Sam Ash
Sam Ash Overview
The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Sam Ash has a 1.8 star rating from 18 reviews and overall customer sentiment is negative, with frequent reports of orders charged despite items on backorder and poor follow-up.
Key Takeaways for Future Customers
- Check in-store inventory before ordering to avoid backorder issues and double-charged payments.
- Document communications and expect long holds; verify refund timelines if possible.
- Read return and restocking policies carefully when comparing Sam Ash reviews with competitors.
Negative Feedback / Risk Areas
- Repeated Sam Ash customer complaints about billing and delayed or missing refunds leading to disputes with banks.
- Poor customer service responsiveness and rude staff reported across locations.
- High incidence of damaged or wrong items shipped and website inventory inaccuracies.
Positive Feedback
Reviewers cite wide product selection, store layout and location as strengths, and occasional helpful salespeople.
The generated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Sam Ash has a 1.8 star rating from 18 reviews and overall customer sentiment is negative, with frequent reports of orders charged despite items on backorder and poor follow-up.
Key Takeaways for Future Customers
- Check in-store inventory before ordering to avoid backorder issues and double-charged payments.
- Document communications and expect long holds; verify refund timelines if possible.
- Read return and restocking policies carefully when comparing Sam Ash reviews with competitors.
Negative Feedback / Risk Areas
- Repeated Sam Ash customer complaints about billing and delayed or missing refunds leading to disputes with banks.
- Poor customer service responsiveness and rude staff reported across locations.
- High incidence of damaged or wrong items shipped and website inventory inaccuracies.
Positive Feedback
Reviewers cite wide product selection, store layout and location as strengths, and occasional helpful salespeople.
Media from reviews
Layton, Utah
Ordered a Guitar and they sent the wrong one and wouldn't do anything about it.
- - Received the wrong guitar.
- - Order record is missing; returns are difficult.
- - Policy requires contacting the seller first; staff were unhelpful.
As soon as I opened the box I knew they had sent the wrong guitar. I took pictures and attempted to contact Reverb whom I bought it through and my order had since been deleted so there was no record of it and I can't talked to a person about this as they don't let you do that.
Their policy is to have you contact the seller first. So I did and Sam Ash personnel were very rude and wouldn't acknowledge that they sent the wrong product and wouldn't provide a return shipping label. I even talked to a manager and he was the worst. He just kept on saying the same thing over and over and wouldn't let me explain the situation.
I will never to business with them again and you shouldn't either. They just pawn off stuff they want to get rid of when you order something. I can't believe they are still in business with their attitude and business practices. You have been warned!
Do Not Buy from these crooks. Go to ebay where you have some protection against bad sellers.
User's recommendation: Do Not Buy from them
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerNot able to compare to very expensive guitars that Sam Ash on Lee rd in Orlando said they had in stock
- - Online stock varies by store.
- - Two $4500 guitars were listed as in stock.
- - Colonial Dr store didn't have either guitar; emails lacked clarity.
.I checked out two Sam ash websites in Orlando that are closest to me. Each site had different inventory and yet have option button for in stock.
Naturally I want to go to the store that says they have the guitars in stock like the Lee rd store in Orlando did, only to find out that the store doesn't have either of the guitars. Both guitars cost $4500 and both were listed as in stock , yet at the Colonial dr store in Orlando they didn't have one of the guitars in stock. Sam Ash says I have to buy the guitar and have it sent to the store with out me even trying it.
How am I to know how to choose on such an expensive decision. I had email with a few of them and all of them lack empathy and clarity...
User's recommendation: Do your best to make sure the story has the product they say is in stock , because they mean something totally different
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerDamage to Bass Guitar during shipping SKU MKBCCE4BU
- - Damage occurred during shipping of the Michael Kelly base purchased from Ontario, California store; FedEx confirmation is being forwarded separately.
I am forwarding the email confirmation from FedEx regarding the damage that was incurred during shipping the Michael Kelly base that I purchased from your Ontario, California store. I am forwarding the email separately as I cannot attach it here.
Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution
No inventory
- - -Product advertised as in stock, but charged and backordered.
- - -Shipping date emails were never sent; charges may be disputed with the bank, tying up funds.
This has happened three separate times the exact same thing. They advertised product as in stock you order the product they charge your account and then you wait for a shipping date email.
An email that you never get. And then when you finally reach out to contact them they tell you that your item is on backorder. Even though it was advertised as in stock on their website. Then you have to go to your bank and get a transaction list because Sam Ash will claim they did not charge your account but you had better believe that they did.
Then you will have to go in dispute that with your bank.
Depending upon how long ago it was the amount and many other factors you could be looking at thousands of your dollars being tied up with Sam Ash's incompetence. They are a trash company with trash customer service never order from Sam Ash Sam Ash sucks
- Cons only
- Will take money without verifying availablity
Preferred solution: Apology
User's recommendation: Just to stay away from Sam Ash
This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ
Verified BuyerPrice match
- - The reviewer asked Samash to match two competitor prices and sent receipts and quotes.
- - Samash refused; a 30-year customer will not buy again.
I have 2 different prices from accredited competitors and ask samash to match. Sent receipts and quotes.
They refused. In my book samash is a dead company. I have bought from them for 30 yrs.
they just lost a customer that has spent a lot of money on music equipment. I will never buy from these guys again.
- Product avaliablity
Preferred solution: Price reduction
User's recommendation: Go elsewhere. Samash has forgot the normal American people.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerAbsolutely abhorrent response, as far as accusing me of wrongdoing when an item I purchased online was listed as "Delivered" by the package service and never received by me.
- - FedEx shows delivery, but I did not receive the package.
- - Sam Ash accused me of stealing, refused responsibility, and sent me to FedEx.
After accusing me of receiving the equipment and trying to scam them they then claimed they misunderstood me and if I wasnt trying to get them to refund me then they didnt careI asked for assistance in explaining the situation to FedEx ie to please back up my story from their end and provided phone number and email contact that I needed them to reach out toNever heard back and they never followed throughMy life has had some other issues that were more alarming in the interum but at the moment I have the time and I think its far past time for them to hear the business end of my grief and rageThe other company that shipped me equipment on the same day and also was reported deilvered but I never received? They shipped a new unit the following day without so much as a hem or a haw, indeed, they were apologetic and hoped that my experience didnt impact my impression of their business.If only they could know how they became golden gods in my eyes!
AS it happened, a SECOND package was delivered the same day ...not to me however. This one was shipped from a different music equipment firm.
When I reached out to them, they had no problem simply sending another one immediately. Sam Ash first off accused me of stealing, then refused any responsibility, instead stonewalling me to deal with FedEx....who was ...let me just tell you, NOT helpful either.
- Ever seen a wwi flick with trench warfare thats sam ash
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Sam Ash is a large company, the fact that their policy is to go to war over a matter of 100 bucks with a customer says everything you need to now about them. WORST POSSIBLE RECOMENDATION
Refund
Refund guitar
No cash given Had options but none were pains in full
I paid full
Cash
Any help
Orlando store
Lee road
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Don’t go
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerHorrible ORDERING and availability coordination
- - Items appear in stock online but vanish at checkout.
- - Guitars canceled after payment with delayed refunds; Boss SY-100 kept funds.
I haven't yet. I am though going to contact the Better Business Bureau since they have yet to reimburse money or cancel the order on an item they never had in the first place when I made my order!
Tried to buy two Michael Kelly Guitars - they took the order and my money then canceled but did not immediately return my money.
Attempted to buy a Boss SY-100 same thing only this time they did a back and forth and it was on the second order that they kept the money without fulfilling an order and their customer service (online chat) told me to call and I ended up on hold for 20 min before getting someone. Only to be told yeah its a glitch in our system but theres nothing we can do about it!
- Will take money without verifying availablity
Preferred solution: Fix your broken system and stop taking money for things that aren't available!!!
User's recommendation: Don't buy from Sam Ash without going into one of the actual stores!
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerGuitar problem. I have been ignored for both my emails so far.
