Drummer here: I have been shopping at this GC for over 13 years now. What I have noticed is that the staff is constantly changing, thats why I gave it 4/5 stars. Its hard to fall in love with a place that is constantly changing management and staff every 6 months. The last time I went in, I ended up educating the "drum pro" about how different drum sets sometimes use different woods. Mind-blowing facts I was laying down... They also have lost their ability to wheel n' deal when you buy multiple items and they always have a "sale" going on. But hey, they can order almost anything drum related for you so that's a plus. I assume the same goes with everything else. Other than that, selection is usually pretty good. Its a music store so the prices are going to be premium. I usually buy everything music related on the used market now a days but whenever I walk into the GC, I am easily in there for an hour browsing all the merchandise. The last time I did the drum-off in Beaverton (2008) they brought in the kid from Smashing Pumpkins to judge along with Steppenwolf's drummer. Cool! Not sure who they bring in anymore... read more

As a regular customer ever since they opened, I feel like a have enough experiences to give a rating that is well balanced, based on average service rather than a single event. I shop mostly in drums, but I have also spent many a dollar in pro audio, basses, electric guitars, as well as keyboards. Over the years I'd say that the store management actually really cares about satisfying the customer as they know that their customer base is mostly composed of returning customers. Also, for a while, they had basically a local monopoly for any level of seriousness in the area. Now, with the flourishing of convenient (read free/fast shipping, and hassle free return policies) internet-based retailers, as well as local competitors (such as rhythm traders for drums), they know they have to work a little harder to earn that loyalty. I'll rate the company in three different areas I think must be separated in order for the review to be fair: Sales Staff (8 out of 10): This is the one that tends to vary. Sometimes I'll find reps that are impressively knowledgeable, mostly musicians themselves. Every once in a while, less experienced reps are found, but they are also usually aware of their own limitations and act humbly, and are quick to ask for help from their support staff if asked something they don't know. As a seasoned musician, I usually don't need any help from the reps, other than checking stock, doing a price match, or something administrative like that, which has never been a problem. Store Management (10 out 10): This is where Guitar Center shines for me. I've had some of the most memorable customer service experiences of any business with the folks in store management over the years. I have had people patiently listen to me whine, make exceptions to rules when called for, cut me insane price match deals, and worked tirelessly to right wrongs. In once sad instance, GC Corporate became involved and they gracefully stepped over everything and everyone and made things right for me. Store Itself (10 out of 10): The stores are highly stocked (most of the time whatever I need is available immediately and I get to walk home with it the same day). Everything is clearly organized and easy for the customer to access. Another very important thing is that they freely allow you to play ANY, and I mean ANY instrument in the store for a long as you need/want. I have banged on $5000 DW sets for hours without a single bad look. The North Portland store is particularly well setup to check out and play kits, as they have a separate room with closing doors. One more things, is that they are able to seamlessly coordinate with other local and non-local stores if the product you are looking for is out of stock at a specific store. Overall, Guitar Center has been an incredible resource to have in the area. I hope they continue to operate under the notion that they are here to serve the customer. In my experience I feel that is their focus, and I hope it stays that way. *********** TRUE REVIEW RATING: 4.8 out of 5 ************ read more

I have purchased 3 Marshall's, three Fender Bass guitars, a Gibson Les Paul Bass and an extremely nice acoustic Larrivee from GC. I have had nothing but excellent experiences. They go the extra mile to get you what you want. read more

