Called the store to see about how I might learn to play with arthritis, they were pretty busy and the phone rang a ton meaning they were swamped. The guy that answered was Dan and he was super helpful, you know they were ruined with calls and customers with how long it took to answer but he acted like he couldn't be more happy to be of help. A+++ I'll go out of my way to buy any gear here as a result. There was nothing for the guy to gain and he acted like I was buying 100k worth of gear. Good hire GC! read more

I ordered a bass guitar online, the delivery driver dropped it as he was dropping it off. I went to guitar center Algonquin, they went above and beyond to get me a replacement. Best location I've been to so far! read more

thanks to mr castillo the manager and his employees for helping me out. i have cancer stage 4 and want to learn how to play a bass guitar and at 73 they put 110% to help me!i now have what i need to start to take lesson. again many thanks! dennis bonds read more

We had such an unexpectedly kind and generous first visit! The store manager, Dylan was very welcoming and took great care to have an associate replace all the strings on my 6 year old daughter's old hand me down guitar! THANK YOU DYLAN!! read more

Definitely see Titus at the Algonquin location. Very pleasant & knowledgeable & wont try to sell you the most expensive guitar in the store. Very happy with My new Strat & Fender acoustic read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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Went it for strings, but got interested in a guitar case. There were no measurements for the cases, so I went up to the only other guy in the store to ask if they might have a tape measure. You know, to measure a case to see if it might fit my guitar and I might buy one. I stood in front of him for a solid minute, as he pecked repetitively at the computer, probably just logging inventory numbers. His name tag said he was the customer service manager. He ignored me for literally a couple minutes. So, finally I said excuse me, but do you guys have a tape measure? He didn't even look up. No. He didn't even bother to look up when I thanked him and walked out of that store for the last time... read more

I spend about 1k-3k on gear a month. This location is closest to me and I've spent money here. That being said, this store is the WORST for customer service. All surrounding guitar center stores are way better at listening to and helping pro and semi-pro musicians. The multicolored hair, young girl employees may work on the first timers and high schoolers but they walk around completely disinterested towards actual musicians. I asked one to help me try out a bass and she actually told me she had to make a phone call first. Really? She didn't suggest another clerk and she'd been aimlessly walking around, staring at her cell from the time I walked until 20 minutes later when I asked for her help. That's why I get most of my stuff online now. Useless. Surprisingly, after my post here someone from corporate called me and store management called a few days later. It's good to know someone is listening and even though the employee in question gave an altered version of what happened, clearly management did the right thing. They apologized and listened to my rant. Truthfully, I was really venting more than expecting a response but I did make a $1200 purchase somewhere else after my visit. read more

I had gone into The Guitar Center in Algonquin the weekend before Christmas to make the purchase of a Taylor acoustic guitar. I walked into the store at a very busy time in the middle of Sunday afternoon and admittedly not the best time to be shopping for that one "magical" guitar. I sort of made up my mind finding my new Taylor probably wasn't going to happen that day because the store was packed with holiday shoppers and noisy as can be. And then C.J., one of the managers, asked me if I needed help. And I don't shop guitars by model numbers, I care about what really matters; how it sounds. I told him as best I could exactly what I was looking for and my price range, which was really not much as far as Taylor guitars go. He then sets me up in a private lesson room away from all the noise and the crowd and then proceeds to bring guitars to me! And I mean a whole bunch of them. It's kind of funny - I did not even walk into the acoustic room once that day. He brought the guitars to me, one after another, after another, for nearly two hours without ever rushing me or making me feel like I was taking too much of his time. I was finally torn between two different guitars and one had dead strings. So without a moment of hesitation C.J. goes and puts brand new high end strings on the guitar and brings it back for me to play again. In fact I did not end up buying the guitar he had re-strung and chose the other. I was thanking him for the trouble of restringing the guitar I was not buying and he looks at me with a an easy smile and says "this is my livelihood, no problem at all". I did in fact find my "magical" Taylor guitar that day and it is fantastic!!! A beautiful sounding guitar and it plays like a dream. I absolutely love it! My review though is not about the guitar. My review is about my purchasing experience; and that was ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!!!! I walk in on a busy Sunday afternoon before Christmas, the store packed with people and C.J. made me feel like I was the only person in the store. He made me feel like a rock star getting special treatment being brought guitars in a private room to test out at my leisure. He was extremely knowledgeable, he was personable, he was genuine and respectful. He was patient and professional and handled himself with a level of class that honestly you'd think I was buying a yacht. I wasn't even buying a high end Taylor. Thanks so much again C.J. for the level of personal attention you gave me in helping me find exactly the instrument I was looking for, at the price I wanted to spend and doing it with such EXCELLENCE!!! read more

