This place isn't recommended for anyone that doesn't know anything about music gear... The salesmen will try to rip you off so just do your research online beforehand and you'll be okay. Other than that, the dudes behind the accessories counter are very helpful! :) :) :) read more

Let me preface this by saying I'm not a musician, so my review is colored by my inexperience with music stores. I was gift shopping for my wife, and one of the last things I needed was a guitar strap. I tried a locally owned place first but they didn't have one I liked so I went here after recommendation from a friend (even he doesn't like the douchey-ness of GC, but he said they'd have what I needed). I walk in and immediately ask "where are the guitar straps?" "right over there" and the young man at the counter points. Awesome, I turn to go over there and he says "But you'll need to leave your backpack up here." W. T. F. Ten seconds in the door and I'm treated like a criminal. For those who don't follow me, I ride a motorcycle and normally commute on said motorcycle. To carry my lunch and other effects I wear a backpack. This backpack is not large. It's a camelback sized backpack. It is challenging enough to fit everything into it when I'm not trying to be surreptitious about it. The merchandise I wanted was between two counters with two people each manning them. What exactly am I going to be able to steal? Guitar Center, do you ask women to leave their purses at the front? No, saw plenty of women with purses. If Indiana Jones walked in, would he be required to leave his satchel? Unlikely (because young Indy is a freaking bad ass). Are you going to assume liability for my accoutrements if they go missing? Of course not. So because I ride a motorcycle I'm identified as a possible criminal as soon as I walk through the door. I know you're just doing what your boss tells you to do, but it's bullshit. Sure it's a store policy, blah blah blah. Maybe it's common in music stores to surrender your belongings to strangers in an unsecured space that anyone could just say "hey can I have my backpack" and you'd probably hand it over. If I hadn't been pressed for time I would've told you to pound sand and spent my money elsewhere. One star for having what I needed. One star for the cashier being courteous and efficient. I won't be back if I can help it. read more

Dissappointing. I have been going to this Guitar Center for years and have bought a wide variety of audio equipment from here; speakers, DJ controllers, software, cables, lights, professional audio interfaces, etc... I have usually been treated pretty well and the staff have been friendly and helpful. It is with much regret that I write this review. I went in today to ask about creating electronic dance music and what equipment they would recommend. The staff are usually very knowledgeable and helpful. To put this trip into perspective, I know very little about music production so I was hoping for a good amount of help. When I went into the store at 11:15 on Sunday I went straight to pro audio. I walked into several rooms in this section and was not once approached by anyone asking me if I need help. Generally, I know exactly what I need and have to politely turn down requests for help. I find it ironic that the one time I am wandering aimlessly trying to get someones attention, no one cares. Finally, I make my way towards the counter to look at the cheaper midi controllers. The salesman is on the phone talking to what sounds like another employee. I wait patiently for him to be off the phone. When he finally is I expect him to approach me to see if I need help (as I am the only one in his section). Nothing. Tired of waiting I approach him ask for assistance. He never leaves from behind the counter to show me anything, but instead splits his attenntion between our conversation and whatever was more important on his computer. I get very brief descriptions with no real explanation about some software and was basically told that everything was musician's preference on what to use. Granted this may be true, but if he wanted to make a sale or find out more information that would have been helpful. Bottom line: I had walked into this store fully intending to purchase software and hardware. I walked out with no more information than I could have received from a google search, and felt like the staff were more interested in checking whatever was going on on the computer in front of him than making a sale. After spending many thousands of dollars at Guitar Center I will probably choose to take my purchases online moving forward since the customer service is about the same as using my own search capabilities. read more

