I'm a drummer and Sam Ash is the place to go for all your drum needs. Guitar center has a small selection and not nearly all of the smaller items I need. The staff is great and very knowledgeable. If they didn't have something I needed they would order it for me. The guitar section is just as big as guitar centers. I also know they have free clinics often, but I've never been so I can't speak on how they are. Basically it's like guitar center as far as selection and prices go, but with a way better staff, and an actual care for their customers.