I went to Guitar Center to pick up some cables, hoping to get some advice on how to rig up my home recording system for a podcast. There were about 4 customers in the whole store. I asked the guy behind the counter in the recording department a few questions since he was the only employee that made eye contact with me. He listened intently while he checked his texts, and then asked me to draw a picture of it for him while he disappeared. He expertly explained to me that he was kind of slammed with calls from the other store and that he wasn't supposed to be working there today. I walked away feeling like I had learned much. For instance, I learned that I should have just gone to my local guitar store that actually pays its employees enough to be interested in their job. read more

Friendly and helpful staff without the typical "arrogant musician" attitude! Great place for parents who are buying gifts for their musician children! read more

As with all Guitar Centers it's hard to know if you'll get good service when you walk in, but hopefully a good associate finds you and helps you get what you need and takes the hassle out of wandering around. In a perfect world we would all support local instrument shops, but we can't do that all the time unfortunately. The next best thing is finding an employee at GC who remembers your name and doesn't try to sell you shit you don't need. If you can find one of those, give them all of your business, because in stores like that you need to support the honest and decent employees, because they don't get respect for being that way. Also, they will also be required to ask if you want to buy insurance for some gear. You never need it, but look at it as a way to tip the guy every few months or so, because if they don't sell enough, the company will take away their pay. read more

Mike with repair was unbelievably knowledgeable about my Gibson acoustic and what it needed. He fixed everything and cleaned her up while I waited. I am relieved that I found him. read more

Inventory at this store sucks. They have all the cheap broken stuff here. And anything that is of any worth they keep up so high you have to get someone to help you, which isn't easy. The guitar Lutheir is rude and unprofessional. He has very little knowledge in anything and couldn't even fix some guy's gretch and just blames it on electrical problems. I was coming in here today with about $6000 in my pocket hoping to start a custom bass, but due to the rudeness and ignomic actions of their guitar luther and this locations lack of good inventory makes me not want to go into a guitar center ever again. I will just stick to the vintage places. ZERO STARS GUYS VERY DISAPPOINTED! read more

Bought my Roland JDXi from here with a two year warranty that I ended up having to cash instaff is friendly and knowledgeable. I always leave with more new information about gear. Thank you, Guitar Center! read more

The next day: a manger gave me a call and told me that there was a way to do it, but that it is not widely known. He said he was emailing everyone to tell them how to do it so that I can come back and exchange it out. We went into the store that evening and Mike in the drum department was very helpful!!! He took care of our exchange and was very courteous! Thank you! If I could've given zero I would have! We went into try to exchange a gift that was given to us and they refused to exchange it because we didn't have a receipt. We feel that it is rude to ask the gift giver for a receipt and just wanted to exchange it without them knowing, so of course we do not have a receipt. we were not asking for money back we just wanted to exchange it for another item in the store, and probably would've had to pay extra for that item over the price of the gift (which would've made them more money). The guy that helped us tried to push us off on some other person from the start, but couldn't find anybody else! Then because he couldn't find the person that bought it in the company's computer the employee said that he didn't buy it here, when I know he did because this is the one he goes to! So he basically told us we didn't know what we were talking about or that we were lying! When I tried to call customer service about it she said it should've been able to be done, but then called the store and came back and said she couldn't do anything about it! Their customer service is crap and I hope they do some trainings on that soon! We will not go back to the store until something is done about this! read more

Went here to try out an electric guitar and had the worst experience. I guess they should put up signs saying there is a noise limit. I tried an amp on 3 and got kicked out. I will never go here again as long as i live. I will do my business at straight music from now on. They are a little higher priced but i can see why now. I recommend staying out of this store unless you want to play the triangle because all instruments are loud and they wont let you try out what you want to buy. Scam. Egg head staff. Bad prices. No musician is going to grow here. Go to woodshack or straight. Peace. read more

These guys are always eager to help. I own a music school and gc south austin goes out of their way to give my students and parents a great experience. read more