Dropped off acoustic guitar for repair. Was told I'd get a call in a couple days with an estimate. After 9 days of radio silence, I called them. No one in the store could help because the repair tech was gone. They suggested I call back the next day. I did that, was on hold for ten minutes and was then told "the tech is really intense into something, can they call you back in 5 minutes?" No call back of course. So I called back two hours later. On hold for 15 minutes and hung up, and immediately called back. I asked again to speak to the guitar tech. "Dude they just left! Can you call back tomorrow?" No I can't. I can come pick up my guitar and take it somewhere that doesn't suck though. read more

These pics are the very same photos used for the Rockford and Arlington heights locations. It is bad enough that they have no selection or anyone that gives a damn working there but passing off stock photos as your own store? read more

Inventory is okay in a pinch but they don't carry a wide variety of strings. They have decent selection of electric and acoustic guitars but the bass choices are somewhat limited. If you use Ernie Ball strings (and I do use them) for a standard bass you will be okay, but they don't seem to carry short scale bass strings. It's hit or miss, often times I walk out without making a purchase because I don't find what I need (specific brands or affordable repair kits) and driving 10 miles each way just to leave empty handed is why I can't give them 5 stars. read more

They had something listed used online via the main GC.com website. I called, talked to someone, and ended up paying for it over the phone. That side of things-it'd be a solid 4. The guy was nice, answered the few questions that I had, and the transaction was extremely smooth and easy. The store itself was pretty typical for a Guitar Center. Not bad, but I only go there when I plan on buying something. I'm not exactly their target market. Most of the gear I play, they don't stock-it is all special order. When I want to buy a keyboard, or something that isn't my primary instrument (bass), I don't hesitate. They have enough models on display to get an idea of how the research that I have done online translates to the product in store. Same deal with most of the accessory types of things I want. Need a new music stand? Sure. Need a new guitar stand or want one of the 3-7 guitar stands? Sure. read more

I was buying an amp from a guy off Craigslist and he wanted to meet up in the parking lot of this Guitar Center. I've never been to this location before, so I went in to check it out. Where is everything? The store was almost empty. They had a good selection of books, but who cares. The guitar wall was pretty slim pickings. A few Gibsons up high, well out of reach, a handful of the boring shreddy guitar brands, five or six Fenders, a few Gretsch guitars, and the usual Squire and Epiphones for beginners. Pretty lack luster. I tried a Gretsch semi-hollow and while plugging it into an amp I was getting vibes from the girls at the counter that they really didn't want me to play through an amp for some reason. The store was empty though, so I did anyway. Then I grabbed a Fender Telecaster and once I started playing I noticed that it had really bad fret sprout. That's where the sharp ends of the metal frets stick out a bit on the sides of the neck. I checked the other Fenders and every single one had it. It was bad, like it can cut your hand bad. That's maybe kind of acceptable on a made in China Squire, but not so much on a made in Mexico Fender. Especially to that extent. I didn't even see any effects pedals. I'm sure they had them, but they must have been tucked away somewhere what doesn't facilitate selling them and makes no sense. The whole store was sad and pointless and I don't see a reason why I would ever go back there at all. I feel sorry for the locals. read more

To begin with the store manager Jonathan is polite and courteous as well as Chris, CJ and Carlos. Furthermore they are very knowledgeable about guitars.Sales tax is lower as compared to Crook county. I highly recommend this store! read more

Do not do business with this Algonquin, IL store. We purchased music lessons in October and the manager, Dylan, refused to respect our repeated request NOT to automatically bill our credit card after the first month of lessons. I made this clear in my initial conversation with Josh to schedule only 4 lessons, telling him not to bill us again. We've experienced weeks of cancelled lessons where we weren't notified and we've only had 1 of 4 scheduled lessons. The manager refused to remove their unauthorized $119 charge after my request in writing that I don't approve additional charges, the reason why my 1-star review is too generous for this awful service. They're far more interested in their revolving billing than delivering lessons and treating customers with any level of respect. No respectable business automatically charges their customers without their approval and refuses to reverse and refund them. read more

I had a simple order for pick up a Yamaha FGX800C that said was available in store. I placed the order and waited for the email to pick up the guitar after receiving no email I called and was told it wasn't there for pickup. Was placed on hold for too long while they worked it out. Eventually they told me it wasn't in stock and that it had to be shipped. I canceled it but I still have to wait 5-7 days for the money to be returned to my account. First and last time buying anything from guitar center. IF YOU DONT HAVE SOMETHING IN STOCK DON'T SAY IT IS! read more

