Sweetwater has better shipping that’s free and faster in most cases than both Guitar Center & Musician’s Friend. What truly sets Sweetwater apart is their customer support, which is miles ahead of its competitors.
In this manner, are Sweetwater and musicians friend the same?
We can help. Musician’s Friend and Sweetwater are two of the biggest brands in music gear. Both companies have been around for over two decades, since the dawn of the internet.
Herein, can I trust Sweetwater? Overview. Sweetwater has a consumer rating of 4.48 stars from 952 reviews indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Sweetwater ranks 1st among Music Equipment sites.
Keeping this in consideration, did Guitar Center get bought out?
In the mid-2000s, the chain got infected with a common retail malaise: massive debt. In 2007, it got bought by the private equity firm Bain Capital, which borrowed heavily for the deal and saddled Guitar Center with the debt that by 2020 reached $1.3 billion.
Does Best Buy Own Guitar Center?
Guitar Center oversees various subsidiaries including Musician’s Friend, AVDG, Music & Arts, Woodwind & Brasswind, and Giardinelli.
| Formerly | The Organ Center (1959–1964) The Vox Center |
|---|---|
| Products | Musical instruments, recording equipment and accessories |
| Revenue | $2.14 billion |
| Owner | Ares Management |
Has Sweetwater Sound been sold?
Sweetwater has sold to a private equity firm – Gearspace.com.
Is Guitar Center bigger than Sweetwater?
Guitar Center’s brand is ranked #- in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of Guitar Center. Sweetwater’s brand is ranked #884 in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of Sweetwater. Their current valuation is $8.65B.
| 35% | Promoters |
|---|---|
| 44% | Detractors |
Is Sweetwater an American company?
Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sweetwater is the nation’s leading music technology and musical instrument retailer. The company sprang from humble roots, but over the past 27 years has achieved incredible success and continues to experience unprecedented meteoric growth.
Is Sweetwater and Guitar Center the same?
No, Sweetwater is not owned by Guitar center. Guitar Center is owned by Ares Management, whereas Sweetwater is majority owned by Providence Equity Partners with founder Chuck Surack owning the remainder of the company after selling over half of his stake in July of 2021.
Which is Better Guitar Center or musicians friend?
In terms of customer service, if you are someone who prefers to shop for gear in-person, I’d recommend going with Guitar Center or another local music store. However, if you prefer to shop online, Musician’s Friend may be a better choice.
WHO has recorded at Sweetwater?
Artists who recorded at Sweetwater Productions for “Majic Miracle Music” CDs include REO Speedwagon, Ingrid Michaelson, Lenka, Aimee Allen, Jars of Clay, Landon Pigg, Ben Jelen, Josh Kelley, Sara Bareilles, Jon McLaughlin, Gin Blossoms, and Collective Soul.