Bad service, no matter what you want to buy, guys are helpless and even rude, I bought here my Ibanez AR 320, but I will never come back, not even for a simple set if guitar strings, which by the way , you can not take your time to choose because the guys there do not like to wait for you to make the decision....sucks read more

Technician: I want to give props to their tech, Mike. He installed new pickups in my Strat at a very competitive price, and his turnaround time was weeks less than others in the area. He let me see his work which was very clean and durable. He took the time to fine tune the pickup height to adjust for what I thought were slight variances in volume - thanks for humoring me. And it sounds amazing! Management: Has always been very gracious when I've made large purchases by giving my non-profit a small discount, and being understanding of the extra paperwork involved for tax-exempt purchases. Employees: I've found them to be quite knowledgable and friendly-enough. Selection: Over the past few years I've noticed Guitar Center reducing their stock in high-end gear, so talk with an employee about whether what's best in the store is really the direction you should be going. They have everything online and shipping is usually free. read more

Guitar Center does NOT like selling guitars. Walked in to look at acoustic guitars. I want to learn to play so I have no knowledge of what to buy; all I know is I need a left-hand guitar. "Dude" at the counter walked me into the acoustic guitar room, pointed at some guitars and said that was all they had. I said, "Should I just go online and buy one?". Reply: You can look at our site if you want. No Thanks. I'm sorry I wasted your time. I guess you can just sit behind the counter looking glum until your band gets signed. You could have had a new customer: Buying a guitar, picks, strings, a case, a tuner, etc. I guess I'll take your suggestion and buy it online. Just not from your website. Get excited about your job. Get excited that someone wants to learn the instrument you play. I play trumpet. When someone wants to learn, I'm enthusiastic to tell them everything about the instrument, learn what style they like to listen to, etc. It goes a long way. I would have just been happy with a smile. Maybe that takes away from your persona, but we're all band geeks until we get on stage to perform. Then we're rock stars. How about acting like you actually like music and maybe even your job? I won't step back into your store again. read more

My Oasis tribute band called hallway cannon balls came into this fine establishment. Our drummer needed some new legs for his bass drum and this guy Luis straight help us out we have been going back ever since. The dude even remembers the size of everything our drummer uses. He is super helpful. He's the liam gallagher to my noel gallagher. He's a true champagne supernova read more

I saw a used bass guitar I wanted to buy so I waited patiently while a guy was helping another person. I walked around the store browsing because I also needed a couple of other things. While looking around no one said a word to me the entire time. As I am waiting, I hear the guy I was waiting to help me ask 4 other people that came in after me if they needed any help (I was also standing right next to) them). I don't think it is asking too much for any of the 3 employees working the floor to ask me if I needed any help. Especially when I am waiting to buy something that is hanging on a wall and I can't grab it myself. read more

Their guitar tech Mike saved my old Les Paul! He got it back in top shape, fixed a pickup issue and readjusted everything, and my old guitar lives again. Great service and advice. Recommended for guitar service. Go see Mike! read more

I know nothing about the equipment my son was interested in and the guys here were great with answering tons of questions. Michael was insanely patient and took time explaining what would be best for our purchase. Great costumer service here! read more

Mike the guitar/repair/tech manager is amazing. He made two of my older guitars - one acoustic, one electric - both look like new and sound incredible. He had some really great advice on a few key things, and steered us in the right direction on a nice soft-case. My son was happy with the experience as well, which is important, as he starts lessons for the first time in a week. He's stoked. Highly recommend! read more

I shop at guitar center a lot. I am also a traveling musician. This guitar center refused to help me as a customer. I go in here for band instrument supplies, guitar supplies for myself and students. I was needing to ship my keyboard to myself in travels. I called in and asked a representative if they could help with as I was looking for a cardboard box to ship it in. They just throw away boxes and he said yeah, we have one just stop in. He went to go get the box and was stopped and they told him it was against company policy to give out boxes. I spoke with the manager and he said the companies told him to stop giving out boxing. I'm pretty sure most companies don't care about cardboard that they are just going to throw in the trash anyway. Refused to help me. I have gotten a box or two in the past because of traveling and like I said they just throw them away. I'll shop somewhere else from now on. I'm not spending another dime with guitar center. Cheap company that won't lift a finger to help their customers. read more

I use to think this was a pretty neat place and now I'll never be going back. After being snobby about not having what I needed, that was no biggie but if I ask where could I find what I need and to say "there's straight music, you can look it up on Google" I don't know, I felt rushed out of there in my opinion read more

Learning to play has been much easier with the guys helping me at guitar center! They've given great advice every time!

