Guitar Center Reviews 

2,915
TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 313 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Consumers frequently praise the store staff for being exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and patient when guiding them through instrument purchases. People truly appreciate the friendly assistance provided inside the physical shops, making the overall shopping process remarkably welcoming and entirely stress-free. However, some reviewers were not happy with online ordering experiences, reporting frustrating shipping delays and poor communication. Customers also noted instances of receiving secondhand equipment that lacked essential components or arrived with missing parts. These occasional setbacks regarding online fulfillment created significant challenges for buyers expecting properly functioning items.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of product, reflecting a split opinion among buyers. Some consumers... See more

Staff

People report positive experiences with staff, highlighting their professionalism, extensive knowledge, and... See more

Order

Clients share ambiguous opinions on order, as experiences vary significantly between smooth transactions and... See more

Customer service

Customers had ambiguous experiences with customer_service, reflecting a wide range of opinions. While many... See more

Service

Users describe ambiguous interactions with service, reflecting a wide range of differing experiences. Many... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Bought a Shure Mic WITH Waranty 7 months ago..it broke...after a Day with no luck..I got In Touch with Jason at the Peoria store....He Immediately took care of the problem...and switched the Defective... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Valerie made our shopping experience—buying my 14 year old son his first acoustic guitar—stress-free and fun. We appreciated how educated they were about guitars and that they genuinely loved to share... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I called the North Fort Worth store inquiring about a cymbal being in stock and spoke to Garin. He was great. Garin was very upbeat and friendly. He was knowledgeable about my product of interest and... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Matchable to Yamaha 88 Key Case for $40 less and included Special 2-day handling - Priceless. All information was accurately entered, Visa struggle on the numbers is the Card issue - not service ce... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Music Store

Written by the company

Guitar Center offers great deals on guitars and other musical instruments including bass guitars, keyboards, and amplifiers


Contact info

3.5

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 96% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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3.5

All reviews

(2,915)

291 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Tyler is very helpful and makes your experience smooth

Tyler from Guitar Center on Steven’s creek helped me out a ton! I went in looking for something I had no idea about and he was super helpful at choosing the right product for me. He also helped me try out a guitar and set me up nicely with an amp. Such a cool guy and a wonderful experience getting new gear and equipment. Super easy to talk to and truly cares about what he does and the people he helps out in store.

June 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ordered a pair of Kali Audio LP8 V2…

Ordered a pair of Kali Audio LP8 V2 monitors after confirming with the store that they were coming out of cuz they were used that they were in fact the V2 version. Typically when I reach out to a store regarding a used product I never hear back from him but this time I did. I was assured in fact they were V2. Yet 5 days later when they actually came they were not V2s despite the fact they charged the price of the twos which were quite a bit more expensive than the original version. So my excitement in opening the box thinking I finally finished my studio turn to anger. Try to dressing it online with the chat gear specialist and not only did the guy not even know there was a V1 or V2 he had no thing to say except I can offer a refund. Why do you think I even order from this crappy corporation. I have only ever used it because of the return policy so I guess if you're not excited about what you may be thinking that you bought or are expecting something for some kind of deadline, at least you can return the thing.

June 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi, we're sorry to hear about your experience and understand how disappointing it must have been to receive a different version than what you were told to expect. We also apologize for the frustration you experienced when seeking assistance afterward. We'd like the opportunity to review what happened. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your order details, and our team will look into your concerns and follow up with you. Thank you. – Brittany

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I had to call the Hickory Store

I had to call the Hickory Store, because your website doesn't work properly. Please find my History, & correct that!

June 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Steve, we're sorry to hear you're experiencing issues with our website and understand how frustrating that can be. We appreciate you taking the time to reach out about it. We'd like to look into your account history and make sure everything is corrected properly. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your contact information and any details related to your account, and our team will review this and follow up with you. Thank you. – Brittany

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not ever sell your instruments to them. They'll give you nothing and then charge the next person far to much

This company scams the hell out of you. Sold a guitar to them. They gave me 150 bucks for it, only to turn around and post it for over 2 grand!!! I understand needing to make a profit off of items bought from customers but are you kidding me? That's like a 4000 percent profit. I would have gotten a better deal selling to a pawn shop. I should have known better before signing the paperwork because every used guitar in this store seemed ridiculously over priced. I expected so much better from this company. I'll never step foot into any of your stores again and honestly i hope this company goes out of business with practices like that.

June 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi, we're sorry to hear you're disappointed with your selling experience. We understand your concerns about the offer you received and how the instrument was later listed. We'd appreciate the opportunity to review your experience. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your contact information and any details you have about the transaction, and our team will look into your concerns and follow up with you. Thank you. – Brittany

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience was excellent

My experience was excellent! I had some issues honing in on a cab that would work for me, and Jonathan did an excellent job guiding me through the options and helping me get to the rig I finally chose. He was very patient and understanding when I found out that the 112 was not enough power for the gigs I’m playing, and helped me find exactly what I wanted. I have generally been one who would go to a smaller store first, but now I am very happy with Guitar Center and the service provided. I think Johnathan specifically deserves all the credit, and did an excellent job helping me.

