ELVIS IS BACK BABY! Drum specialist Elvis Katic spent serious time with me trying to procure a small niche item. He took the lead on problem solving issues with the manufacturer/distributor, then ended up going beyond above-and-beyond to make sure I got what I was looking for. It's great to find someone who genuinely wants to see people thrive and do their thing musically. If you're ever in Emeryville come through and visit a legend. read more

Love coming here to jam. You can spend hours here with all the different types of instruments.

I've been going to Guitar Centers ever since I started playing guitar over 20 years ago, and this Emeryville location has been a solid go-to spot. While it's on the smaller side compared to other locations, they still pack in a great selection of guitars, amps, pedals, and accessories. They also carry DJ gear, audio equipment, pianos, drums, and even have a recording section. One thing I really appreciate is the large test-playing area--you're free to try out a wide range of guitars, including some high-end models, without feeling like someone's hovering over you. They also have a used gear section, and I believe you can sell your own equipment here as well. This location offers lessons and repair services, which is great if you're looking to grow your skills or maintain your instrument. Another plus: they price match, which can really come in handy. The staff has always been friendly and laid-back, and there's even a security guard at the front, which adds a layer of comfort. And as a bonus, it's located right next to the Public Market--perfect for grabbing a bite before or after your visit. Plenty of parking available, and overall a convenient and dependable spot for musicians in the Bay Area. read more

Guitar Center - Used guitar section - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Emeryville, California

See all

Love the variety of instruments ( not just guitars) and especially love the ability to play instruments to your hearts content.... including some higher priced models without even asking salesperson! On the other hand; if you need knowledgeable and attentive personal help.... I am not so sure ( eg. I told salesperson I really enjoyed the sound of the new Taylor designed Circa 74 acoustic amp; he said "Oh yeah.. that is because it is a tube amp." He is wrong... it is not a tube amp; it is solid state. read more

Adrian, the shop floor manager took great care of me during the purchase of my Martin guitar. Knowledgeable, kind and generous with his time. He went out of his way to make sure I was happy. I lucked out and highly recommend him. read more

Good knowledgeable customer service. Prices are ok, but should be better in some products. Needs more selection for cans(headphones), mixers and stylist. read more

Got exactly the piano I was looking for and it was on sale. Customer service was super helpful and patient with all my questions. Helped me carry my new purchases to my car. read more

Great prices excellent selection staff always willing to help and recommend equipment or fixes I highly recommend guitar center and always will actually bought a couple of Paul Stanley of kiss guitars from them many many years ago. read more

Terrible store! Even worse customer service. Dishonest, incompetent staff. I recently purchased a used vintage Fender Vibro Champ. It supposedly needed to be held in store for length of time (pawn shop law) ? Came in to pickup the amp after the required time. After waiting around for an hour or so, the staff told me that they couldn't find the amp anywhere in the store. It's gone... WTF!!! They offered a refund, but nothing to compensate for my time or any reasonable excuse for what happened to the missing amp. Although I haven't purchased much from this location, I've spent thousands of dollars over the past 30 years at other GC locations. Never again will I step foot into another guitar center franchise. Do yourself a favor and shop elsewhere... Management is a joke. read more

They were able to help me with the returns right away. Great guy in the front. However, i had a employee help me out and in the middle, just stop serving me when he had his phone call in and just walked off. There were no customers at all and I just thought it was rude. He may be the manager or supervisor since he just walked off while i was trying to get help with my return. Otherwise, the security was great. This was the reason why i didn't feel value as a customer. Quickly distracted while performing a customer service. I believe they need to train their staff. read more

Elvis Katić set up my son with exactly the right set of drums. He went out of his way to make sure everything was right and made recommendations based on what was actually needed. Highly recommended for your drumming needs! read more

This location has nice employees even the security guy was nice and greeted us. Maybe it was the day I went but I remember there being more than one staff member who was willing to to by to help me. I appreciate this because at other locations it's very much a miss. read more

Excellent service, kind and knowledgeable staff. Made first-time guitar buying very easy.

