Music Center, in Bridgeport, WV is my favorite music store in the area. They have a very nice…read morecollection of electric guitars -- especially Ibanez and LTD. They also have a good selection of acoustic guitars. There were also other instruments such as mandolins, resonators, banjos, and percussion. Music Center has some really nice amps, including Marshall, Mesa Engineering, Blackstar, Vox, and Laney. As expected, they have all kinds accessories, as well as some that you may not expect, such as vacuum tubes.
The staff at Music Center is very friendly, and while they are helpful and show you features, they don't try to aggressively hard sell you. When I am evaluating a guitar or amp, it is a process that takes a long time and a lot of concentration, so I appreciate this.
I am also very surprised by the prices at Guitar Center. Their prices are about the same as online shops, such as Musician's Friend, Guitar Center, and Sweetwater, and they will usually come down a little, to do better than buying on the internet. While you may be able to wait for a coupon, or talk the online guys down a little lower, I would rather support a local business than send my money to some giant, faceless corporation.
I also like to try out instruments before I buy them. Sure, it may be nice to try something out in the store and order it off the internet, if you can get a better price. Especially with instruments, though, no two are alike. The way the wood resonates, the way the nut is cut, and most importantly the fretwork can vary greatly from instrument to instrument. Plus, I really don't want to have to drive to Pittsburgh, DC, or Columbus to try out music gear if all of the local brick and mortar stores get run out of business
