New Yorkers, I have some questions, need some help.. (also SF, LA and LV)

[Slashaxl]

Hi.
I'm a norwegian going to NY late september. I have been there once before.
I am planning to pick up a guitar while i'm there, preferably a Gibson, and I would be happy to buy a used one... I'm also a huge Jacksonfan, so if i can't find my firstchoice, any info on Jackson's is welcome!

So I wonder:
Is there any of the stores that carry second-hand gear?

Does stores like Guitar Center,Sam Ash etc take trade-ins?

Anyone know of the Gibson Explorer Thunderhorse "Dethklok" is a guitar some of the shops in NY, or shops in general have in their sortiment on a regular basis? I'm a sucker for the silverburst finish, but probably won't have the cash for a Les Paul Custom or to order a Flying V Custom.
And how are these Explorer priced in the stores? I find them new online for around $1650, and see the list price from Gibson is closer to 3grand...

If someone could give me som answers or recomendations, it would be very much appreciate

BTW, I'm also dropping by San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas as well, so anything to consider in those areas would also be of help. But I would prefer if possible, to buy in NY, as i'm going home after my stay there

[axmann]

Guitar Asylum in New York state has been very cool to me. They usauly have a pile of Jacksons.

[Slashaxl]

Ok, i'll be sure to check it out thx Anyone got any more to add?

[j2379]

NYC still has a few music stores on 48th street, a GC on 14th street & a few other small shops scattered around NYC. Most arent that good anymore. try musiczoo in queens as well. guitar asylum has nice stuff but i wouldn't buy from them ever again, great guys until you have an issue and they were no help, basically saying go F yourself, they dont deal with warranty issues.

[Venomboy]

Check out Rocker Guitars in San Francisco.

[GTarman68]

Sam Ash in NYC, GC in Vegas.. Pawn shops in Vegas.. and I won't mention the Troll's place in Vegas.. \m/ GC Hollywood has a nice collection of Vintage guitars worth looking at, just to say you saw them, not that you could afford one.. they are proud of them sucka's

[Predator1]

The Music Zoo in Queens has been great to deal with and they are a Gibson and Jackson dealer. However, they are moving the store to Roslyn, New York sometime this summer. While in Los Angeles visit Wild West Guitars in Riverside just a quick hour drive east on the 91. PS. Avoid rush hour or it is a 3hr drive.

[DonP]

You can find Gibsons at many GC's in Hollywood, the one on Ventura Blvd. If I want to buy something at a GC, I go to their used inventory site, find something similar the cheapest they have it, then tell them to price match. I usually get MIM strats for $225 used, USA SG Stds. for $750, just to give you an idea.

Pawn shops are my favorite hangout, but usually not for brand name stuff where they jack the prices. But you can usually find a gem in the rough here and there, like a Model 4 for $125 (no case).

IMO, the thing you are doing wrong is hitting the cities with the best economies and the highest prices. Try to avoid inflated areas and shop in the seedier towns

[Grandturk]

30th St Guitars for used in NYC