- - I bought open-box Michael Kelly Hybrid '55 with Fishman Bridge.
- - Purchased Aug 15, 2020 for $610 + tax.
- - Intermittent Fishman Bridge fault; needs repair.
Sam Ash 'just' got back to me after my 3rd attempt to contact them.
On August 15th, 2020 I bought a Michael Kelly Hybrid '55 Guitar with Fishman Power Bridge.
I purchased it online from yourselves as an open box item for $610 + tax.
Since then it was not been used much, mainly at home..it still has the protective plastic on the pick-guard!
Anyway, 2 or 3 weeks ago I noticed an intermittent fault with the Fishman Power bridgesometimes it works, but mostly it does not!
I have little to complain about re. the guitar other than the Fishman bridge.
So, what can be done to correct this problem?
I clearly need to have it fixedits of no use for my needs as it is currently.
Please help rectify this problem ASAP.
Order number was; 15-0557*-66183
My details are;
Rod Gerrard, 9040 Antigua Drive, Seminole, Fl. 33777
Phone 727-350-****
I appreciate any help you can give me in this matter.
Thank you in anticipation.
Roderick (Rod) Gerrard.
- Cons only
- So far both my emails were ignored
- As yet
Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered
User's recommendation: Keep trying to get a reply from Sam Ash..if you don't put the word out that the company sucks!
San Antonio, Texas
Salesman by the name of Roland is a jerk, unfit to be a sales helper, who discourages business/sales by being arrogant.
- - Sought information about Focusrite recorders.
- - Staff spoke in a humiliating way and left after I objected, telling me to complain to his manager.
I was needing information about Focusrite recorders. The guy spoke to me in a humiliating mode, treating my questions as if I was an idiot. When I tried to object to his attitude, he plain left, saying I should complain to his manager.
User's recommendation: Keep away from this jerk.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Illegal mask mandate
- - It is illegal for establishments to force patrons to wear a mask.
- - Masks don't protect; viruses are smaller than bacteria.
It is illegal for any establishment to force patrons to wear a mask. It is discrimination and against the law.
Masks dont protect anyone they are only for particulates viruses are smaller than bacteria. They dont prevent viruses from getting in or out
Preferred solution: Civil Law suit
You're an idiot.
Replying to
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Miami Gardens, Florida
Disrespectful lazy salespeople
- - Spent over an hour waiting for help while sales staff ignored him.
- - Arrived 12:01 PM and received no eye contact; won't buy again.
I spent over one hour yesterday, Sat. 13 July 2020, at the Kendall, Miami FL Sam Ash store waiting for help with a purchase.
I directly asked for help several times. I patiently waited while salespersons ignored me and attended to other customers that arrived after me. I arrived at 12:01 PM, one minute after store opening and no one would make eye contact. I asked for help repeatedly and was ignored.
This is the reason brick and mortar stores are failing and closing. These are the incompetent sales personnel who will cry about not having a job when everything goes on line.
Ive spent thousands of $s at Sam Ash over the years. I will not buy so much as a drumstick from this company ever again.
E B Ferrer
- Products diversity
- Salespersonnel
Preferred solution: Instruct sales personnel on their responsibilities
User's recommendation: Don’t shop at Sam Ash
I've been a Sam ash customer for 55 years. Had the same experience recently at their Clearwater, FL store. A real shame...still a great store, but I decided to order online instead (spent $5,000 there in the last four years)
Prepare to hunker down and be on hold for an hour or so.
- - I tried to send an e-gift card to my son; my card was charged and is in limbo.
- - On hold 22 minutes, disconnected, then 28 more minutes, nearing an hour.
I attempted to send an e-gift card to my son. It's currently somewhere in limbo, but my credit card was charged.
I called customer service and was on hold for 22 minutes, then disconnected.
Now I've been on hold 28 minutes. The total hold time is creeping up toward 1 hour.
I was unable to access my own review, which appears under Celina, for some reason. This is to let you know that the situation was quickly resolved once I sent an email to the company. The phone customer service issue is one Sam Ash could work on, but I'm 100% satisfied regarding the outcome of this particular order.
