I'm shocked at the negative reviews this place has because my kids and I have always had a great experience. From shopping for new guitars, to dealing with unfortunate events like returning broken guitar and receiving store credit with protection plan, to signing up for guitar lessons just great customer service. George was an awesome teacher to my son, unfortunately I heard George pursued a new career so best luck to him. Milton was a great instructor for my first lesson, and Chris who helped my son after George left is also great. Tanner was helpful and showed my son and I how to change guitar strings for the original piece we still own. So much personality in these individuals, makes the lessons and visits so much fun. I had to cut my nails to get proper finger placement on chords. My son is taking a break from lessons because he wants his summer, but once school is back in session he will return. I know protection plan seems like a waste of money but trust me when you invest so much into your product you want it to be covered. This place actually lets you try out instruments like keyboard, guitars and drums which I think is super cool. read more

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Went in today to purchase a mixer. The staff was very helpful but special shout out to the general manager for being extremely professional in helping me with my situation. Place was great would definitely recommend. read more

Guitar Center - Mixer - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Love this place, been coming here since I was a kid. My parents bought me a BC Rich when I was 13. Here I am now bringing my child to enjoy the instruments they have on display. The staff are always friendly and helpful. And I look forward to coming in soon with my child for some guitar classes. read more

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Horrible horrible experience. Men there treat you awful if you have any disabilities. Came in 50-40 mins before closing had a disgusting attitude and were being extremely rude . One worker repeatedly playing drums instead of helping as well as giving me and my friend horrible looks . Not one female worker and I can see why . Boys that work there need to be fired or trained . Pretty obvious none of these guys have a wife or girlfriend . Moving forward I will be ordering from sweetwater sound instead . I will never buy anything from any guitar center . Worst customer service of my life . Also charged me a donation fee when purchasing a poster without my consent . Awful experience all around . read more

I previously purchased some off brand guitar on OfferUp to introduce my daughter to the instrument and she fell in love, but her guitar kinda sucked. After seeing how into playing she was, I brought her into Guitar Center to find her perfect upgrade! Unfortunately, they didn't have the exact guitar she wanted in stock, but the staff was helpful in getting it ordered and delivered to us in no time! I think it took 3 days for the guitar and the amp to be delivered to store. Upon pick-up, the staff opened the box in front of us and let us inspect the guitar before signing off on picking it up. They also helped us get set up with all the additional accessories we needed and didn't try to upsell us for the most expensive versions of everything! While the prices are quite steep for instruments, the accessories are fairly priced and the staff is really great about helping you save a few bucks here and there. read more

Guitar Center - My daughter with her guitar - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I've had overwhelmingly positive experiences at this Guitar Center. Knowledgeable staff and great deals on used gear. Great inventory. Definitely recommend this spot. read more

Guitar Center - Gibson Les Paul - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Very professional and very knowledgeable. I was impressed and the gentleman doing the repairs was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Some of the guitar instructors are nice and my son really enjoyed learning, but the scheduling was a major issue. Several times, my son showed up for lessons only to find out they had been rescheduled without any call, text, or email notification. We were told someone would call to reschedule, but that never happened. We ended up losing money, time, and gas because of their poor communication. It was very disheartening, especially since my son was excited to keep learning. We ultimately had to cancel, and we were never reimbursed for the missed appointments that weren't our fault. I really hope they improve their scheduling and communication with families. read more

Avoid sales rep Joe, this dude will add a two year plan onto your items without asking you. Plain simple. This is commission fraud.

I get all my sticks from guitar center and heads for my drum set. The employees were a bit crowded in the front room and hardly anyone in the back but nice gentleman saw I was standing and looking at the sticks section and he rushed to help me out. Then I went ahead and asked him some questions on certain head rings to tone down the heads and he found what I need asap. Great customer service. I also was looking at speakers for my PA system to mic my drums that are powered vs the passive speaker system I have already. Another gentleman helped me and answered all my questions even set me up with paper work for a gear card which I will look into later. The only problem I had was at the check out counter maybe the guy (not gentleman) seemed like he had an attitude problem like he didn't like his job or something no smile or a warm welcome. He just grabbed my stuff and scanned it no offer for a bag or if I had anything else I need or want. He told me the price as he looked away so I couldn't hear hi and I asked him for the price he gave a ugly look or maybe it's just face expression not to make fun of but no customer service skills. I highly suggest to keep on the floor and away from checkout desk because it puts a poor image on store and how it's running just until he gets some training on customer service. I also told him thank you and have great day no response just a plain look. I've come here lots of times and this situation was my first. I came in the store and I did feel welcome but man when I left it felt like a sour taste in mouth and it felt like I should be shopping else where. I will continue to come but hope the guy has a better day. I do recommend this place just needs more attention to your fellow employees that are feeling down or serious needs training on customer service. Thanks guitar center for having my drumming needs. read more