I am done with this Guitar Center location and possibly GC overall after this last visit. I needed a special midi controller for a project I was working on that weekend and my Clackamas branch didn't have one. The only GC within 50 miles that did was the Beaverton store. It was a long drive but I really needed this controller. The first problem was the sales guy didn't ask me if I wanted a two year extended warrantee added on, he just put it on and gave me the total. I had to ask him to remove it. If this had been a family member buying this for me they likely wouldn't have known what was going on and would have just paid an extra $150 or whatever it was. I find that very uncool. So I get that taken off, get everything paid and leave. I get home and I open it up and the controller has dirt on it, there was some paperwork previously opened and I see a return slip with another customers info on it. I immediately became concerned because to use this controller you have to download software and I had heard about people getting previously owned units who couldn't get the software because their controller was already registered. I get to my studio and go to download the software and sure enough, my controller is already registered and I am instructed to return the unit to where I bought it. It was at that point I took a good look at the receipt. It had "OB" printed next to my controller which I assume meant open box. The sales person had to have known what that meant, but he never bothered to tell me it was a returned unit or ask me if it was okay. If he had, I wouldn't have bought it without checking everything out a lot more and in this case, I would have skipped it. So I take another long drive out there the next day. I stand around for 45 minutes while he is working on getting me another one ordered because it was the only one they had. I am giving an extra star because he did give me another 5% off the price for my trouble but at this point I was into this whole ordeal roughly 4 hours of wasted time. I had no controller for my project that weekend and had to wait another week for a new one to finally arrive at my closer GC. I have spent well over $10k at Guitar Center over the years. I have had problems with this branch in the past, but it had been a while since I had been there so I figured I would give it another shot. Never again. I will only be doing future business with the Clackamas branch or I may just shift everything to a different retailer who has always been great to work with, even though I can only deal with them online. read more

I am fairly new to the area and used to own a successful guitar store, I have since retired but still enjoy going into other music stores. I have been in here at least seven times and no one has even acknowledged we let alone try to help me. It is no surprise that all the music trade papers report that Guitar Venter is in trouble. With service like this I am not surprised. read more

I bought a new electric guitar here the other day. I wasnt pressured by any sales geeks as I walked around the store. I just picked up whatever guitar I wanted and started playing. Finally found one that was my liking. Still no pressure to buy. I even pulled up some reviews on my Droid Does. The selection was great. The staff was helpfull and funny. I ejoyed my time there. I bout the guitar that was on display, It had a few scratches, so they discounted a few bucks. Of course I could buy off the internet and still have a fine guitar, but eh, its nice to play tons of guitars and find the one. The only thing I didnt like was the strip seach on the way out. Just kidding its not quite that bad. They check serial number, model numbers etc before you are allowed to leave. Feels like a search. I would go back. -B read more

I definitely am all about going to locally owned music stores whenever I can (Old Town Music) but these guys at the Beaverton location have been nothing but cool every time I've been there. Just stopped in recently in because I was having technical issues with recording my electronic drum kit through GarageBand and the guy I talked to was super helpful and walked me through all the steps. This is in addition to several other times when the staff was helpful. For customer service alone - I give Beaverton Guitar Center four stars. read more

As its name suggests, Guitar Center sells musical instruments and has a large selection of guitars. But they sell more than that - They also have a good selection of musical keyboards & synthesizers, drums, pro audio equipment, DJ equipment, lighting equipment, and music software. They also sell music books and of course, accessories for your musical instruments. I've even seen them advertise Macintosh laptops and Mac Minis. I have purchased 3 instruments from this store, and each time, I have been treated well by friendly employees. read more

Awesome selection High Prices, but that is expected of a massive company like Guitar Center Good Customer Service read more

I completely love this place. The first time I went in, I was after a midi interface so I would be able to play my keyboards into the computer and record music. I guess I had been a little out of touch and didn't realize that there were audio interfaces that did so much more for the same price AND came with the software I needed... I don't think I'd be overstating it to say that visit literally was a life-changer because of the good advice I received. After that, I was on the hunt for the perfect guitar... another total win. I'm so in love with this guitar! Several of the sales reps have helped me at various times and I've always received great service and excellent advice. My husband has been instructed to always give me their gift cards for birthdays and holidays. As a gigging musician, they have what I need... Going to Guitar Center is always one of my favorite outings... read more

The last 2 items I ordered online (used), were never received and subsequently cancelled. The listing price was fairly good and in both cases they indicated they couldn't find the item. In the last case, they said it might have been stolen. Then when discussing on the phone, they tried to sell me a new item at a discounted price which almost 2x the price the used item was listed. I'm wondering if this is a tactic to draw customers in (bait and switch). I don't think I will be doing business with them any time soon. BTW, I almost never by new as even their discounted prices are not that great. read more

Great customer service and selection. Black Friday!! New Fender electric acoustic guitar!! early Christmas present for myself!!

