Life on the Upswing (BLOG THREAD)

[Empty Pockets]

Good times, bad times, we've all had our share right? Lost my job at the pizzeria a few months back and haven't been able to find any work since then...I applied at every fast food joint, all the mall stores I thought I could tolerate, I even almost took a job canvassing for the Democratic Party of Georgia. I just wanted to do something -- ANYTHING -- to get some cash flowing my way again.

Turns out I was setting my sights too low.

About two weeks ago I was driving by the local Sam Ash and noticed about five or six NOW HIRING signs in the windows...told myself, nah, that's too good to be true...but I'd be shooting myself in the foot if I didn't at least get an application turned in.

About a week ago they called me in for a 'group interview,' basically me and eight other dudes sitting on stools in front of the store manager while he explained what would be expected of us and asking some general questions. I looked really good in comparison to some of the guys -- when he asked us what instruments we played, one guy said "Maaan I don't PLAY nothin, I just make it sound gooood..." -- but there were other dudes who were older than me, seasoned professional musicians, skilled guitar players that made me look and feel like a garage band amateur. I figured there was no way.

On Monday they had me come in for another interview, where i talked to the store manager, the sales manager, and the regional manager for the entire southeast. Regional manager said working for Sam Ash was elite -- it took him more than three years of applying and interviewing to finally get his sales position. He said they only hire people who really know their stuff, so he wanted to ask me a few questions.

What kind of pots would you use for single coil pickups? What about humbuckers? What are the most popular types of magnets for pickups? What's a Strat's scale length? What's a Les Paul made of?

He said he'd never talked to somebody who got ALL of them right...and on Tuesday I start work in the guitar sales of the only Sam Ash in Georgia

If it wasn't for you guys on this forum, I wouldn't have a CLUE about any of the things he asked. The "useless trivia" i've gained from spending years on this site, talking to you guys and debating the minute and abstract aspects of guitar tone and technology just landed me the job of my DREAMS! I've been going to school for business so that I can someday open up my own independent store and spend the rest of my days working with and around the only thing I really care about...but here's an opportunity to work with one of the biggest stores in the nation! Hopefully I can do well enough at this gig to turn this into a lifelong career....and it's all thanks to this forum!

So I just wanna thank you guys for imparting your knowledge and wisdom on me for the past six or so years, for dealing with my B.S. when I push the wrong buttons and most of all for being a cool bunch of dudes with plenty of things to say.

When I was workin at the pizzeria, tossin dough and boiling pasta for minimum wage, I'd tell people i was "Living the dream!" when they asked me how I was doing...now I really am living the dream, and I don't think I would be if it wasn't for you guys.

Thanks again, and if any of you Georgia bros need anything...you know who to come to.

[Lazarus1140]

I can't say "Your welcome" because I have only been learning here just like you, but I can say congratulations! Enjoy the new gig.

While you're there, don't hesitate to tell someone "I don't know, but I'll find out for you" instead of BSing like the typical guitar store salesperson.

[Gamera]

Congrats! Lemme see here...

1) 250K
2) 500K
3) Alnico 5?
4) 25.5
5) Wood...I mean mahogany!

Do I win anything?

[73roadrunner]

Gamera, if those are all correct, than that means I passed 2

[andrizzle]

DUDE!!! Congrats on the job... You do realize there's no cure for your gas now being surrounded by gear! Where's the Sam Ash in Atlanta? I live north of Atlanta but I make it down there a couple of times a month. Congrats again and good luck with everything!

[Gamera]

Gamera, if those are all correct, than that means I passed 2

I don't know, I'm hoping someone can confirm. I'm pretty sure just not 100% about the magnets.

[73roadrunner]

I don't know, I'm hoping someone can confirm. I'm pretty sure just not 100% about the magnets.

The only question I was iffy on was the scale length of a strat. I'm pretty sure Alnico V's are the most popular magnets. The pots I knew from when I put my Strat together, I was told 250K were typical Strat pots but since I wanted humbuckers to go with 500K. The Les Paul wood is just easy, everyone should know they're made out of mahogany, carved maple top, maple or mahogany neck, and Gibson even issued a korina model.

[Robert S.]

Want to know whats really funny?

I applied at the local GC a year or so back when things were really rough and I couldn't get hired there to save my life. I even had a personal/professional recommendation from Evan.

I guess they don't like old dudes that actually know the gear. The manager did make references to my age.

Good luck with the gig Bro!

[Empty Pockets]

Andrizzle: I'm north of Atlanta too, I just take 400 south then go west on 285 to Cobb Parkway. Take a left on Cobb and it's just up the road a mile or so, on the lefthand side, across from the mall. Don't come in looking to buy until i'm done with my training! hahaha

And yeah you guys were right about all that stuff...for magnets i said "Alnico 2, 5 and more recently 8, and ceramic," and he seemed impressed. He actually didn't know about A8 mags until i told him about the Duncan Crazy 8

[Empty Pockets]

Want to know whats really funny?

I applied at the local GC a year or so back when things were really rough and I couldn't get hired there to save my life. I even had a personal/professional recommendation from Evan.

I guess they don't like old dudes that actually know the gear. The manager did make references to my age.

Good luck with the gig Bro!

GC's hiring process is a joke! I applied there specifically for guitar sales and they sent me to an online application with this bull**** multiple choice quiz about everything from piano keys to what kinds of connector plugs you use for stage lighting...I just closed it and disregarded them. All they sell anymore are Strat Packs anyway...

[73roadrunner]

Andrizzle: I'm north of Atlanta too, I just take 400 south then go west on 285 to Cobb Parkway. Take a left on Cobb and it's just up the road a mile or so, on the lefthand side, across from the mall. Don't come in looking to buy until i'm done with my training! hahaha

And yeah you guys were right about all that stuff...for magnets i said "Alnico 2, 5 and more recently 8, and ceramic," and he seemed impressed. He actually didn't know about A8 mags until i told him about the Duncan Crazy 8

Awesome, too bad there isn't a Sam Ash in this area of PA.

[Iron Horse]

Want to know whats really funny?

I applied at the local GC a year or so back when things were really rough and I couldn't get hired there to save my life. I even had a personal/professional recommendation from Evan.

I guess they don't like old dudes that actually know the gear. The manager did make references to my age.

Good luck with the gig Bro!

You're just a bad loser and can't admit that you didn't know the scale length of a Strat. Admit it. Come on now.

[jerryjg]

You just became my new best friend. Youre so gonna find me tons of used gear dirt cheap!

[LesStrat]

Dood! You're in Hotlanta! You should have applied for a job as a dowser!

[Tor]

Nice! Congratulations on landing the job!

[34029324079]

congrats dude! now dont blow it!

[Empty Pockets]

hahaha forum bros definitely get a discount...too bad you traded away that Paul, Jerry, maybe we could've worked out a trade

LesStrat...what's a dowser? haha

[LesStrat]

The most needed professional in the Southeast!

[ParameterMan]

Ha, and I actually know what that is... I hear they still use 'em doawn saowth.

[mediumpimpin]

Nice, good to hear you got things movin in the right direction. At least we know of ONE sales guy at a major joint that knows his shiz.

If you see any sweet deals, like the the one VK came up on with that esp, you're now obligated to post up.