Lyndhurst, Ohio
ABSURD!
- - Sam Ash Lyndhurst offered 36-month financing, 15% off, coupon MARCHBAND, and issues with returns and login.
Was at Sam Ash @ Lyndhurst, Ohio talking to a salesman who was very nice. I was planning to get a Boss Katana - 100 and the foot controller.
I left the store and thought to look online if it’s cheaper.
Low and behold, Sam Ash texted me to get a discount on my next purchase. I called that same day and was informed that I can get both amp and foot pedal both with 36 months free financing and 15% off. I then decided to add a product to save more which is a Roland electronic cy-8 cymbal. I couldn’t buy it online since I have something to trade and cash to use so I went to the store.
Close to the end of purchasing them they told me I won’t get 15%. They told me to still purchase it and come back the next day to verify from the online rep that I could get 15% off in which they would honor it if it was verified.
The supervisor online told me that he had to look back into the recordings if that conversation was valid. A solution came about though that I could use a coupon code that I got from Sam Ash text “MARCHBAND” that gave me more discount in my cart.
Brought it up to the store and the manager (Graham) does not want to accept the merchandise return and he told me that it won’t count for the 36 months financing in which I called the next day and the salesman (Alex) informed me that it would have if the manager cared to looked.
I guess in my mind, I don’t think they appreciate customers using any discount “code” given by them for us to use.
I was told that I would get a call back in 5 minutes 3 times and never received a call. I called the salesperson on his direct line with my cell and never answered any of my calls and called using my work phone and answered it right away (fishy).
He then told me that he can’t do anything with it anymore and to call a different customer service #.
He sent me to the complaint department which the owners and higher management would handle.
One last thing which I think is very interesting.
I logged in my online account and the password was changed and I couldn’t log back in to my cart. I did took a screenshot of all of them before that happened.
I can’t believe the quality of customer service we get nowadays.
I’m sure I’m not the best customer in the world just buying whatever’s out there but I just want to use the deals and promos they have to offer.
- Customer service
Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution
Sam Ash Miami La- 8/5/19 Apprx.3:30pm. (Guitars area) Employee Roufhley
Complainant and Witness (Mr. Pier) Informed Manager, Steve Toro / 5360 N.W.
167 St. Miami Lakes, Fl. 33014 Tel. Number 305-628-****.
Complainant - Jack Medina 305-833-**** and Mr. Pier 954-709-**** / Aug.
5, 2019 Approx. 3:30 Pm Aggressive employee in Guitars Section - Repping a guitar from a Customers hand, Instead of asking for it, And acting very Rudely to Two Customers.
complaint Salesman/ Maimi lakes - Physically pushing a customer/ at Sam Ash Miami Lakes 8-5-19 approximately 3:30pm with Witnesses and Complained to Manager Steave Toro
Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution
Brookland, Virginia
Guitar Setup Scam
I paid $40 for a package that gives you multiple guitar setups over time, as a bundle with the guitar I bought from them.
I dropped it off to be setup with low action, was told I had to wait for their guy to come in next week. I wait a week, get my guitar back, and every single string has obnoxious fret buzz.
The guy who set my guitar up didn't even play it before he put it in the case.
I can't play my guitar now because Sam Ash has no clue WTF they're doing.
The setup packages are such a scam! They intentionally take forever to do it so you just give up and stop bringing it in.
About
The first Sam Ash music store was opened in 1924 in Brooklyn, NY by Sam Ash. Today SamAsh.com is the only musical instrument web site. The consultants of the SamAsh call centers, which operate 27\7, are musicians, DJs and producers. The shop offers sound and recording equipment, musical instruments and accessories, computers and music software, sheet music and videos. Customers can come to the stores and play guitars, keyboards, drums or brass and woodwind and many other instruments. The database of the SamAsh is regularly updated.
Sam Ash is ranked 80 out of 994 in Music stores category
USA
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This company is a joke!!
How many times are you going to post the same thing? You make no sense.