This location was recommended to me by an acquaintence and I was pleased to see there was plenty of parking available when I got there in the evening. When you walk in, you're overwhelmed with the amount of shiny equipment. Literally it's like a mini music mall. Here is the main floor with drums and bass/ electric guitars. Over there is a section with all the electronic keyboards and accessories. And, finally here's a humidity-controlled gallery dozen walls of acoustic guitars. *drool* This is better than Disneyland! I was waiting for about 10 minutes or so before I got help though it wasn't crowded at all... After that, though, a guy showed me the specific product I came here for relatively quickly. He had a great attitude about taking it out of the box, informing me the difference between that and the other guitar material options, and was totally cool when I said I couldn't buy it since I was just there to check it out. He was a knowledgeable salesman who encouraged me to try out guitars and seemed to enjoy jamming tunes of different songs. Bad news is they don't deal with trade-ins so I left disappointed. But wow, if I read the reviews before I drove over to this place, I probably would not have bothered. I feel sorry for those who had been left waiting for an unreasonable amount of time as well those who have been treated like a kid. However, that makes me all the more grateful for the experience I had this week. read more

I needed a cowbell so I decided to pop in to see what my options were. The three young men who greeted me were very helpful and friendly and one directed me to the "guy with the long hair in the back." This guy could not have been more irritated by my presence or unwilling to help me. He pointed at the wall and gave me some very sloppy instruction never even bothering to come out from behind the counter to actually engage with me. Wow, I felt terrible for bothering him so I politely looked at the selection and left. read more

Not happy. Called this morning and talked to a girl to get more info before we drove all the way down there, only to find out that we were given false information and the guy basically shrugged and didn't care. Will NEVER go here again. read more

I would love to walk into Guitar Center and not have the staff treat me like I have no idea what I'm talking about when I ask for something. I'm a professional musician (of nearly 20 years), and even though I have ovaries, my money is just as good as the next guy who walks in there. Otherwise, the selection is good, and the prices are what you'd expect. So yes, those strings are for me. Also, since I've done extensive research, I know for a fact that the model of the guitar I'm looking for is called the Pursuit Concert Ebony, so I'm going to go ahead and guess that they do make it in Ebony, Mr. Condescending. (To be fair, it's usually the young ones that are rude. There are a couple of older guys there that are awesome.) That being said, it's convenient, and if you're a guitar player there's a decent selection. I'm a keyboard player, as well, and they never seem to have the model I'm looking for, but their pro audio and percussion guys are usually pretty helpful. Maybe it's just the guitarists... read more

Came here to pick up a DJ system that was ordered by another location, only to find out that the item was not available and the only one available was a display item. Abby took the time to call a list if stores to make sure we found an available one and Brent made sure to expedite the request, not only they worked hard to make it happen but they also made sure to get the right shipping and covered the charges that other store was responsible for. They were apologetic for the other store's mistake and made sure to give us excellent customer service. Definitely returning. read more

Took in three guitars and an amp to get fixed. The guitar tech guy was super honest about everything. I had an electric guitar with some wacky intonation and he told me that it wasn't that bad and all I really had to do was get some news lightly thicker strings and the problem would be solved. And it was. He fixed a bass guitar for me for no charge and gave me advice for my other acoustic because he told me the repairs would cost me more than the guitar itself so he said repairs wouldn't be worth it. Thanks for being honest man. I was only a little bummed that he couldn't fix my amp. They needed some special parts that they didn't have in stock so they couldn't do anything for me. Other than that I love this place read more

Don't go this location. I went to exchange my Monster cable to be repaired and they refused to service for no reason. Also the employees seems like racist. They show little attitude against none white customers. read more

I had an awful experience at Guitar Center, Brea the other day. I was in the private, glass enclosed acoustic room with my grandson discussing the purchase of an expensive guitar amp when an unpleasant clerk rushed in and yelled at me because my face mask had slipped down slightly, revealing my left nostril. I pulled it up but he sat down and continued to harass me and wouldn't leave. My grandson and I were the only ones in the room.... Ridiculous.... We left immediately and found his amp at another music store. Do not shop at this store! I have told all of my friends and fellow musicians to steer clear of this way-below par establishment!! read more

The best guitar centet ever Ive been getting my gears since 2006 Especially the store manager Erland is the guy you want to talk to. I bought grestch renown kit, yamaha oak customs, and a CUSTOM DW 12 piece kit. And i cant count how many snares i got from him. He is super cool and chill, always willing to help his customer out. And His assistant managers are just like him too Matt and Niko have so much knowledge about sounds, instruments, and most importantly how to save the money and get a right gear. I had NO issue for almost a decade with this guy. By far the best guitar center ever in southern cali read more