My daughter has been taking piano lessons for over a year now. Alessandra is an amazing teacher and my daughter enjoys coming to her lessons and attending recitals! read more

Guitar Center - Piano lessons with Alessandra - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I went into GC to learn about metronomes and what options exist. A guy at the store walked up to me and asked if he could help. His name is "Tyler", I was very happy with the experience. First off, Tyler is a pro musician, not just a guy that works there or something. In my experience it takes a real musican to understand the gig. 5 stars for Tyler he plays many instruments and is very good to work with. The store is pretty good as well, the Cymbal room is great and I was able to have the room to myself and try them out. I recomend the place and will buy there again. BTW, I have been buying at different GC stores over 50 years. I understand the gig. read more

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Joseph to buy some used gear. I live out of the area and had some questions. Joseph was so friendly and helpful and even went out of his way to get me a better deal and call me back before shipping these out. Thank you Joseph!! read more

Not good experiences except with Jacob. I misbehaved perhaps. I'll own that. However, I've spent 1,000's of $$$$ there and I'd expect a tad better execution from the security staff. read more

Guitar Center - Guitars - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Well I have to start off by admitting that I judged by the cover...let me elaborate. Without ever having had any interaction as a consumer with Guitar Center; I mistakenly thought that this type of retail store especially musical...is not for me and I would probably never do business here. However, this is one of those times I can happily admit I LOVE it when I am WRONG! I HAVE TO THANK NORMAN in the PRO AUDIO DEPARTMENT for the GREAT EXPERIENCE and from start to completion the entire process was friendly, quick and exceeded MY EXPECTATIONS! Like Really WOW! I AM not only HIGHLY SATISFIED but am Looking forward to being a repeat customer as well as referring my family, friends and just about Everyone! THANK YOU NORMAN!!! read more

Guitar Center - Pro Audio - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Repeatedly, bad service and a hassle. I have visited this store multiple times over the years and only do so when I can't find what I need anywhere else. This time, I needed drum equipment. Even though it is not a requirement in my county and I and 3 times vaccinated, I was refused admission unless I agreed to wear a mask. Ok, I'm cool with it and they did provide me a mask, but the attitude was confrontational although I did not resist. I just go with it because I'm happy to wear if it is requested. So that started the bad experience. The security is all up on me as soon as I come in the door, and in my experience, that's all bad. So I finally pass through the entrance baloney, and go to the drum area. Nobody there. After a few minutes, a guy finally shows up and asks what I want. Gives me the item and after ascertaining that I have no more requests walks away without a thank you or even a go to hell. I go to the front, unfriendly employee checks me out as security guard stares me down like the obvious criminal I am. Wow. Now I remember why I avoid this place. Guitar Center can't stay in business much longer if they keep acting like this. I wish them luck but I won't be back unless I really, really have to. They have great prices, but I'd rather pay more someplace else to avoid the treatment of the employees and security at guitar center. read more

First things first, I don't play the guitar; however, my youngest plays the flute and we've rented a flute here for 3yrs now. Instruments are expensive depending on the instrument, but you can always check if they do rentals on your instrument of choice. What I like about the rental is if you decide you no longer want to play that instrument, you can swap it out and they'll fix any price differences if necessary. After 3 years of having the flute, my son accidentally dropped the case and 2 of his flute keys messed up. We have insurance on the instrument so we took the instrument in to see what we could do. It was a simple swap, because we have insurance on the flute, we were able to swap it in for another instrument. It was as simple as I described it... bring it in, sign paperwork and swap it out. The store specializes in guitar, but they have more than guitars here. They have other music stores in town and I haven't been to the other guys, but from my understanding they are just as good as this place. I believe music is a neccessity! It's good for your heart and soul! It keeps your legs moving and your inner rockstar rocking out. read more

Employees recommended products to purchase and the products did not work together. Went back to Guitar Center and they wasted hours by giving me false information. Charged me to return the items they recommended. Manager made things worst. read more

Litzi it's a fantastic sales associate. She is knowledgeable and friendly. Please see her for all of your needs!

