Guitar Center is a musical instrument retailer that operates stores across the United States, specializing in guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, and other music equipment. The company offers both new and used instruments for sale, along with music lessons, instrument rentals, and repair services. Guitar Center serves musicians of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, providing a wide selection of musical gear and accessories.
Guitar Center receives a mix of praise and criticism from customers. Many appreciate the convenient location, extended hours, and the opportunity to test instruments before purchasing, highlighting the store's great selection of guitars and accessories.
Reviewers commend the outstanding repair services, noting that vintage instruments are well cared for at reasonable prices. However, there are recurring complaints about disappointing service experiences, with some customers reporting long waits for assistance and staff who seem rushed or less knowledgeable. While the store is well-organized and offers a solid variety of products, pricing can be higher than online alternatives, leading to mixed feelings among shoppers. Overall, Guitar Center is seen as a solid choice for musicians, though service consistency remains a concern.
Summary generated with AI from recent reviews
Same method for every company: overall rating, legitimacy checks, the average rating of reviews mentioning each area and the 6-month trend · Musical Instruments.
| Company | Overall | Legit | Trend | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | — | 67 out of 100 | — | 0 |
| 5.0 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | — | 25 | |
| 4.7 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | −3% | 551 | |
| 4.4 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | — | 272 | |
| 4.8 out of 5 (good) | 100 out of 100 | — | 25 |
12 reviews of Guitarcenter. Filter by what matters to you.
7 months ago
Visited this location last weekend and was impressed with their guitar selection. The staff member who helped me was knowledgeable about different brands and let me try several instruments without any... See more
7 months ago
Had an issue with a guitar I purchased online and needed to return it to the store. The return process was smooth and the manager went above and beyond to help me find a replacement that better suited... See more
7 months ago
Always check out their used equipment when I'm in the area. Found some real gems over the years at great prices. The condition descriptions are usually accurate too.
7 months ago
Nice to have a music store that stays open later than most. Easy parking and good selection of picks, strings, and other accessories.
Quick answers to the questions people ask most.
Most Guitar Center locations are open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM. Hours may vary by location and during holidays, so it's best to check your local store's specific hours online or by calling ahead.
Yes, Guitar Center provides professional repair services for guitars, basses, amplifiers, and other musical equipment at most locations. Services include setups, restringing, electronics repair, and more complex restoration work performed by certified technicians.
Guitar Center offers a 45-day return policy on most new items and a 30-day return policy on used gear. Items must be in original condition with all accessories and packaging, and you'll need your receipt or proof of purchase.
Yes, Guitar Center purchases used musical instruments and equipment through their trade-in program. You can get an instant quote online or bring your gear to any store for evaluation by their team.
Yes, Guitar Center provides private music lessons for various instruments including guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. Lessons are available for all skill levels and can be scheduled at most store locations with qualified instructors.
Yes, Guitar Center offers instrument rental services for students and professionals. Their rental program includes guitars, drums, keyboards, band and orchestra instruments with flexible rental terms and rent-to-own options.
Yes, Guitar Center provides several financing options including their Guitar Center Gear Card and promotional financing plans. These options allow you to make purchases with monthly payments, often with special promotional rates for qualified buyers.
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Visited this location last weekend and was impressed with their guitar selection. The staff member who helped me was knowledgeable about different brands and let me try several instruments without any pressure. Ended up finding exactly what I was looking for at a competitive price.
Had an issue with a guitar I purchased online and needed to return it to the store. The return process was smooth and the manager went above and beyond to help me find a replacement that better suited my needs. Really appreciate businesses that stand behind their products like this.
Always check out their used equipment when I'm in the area. Found some real gems over the years at great prices. The condition descriptions are usually accurate too.
Nice to have a music store that stays open later than most. Easy parking and good selection of picks, strings, and other accessories.
Found a great deal on the amp I wanted. Store was pretty crowded though and had to wait a while to get help.
Brought my vintage acoustic in for some fretwork and they did an amazing job. The guitar plays better than it has in years and the price was very reasonable. Definitely recommend their tech services.
Even when I'm not buying anything, the staff here is usually cool with letting me test different equipment to help with my research. Eventually made a purchase online elsewhere for a better price, but appreciated being able to try things hands-on first.
Bought my first electric guitar here and the salesperson took time to explain everything I needed to know. They didn't try to oversell me expensive gear which I appreciated. Good starter packages available.
The store itself is well-organized and has a good variety of instruments and accessories. However, I've noticed the prices can be higher than some online retailers. The trade-in values they offered for my old equipment were also pretty low compared to what I could get elsewhere.
Waited 20 minutes just to get someone to help me with a simple question about string gauges. When someone finally came over, they seemed rushed and not very interested in helping. Expected better from a music store.
Love that you can actually plug in and test the guitars and amps before purchasing. Sound quality varies by location but this one has a decent setup area. Bought a pedal and cable during my visit.
Some employees are really helpful and know their stuff, but others seem new and can't answer basic questions. The selection is good though and prices are reasonable for most items.
You can reach Guitar Center customer service by calling 1-866-498-7882, using the live chat feature on their website, or visiting any store location. Customer service is available to help with orders, returns, technical questions, and general inquiries.
Yes, Guitar Center offers price matching on identical new products from authorized dealers. You'll need to provide proof of the competitor's current advertised price, and the item must be in stock and available for immediate shipment.
Guitar Center is a musical instrument retailer that operates stores across the United States, specializing in guitars, amplifiers, drums, keyboards, and other music equipment. The company offers both new and used instruments for sale, along with music lessons, instrument rentals, and repair services. Guitar Center serves musicians of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, providing a wide selection of musical gear and accessories.