Today I went in looking for a specific guitar. I found it and was helped by Adrian S. Outstanding customer service. He helped me get set up with the gig bag and strings. I had an issue with my payment and he waited for me to call my bank. In the end I signed uo fir a guitar center card and walked out with my dream guitar. Huge thanks to tye staff that also assisted. Adrian was outstanding and deserves recognition. My best experience even with a little hiccup at Guitar center Emeryville. Thank you! Kiley read more

Elvis in the drum dept is the best thing to happen to the Bay Area for drummers. Super helpful, knows drums in and out, and really cares about musicians. Though Guitar Center is a large chain store, he beats the independent store's customer service hands down. Guitar Center is lucky to have him! read more

I started a music lesson on a trial basis. I paid for 4 lessons once per week up front. After the fourth lesson was contacted by Guitar Center and they asked me if they could schedule me for future lesson. I said no, that I was not able to continue these lessons and requested them to cancel my lessons indefinitely. About a week after they canceled my lessons, they charged my card for four more lessons ($140). I did not notice it until I reviewed my statement. So I had to dispute the charges through my credit card company. While that dispute was in progress, I was charged again for four more lessons ($140). So I called Lyric on 10/3 and told her that I should of not been charged since I cancelled a couple of months ago. She said, I could use the eight lessons at a later date. I told her that I would rather get a refund. And she said she would try to get me the refund. Over a week has passed and no one has contacted me yet. So I called again to speak with the manager, Juan. The person that took my call said he would give him the message to call me back in a couple of minutes. My call was never returned. So now I have to dispute this with my credit card company again. So all in total they charged me $280 for nothing. I've reached out to them several times with no resolution. When I came in on my second session, the told me the instructor could not make it and I had to reschedule. Would have been nice to have been notified by phone, before a made the trip over. read more

Elvis in the drum section was incredible! He helped me deal with my issues regarding the electronic drum set and found me an open box deal that made more sense than fixing my broken one put together the drum set for me so that I could go home and start playing right away. An amazing experience beginning to end. I can't say this experience with the drums. It's a beautiful giant store and everybody around in every corner is playing and having fun. Great vibe. read more

See all

This is always a fun place to shop. Friendly helpful staff. My favorite is the young guy with the bleach blonde hair. He's always willing to have a quick chat and he knows the merchandise well. The store has good sales and a very good return policy. read more

Guitar Center - Wall of small studio speakers - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Emeryville, California

This is my second home! You can stay and play all you want. I'm a student there--extremely affordable and very gifted teachers! I recommend it if you've ever wanted to learn to play anything. And they have opportunities to perform a couple times a year too! read more

I ordered online a product that appeared to be in stock. At the same time I received confirmation of my payment, I got another saying it was back ordered. There was a message to call if I had questions. Sure! A helpful fella looked up my order, found there was inventory at another location, and arranged to have it sent out tomorrow. Perfect! I appreciate the customer service and prompt attention to help me out! read more

my guitar string broke. Brought it to Guitar Center. I was prepared to pay, but Adrianto (?) replaced the string for free.

Signed my child up for lessons to begin playing a new musical instrument. During the 5 month period we took lessons at this location there were three teacher reassignments, many regularly scheduled class cancellations, and multiple schedule changes due to having to be reassigned constantly to new teachers. The last straw was when we were assigned a new permanent weekly lesson with a new teacher, whom my child got very comfortable with finally, to just disappointingly be told that we had to give up our weekly lesson spot after 2 months of attending it regularly, just to give the lesson back to another family whom was out on vacation and had returned. Which whom we and the other family both showed up for multiple lessons on the same days and time because no one took the time for a whole month to solve this scheduling issue between us. We showed up to lessons and were turned away because of this. On the last day we showed up for our lesson, Juan pulled us aside in the lobby to inform us that we couldn't have this lesson day and time anymore that they were honoring the other familys spot instead. Even after Antonio already assured us we would be keeping the lesson day and time earlier this same week before our lesson. They could only offer us a new scheduled weekly lesson which we could not make for us already previously changing our childs schedule around to fit this lesson promised, or another option to switch teachers yet again. They admitted to dropping the ball because this issue didn't get dealt with properly because of staff moving into other positions. We quit this place and got a refund for all canceled lessons that were owed to us. But it really should've been a refund for all the lessons we took here and paid for, due to lack of consistency all the way around. Because of their scheduling issues and frequency of teacher reassignments a student/teacher relationship is simply impossible, or lesson continuity which really affected my child's confidence trying to learn to play a new instrument. Such a horrible experience and a waste of money. read more