Unless you know what you want and need, Guitar Center can be a mixed bag. Sometimes the service is good and other times it is mediocre. I don't understand how they can hire goof balls who know nothing about guitar equipment and accessories. I know that that job is one of the lowest on the totem pole there, but really? Couldn't you find someone who has a passion for guitars rather than some stiff who is just trying to make a sale. A month or so ago I went in to buy some tubes for one of my amps and I needed some Groove Tube EL-84. The sales guy didn't know jack squat about tubes and was trying to push me to buy 6L6's!!!!!!! He was like, we've got a lot of those, why don't you buy it. My response was "bro, they don't fit" and left. I don't think he understood what i just said. I only like going to a guitar center if I've done my research and know how much merchandise costs. If you do that, you won't be taken for a ride and can get stuff at a good price. But you have to do some work haggling and chatting it up with the person helping you. read more

Knowing exactly what I wanted, the Roland TD-9 V-Drums and knowing there was a "one item" 15% sale, I called ahead to make sure my kit was in stock. They said Friday night that there were two... I called in the morning, they said there were two. I got there about an hour after and they only had one left. I just walked up, asked for the set. It was funny, the guy was clearly like, damn, really? A big ass sale, just like that, not having to deal with this guy futzing around on every possible kit for three hours? So he went of rounded up the three boxes for me set. Since the version I wanted didn't have a display model for mine (the "better" model was on display with the upgraded heads, but a total of four toms and one kick), I assumed I'd get the same, which is exactly what was online for the same price. However, much to my surprise (when I got home) I realized I was given an extra tom for the same price! Woo hoo. It was box "3 of 3"... who knew!? The only, only slight knock is how friggin' hard they pushed the damn "Guitar Center" warranty for roughly $200. The first guy I dealt with just put it out there (you can tell they have to) and I declined, then this other short dude comes over, after overhearing me and was like, "Whoa, whoa... you're NOT getting the warranty?" Then he tried the hard sell and I started to get frustrated. I'm like, "Dude, this is Roland, these are supposed to be the most indestructible electronic drums on the market, right? Isn't that why I'm paying double for what the competition offers?" "Well, yeah, Roland's great but anything can happen." I'm like, "Okay...? The PDX-6s are about $125 online." "Well, what about the cords?" "They're standard 1/4" cords, dude... they cost like $5 on Amazon." But why do I have to sit there and defend myself for literally about 10 minutes of the guy swooping in and out while my original guy is finishing my order, just go away bro and respect my wishes. Anyway, back to the story. So I'm getting checked out and I guess the Labor Day 15% off isn't a "general" coupon while in the store, even though it was just a public code you could use online. I was like, really!? I was going to have to cancel my order and just buy it online (but I wanted my "toy" now) then but the guy emailed me a scan-able coupon to my phone and he took care of it. Anyway, it went about as smoothly as you could expect, everyone was super cool (minus that annoying little guy). read more

This Guitar center is small but customer service is top notch. If they have what you need. They will go above and beyond to help you out. Actually take the time. Chris from Pro audio and the manager at that time Sean made it very easy for me. I dont wven write any reviews at all but 5 stars just because of how helpful the 2 guys were. read more

Sent email with several pictures for trading my guitar because I can't use phone during work. Never received any reply. The email was for manager. Is he working? Or too lazy to typing or don't care business? That is why I am going to Sweatwater. Update: Sent email as they wanted. The email said that we do not take quote by email. Thanks for double shot!! read more

I walked in a scared, intimidated noob looking for any reason to NOT drop my entire savings on a new mic and recording set up lol but I walked out happy and damn near a professional! This store has quite the selection, and is truly a needed jewel for musicians. KELLY and MICHAEL were so helpful with making me feel comfortable! They both took their time with me to make sure I was happy and well informed with my purchases and truly went over and beyond! I was so impressed with their friendliness, willingness to help, and knowledge! I felt way less nooby and ready to take on the challenge of a new home studio! I even felt confident enough to sign up for their free ukulele class this weekend! Kelly and Michael from Brea Guitar Center turned me into a brand new woman! Lol read more

