Took my SG in for a setup. Super pleased with the results! Cool shop, nice gear and staff were…read morefriendly and helpful. This place is a gem

We're very lucky to still have this music shop in San Jose…read more... Very friendly knowledgeable experienced staff.... I just had the intonation set up on my old Gibson Paul and it plays great... Ask for Terry to set up your guitar... Thank you.

What a pleasant experience I had while getting my daughter's trumpet repaired! Raleigh, the brass…read morerepair specialist, saw me right away and, after diagnosing the issue as a simple fix, completed it while I waited. Not only that, he chatted with me as he worked--I really enjoyed learning about his passion for brass instruments and the band he's part of. He even went the extra mile, fixing a few dents and adjusting a key that wasn't quite up to his standards. It was a great experience, and I will definitely be back for all of my family's instrument needs.

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They answered all our questions and gave us plenty…read moreof space to try out different instruments at our own pace. We felt completely comfortable and relaxed, with no pressure to make a rushed decision. It was a great environment to compare options and find exactly what we needed. Thanks

I've been going to this Guitar Center for 20 years or so, before that I was going to their location…read moreacross the street which is now a Mattress store. In all that time, I never cared to write a review, until now. Here's what happened, brace yourselves for the feelgood story of 2025. I went in with my wife a week ago, so that after all these years of guitar playing, I could buy my first bass. I ended up leaving with a Taylor 12 string, go figure. Jadon was the employee who helped me, and this dude was the first Guitar Center employee I've met who was more excited to sell me a guitar, than I was to buy one! Fast forward 1 week later, and I was regretting putting down so much money on a guitar that I always wanted, but didn't quite need. I went in looking for a bass after all, but the only basses I actually liked were $3,000 plus. After some thought, I came to the conclusion that I didn't want a cheap bass, I couldn't afford a good bass, and I didn't feel too good about a 12 string. What my collection always needed was a 7 string, so back to Guitar Center I went. This time I met Chad, and Chad was yet another awesome Guitar Center employee. He was actually interested in discussing my collection, and talking about the subtle differences between Martins and Taylors. We nerded out over guitar stuff, while he made the return process quick and painless. He let me know that the day after Christmas there's a big sale, and he and Jadon would be working that day if I decided to come back. December 26th arrived, and I woke up bright and early, ready to head to Guitar Center for a 7 string. Unfortunately, the selection was slim, just a handful of Schecters and Ibanez's that really didn't do it for me. I've always wanted an Iceman, but they didn't have the 7 string version in stock. I was contemplating having them order one for me, without having played it, but it just didn't feel right. At this point, my wife was noodling around on an acoustic bass. I've always tried to get her into guitar, and after almost 20 years of marriage, she was contemplating buying an acoustic bass for herself! Life is definitely strange. Jadon let me know that he could order the Ibanez Iceman, and if I didn't like it when it arrived, I could return it. Something told me that I wouldn't return this one, and it was a good idea to pull the trigger. I asked Jadon if he could give me a good deal on the Iceman, I might end up also buying an acoustic bass. He said it was up to his manager, and that he would ask. Shortly after that, he returned with a decent discount offer that would take off 5%, which isn't too bad for a $1,500 guitar. At the end of the day, I ended up getting the 7 string version of a guitar I always wanted, and my wife is learning an instrument I never expected her to be interested in. The guitar was her Christmas gift to me, but her interest in playing bass, is a far greater gift if you ask me. I'm currently counting down the days until the Iceman arrives and I could go and pick it up from Guitar Center. The main reason I'm leaving this (very long) review, is to highlight how awesome the staff at this location is, particularly Jadon. The guy has a great attitude, and takes pride in helping people. My past experiences with Guitar Center employees have typically not been the best. I couldn't tell you why, I always just assumed it was just the way it was, and dealt with it. In my recent visits, that pattern seems to have changed. Jadon was awesome, Chad was awesome, and a few other employees (whose names I didn't catch), were awesome too. This type of service is what inspired me to write a review for the first time in over 20 years of going to Guitar Center. Management should be proud of themselves for hiring an excellent team!