PRO-COVERAGE IS MORE LIKE NO COVERAGE , don't buy into the lie that is "Pro-Coverage", more like no coverage. I purchased a line 6 wireless relay there and was convinced to buy the pro-coverage. I was told that if I did buy pro-coverage I would be able to return the item no questions asked for a refund. When I attempted to return the item I was told I had to contact the 3rd party company that handles their claims. When I did contact the company I was told that a refund had already been issued for the item. I told them that was impossible as I still had the item in my possession. They then told me about another address and email that had been in contact with them about the item and which had recieved the refund. I told them I had never been ayt that address and that the email had never been associated with me. They told me they'd get back to me. THEY NEVER DID. I called repeatedly and spoke with 3 different supervisors and even sent them pictures of the unit that I had. They never responded or acknowledged recieving the pictures. Today when I called to check for the 6th or 7th time I was told that a refund had already been issued, the same story i had already corrected them about repeatedly. I'm through. i don't ever expect to get a refund and I will never buy anything from them again. I'm cutting up my guitar center credit card. After 10+ years being a loyal customer I am through with guitar center. They will never get another dime from me. read more

I went in to sell my used gear. They offered me $250.00 for a Fender Jazz Bass (Geddy Lee Series) and told me that it would sell for $450.00 at the most. I just sold it for $589.00 on eBay. read more

Mark, Incredible Guitar Tech at the Guitar Center South. He's tweaked my Fender bass, Taylor Guitar, Les Paul electric and ukulele.

i started out going to the gc south,because i live south,but now i take my biz to the north store, going to the south store is like going to walmart, crappy service,even worse employees, and yes they are as pushy as car salesmen. ,i shouldnt even have to explain why, mentioning walmart should do it right there, i wouldnt even send a blind monkey in there to buy guitar strings. read more

I went in looking for a ukulele, not your traditional instrument, and not knowing much about music. I know nothing about music and shopping at a professional music store can be a bit intimidating for a newbie. I could not have been made to feel more welcomed at the Sunset Valley/South Austin location. Simon helped me choose an instrument that was right for me, taught me a little bit about keys, connected me with a tuner and showed me how to use it. He was very patient and helpful to a newbie. Darby helped set me up with my first lesson and was very encouraging--Music is about enjoyment and having fun after all. I just had my first lesson with Madison who is an absolute sweet heart! She is very patient and taught me what I was doing wrong after trying to practice on my own. She gave me some helpful exercises between lessons. I would highly recommend this location if you are new to music. I found the employees there very supportive, encouraging, and helpful. read more

This is a place I stop by occasionally to look at stuff and buy stuff -- mostly look at guitars and buy strings and picks. The guys I deal with are almost always the guys in guitar accessories. The guys in this area seem to be pretty good. They seem to know what strings they have and are able to pick out stuf quickly and check people out reasonably quickly. There's a guy at the door that asks to see the receipt and make sure I'm not stealing stuff. I don't object to this; I just thought I'd mention it. It's a generally pleasant experience to buy stuff here. read more

I've been to many music stores, nice ones and really crappy ones. And I've also been to many guitar centers, I went in to Trade in my snare and buy a brand new one. In the drum sector of the store is where i began my search. The Drums Assistant was already helping someone but they took care of them quickly and efficiently. The Drums Assistant's name was LOU aka Sweet LOU. The man was amazing, extremely helpful, assisted me through my entire buying process. Hew even took the time to fully re-tune 2 snares for me just so i was hearing the proper sounds, and after him helping me look for the perfect snare; finally found one that matched the sounds i was going for, and i would have never found or purchased that snare without the amazing help of Sweet LOU, his customer service is the finest and most considerate, very informative and well knowledgeable in his field, I could not have been more happy leaving the store that day!! Sweet LOU is a true asset to the company or anywhere he goes!! Thanks again Lou appreciate your helpful assistance!!!! Definitely be back again!!!! read more