Worst experience ever! Stood in front of a sales rep for EIGHT minutes before he even acknowledged that I was standing there. And then, he tried to pawn me off to another sales associate! All I needed was a gift card! Will never go back there again and will discourage anyone I know who is thinking about going there! read more

I spoke with someone on the phone and I don't know if he had a bad day or something but he wasn't helpful at all and was really not interested in talking to me. I recommend the guitar center in Portland where they actually want to assist you. read more

Just wanted to thank, and praise, the staff here for an excellent customer service experience after receiving an item from another Guitar Center that I wanted to return. Everyone was extremely helpful, professional, and great to work with. They made the return process seamless and easy. Thank you. read more

Just want to pop in really quick and say that the guys at my local Beaverton Guitar Center really take care of business when I come into the store. I truly feel valued as a customer and that really is a rare thing when it comes to national store chains. Playing for 26 years, you can get kind of frustrated with salespeople that hound you as soon as you walk into some of the other music stores in town. Beaverton Guitar Center is laid back and they let you explore, experience and take it all in for yourself and never hound you or try to oversell you on things. Barrett has helped me with several purchases over the past year and I am grateful for his knowledge, excellent customer service and expertise. The crew there are all friendly and professional and that goes a very long way these days! I am thankful to have these guys nearby. read more

Great experience. Very helpful and knowledgeable. They were very busy but always stopped by to see if we needed some help. When we were ready to ask questions and make the purchase, Eddy took us easily through the process. I'm a newbie and he was patient and thorough. I would definitely Recommend! See Eddy. read more

Super knowledgeable and friendly staff of audio pros who gonthe extra yard to help their customers.

I went in on one day to trade in an active floor monitor. Two employees tested it and said it was fine, the only issue was that I had forgotten the power cable and was going to have to buy one for $15 bucks. I decided to just come back with the cable which was apparently a mistake. When I went in for the second visit, the high school kid at the counter plugged in his phone and decided it had magically developed a crackling sound (it hadn't, I checked when I was back home and asked others to make sure I was crazy). Since this kid clearly didn't know what he was talking about I asked for the manager who told me the same thing. Now since I heard it from two people there you would assume that I must be mistaken, except for one thing. I had mentioned this visit that I wasn't looking to trade for anything at the moment and just wanted to sell it. The manager even said as I was leaving "well maybe if you were going to trade it in for something". Apparently the issue wasn't the speaker, it was that their markup on reselling trade-in gear just wasn't big enough and they didn't want to help me unless they could get MORE money from me. You'll see in my previous review that I have had good experiences with this guitar center in the past. Unfortunately, the past seems to be where those will stay. If you're going to A) think I'm stupid enough to lie to my face and B) offer to change the story for more money, then I'll go elsewhere. I recommend heading over to the Tanasbourne area to a certain guitar store that has never not deserved five stars. read more

I purchased my first and second guitars in the past year from them. I found everyone that worked there to be extremely helpful and willing to go the extra mile to educate me on the products since I was new to this. They were very helpful when my daughter went in to purchase a keyboard as well. Highly recommend them. read more

Holy customer service batman! I'm not a musician by any stretch of the imagination, but I needed to purchase a present for a friend who is. I called all around town to try to find a specific microphone he wanted and found this place. No one else in town had it but them. From the first time I called, I was treated amazingly. Cody answered and checked inventory for me, then filled me in on where I would need to go in the store, and who I needed to ask for. When I arrived, I spoke to Vince, who had the microphone waiting for me. He was super helpful, attentive, and friendly. Not fake friendly either -- coming from someone who has a career in customer service, this was flawless from the first call to the end of the transaction. Good job guys! Wish I had any musical talent to give me a reason to come back soon. read more

The staff here does not seem interested in helping or selling. I have visited this location three times now. The first, I was not greeted or offered help. The second, I asked for help and was not given it. The third time, the store was dead. I walked in, saw an employee, saw him see me and then, walk past without even saying hello. Forget it, it's not worth it - I will go local. I will likely have to pay more but a guitar sold with some respect will surely sound better than one from the Wal-Mart of instruments. read more

