyn Sam Ash store both on Coney Island Ave and East 14th street. I happened to looking to buy a gig bag to schlep my string bass to school and Da Boss personally intervened to give me a discount to support music education. A real Mensh and a rare individual. I always remembered him with fondness.
I worked at a place that went out of business years ago. The liquidation company are the ones in charge now.
Wow, store closing and 5% off? I don't think I have ever seen 5% off sales.
5% off is less than any regular deal any store would give you. It’s not even enough to cover the tax. I hate to see Sam Ash go but their way of doing business brought this on.
Seriously, I bought a Deluxe Reverb from GC yesterday and got 10% off in a sale of Fender products, and got an additional 10% refund because it was a floor model. I can't really understand why they don't at least do 10% out the gate.
@@NewPraetorianBlues It increases up to 20% once everything is almost gone. The NYC location is doing 40% off now. But like... they're dragging this whole thing out for reasons I can't comprehend.
As a wee Paddies day Weekend visitor from Glasgow I bought my PRS Swamp Ash from the 48th St Store in 2000, Twin Towers were still up, sad to see this dream store close.
whoever put the cat sound in when baxter trips is a genius
I helped set up that store a lifetime ago. Know the stage well. Met good friends there.
I tried to get 10% off on like the ONLY decent US made Gibson at the local Las Vegas store, and it was impossible ... the poor sales guy said that the Corporate has been harsh on them not to discount above the authorized 5% ... and that basically some lawyers are dictating when they'll raise their 5% to the next discount.. meanwhile, I walked into GC down the street and got 15% off on a new Friedman 2x12 the same day.
I've bought MANY thousands of dollars of guitars, amps and effects from the Carle Place and Huntington Sam Ash stores, both new and vintage. Yet when I bought another Les Paul this week, I didn't even give them a look. I knew they weren't the same store anymore but it's sad to see exactly how far they've fallen. Kudos to the employees for remaining upbeat, but screw corporate. They should have gladly accepted any free publicity that you were willing to give them.
worked at Sam Ash from 1982 when they had only 6 stores until 2002 when they had almost 50 stores. I helped to set up the Florida locations. I mostly worked on 48th street then later worked through corporate in different assignments. The Ash family had great work ethic and business was jumping. I'm sure a lot of things happened internally coupled with the pandemic and shift in how people shop now. I know the stores were very expensive to operate with rising rents, utilities, store maintenance, etc. even when I was still there. Sammy was the coolest. I wish the Ash family well.
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts and memories. The Charlotte store has been a pleasure to do business with.
You surely must know Stevie from 48th, he sold me my first brand new ‘01 LP Classic when I was a kid. Took me years to save up for, then I went to see him, like the search for the holy grail. I’ve bought and sold off tons of them, but I still have that guitar and will never sell it!
@@pjevans854 Steve and I worked together at Alex Music probably 81 or 82, after Alex retired, Steve came to Sam Ash and has been a great coworker and loyal to Sam Ash for decades.
Just know Sammy would have appreciated the promotion and tribute to his legacy. That’s all that matters. Sorry a corporate bureaucrat had to spoil it.
In 1974 I worked on 48th st off 10th Ave One day in May I walked up the street to Sam Ash and bought a Martin 00028. It just turned 50
You guys are great. Sam Ash Corporate Management....not so much.
This is one of my favorite Casino Guitars vids. I've bought a few basses and amps from Sam Ash, I always got a fair price. Great folks for sure. Thanks guys
5% not worth getting out of bed
I hear ya’ you can get 10+ from Sweetwater without even asking
The discounts are tiered by the liquidation co. They’ll go deeper as July approaches. The rub will be the inventory will dwindle by the time they get to 30%-40%
The sweet spot is 20-25%
Check their reverb account. I was able to counter offer on a new Taylor worth 6k for about 45% off. Seems like they have (or had) more flexibility via their Reverb store.
Sam Ash no longer has to care about the bad optics of negative RUclips videos.
Strange atmosphere there. It appears the liquidators are in charge
I bought my first new guitar at Sam Ash in 1962 …It was a cherry red SG ( junior ) 🙁. ..It’s only a matter of time before Guitar Center closes its doors ..