June 9, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Staff

Our experience was so great because of the staff who helped us find the best introductory guitar. Roy spent a lot of time with us explaining every model and telling us what else I would need for my first guitar. He also ordered a guitar case online, and gave us a discount, as it was not in stock in the store even though the online system said it was. He remembered our names the whole way through, and was very pleasant to talk with. I especially loved how he talked about the human side to buying a guitar in person.

June 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Unexpected exchange, really good deal, great service

I went in to pick up a used banjo I ordered online from a store out of state, and due to some human error from the other store it never got shipped out. The service from Mike and Aaron at the grape road store in IN was really beyond what I would have expected. They figured out how to get the banjo shipped to me, but they also were understanding that it was a time sensitive gift scenario and they offered to swap it in store with a new banjo. All in all, I really appreciate their help and ended up with a better banjo on the day I needed it for the same price! Thanks guys :)

June 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They charged me $20 to ship a 1lb item

They charged me $20 to ship a 1lb item. They advertise a low price but make their money on charging outrageous shipping.

June 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi, we're sorry to hear you're frustrated with the shipping cost on your order. We understand how that can feel unexpected, especially for a lightweight item. We'd like to review your order and clarify the charges for you. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with your order details, and our team will take a closer look and follow up with you. Thank you. – Brittany

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Guitar Lessons, treated fair when it didn't work out

I have to update my prior review and give GC a 5 star review. Shortly after I posted the Jun 16 review, GC asked for a chance to make things right. I emailed my contact info and the store manager, Ally G., called me at the end of the week to say she accepted responsibility for the scheduling problem and that she had refunded me the unused lessons prior to calling me. Stuff happens, I understand that. When GC couldn't accommodate my work schedule, this manager did the right thing and refunded me for the lessons I had paid for. In my opinion a store manager that does the right thing for the right reasons is 5-Star, and will continue to get my business.

Orig Post (June 16): Signed up for lessons several weeks ago and it was one disappointment after another. First disappointment: I changed original scheduled time to Wed at 6:00 pm. Only the first appointment was changed to Wed at 6:00 pm even though I had received an email stating all appointments changed from 6:30 to 6:00 pm. Showed up for second lesson and no instructor because instructor had only received first change to 6:00 pm. Before the fourth "actual" lesson, I advised I would like to receive lessons from someone who was more focused on acoustic guitar. I wanted to perfect playing open chords and this instructor was more inclined to teach electric guitar technique. Fine, no problem. Showed up for first lesson with new instructor - guess what, no instructor. The instructor didn't want to come back four hours later after a 2:00 o'clock lesson to teach a 6:00 o'clock lesson. No problem, they just hired a new guy and he would be able to teach the 6:00 pm lesson the following week. Guess what, just got a call from Guitar Center - 2 hours prior to scheduled lesson, asking when did I want to have my lessons so they could get someone lined up. REALLY??? I have been polite and understanding, but it's clear Guitar Center Baton Rouge can't provide the service I was offered and paid for. Matter of fact, I am walking away after just paying for the second month of lessons and I've only received four of the eight lessons I paid for.

June 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Skyler, we are sorry to hear about the experience you had involving lessons. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the details along with the contact method you prefer, and we can get this addressed for you by management.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Again, we're sorry for the inconvenience you've experienced.

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Customer Service

What wonderful help and customer service I received today by Mark Gray from the San Antonio location! He went out of his way in helping me to obtain my son's birthday gift in time! No words can express how thankful I am and I know this is only the beginning of his music endeavors Guitar Center will always be my first choice for his music needs!

June 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’m so frustrated right now I drove 1…

I’m so frustrated right now I drove 1 hour and 20 mins to pick up a speaker I needed for a gig tonight only to have the speaker crap out in 1 min during the biggest basketball game ever making me look like a fool because I had zero sound!!

June 13, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hi Robert, we are sorry to hear about your recent speaker purchase. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the details along with the contact method you prefer, and we can get this addressed for you by management.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Again, we're sorry for the inconvenience you've experienced.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Jeff

Jeff, our salesman did a great job understanding what we were looking for and explaining our options. He was kind, efficient, and didn’t “oversell” us. Great experience!

June 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I spoke with Kat

I spoke with Kat; it's always a pleasure working with her! She knows her stuff and sends my ordered equipment immediately.

June 11, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to hearing from you again soon! 🎶

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

3 Strikes in a Row!

Had a bad experience with another online order for this same amp, used, from another guitar center. After placing that order, I was charged, then informed a day later that the amp was not in working condition but if I wanted it, I could have it for $540. It said on the page, screenshot, that the amp was tested and was in good working order as described. It apparently, was not.