It was still a fun place to hang out and chatting about Music or getting instruments. However, time…read morechanges, and most of the staffs I know don't work there anymore

This has been my go to music shop for many years but for purchase and repair/setup…read more You won't find a more knowledgeable group of people. Or people who will go out of their way to make sure you get a good instrument.

Dear Robert, Thank…read moreyou for replying to my review. I would like to clarify a few points regarding your response. In my review, I used phrases such as "I guess" and "if" to denote uncertainty rather than making definitive claims. My intention was to explore possibilities, not to state untrue facts. Additionally, since you have my phone number and email address, I would have appreciated a follow-up regarding the needs we discussed that weren't addressed during our initial call. To clarify, my "needs" included the immediate purchase of lights and a fog machine, as well as a future four-core-pillar inspection of my Rafael Quiles Ballester Flamenco guitar, Fishman amplifier, and microphones. I am glad to hear that my initial impressions were incorrect. I value fairness and believe in second chances. I have not yet had my guitar inspected; if you are open to a fresh start and are willing to perform the inspection, please let me know. I would be happy to update or delete my current review and provide a five-star rating upon a positive experience. Finally, having worked extensively in customer service, I would suggest that if a specific time is set for a follow-up, it is best to honor that commitment or reach out to explain any delays. Clear communication is always preferable to leaving a customer wondering if their needs will be met. I look forward to hearing from you.

I've had a very positive view of Gryphon for a long time, but recently had an especially amazing…read moreexperience there while purchasing my first electric guitar. Luke listened to my situation as a beginner and was very supportive. He first validated my choice of instrument (which I'd researched in advance) and then kindly played the guitar for me on a good amp using various settings so that I could confirm my choice. Being new to an electric guitar, I had a lot of basic questions and Luke patiently answered them all - and more. He then helped me select an amp, comparing several amps and illustrating their features by playing through them. He essentially gave me a free tutorial/lesson on both the guitar and then the amp! The amazing care and attention to detail did not stop there. Luke fully set up my new guitar by cleaning it, getting the plastic wrap off of the pickguard, and fixing a tiny imperfection he had noticed. He also helped me pick a comfortable strap and think through other supplies I needed. I could not be more delighted with my new guitar and setup at home now! I am incredibly grateful for Luke's help and encouragement, and Gryphon's existence in our community!

I had a repair done by Alfred of a hairline crack on the neck up by the head stock. He did a…read morefantastic job repairing it and was a pleasure to work with. So was everyone else there. Being a guitarist, it's great to know that Gryphon is there if ever I need any kind of work done on one of my guitars. Thanks guys!

I forgot to ask for the ladies name, but she helped me with my violin and it's restringing on the…read morespot. She was really sweet and very helpful + direct. Would recommend!

The staff is welcoming and very friendly. They answered all of my questions and didn't rush me…read more Nice.

Rex has been working on my guitars for over 30 years. He is the absolute best! He is very honest…read moreand detail oriented. He will explain exactly what he will do, step by step, to make your instrument the best it can be. Rex is extremely knowledgeable with all kinds of guitars, and I would trust him wih any guitar.

I feel like everyone knows Rex. Rex is the guitar guy in the Bay Area…read more He's done work on 3 guitars of mine over the last 20 years, and his work is top-notch. He really works with you to help identify what you're after, and offers creative solutions you might not have thought of. Recently he swapped pickups (stock pups for Air Norton + Tone Zone) on an Ibanez RG 7-string, and when I explained I was after tonal options, he suggested we throw in a half-out-of-phase push/pull pot. The end results just sounds perfect. He got his start doing military-grade electronics in the Navy. His work is clean, and it lasts. I have an RG 570 he swapped pickups on, and a Fender Strat, and both still just play and sound like a dream. He's busy, but it's worth it, especially if you need any work that's out of the ordinary. Rex's breadth of ability is pro-level.