Sad to see Sam Ash go. I worked for them in Philly in the late 90s. One of the best job experiences I had as a young person. Been to the NC location also, good store, but felt the selection was limited at times. It just feels weird that they're finally leaving.
It’s possible that it was the liquidation company that told corporate to keep you from filming.
I pretty sure also
Maybe you didn't watch and listen to the video?
@@richardclark. I did. Tell me what I missed.
@@richardclark. At this point in time the liquidators are in charge. I know because I helped close out a big chain store and a liquidator was in charge of all the operations.
You guys are a class act. Greetings from Chile.
If you're ever in Atlanta, come do a video at Maple Street Guitars and let us know when you go, because I'd love to meet you guys!
Your Sam Ash has SO much more nicer guitars than my local ones do/did. I'm jealous.
RIP Sam Ash. You served us well.
Go home, and sleep well (in Connery voice).
Nice tribute and goodbye, guys. Very kind and respectful of you both.
Derrick’s sound effects additions for the win!!!
Sam Ash in Forest Hills NY was the place I bought my first guitar and amp a Squier Strat and some small Fender amp. I would sometimes cut HS with my friends there and jam for hours. As an adult and the internet took over I tried to keep it open by ALWAYS buying strings and picks there. Sam Ash will be sorely missed, specifically the store in Forest Hills. For better or worse I bought a brand new HX Stomp for $417. Last one in their store. Can't believe no one else got it. For me personally, it's the end of an era. Very sad.
Been to the Raleigh store dozens of times. I still have the Michael Kelly hybrid I bought there 7 or 8 years ago. It’s a sad day.
I love Michael Kelly guitars. I have 4 of them and they are fantastic. IMO, they are the most underrated guitars out there.
Having worked closely with the family in the 80's I can honestly say that Sammy always was the best of them and the other brothers were more detached. I'm not surprised that you had a good relationship with him.
Thanks guys! Love the vids! 😎🤘
😂 Background music in the guitar section. Thought I was watching Curb your Enthusiasm. Larry & Baxter would definitely be besties! 😂❤🎸
Shout out from Asheville
Bought my 2017 Les Paul Tribute on sale with an added 10% discount at this store that same year. Great people that worked their and sorry to see it close.
Bought my first tele at Sam Ash on 48th street in the early 90's. I would get deals on used gear from their reverb store in more recent times.
THAT was classy how you guys handled that. God Bless - Praise Him With Strings - Psalms 150. Y'all were spreading the love, happy picking!
It’s going to be delivered today, I got from Sam Ash (Reverb), new Les Paul Standard for $1960!
Congratulations, hope you love it. Nothing beats the feeling of opening the case of your new Les Paul.
I just took it from your porch. Bahahaha.
Huh - that’s more than 5% off…
Because he didn't try to film it.
Why would a failing store not want incredibly positive exposure? This is why its 100 years and not 101.
Man, I was just at this Sam Ash this weekend! Only got some pickups but hopefully I eventually find good deal for a guitar or amp…
It was the fact you said 5% now but it will get better. Corprit said shut those guys down !! People that work there were always the best ! Just to many stores to float the bottom line.
That sam ashe is really nice, about 5x nicer than my local one in CA. Sad to see these large and amazing stores go away
Great video. 5% is just called having a sale, not knowing that is why they are closing, a financing offer is not a coupon.
I bought my Jackson Soloist from that Store… great shop
Anyone who says "plethora" and doesn't give credit to the three amigos is a damn liar... We all started using that phrase after that movie came out and I hope it never ends! Also I feel like this video highlighted why Sam Ash is closing... you guys were attempting to make a "love letter" to Sam Ash and they marked it "return to sender".... pretty hard to stay in business when you push away the people trying to support you...
Never saw the Movie and I use it. Can't remember where I first heard it.
That is a sweet Strat Baxter! Thank you to all of the good people at Sam Ash past and present. Best of luck in the future!
I am 48 and only went into one Sam Ash in my life and never returned. I could not believe they had made a guitar store worse than Guitar Center.