I love this Guitar Center, I had a bad experience at the one in Fountain Valley. I always go in knowing what I want, and price them online. They work with musiciansfriend.com, so print out the price online and they'll match it. Print out any competitors price and they'll match it. The prices can be very cheap if you're looking for accessories, to spending thousands depending on what you want. There is no true price range I could put on it. I've bought a guitar, drum heads, mic stands, and guitar accessories , from this store. This is a musicians heaven. It can get overwhelming if you're not into musical equipment, and it can get loud since you can demo the equipment. There are separate rooms for each type of equipment. All of the sales people have always been nice to me. This is my favorite place because of a salesman named Guy. I was just looking at guitars, and told him that I wasn't ready to purchase, but he talked with me for about 10-20 minutes. He didn't try to sell me the high end product, he let me know what was good. I told him when I was ready I'd come back here, and I did. He gave me a discount on some stuff since I bought the case at the same time. I had a quote from online of two mic stands for $60.00, but they were the lower end ones. They didn't have those in stock so the cashier asked his manager if he could sell me a higher end one for the same price. I let him know that it was two for $60.00 and the manager said no problem. One time I was waiting in line for a while to get some guitar picks. The salesman gave them to me and said don't worry. There's always a deal to be made at guitar center, just ask. read more

It's 6:06 on a Tuesday evening and I've been calling GC for at least 30 minutes. Just rings. No answer. After several minutes it just disconnects. Not good business etiquette. Normally, everything is fantastic with this GC. I'll try again tomorrow. read more

Love hanging out here. Dave always shows me the best gear even though I dont buy any of it. Just come here to jam mostly. Ask for Dave if you have any questions! Great guy. read more

Went in with a friend that is in a band and was looking for a particular item that he wasn't able to find at his area. He found the item and was able to purchase it at a great price. Staff had superior service. Very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Went to listen to other bands that my friend knows and I overheard him talk about his experience and his awesome purchase at Guitar Center Brea. Great job Management and staff. We are happy customers! We will be singing your praises for a long time. read more

Guitar Center - Stopped in at guitar center tea. Great 4th of July sales. Excellent customer service. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Brea, California

I go to this location for all my music needs. Guitars, drum equipment, and accessories. My Sabian cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, gig bag, and guitar accessories were all purchased at this location. The staff are just like any other Guitar Center, knowledgable and laid back. I love going to the Guitar Center just to test out different acoustic guitars. I already know what my next few purchases will be. I need to grab some new nylon guitar picks. Also looking at the 3/4 baby Taylor acoustic guitar and a travel gig bag. When it comes to Sam Ash vs Guitar Center, I'll take Guitar Center for my rock n roll needs any day. read more

Full disclosure - my son purchased this item. This was well after the 3 day or 45 day return policy - whichever it falls under. So, he owns that. Here is the situation: I spoke on the phone with someone in the Pro Audio section of the Brea store. I explained what we were asking, we discussed the 45 day return, etc...so full conversation on the situation. This employee said we could go ahead and return the microphone for store credit, not for a cash refund. So I drove there to return the item. Spoke with the manager on duty. He said he would not accept the return. He talked about the policy, talked about how it was a hygene issue as well, etc. When I asked if this was a store policy not to accept anything after the return period even for store credit he said it is and that everyone there knows it. I then returned that obviously not everyone does or else I would not have been told by HIS employee that a return would be accepted. I then suggested that he could find who was working the section the previous evening since I did not recall their name. His reply? Essentially it won't make any difference since they weren't going to accept the return anyway. I'm not upset because they wouldn't take the return. After all, it was beyond their return cutoff. I'm not even upset that he essentially called me a liar when I told him that my son had never used the mic (I agree with him that they probably get that a lot) I am upset that I was TOLD by their supposedly informed employee that they WOULD accept the return only to drive there, wasting the gas and time, to be told that they would not accept it. Additionally, when I pointed out that their training was obviously lacking, they weren't willing to do anything about it dismissing it as useless. Had the manager said that he would find out who was working that previous evening and make sure that they understood the policy I would have left knowing that they cared about their customers - even without store credit or a refund. But to simply say that it's a useless point tells me that Guitar Center Brea does NOT care about customer satisfaction. So, for a $200 return they just lost potentially $1000s of dollars of business from myself, my son, his band mates and any of my band-mates. Sam Ash, Sweetwater, Amazon and the local music stores - I'm certain - will be more than happy to have our business. I would recommend using a different music store for anyone else who was thinking about purchasing from Guitar Center Brea. read more