Next day I find same amp, comparable price, different location so, really wanting this particular model, I did it.

A $900 purchase. An investment. Again, tested and in good working order.

The unit arrives a few days later and was packed extremely well.

While unpacking, I hear metal rattling around inside the chassis. After some light shaking, a silver washer falls out. Moving the amp more and rattling again... I decide I am not going to plug this one in til I can spend some time.

Today I did. I have photos of the 2 transformers on the interior right hand side with only one screw holding of the 4 that should have been installed.

If there was any type of inspection done on this amp prior to resale this would have been immediately evident.

The inspection stamp has a date of 9/21/15. You would have thought it was from 1915 with the amount of dust and debris inside the chassis.

That's 3 bad experiences in a row with GC. I keep reading on Google that you're doing the right thing for the customer with your new forward thinking vision. I'm all for it. Take care of this customer and do the right thing.

June 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hello Ed! I’m sorry for the inconvenience you experienced while purchasing your amp online with us. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the details of your order, and we will follow up with you. Thank you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very helpfull.

June 8, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Riley is a real G

Riley was fast, efficient, and found exactly what I needed.

June 10, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Order #GCSF0003138360


Order #: GCSF0003138360
Zach Welch helped me with my bass guitar and case purchase. He was able to get me some discounts to help with the price a bit. The bass was perfect. However, the case sent was a cheap road runner case for a guitar, not bass.
Zach told me I could go to the local GC and they could exchange it out. I got everything squared away with the local store and got my case a couple days ago. I’m very pleased with Zach’s help. Despite the case hiccup, I still rate this 5/5

June 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to hearing from you again soon! 🎶

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

I would like to recognize Javier and the entire team at the Emeryville Guitar Center for their outstanding customer service and professionalism.

Javier's consistency is impeccable. He is always welcoming, hospitable, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. Every time I visit the store, he takes the time to listen to my needs and guides me in the right direction with honest, accurate information. His recommendations have always helped me make the right decisions for my DJ equipment and audio needs.

What stands out most is the leadership Javier demonstrates. The entire staff reflects the same level of professionalism, courtesy, and expertise. They operate like a well-oiled machine, creating a positive and comfortable experience every time I walk through the doors.

As a long-term customer, I am proud to continue doing business with the Emeryville location. The exceptional service provided by Javier and his team is the reason I always look forward to returning. They truly make me feel like part of the Guitar Center family.

Thank you, Javier, and thank you to the entire Guitar Center Emeryville team for your dedication, professionalism, and outstanding customer care. It is greatly appreciated!

June 8, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again soon! 🎶

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I purchased a used guitar

I purchased a used guitar. The store noticed the pickup switch didn’t work. The store contacted me by email. I called and they offered to fix it. They still had it shipped to me very quickly!

June 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Thank you so much for the 5-star review!

We truly appreciate your kind words. Providing great service and making sure our customers feel confident in the products they choose is always our top priority. It means a lot to know that you felt well taken care of during your visit.

We look forward to hearing from you again soon! 🎶

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not go to the Orem

Do not go to the Orem, Utah Guitar Center…or any other. Do not shop online. I used to love the place, but they suck so bad now. Last week I tried to buy about 2500.00 worth of recording equipment , speakers and drums online and pick up in store. Like I usually do, but the site was messed up. It took me 90 minutes to figure out that it wasn’t going to let me buy anything. So, I hoped in my truck and drove 50 miles to the Orem, UT store to see if I could get some of it there. There was one employee on the sales floor with a bunch of customers shopping and two waiting at the counter to be rung up. 5 minutes passed, I knocked on the backroom where it looked like about six were standing talking about cars? I asked for some help, they acted urgent and said they would be right there. Another 5 minutes passed, there are 5 of us at the registers. 4 with stuff they just wanted to buy. I went to the one employee on the sales floor and said I was going to leave, if someone doesn’t come out immediately. He made a call and an annoyed little snowflake came out and rolled his eyes. He walked right up to this little brat who was arguing with the rest of us to b his order in waiting, and talked to him. Took forever to sell the pick strings. By the time he was ready for the next customers they had all put their stuff down and left. I told him no thanks and left…forever!!! I will never spend another cent at Guitar Center!!! They’ve been foing downhill for awhile, they have finally hit the shithole level. Went to Sweetwater online in the truck right after. Had everything I needed, some stuff I wanted and the best customer service I’ve experienced since Nordstrom. Oh, It cost about 350.00 less than Guitar Center!!!!

May 30, 2026
Unprompted review
Guitar Center logo

Reply from Guitar Center

Hello Eric! I’m sorry for the inconvenience you experienced at our Orem location. Please email us at YourVoice@GuitarCenter.com with the details of your order, along with your preferred contact method, and we’ll have management follow up with you. Thank you.

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