I wish I could give Guitar center in Bakersfield zero stars. We bought our daughter a guitar in December and was talked into a full size right hand guitar even though I told them she was left handed, we started lessons, and of course the instructor told us she needed a left hand guitar, so we had to send another 100$ to get it flipped. And now she needs a mini strat instead, so another 200$. We paid for 30 minute lessons and they were never 30 minutes, 20-25 minutes at best. Always ran late but ended at the normal time. I cancelled the lessons and they charged me and told me my lessons were over. I was suppose to have 3 lessons left for my daughter. I guess we are just done with Guitar center. Beware and definitely look into private lessons. Do not go to guitar center. read more

The store has notoriously poor customer service. I tried ordering an item and twice they told me that "they had it but were too busy and short staffed" to send it to me. Ended up having to cancel it because they couldn't take 5 minutes to drop it in a box and slap a UPS label on it. They said my only option was to cancel it and order it from somewhere else. Well, that's exactly what I will do. It's unfortunate, but it's not my first experience like this with them. For whomever at Guitar Center that reads this, I'm not really interested in e-mailing you my preferred method of contact to "have someone look into this for me." Since it has happened so many times, I'm just over the Bakersfield store in general. Will just order from Sweetwater or somewhere else. read more

I don't feel comfortable or welcome in this store. Strangers and bums on the street are more polite than the boys that work here. This is the kind of store that needs employees to be helpful and willing to actually acknowledge customers, yet the security guard was the only one who welcomed me and smiled. Maybe I'll come back once they hire real men who don't need try to prove they're the shit all the time. read more

I had to go here recently for some supplies and realized I hadn't been in this store in almost a decade. I remember I used to come here quite often to mess with all the guitar I couldn't afford and drool over the amps that seemed to be out of my price range forever as well. I probably had stopped coming here because someone invented a little web site called amazon and the prices there...were more suited to my liking. Fast forward a few years later. I'm in a pinch and I need a few items and don't have time to wait for them to come in the mail/risk a bad device coming, ect. I swallow my pride and totally expect to get overcharged...but surprisingly every thing was priced almost exactly the same amount as Amazon. The wall is still filled with guitars,the floor is still filled with awesome amps, and everyone that works there is super chill and super knowledgeable. I'm sorry Guitar Center for ever cheating on you read more

I went to the guitar center today with my 14-year-old son because he wanted to purchase something. I got to the door and was ready to go in and the man at the door told me to wait outside because they were at capacity. He was very rude about it. He didn't say please or say it nicely but just demanded it in a rude way. I asked him how long it would take. He said they were allowing people to look for 20 to 30 minutes. I said ok. About two minutes later, two people walked out, and the man at the door said that the man behind me could go in. This was upsetting. I'm not sure why people are being so rude during these Covid times. I am a registered nurse and I am extremely kind to each and every one of my patients and family members. I would hope that I could get the same treatment in return. But this doesn't seem to be happening, especially at the Guitar center. I was willing to support the local business, but now I will be referring to Amazon. read more

Went here for my first classical guitar. Although the store seemed very busy, Tim took the time to talk to me and show me each guitar I was interested in and several other options. He answered all my questions and offer helpful advice to get me started. I was especially glad to have Tim's assistance when he played some short tunes to show me the differences in sound. As a complete beginner I would not have been able to properly demo them myself. But when he played a few guitars for me I knew right away which one I wanted because the sound hit me right in my chest. I left the store feeling confident that I had the right guitar. Thank you very much to Tim. read more

This is for the super helpful guy that helped me yesterday over the phone. He helped me get an amp sent to LA overnight. In a super messed up world where it's hard to find good help, I'm so sorry I don't have your name, but you know who you are. Thank you!! Check out tinyurl.com/pgqicoil to see the frequency healing device I'm using it for. This is an amazing amp! I appreciate your help! read more

I've bought New n Used guitars amps and everything from doing work on my finest instruments or just accessories Guitar Center is as Good as You Need... Real Good Most all the Time. I've played 1969 and I would know ! Derek read more

I have been in this Guitar Center several times since moving to the area. I really enjoy going here. Norman helped me when I needed to sell gear and gave me a good price for my guitars. He was very knowledgeable about the amp that I wanted and helped me with my trade in. I've gone in to try out a new guitar. The staff was friendly and it was easy to get a cable to plug in. No one was pushy or overbearing. I went back to purchase the guitar I had played and Norman was there to help me again. He is straight forward and honest and I appreciate that in a salesperson. I will return for future needs. read more