I purchased a Martin 00-X1AE at Guitar Center (Emeryville, CA) but I highly doubt that's a counterfeit. 1. The seriel number doesn't exist on Martin official website.The model has retired in 2019, but the seriel # appears it was produced after 2021. 2. They labeled it "new", but there wasn't a single spec sheet or certificate from manufacturer when I purchased it in store. Not factory sealed. 3. When I went back to ask for an explanatin, they insisted it's a genuine guitar, but weren't able to provide any solid justification other than words. In summary, I had a very unpleasant experience without satisfactory customer service provided. If words can count as certificate of product, I can open my own Martin guitar factory, right? I couldn't trust Guitar Center in selling genuine products anymore. read more

See all

Thanks to Elvis in the drum section. He helped me with my snare issues and has excellent recommendations that are tailored specifically for each different drummers' needs. That guy is a legend. Guitar Center is lucky to have him! read more

Awesome store! They have a great selection at decent prices and the staff are very helpful. read more

Guitar Center - Front door - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Emeryville, California

Daniel helped me out and he's absolutely fantastic! He appraised my used guitar and did a really fine careful job looking it over and asking thoughtful questions about its use. He also retrieved the guitar I'd had shipped to the store from the back. He unwrapped it, tuned it up, and inspected it with me. He also walked me through all the knobs and switches. Daniel's an amazing asset at the Guitar Center and he made my experience a wonderful one. Thanks for being awesome! read more

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

The folks that work at the Guitar Center in Emeryville are amazing. While waiting for the store to open a young man on a Harley Davidson pulled alongside my Tesla and parked. He was very friendly and we chatted about a variety of things. As an older man it is always nice when someone from the younger generation takes time to chat. When the store opened it turned out he was an employee. First gold star. As I walked around the store I noticed all the employees busy getting ready for the day. As I passed fro section to section I was greeted and ask if I needed any help. In the percussion section I listened to the man behind the counter give advice to two young musicians. "Forget all that fancy *** and learn to stay in the pocket." "Staying in the pocket is your moneymaker." After the young drummers walked away I ask, "What does stay in the pocket mean?" He walked to a set of drums and showed my what it means and why it is important. As busy as they were, he nevertheless took time to explain a obscure term to someone who most likely would never purchase a set of drums and join a band. Yes, product is important but so is those who sell the product. It is those behind the counter that make any day a better day and for that they get a 5 star review every time! read more

I forgot to get the name of the Luthier on duty May 30th at 3:00pm However he earned a five-star-review from the Five-Star reviewer. I had trouble dialing in my Ibanez pink sparkle, because it had random harmonics. For the life of me I could not figure out what was wrong or where they were mysteriously emanating from. So I decided to put new strings on it. While adjusting the saddles, I lost a spring for the saddle. "Oh No!" My guitar was was now apart and splayed all over the car. Although I was super broke I went in to see if the Luthier by any chance had a spring. Before bothering him, I looked on the rack for any for sale. I was hoping to use my $1. The Luthier was kind, patient and willing to look through to see if he had one in his spare parts. He had a strat one that was too long, and asked me if I had something to cut with. Yes! I have tiny needle nose with a cutter so I scored a free spring? I tipped my last dollar, which admittedly isn't much... but the ability to put my guitar back together was priceless! Rarely do you find kind and patient people willing to go the extra mile.. with a pleasant attitude. I give you 5 stars Mr Luthier. Al his knowledge and playing are next level. While I waited to see if he had a spring, I listened to his working through a guitar with a customer. He was knowledgeable, willing to patiently answer all questions. He looked like young Randy Bachman and played like John Petrucci or Gary Moore. It is always a treat to run into a hot hand guitar player and Luthier that is pleasantly humble and approachable without that "annoyed luthier tone" and has the chops too! .5 stars All Day Long! read more