I don't know what happened to this store but I will never go to any guitar center again. I was selling a 6 month old strat in mint condition and I felt like I was dealing one with a pretentious individual who really seemed to fins me to be a bother more than anything. I came in ready to make some deal. I also had with me an HSS Strat and $350 worth of Seymour Duncan Pickups I wanted to mod the guitar with. I was also in the market for an ovation custom legend. This guy was so rude and tried to low ball me on the first offer of the Strat I was selling it was rather unbelievable. By the time it was all over I did sell the Strat for a little less than what it was worth but I was worn out. The next day I went to Portland Fret Works and dropped over $1500 getting the ovation and my HSS racked and stacked. So for the $100 they undercut me for they lost a whole lot more and a customer for life. I used to like this store but I guess in the long run I found a much better place, the universe is funny like that! read more

Everyone who works here is really nice and easy going. The employees made my first guitar purchase last year really easy and I found the perfect guitar for me. Now I go here for all my musical needs. read more

Just leaving now from an excellent experience. Shopped both drums and keyboard rooms. Service was outstanding (grant in drums) and great advice for our teenage musician. Highly recommend. Makes shopping a fun experience. read more

This is truly the music super store. Every time I visit this store I am also impressed with the knowledgeable staff. i just recently purchased my drum set there and have 2 guitars that I have purchased there in the past, and the sales staff always gave me a discount of some sort. I only wish this store wasn't so out of the way. There is just one other Guitar Center in Clackamas which is even farther for me. Something closer to downtown would really make sense. read more

I went back to GC several months ago to buy a new acoustic drum kit, and the experience this time was much better. One reason I think it was better because was making a big purchase and therefore had the attention of the sales staff. However, they were very helpful, gave me a few good suggestions and helped me save some money in the process. read more

I came in here with a friend, and was pleasantly surprised that they sell more than guitars. They do sell a lot of guitars, and a ton of other stuff, but what I was interested in were the keyboards. They have several full 88-key boards there. It was fun trying them out and comparing features. read more

I've spent about 5k here over several visits and always found them to have good service and selection. Yes their sales people are "on it" but that's cool with me. I never felt they were annoying - just eagerly helpful. Was I ever up-sold? Yes, and I was happier because of it. I love the gear I went home with. I've been in sales for 22 years so maybe I'm more sympathetic. All-in-all I think it's a great store and will happily recommend them. read more

I will shop here forever! From my first phone call to my first visit, they have been excellent. Very knowledgeable, polite, caring, and the store is clean and well organized. But what got me the most was this. We arrived by bus and ended up at the back of the store. The only way to the front was to walk in the street with oncoming traffic. I am in a wheelchair and fearful of traffic (my head is just too low to take a hit). I called the store to ask how to get to the front and a young woman, by the name of Erin, came outside to get me. She walked ahead of me in the street waving off traffic just to make sure I was safe. She then awesomely took care of my guitar needs. read more

They are what they are. A big box store filled with music gear. While I prefer to support local businesses, the atmosphere @ GC is much more relaxed. Going to Portland Music to browse drum gear just isn't fun. read more

Spectacular service and a great store. In my opinion, the management at this store (at least in my personal 2014 experience) has been excellent. The store is welcoming and is a fun place to look around and spend money at. The online service worked very well for me. Overall it's a fun place to shop! read more

I really like this store. The staff are very helpful and it is very obvious that they know about their instruments. There is such a few places nowadays that people treat you with patience and professionalism. Thank you guys for all the help. read more

Went in to kill time in passing the other day. I don't usually go there as their selection of mandolins/materials is slim. This particular day I found a guitar I liked and bought it. Service was pretty straight forward at that time, though the guitar was still in the box and no setup had been done. Two weeks later I got an email notice of Black Friday sale and since I live downstate, 5 hours away, I gave them a call and asked for the 15% discount on the guitar that I'd already bought. The guy on the phone was very helpful and, since they have a 30 day price protection guarantee, he was able to reimburse me for the 15%, which I though was pretty cool. Prices are reasonable. Of course going there is always a bit like being at a carnival with the sensory overload. I usually only go there when I have a specific goal or want to try a certain instrument. read more

pretty straightforward guitars with nothing custom but its good to have a high end music store in town. Most workers are musicians which helps. read more

