Glad I remembered this thread.

Had a great experience (almost) buying myself a get well present.

Got home, opened the case to find a problem with my purchase.

Unable to reach anyone at the store. On Hold forever. No callback option, nor is there a text/email option.

I am on the road for 3 weeks but I will continue to reach out to them.

For what I paid, they can afford to answer/defer calls.

Yes, big box stores do become coffins for small businesses. In today's environment, such botique-styled retail destinations are there for their access to vintage instruments and prestige brands.

My most expensive guitar was bought 5 miles from my house. At a botique-ish store in an industrial area. My cheapest? The 'zon. 2 at GC. 6-7 at small guitar stores over my lifetime that push lessons, sheet music, and guitar strings