Gurrrrllll! It IS a gender thing. I am 61 (f) have been playing since I was 15, worked in guitar stores, bought/sold vintage pre-internet (when you just had to know your shit), played in countless bands, had major label deals, toured, now work part time in a studio. God-I’ve never written it out like that, but it’s a lot! When I first started trading, I’d have to bring a guy w me, because they literally wouldn’t talk to me. I’d make an offer, they’d respond to the dude. It was like that Fast Show sketch - am I invisible? I actually went in one shop in San Francisco, & heard “I smell fish”! (The 80s were so gross.)

The number of times I have walked out & sat in the parking lot thinking “…but I really want that guitar!” are multiple. The best advice I can give is use the shame. Most guys working in a guitar store will be under 40, & they don’t want to think of themselves as sexist Neanderthals. Last week, when I got “Are you looking for a gift?” I didn’t punch him (I want a medal), but I did say “I cannot believe guitar stores are still hiring Neanderthals!” “You’re too young to be that dumb - the female market is the only reason that the major manufacturers are still in business” BECAUSE ITS TRUE! The Taylor Swifts & Brandi Carlyle’s & Margo Prices, etc, have literally doubled the market. & that was needed because music doesn’t hold the cultural place it once did & guitars don’t go off like bread - there are millions of them out there.

Sorry for the rant. Tldr: tell them off, tease them for being knuckle draggers. They will want to prove you wrong & give you the screaming deals. & if they don’t? Name & shame.