When the long-standing truce between Guitar Center and Sam Ash ceased to be, with the latter treading on GC's home turf of Los Angeles, the former opened its first New York store a block from Union Square, followed by another location at Atlantic Terminal. But with the original Sam Ash safely forty blocks away on the storied musical block of 48th Street, it seemed like a moderate response. Now, though, with Sam Ash relocating to 34th Street and out of its iconic digs, this flagship Guitar Center, ensconced in the retail-rich Times Square, seems like both a direct hit to GC's main competitor, not to mention a bit of a slap in the face. The mega-chain's in full force here, with its stupefying selection of guitars, basses, keyboards, and enough pro audio equipment to fix every imperfect pitch on contemporary radio.