This was one of my favorite experiences of the music stores I've been to. The store is big, has nice staff and will help you out with equipment etc. The store sells good collections of Vinyl Records, and good merchandise of bands and extra. I got a Bass in December, Pink Floyd merchandise in April or March, and I'm enjoying them still. read more

Ready to buy an entire guitar set up and couldn't get anyone to help me. Spent 15 min standing in the acoustic room without being able to hear how different ones sound because of cheesy mustache guy trying to impress everyone with his Nickelback song. What a disappointment. read more

I am on yelp for the give and take on restaurants. So for my first ever review of a retailer, I have to give a special shout out to this Guitar Center location. Once you understand that you're not going to go here for that super premium, custom made guitar, what sets this store (especially this location) apart from the generic "music" stores is the level of customer service they provide. I have gone in here with a variety of questions and quandaries and at all times I get the answer that I need. They are not out to sell you what you don't need and they don't pressure you with the upsell. They will find the best product for your price range that meets your needs. And if you find yourself in the back room by the keyboards/pro-sound/lighting, say HI to Brian. He's always been helpful and efficient with my time. read more

This Guitar Center is one of my favorite to go to. I've gotten a lot of equipment from here, and they've helped me build on my musicianship. Sometimes the sales people can be a bit pushy, but they do provide you with more information than you would ever need to know about any of the products you're purchasing. There's a nice a selection of equipment for drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, mixers and producers. They got it all. read more

I bought a rack case for $240.00 only to have them tell 2 months later when it hasn't been used at all that it is worth $20.00, so then how was it ever worth $240.00???? Then over the phone I told them exactly what I was trading in to but something from them, and I was told that we would come very close to an even trade, so I drag all of this heavy equipment to work with me, which in January I paid over $1500.00 for and now, to them, was all together was worth less than $200.00, not even close to the $900.00 piece of equipment I was trying to buy, which was a used piece of gear and is much cheaper on Ebay. Everything sold in that junk shop is overpriced crap that is apparently worthless as you walk out the door. I would never by so much as a guitar string from this snake pit, even those are much cheaper on Amazon, this terrible franchise could not go out of business soon enough. read more

Went in to sell an Adamas 1597. Mine was mint and was only a few yrs old. They have two on their site for 1295 and eBay had two for 1300 and 1500. They offered me 300. I know they need to make a profit but 300??? To make matters worse, the lady manager did not even pick up my guitar to test. She literally opened the case and stroked the strings, then closed the case. Took about 15 to 20 min after that and came back and gave the offer. I went to GC because their site said they have yrs of experience with valuations of gear. I think this manager missed that day of class. read more

Typically I would not buy a whole lot of stuff from this chain being they are sorta the Walmart of music supplies. Usually buy from local shops. But was hunting for the best price on a Roland e-kit and after much research and waiting for an in-store deal, I got it and could not be more happy. The dude in the drum department was extremely helpful answering every question I had and made honest recommendations on the choices I had to make. Good experience, will continue to go here as needed. read more

Customer service was terrible. No one came up to me to offer assistance for probably the first 30min I was in the store. Was about ready to walk out. The only reason I purchased the guitar I did was because they were the only store in the area that had it. You're better off going to a different GC or Sam Ash - much better service there. read more

I recently brought my bass to the Guitar Center in Algonquin to see if they would be interested in buying it from me. After spending an hour in the store while they "called their vintage department" they offered me an unreasonable amount (200) for my vintage Ibanez Silver Series. I was then told by a young (and clearly quite inexperienced) man at the counter that I "might be able to find someone to purchase" my bass for a little over 300, and they only offer "60% of what they would sell it for." I then sold it the very next day for over 500 dollars. If you are looking to sell an instrument, I would recommend doing it elsewhere. read more

This Guitar Center has a nice selection and a great staff. They are true professionals willing to assist any question or need that you have. I have personally purchased three guitars and an amp from this location. From Joe, the store manager, to Jozy, or any of their staff; you will be treated with respect a customer deserves. I highly recommend this location. read more

I decided I wanted to learn to play the Guitar. The staff at this store were wonderful. Very patient and offered great advice for a beginner - great recommendation for a nice quality guitar at a reasonable price. Lessons with Dave have been great. He's very patient. All in all a great experience for a beginner. read more