Great service. Guy's took a bit to warm up to us, but I'd definitely go back since I think their staff as extremely helpful. Granted the Item I purchased didn't meet my expectations but that is par for the course, however the service of their people and their attention to me made my day and was an encouragement from shopping online. Being able to actually test things and get the feel in the hands of something before you buy it is incredibly important to me. read more

I needed two of my electric guitars restrung today and called two other locations and none were able to provide basic customer service over the phone or completion by today because they had a couple guitars pending and we're possibly having a bad day. I called the Brea location at 11:30am spoke to Dan the guitar tech, and he said bring them down we will knock em out today. (He had 3 guitars to work on) I show up at 12:30 he restrung them completely in less than 30 mins. I was out of there by 1:00pm, He showed great customer service from the initial call to when the job was completed. Great job Dan for going above and beyond even on holiday weekends! read more

This is a really hard to place to rate! In some areas I would give them one star and others they get a five. The Good: They have a lot to chose from and usually have what I need. If they have what you are looking for you can play it and even haggle a little bit and get a great price. If you do get something and after a couple of days decide its not right you can take it back with out a hassle (i have done this with a couple of nice Gibson Les Paul's til I found the right one). The Bad: Just like everyone else complains about-security like an airport! Salespeople that don't always know what they are talking about. Some kid in the corner playing the same riff over and over with some crappy amp cranked up. The Ugly: Being lied to. By the same salesperson I have spent ten grand with! Enough said. Do I still go there? Only When I have to. read more

I just went to have by acoustic guitar evaluated to sell. The guy at the front was really nice and helpful. He showed me the range then even helped me find a violin store to take my old violin to get checked out. Even though I didn't buy anything, they still took time to help me. Thanks!! read more

DRUMMERS! Go see Jimbo! Very personable and helpful. Thank you to the management staff for being very attentive as well. I'm leaving here a very happy customer. read more

Lousy customer service, I went in intended to purchase a bass, amp , and accessories but received no help. Very unprofessional crew nobody greeted me or even attempt to approach me. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone I know. They need to get their act read more

Disgraceful. I was waiting patiently in line to be serviced but the lady at the desk was occupied. I continued to wait and then a GC associate comes out through the back door... it was cool, I didn't have to wait any longer for some help. But man was I wrong. I respectfully said "excuse me" and before I could even begin my question, he shook his head at me and stated "no, I'm on lunch" and just walked away. I understand the hurry because I work in his type of field, but this is by far the worst experience ever. This wasn't even a bad representation of customer service, it was a complete and utter absence of customer service. Good job mister, I'm glad you got to your ham sandwich in time. Glad I didn't ruin your 5 star dining experience. read more

I'm a big fan of guitar center a lot of people like to go to Best Buy to try to find things for musical equipment, it's just worth just getting in the car and driving over to Guitar Center. I needed something for the band Brat Prince in Orange County, California. Walked in the door told the woman at the cash register I needed to have a specific item. She walked right around the cash register, went into the back brought me the product and I was back on the road in five minutes. That's customer service. I needed a really good wireless system for one of my guitarist. What is shown all the models, given a description for each one decided to go mid range, and spent approximately $400 on an amazing unit, with a two-year warranty! Guitar's needed a couple of basses , walked in told him what I needed happen to be a sales day and I had a coupon, I walked out with a great deal! The bassist is happy! I Purchased equipment from other companies like Sam Ash, and they also have great equipment but can't get it to me with the speed that guitar center gets it to me. read more