Great service by guitar tech Zack. Brought my Martin acoustic in for a set-up and extremely happy with the job he did in lowering the action and smoothing the frets; it plays beautifully! Zack was super friendly and professional and will bring al my guitars here for set-up and service. read more

Normally, I am a very laid back easy going guy who does not go on yelp to bitch about bad experiences but I had a very unpleasant experience when I went into this guitar center location. Went in to look at some drum equipment and inquire who they might recommend for some lessons. First off out of the 5 employees in the store and only a few customers that I noticed no one seemed to be interested in asking me if I needed any help. Everyone was off in their own personal music adventures to assist me. I had to ask someone who was setting up some drum kits. Asked my question, but the response I got was no we do not give drum lessons and no, I don't know of anyone who gives lessons. That was it...okay! I was still interested in inquiring about some drum equipment but I seemed to be a bother to Neil Pert junior! Won't be back and will purchase a drum set elsewhere. read more

I'm a recently converted drummer, coming from bass. I bought a really $hitty kit off of Clist hoping a pro could help me out with my questions to make it a great kit. Luis, and the other guy with the tat sleeve,sorry dude, we're excellent in giving me the advice I needed. No egos and super open to you wasting their time with questions a 6th grader might also ask. Anyways, can't go wrong with advice from those 2 guys. Go visit them. read more

I have had good shopping experiences both on Colorado Blvd in Denver, and most recently in South Austin off of Mopac. The level of customer service I received was attentive, sincere and knowledgeable. Do yourself a favor: Purchase your guitar by playing it at a store that has a wide range of inventory and qualified staff. There are always variables in quality regardless of brand or model number. If it feels good and sounds good you need to take it home. Always get new strings the same day, and it will play and sound so much better. read more

This has got to be the biggest joke for a "chain guitar store"! The staff at this store needs to be trained on customer service! Not only can they NOT give directions to there store, none of the staff seem to know any of the store policies, and forget asking to speak with the manager, who is to "busy" to walk to the front of the store and offer any of his assistance, but he can come to the phone once you leave the store and call to speak with him... I have been in alot of shops over the years, I honestly do not know how this one stays in business. It helps if your staff knows about accepting a business check, it helps if your staff knows how to give directions, and it helps if there is some managemnt leadership! This store is a great example of why joe public stops shopping with you and goes to other more customer friendly shops, sure we may pay higher prices, but for good service, it's worth it. You would think the staff have tasks to do and that is why they are there, to work and earn a pay check, not stand around talking, or hanging on the counter. After the Friday morning I had in this store I will never go back! Happy Trails Guitar Center I'm on to better customer service, guess you did'nt need my sale! read more

Love this place and the energy MOST of its employees give off. Just had one bad experience with Lauren, very rude short tempered girl working who failed to provide me with the information I came for. She seemed to be in her own little world laughing with other employees in the midst of me asking her about interphase details. She refused to give me the information I asked for, told me "I don't need to tell you anything if I don't want" and shortly after hung up. Talk about good customer service! read more

I've walk in on 5 separate occasions with the intent a buying a specific item each time yet walked away empty handed because the sales guy tried to up-sell really hard, or I was completely ignored the whole time I was there. Twice it was for a guitar, once for two cases, once for a multi-effect pedal and once for an acoustic guitar. Actually, it's been six times previously I went in to pick up a usb mic but I couldn't get anyone at the counter. Strings and straps are easy because you can just walk up to the counter and someone is usually there. I've bought two Fender amps there with a sales guy who is no longer there, but when I took them back to ask about servicing they said they wouldn't touch them and treated me like a walked in with the plague. They are real quick to stop you going in and out to check your receipts and gear but that's where it ends. I go there because I want to buy local but I'm giving up on GC. It's one thing to be hit or miss but when it's mostly miss, it's time to move on. read more