I've only bought one thing from guitar center and it will be my last. I went in at one location to buy a keyboard. The only one they had was the floor model and I'm not stupid enough to buy that one after it's been beaten to death by everyone who enters the store. So they gladly had one shipped to me. Well, more than two weeks later, it still hasn't arrived, or indeed even shipped, the tracking info only says, "billing information received." One, two, and finally the third time I call customer service, they say they will ship another one. Fed up with waiting, I tell them to cancel it and I drive to another guitar center location where it's in stock. The customer service at the Beaverton Guitar Center is horrible. With at least 4 employees working, they could not handle two customers. The guy behind the counter chatted with the only other customer for 5-6 minutes or so while I waited in line, then he left to help the customer take his purchase to his car. Another employee walked by as I waited at the empty counter and said that the first guy would be back in just a moment. He then walked over to the turntables and started playing around. Another 10 minutes pass, and I'm getting ready to leave. Turn table man is still jamming away, having gone through 2-3 songs. Finally, the first guy comes back in and says, "sorry about the wait, you caught us on a skeleton crew". Yeah... I'm the only customer in the store. Anyway, as he talks, I realize where he's been. He had taken the opportunity to go outside with a customer to smoke 1 (or more) cigarettes. His breath reeked of cigarette smoke. I'll say it again, customer service here is terrible. While you wait, you'll have one employee playing with the instruments while another smokes outside, and still other employees are hiding out in the backroom doing god knows what. When you finally do get to make your purchase, you have to listen (and smell) the employee go on and on about how you need to buy the extended service warranty and how you should really be buying a more expensive keyboard because "this one will really sabotage you". I wouldn't order from Guitar Center online since they simply don't know how to ship a product, and I sure won't enter a Guitar Center brick and mortar store ever again. In my case, the same product was available on amazon for 10% cheaper, with free shipping. read more

In the past I enjoyed this store but not any longer. The staff is slow and ignore you. Also, the manager seems like he doesnt know what he is doing (2/15/18). read more

Purchased a new Digitech RP360 from the Beaverton store yesterday for $149.99 (new price). Got out to the car and noticed the box had already been opened. Looked inside and the only 2 things in the box were the RP360 and a Digitech sticker. Not sure what else is supposed to be in the box, but it says that out should have a power supply included. Went back into the store and they opened a box for a RP360XP and gave me the box with the power supply in it. I get home and own it up to find out it is a two piece power supply and i only have one of the two pieces. Of course now at this point they are closed. Call them today and they say i can either drive 45mins nearest other store which may or may not do business the same way, or wait for a shipment on Monday. I also looked online and guitar center sells a used RP360 for $99.99. I paid new prices for used shit that isn't even complete. Once this issue is resolved (hopefully but it's not looking good so far) i will NEVER shop at guitar center again. Get your shit together please. I should have went to a pawn shop. read more

I don't know what happened to this place, but it sure has gone downhill. All of the staff members I came into contact with were clueless as to what customer service is. Every person made me feel like i was an inconvenience to them from the moment i came in contact with them. I have never been treated so rudely in a retail store. One of the first things of customer service is "don't insult your customer". I didn't recognize a single person in there from the last time i was in there. Based on this, if they didn't have corporate propping them up, they wouldn't last in retail. Sorry guys, I will never go back nor give Guitar Center a dime ever again. read more

I have a rant America!! Join me in boycotting #GuitarCenter and #MusiciansFriend !!! I am not doing business with Guitar Center or Musicians Friend ever again!! I ordered online and they sent me an "open box" item with a part missing, manuals and product registration missing! Never mentioning this to me and I paid full price for the item! When I called them out on lying to me and trying to sell me a used or "open box" item for full price, all they gave me was a 10% discount!! They couldn't find a new unit anywhere, I was frustrated and I just wanted to get the heck out of there and start recording some music, so I took the generous 10% discount. How weak is 10% for a used item with missing parts?! So I am done with Guitar Center from here on out! And hearing that they have bought Musicians Friend, Im done with them too!! I used to love Musicians Friend! First world problems I know but smile America and I will smile with you. But Guitar Center and Musicians Friend can stick its 10% "open box" discount policy in a dark and smelly place where the sun does not shine!! A bunch of BS!! And a BS company! Im done with them!!! Steer clear they are out for your wallet only!! And dont give a crap about you!! And now you know the rest of the story. #GuitarCenterSucks #MusiciansFriendSucks You need to follow the hash tages above to see the picture of their drinking fountain for customers it is an indication of how they treat their jobs and customers. Absolutely disgusting!! And I am utterly disgusted with them!! read more