I went through closings with Naum Brothers (Camera Sales Associate) and Adam Meldrum and Anderson (Advertising Department in a retail store chain over 120 years old) in Western NY many years ago. It's the pits so treat your sales staff with extra respect. While they are helping you they might also be trying to figure out how to pay July's rent.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
(To The Glory Of God Alone)
Father, Son & Holy Spirit
-Ronnie
I really like the background music.
My very first two guitars I bought were at the Sam Ash in Queens New York in my early twenties. The first was a Joe Satriani space blue. I got it for $600. Now, if you can find it, it's worth more than a thousand. The second was the EVH signature Ernie Ball Music Man which I got for $1,500. Now worth over ten grand. Corporate is probably crashing the business for selfish gain and moving on.
Man I wish I had know y’all were in Raleigh
I did not get donuts today and am unhappy that you reminded me of that.😂
Leading up to Sammy's passing away, Sam Ash was a shitty run company and totally moreso since he passed. Their stores were run down, doing buy-ins was a freekin time consuming nightmare if it was over $1500 due to getting approval from the owners who were kickin back not giving a shit. The companies commision structure was that sales guys get a base rate of $10 ph and you had to sell and earn a minimum of $70 commission BEFORE you started to earn actual commission! .... Their website was something out of 2003, Their business model was from 2003, Their GERS sales software was always the worst, then they updated it in 2023, they bought some used software from a furniture retailer that was still a piece of crap! This company did EVERYTHING on the cheap... Good Riddance..... Ex employee.
I’ve been to that location a few times I live just south of Raleigh. It was a weird, oddly quiet place although the guitar center across the street is equally as weird
The ad at the beginning of the video was for Sweetwater.
Damn. Says it all.
The hands of corporate is why they’re closing in the first place.
I recently got my dream guitar from Sam Ash (via their Reverb account) at 45% off.
I got a brand new Taylor 912ce Builders Edition, which normally retails for $6k at almost half the price. I sent an offer and then counter offered their new offer. Not sure how they allowed this to happen since the stores are only giving like 5% off, but my guess is that some sales rep that was about to be let go decided to cash in some last commission…if that’s the case It was a good day for both of us! 😎
I bought my Fender Parallel Universe Whiteguard Strat at Sam Ash.
The end of an era
How did corporate know you were filming in South Carolina?
The store where I live is already 60-90 percent off of everything.
This must have been filmed a long time ago the stores around here are sold out down to the carpet on the floor .
Awe!! Poor Sam Ash. I bought one MIM Fender Strat from them. Nice guitar man. $550 for the guitar usually in the $800s. Nice deal. Sad though. Really gonna miss the guys down at SamAsh.
That is the Raleigh store!
Welcome To Corporate On-line
Of COURSE corporate found a way to destroy a good thing. This is exactly why I just bought a Les Paul from an old local shop called Uhlik Music, instead of the big box store here.
Went to the box store first. The staff were great to me, as usual. I've spent a bunch of money there and just kind of know the guys. But they weren't allowed to budge on a used guitar for a certain amount of time, and their new stuff kind of looked "carbon copy" so it did nothing for me.
Another local shop is just elitist d-baggery of the highest sort, and two more simply don't carry that level of stuff (which I understand).
But Phil Uhlik, (who's son Nick is great, too) is still going. Still selling. Still greeting people as they walk in the door. One of their really helpful shop reps made me a deal on a mildly beat up 2013 LPjr and then I bought a case, too.
Uhlik isn't going anywhere until America, itself, is over... which may not be long now... but even, good luck telling Phil he can't be polite to kids who are learning music.
Kinda wish I kept my SamAsh exclusive 2017 Alpine white small guard Gibson SG Standard.
Contacted them about a Yamaha Broadbass and they refused to offer a discount.
I can’t speak to specific situations, but generically what happens when a company applies for bankruptcy and they do a sale such as Sam Ash, there is a separate entity that is in charge of the sales. As anyone can see, they don’t know what they’re doing because no one is going to rush in and buy a guitar for 5% off when most places will give you 10% off for a military discount. And there are 15% off coupons available all the time. There was a time when sales like these were performed by the name entity, but now they are done by wholesalers, whose whole job is to perform this kind of sweeping sale.
There will not even be the ability to scratch and dent things. I hope good things for the employees, but in this kind of wholesale discount, it’s best to just wait it out because they have to discount everything to a certain percent before the end in order to liquidate. The longer that it goes on, the more that the sale percentage will go down.