This location has been open since 2006. The staff has turned over more than 5 times. That being said, you're dealing with someone who may have no idea what they're doing. I used to cycle used gear through this store. The profit margin of used gear is at least 40% for GC and that's a fact. Offering me 100$ for a Bag End 4x10 is absolutely insulting.I can get a better price at a pawn shop. I even asked about trade in/trade up and still was firm on her lowball offer. The associate said they aren't in the market for that bass cabinet. Actually young lady, you ARE in the market if you haven't noticed.Besides the continual decline of inventory, there's a massive decline in business at this location for obvious reasons. This store used to be full of aspiring musicians. Now it's quiet inside. Guitar Center quiet!!!!???? Seriously!? The question is, why should I continue doing business with GC? I don't have the answer. This store has 1 professional tube amp. A Marshall dsl 100 that they are required to have. It's a toys r us where a kid can be a kid. No, I'm not interested in emailing your voice at GC dot com. Why? What's in it for me? 15% off qualifying gear? The 15% markup is already in play store wide. The vibe is dead and gone. It's a good place to work if you're in community college and live at your parents house. This review truly breaks my heart read more

One of the worst GCs I've ever been to. The store is deceptively large. Their guitar/amp collection is very small, and the guitar section only takes up about a third of the store. I know pianos and drums are important too, but a place called GUITAR Center should at least have a decent guitar section. Most of the good instruments are kept up high, so you have to awkwardly ask one of the workers to bring out the ladder to get it for you. Speaking of which, the employees are awful. Some of them probably can't tell the difference between a cabinet and a combo. They'll try to sell you anything, even if it's not what you said you wanted. If your guitar is acting strangely, don't bother bringing it in to one of their "experts". They usually just give it a set up and not even bother to fix the actual problem. When I brought in an Epiphone and asked if it needed a neck reset, they just tightened the truss rod and brought down the action to the point where the bridge was as low as possible. They didn't actually fix it because the neck still bent forward like crazy. It felt like a joke. Tighten the truss rod; that's all they ever do. The only positive I can say is that they have a nice assortment of used gear. If you want a good Guitar Center, I recommend checking out the one in Naperville if you can. Guitars: They mostly have Fenders, and a fair amount of Gibsons/Epiphones. There are a few Ibanez models too, and I mean A FEW. Don't come if you're looking for something less popular like an ESP, PRS, etc. Amps: Mainly Line 6 and Fender. Also a few Peavy. The best one they have is a Marshall JVM. There is a tiny group of pedals at the cashier's desk. read more

About 95% of my experiences here have been positive. Staff is friendly, answered all my questions, and today I brought in my acoustic for a check up, if you will, before a show-they took a look, fixed her up immediately and had me out of there in under an hour for a very reasonable price. read more

Stopped by here when I was out in the area, as the Guitar Center in the city has been great. In the market for some new DJ equipment, I went back to the DJ area and was shocked to find all of 3 pieces of gear on the floor, all extremely low end controllers that are outdated by a good 2 years. There wasn't even any mid range (let alone high end) gear in boxes to be seen like even entry level CDJ's. Total waste of time and less selection than a pawn shop. read more

DJ's don't come here unless to look for gear in the showroom floor to see in-person. Only gave one star for the effort the "Pro audio" gave to try and help me and it wasn't that great. He did not know anything about pro DJ gear. I asked for a simple and very popular Pioneer CDJ player and he said yes they have it and just walk back there to take a look. I went back there to the so called set up area and all they had was controllers. Nothing wrong with a controller but I asked for CDJs. That's a fail in my books. The guy clearly wasn't listening or had no idea what a CDJ was. So I began to ask him some more questions and he had no answer to but wanted to let me know that I can talk to the store manager and long story short I can just order it online for $2000 each and if I don't like it I can return it minus the 15% restock fee. What a deal. Don't waste your time here. Sorry not a location for serious DJ gear. read more

terrible customer service, went in wanting to buy cymbals for a drum set and a capo and no one was available to help for 10+ minutes. they need to hire some better employees. read more

This place is amazing! The people are super friendly and the service is great. They also have a great selection of many awesome instruments and anything music related. read more

If you know what you want you won't get screwed, I've bought guitars from them and I got an excellent deal on two guitars and parts and used gear. If you walk in and don't have a clue what to look for, they try and help you get started the best way they can and if you feel cheated ,well it's your own dumb fault for not looking up information to get yourself educated on instruments. They don't know what your taste is in music so they have to guess? Tell them and you won't go wrong. Get to know them before you call anyone a duche bag, it might surprise you how nice these guys are. Sincerely Randy,(Crazy Guitar Guys) read more