Sai has tremendous amount of knowledge. She perfectly set up the Volt 2 with great microphones (one for the piano and one for vocals) and speaker for my acoustic baby grand piano. Sai also helped me get onto Garage Band app and it's working great with no problems at all. Thank you Sai!!! read more

Decided to stop by while I was grabbing food at the Public Market. Definitely not the most convenient parking situation as you have to park across from the store, and getting there is a hassle with the traffic. While it's a pretty standard Guitar Center inside, it definitely isn't the largest one I've been to. I came once before looking for a specific guitar, which they didn't have, and the staff was of no use in helping.l unfortunately. Decent Guitar Center in the East Bay, but service and inventory could definitely improve. read more

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

See all

To the good, you can buy a guitar here. There are many hanging from the wall. But it's a textbook example of why bricks and mortar retail is going away. Super chaotic store. Staff is not service oriented. They'd rather chew the fat about last night's gig vs speaking to customers. They have a demo room for guitar gear that hasn't been set up with anything but cheap garbage for the 10 years I've been coming here. If I wanted to buy a 3k-5k piece of gear, try it out at home and return it, I can do so on Amazon. If you can't compete on price, service and access to unique gear are your differentiators. This store is offering neither. Know your place in the market guys. read more

Dropped by to evaluate buying a new drum set. Though there were very few customers in the drum section, service was slow. Eventually I spoke to the drum expert, after a discussion the person said they would call me back the next day with some clarifications about inventory and price, but that call never came. It just felt like everyone in the place mostly answered the very specific question you asked, no one had time to walk a customer towards solving their needs. They do have gloves, sanitizers, and everyone wearing a mask. Definitely felt like they were taking good covid precautions. It was great to be able to try out some floor drum sets they had out (gloves helped). Overall the store is definitely worth a visit if you are considering a music instrument, especially if you know exactly what you need. read more

This is my new fav store. I know I should support the local shops, but GCs collection just blows away anything in 30 mile radius. Every time I'm there, the people there are helpful. Giving tips on how to save money. Guitar tips etc. Special shout out to Jacob in guitars for his help. Calling all over the country to get the guitar I want. Also Jonathan and Daniel for good service. My second guitar in 3 months! read more

Guitar Center - Got this Taylor 324ce from GC tonight. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Emeryville, California

I just had the most bizarre experience here. I brought my guitar in to get guidance re: strap locks. I purchased the guitar online through Guitar Center. Apparently, the type of guitar I have doesn't accommodate any old strap locks without altering the guitar. I did a lot of research online before coming to this conclusion. I had also contacted Guitar Center's and Sweetwater's online support re: this issue, and both said I should have a technician install the strap locks. (I purchased the Schaller strap locks from Sweetwater.) I explained this to the three staff members behind the checkout counter, through my mask, and over super loud & cacophonous music. One of them directed me to the technician's desk at the back of the store and said the tech could look at it, but if she needed to do any work on it, she might have to keep it and do the work later. I said that was all fine. I didn't expect to have someone do the work at that moment, I just needed some in-person help as to what exactly needed to be done, what to expect, etc. So, I went back to the tech desk, and the tech was working on some kind of tiny instrument (a ukelele?). I explained the issue, but she seemed *very* distracted and tres busy. She spent all of 15 seconds with me, maybe less. She said that she couldn't drill a hole in an acoustic guitar for the Schaller strap locks I had with me that day (contrary to what online support from both Guitar Center and Sweetwater had said). She said she could drill a hole in an electric guitar, but not acoustic. Okay. So I then asked what kind of strap locks would work with my guitar since she couldn't alter it by drilling a hole. I was stymied. I had spent so much time on my own trying to determine this. I was finally in a place where I thought I could get expert help and in-person assistance. I had my guitar there. I had my strap there. I had my strap locks there. Everything was there for said "expert help" to examine, and then to provide an "expert solution." She said I had two strap buttons on the guitar already (yes, I knew that), and that I could just pop the strap onto those buttons. But, I had already tried that and the strap doesn't *fit* over those buttons, and it doesn't *stay* on those buttons. There's nothing to *secure* it to those buttons. This would be obvious to the most beginner player. I demonstrated that to her and she said: "Try another strap." I said: "What kind will work with these buttons?" She just casually pointed across the counter to the closest straps and said: "Try those, those would probably be your best bet." Then she turned back to the tiny instrument she was working on and never looked at me again. Not one glance. I tried the straps she said would work, but those strap holes were even smaller than the strap I had with me, and they wouldn't fit over the strap buttons, not one tiny bit. But the technician was DONE with me. Done done done, I tell you. At first when I walked out of that store, I was miffed, like, wow, I went to a guitar store for help with my guitar, and would've received better advice if I had gone to a shoe store. But then I thought to myself: "Self, you really dodged a bullet there." I wouldn't have wanted that technician to work on my guitar, anyway. The tech desk was tiny & messy & shoved back into a corner of the store. The technician was obviously stressed out of her mind, and I didn't like the way she was handling that tiny instrument. The store was super loud & chaotic, like a Vegas casino. I found a guitar repair place online that looks thoroughly professional and will be taking my guitar there instead. read more