Well, a possible bright side is that Guitar Center might end up hiring some associates who know which end of a guitar goes in their lap...
How many more stores are going to close over the rest of this year?
Most buyers credit cards are maxed out, and putting food on the tables is more important
than buy new gear that you don't need.
Sad to see a long established retailer who's corperate team havn't a clue how to run retail.
We got the call for corporate that we had to stop filming because someone at the top doesn’t understand the power of free advertising.
That ideal of giving all the employees is nice BUT liquidators are B******* that will never happen . 😮
Baxter you need to buy the glass display case for casino guitars
All the stories I have heard about Sam Ash the person are awesome. It's a shame, but I understand.
I’m thinking a guy could get 10-15% off anywhere on any guitar at this point in time.
Went to store 33 (Miami Lakes, Florida) they were selling violins with broken strings for $90
No wonder they are going out of business...corporate is so behind the times, they didn't have a chance.
Isn’t that Sonic vs Daphne blue on your CS strat?
Those look like Liquor bottles resting on the Fender head right behind you. OK!! You guys could have been in my band!!
SA Paramus NJ !!
Jonathan makes a good Vanna White.
Journeyman relics are the nuts
Remember MARS Music Stores? I actually had a minor financial interest in them. The Nova fanned fret guitar didn't work. It was like MC Escher designed a guitar. This was briefly Great!!
Couldn't give away a Michael Kelly lol. My store has only like 40 guitars left and none of them are good, 35 of them are Michael Kellys. It's' actually super sad but a big part of the SamAsh downlfall was due to the website being absolutely terrible.
I had to sell MK guitars for a while... awful guitars. Terrible quality control.
I would guess the reason they wanted you to stop filming was because all of that gear os gonna be tied up in bankruptcy litigation and theyre trying to fudge numbers 😅
…and also with you.
I didn't realise Baxter had feet!
What happened at Tobias? They were long time dealers of mine
My Jax Fl Sam Ash has nothing but Michael Kelly left. There’s a few fenders behind the counter but nothing exciting and not very discounted. But SOOO MANY MICHAEL KELLYZ
The nearest Sam Ash store is 350 miles from where I live. Not likely I’ll get there.
I bought my first Les Paul at a Sam Ash.
Sams won’t budge… been going to the San Diego location for the past 2 weeks, 5% off. That Taylor is coming home with me. Hopefully o can score a 50% off
Man, I used to visit this location in Raleigh - and I've been to that Krispy Kreme lol
Just a sign of the changing times regarding buying guitars..., and just about everything else. Brick and mortar will have it's place, but it won't be at the top anymore. Online buying with delivery is where it's at now.
So there was someone in the shop who was enough of a toady that they TOLD corporate that filming was happening in the store, despite said bootlicker losing their job in the next few weeks. And then corporate thought it would be a great job to kick these guys out of the store, when they might be literally the only people providing positive coverage of the brand right now. And also, whoever in corporate made that call will probably be out of a job in a few months too. "STOP DOING FUN THINGS" is exactly what kills a chain like Sam Ash. So sad. Also, how the hell is a 5% sale going to move any inventory?
They even suck at going out of business. I worked for Sam Ash for 3 years. That business was firmly rooted in 1986. Three documents to sell a gift card. You were told 'we're a family business' and in the next breath 'you have to call corporate.' A coworker who became a rep for Gibson told me 'Sam Ash is all about beating on the sales guys, They think it'll make them sell more.'
Bon Voyage!
Never been in a Sam Ash, although I've bought a couple of used guitars from their web site. So sad a chain that's a hundred years old is closing. I was hoping they'd really take on Sweetwater - they have no major competition online - but I guess they have too much debt. That said, Guitar Center will give 5% pretty much anything pretty much any day of the week just for asking, and 10% is not at all unusual.
No, the Sam Ash problem is that they didn't have enough debt: Guitar Center have so much debt that they will last forever...
Sam Ash sold me a guitar as new. Three years old, old tuners. Huge doing in th ecwokd and only 100 off. Sweetwater bear their price and guitar was new and got me a gs mini thru said they couldn’t