I have been shopping at this Guitar Center ever since they opened (19 years), and I must say that service has gotten a lot better in recent years. In the past, I have had problems with inexperienced sales people, and a complete idiot with a hoop nose ring in pro sound who tried to "bull"-y me into buying a performance warranty, and one guy who destroyed my coupon and threw it away with an air of disgust because I tried to use it for an already discounted item. At one point, I began to avoid this guitar center and instead went to Fountain Valley or Orange, where (at the time) I was getting better service. However, in recent years, service has really improved and I have not had a bad experience in like five years. I was most recently helped out by Andrew and received excellent service. read more

Went here today to test & buy a digital piano, and the staff was very kind. Nico/Niko helped us our entire visit and he was super helpful and answered all of our questions! Great experience, would come here again :) read more

Plain and simple- took a needle (for records) back that I had purchased in February. Never used it because when I originally went and purchased the needle it was jam packed, I had my daughter with me who was screaming to leave so I quickly grabbed and pointed at the wrong thing. Paid and left. I brought it back shortly after the 45 day return policy to actually get the cartridge and the needle ( so you'd think they would be more accommodating) the gentlemen in pro audio was not very helpful. He actually straight up told me that it's past return policy and can't accept it. I said look at the needle it's never been used or even opened. He proceeded to argue with me about the packaging and how no store would ever take back anything after the policy time allotted. He also said it looks like I've used the item ( so now he's calling me a liar) We went back and forth and originally I said I wanted to exchange for needle and cartridge... so more money and upgrade. He said he couldn't... I told him to get manager. He did. Called and manager said to accept return. The gentlemen / Daniel returned the item and never asked me one single thing again. Not even if I still needed the item I came for. Not only did he not understand his customers needs but he also put his own opinion and attitude in the service to make me not want to ever go back again. The best part about this is that I am a guitar center regular. I have my own recording studio ... buying gear and equipment all the time. I also came into the store to purchase a novation studio iMaschine another 700 plus. And he ruined my guitar center experience. I left with my money for the needle and no other purchase. Looks like I will now be using Streetwater online where service and the customer always come first and are always right! Looks like the employees need better training and need to be more polite and receptive to all clients. You never know what anyone is going to buy or not Terrible customer service read more

Again superb treatment from the brea store.. thank you Daniel (P.A.) for your help, n man did i need it.. a good listener and pro knoweledge = happy customer.. read more

I did about a two day search on prices over the web and found that Guitar Center does have the best prices around. Eager to journey down my path towards rock and roll fame I entered the store looking for a particular electric bass. Unfortunately, the one bass they had left in stock was a floor model with a large gash in it. I was told that they'd be able to create a custom pack for me at around the same price. The prices I was being quoted suggested I would be paying almost 60% more then what I was originally told. Also it took quite some time for a staff member to assist me. The staff member walked off several times to help other people and left me waiting and wondering. Eventually I got sick of both and decided that this Guitar Center was not for me. read more

Vince helped discover that my bad connection through my pedal board was probably due to moisture causing corrosion in the pedals' jacks. Cleaned all the jacks and everything works great now. He was willing to troubleshoot until we could figure out what the problem was. That's badass read more

Good products but awful service. Don't go if your looking for help. Only go if you know what you're doing but expect to wait in line for 30 minutes read more

This is the best Guitar Center besides the one in LA but I still would recommend going to Sam Ash before going here.

Selection is slim, service is poor. Most of the guys in there don't know much about amps or guitars and will just tell you what they think you want to hear. Went in today and someone told me the Vox AC4TV amp wasn't a tube amp and was a piece of crap basically. This was after I told him I was interested in purchasing it...guess they assumed I was just a chick who doesn't know right from left yet. Went to Sam Ash after and bought the amp there. Overall, I've been going to this guitar center for 10 years and they always have made me fairly uncomfortable. Sam ash in Cerritos has a much better selection, I'd go there instead. read more