Came from San Jose to pick up some speakers Raj helped me and got me set up. Javier helped me get the equipment I bought loaded up. The customer service was super and very delightful. Glad I made the hr trip. read more

It took 15 minutes to pick up an online order. Employees talking amongst themselves while customers are left to wonder if they're invisible. Super unprofessional and frustrating. read more

Best guitar center I've been too good place to shop hang out check equipments staff are excellent!!! read more

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

I went into the Shellmound location of Guitar Center to shop for a six string bass they had advertised online as being in stock. When I came in, I had my bass, a 2022 Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray35HH to trade it for a new instrument. The sales guy was ok, but after looking over my bass he first offered $135 as trade-in value towards a new bass. My eyes bugged out of my head as I told him that it was a pretty low offer considering that I bought it from them, Guitar Center Shellmound location, in November 2022 for a little under a thousand bucks. Had it dropped so much in value? The sales guy did some more digging around online and asked, "This is a Sterling By Music Man Sting Ray 35, right? We sell these for $349 new." "No! This is a Sterling by Music Man Stingray Ray 35HH." "Is there a difference?" He asked. "Yes," I said. "About six hundred bucks difference." He messed around on his computer some more and then looked up my sales history. First he said he couldn't find any record of GC selling me the bass. He asked me if I was sure I didn't order it online. I again clarified that I bought it there, at the Shellmound location, in November 2022 for around 950. I shared with him that I sold them a Mayones five string for around 1200 bucks when I bought the Sterling. He was finally able to find and print a receipt showing the trade/sale transaction. It showed me selling them a bass for $1,250 but it was confusing because the item description said "Sterling by Music Man Ray 35". I pointed out that the sale price was correct but that the sales record was a little messed up up, as I sold them a Mayones bass, not a Sterling by Music Man. He then questioned me again to make absolutely sure that I had purchased the Sterling by Music Man bass there. Finally, he was able to offer $390, which I was able to negotiate up to an even $400, as a trade in value. As a final offer, he said they could also give me 10 percent off a new instrument. The bass advertised online wasn't even on the sales floor and they couldn't even find it in their inventory system. I left confused and pretty annoyed that their records are so disorganized and inaccurate. Do NOT shop there!!! read more

Bought a guitar, ended up having a blemish from the manufacturer (not guitar centers fault). I am new and busted a string tuning too... Soo... They took it back same day no questions asked WOW! I ended up spending more money and bought this sick beater that I love... Short woman with buzzed sides helped me, even tuned my guitar. Practiced till my fingers were too soar for 2 days... Belted a few clean chords and went up and down the scale ear shot of some haters outside my condo... They must've been crawling in their skin... Not my problem though but it was fun as hell... Guess they know I have a guitar now ... Oh and they didn't upsell me a tuner which was integral of them! Stoked on life, music, and being of service to others read more

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

See all

Ok, got a reply from the mgr. went back and the service was improved. My questions were answered and suggestions were given. My experience the 2nd and third times were much better than the first time. My thanks to the mgr and the staff. read more