These dudes suck. Walked in. Nobody said anything to me. There were more employees in the store than customers. I had to search around to find the headphones I wanted, which i eventually found after wandering around for a while. Then the dude in the headphone dept, was anything but helpful. I asked him a question about the product which he answered with a simple, "no." And that was it. Not follow up, like "what are you trying to do with these," "i might have something similar, let me take a look." Nothing...and then he turned away. Though it was onky me and him in that department. My family has been involved in music for a long time. I forgot why i stopped coming here. Today remineded me. These dudes, suck at customer swevice. If u want someone that is knowledgable, friendly and helpful, then go to one of the local shops in town. Don't come here. I won't be back unless i need to return these things. read more

Chris went out of his way to help us get the item we wanted and found a box for us, really good customer service! read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

There was a time... When guitar center Bakersfield had the best knowledgeable staff great guitar tech and gear tech and sound Tec then...Someone gave A younger dude the management of guitar center... And all hell broke loose I literally got there and the first thing I ask "hey man do you have these guitar strings?" And they responded.... "oh I don't even know if we have any strings left?!?!?" A month later I came by to pick up a XLR Cable... The sound department did not even know what a XLR cable is..... you have got to be kidding me. Over all this kept on happening for 2 years already and it fluctuates overtime... But Guitar Center, Bakersfield overall terrible service, management, and gear...end of line. read more

Had the best service this morning when I went in to unload my collection of effects cymbals. It did take a while, but I was in no rush and the drum department was unusually busy, which was funny because there are usually one or two people at most perusing the drum room, lol! I cannot remember the names of the people that helped me this morning, but you all did a great job and we're all very nice and were very knowledgable! Keep up the great work! read more

Guitar Center - Sticks galore - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Called to have something on hold. Got up, got dressed, and drove 20mins. When i got there the person who put my item on hold sold my holding. And therefore had no more in stock after i made sure to put on hold for that reason. Tells me, "I put your name on the item but didn't tape it. So when i sold five one of those must have been it." The old me would have caused a huge rant. But the new me just said well that sucks and walked out. Really stupid on their part. read more

I stopped here on the way to Yosemite to replace a busted string on my acoustic and the manager, Buddy, was absolutely of no help. Very up tight, and rude and told me that he couldn't help me with finding the proper individual string and instead I would have to buy a whole pack. So I had to help myself with finding the proper string, meanwhile, Chris came out of his way to help me out with finding the right string and saved the day. While I was in line to pay for the individual string, Buddy was working register and there was a total of 2 people in line, me and another fellow. And Buddy anxiously called for back up on the loud speaker exclaiming that "it's a little chaotic in here." I'm sure it made the customers feel not extremely welcomed. All in all, the experience would've been fine and note worthy if it wasn't for Buddy's very VERY poor customer service skills. read more

My go to place for equipment! Knowledgeable staff that is helpful when I'm looking for gifts for family. Been going here for years!

Came in to buy a set of electric drums, wanted to test them out first and get a feel for them in person before I made the $600 purchase. There were no test sticks so I waited for someone to come in for a good while before I went out to just ask someone myself. When I finally flagged someone down to ask for test sticks I was told "I just work the floor, man" ?? Then that would make it your job to help me on the floor, would it not? He then said "we're doing a stick count so I'm not sure if we have any, I'll check." And then he left for a good 15 minutes before I realized he wasn't going to come back to help, so I just left. Don't waste your time here. You have better luck AND customer service on Amazon. read more

This might be the best and most reliable guitar center location, the staff for the most part is is very knowledgeable, and friendly. Norman in pro audio is perhaps the most knowledgeable person I have encountered at any guitar center, I came in with a huge problem and he solved the issue in a matter of minutes that a team at sweetwater simply couldn't. I will admit the stores inventory seems lacking in the cool things we would want to see from a music store, but perhaps im just being picky. A+ read more

I would tell anyone buying a guitar for the first to come in. The staff were friendly and helpful as we were looking around. Answered all questions we had and seemed to guide us in the right direction for buying. It did not feel like dealing with a pushy salesmen. After leaving I did not feel that I had over paid for our selection read more

They offer guitar lessons that my daughter loves. Adrian is a great instructor and she is eager to learn guitar every week.

Went in to get my Seagull guitar re-strung and get the action lowered, and Brandon did a wonderful job and was very informative and professional. Thank you brother! read more