It's amazing to me that a service that I'm paying for would require me to chase down the status of it. I dropped off guitars to be repaired and was told I'd get a call back that day. Two days later I called after not hearing anything and was told to "call back when the repair guy is here". For real? Call back? read more

While I miss the days when there were more smaller music shops and stores, I have had nothing but good experiences with Guitar Center. I took lessons with a great teacher (after about a 15 year beak in playing) and bought a few new guitars and other accessories here. The employees were always extremely cool and easy to deal with. This is one of my favorite things to do on a lazy weekend day. read more

this use to be a great store. good luck if you get any help while in store. worst of all good luck with finding any equipment to purchase...dj pro audio has no denon prime 4's and are out of stock for over a month and a half. some equipment has no price tags, so if you can get any assistance you may hacmve to ask for the price. it just looks like nobody cares on how merchandise is displayed etc. read more

The repair guys at Guitar Center are really knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend!

Worst rental experience I've ever had. Mike, the guy who runs the rental area had no sense of customer service or work ethic. Forgot all the cables, had to drive an hour to pick them up next day, equipment was half broken and glitching, spent a total of 4 hrs in the store waiting for help. Unbelievable this store is open. read more

Needed a Fender Twin Amp for gigging and they had a good condition one for $700. I called them up and said everything was good to ship across the country. Granted, it was California to New Jersey and A LOT can happen within that distance. However, the way they packaged the amp was absolutely unacceptable. The amp came with the case entirely destroyed and the head caved in. Definitely never going here when I'm in Cali. I took some videos of the damages and was honestly absolutely furious when I came home to this. https://youtu.be/yIGbjFuyrX8 https://youtu.be/EY_VmuEF3aE read more

Jesse went above and beyond to help me fix my guitar ,outstanding customer service and genuine great person

I was told that as long as I got the insurance policy I could try out the dj set and get my money back if it didn't work out. then when I can back to return it I was told that it had to be returned within 45 days for my money back and I couldn't get my money back Even though it is still in perfect condition. read more

I've been trying to follow up on my order at guitar center La Mesa but no one answers the phone, EVER! I called everyday for 10 days And made sure the phone rang at least 20 times and, STILL... no answer so, I emailed the store and the manager Ian Woodward replyed, "Sorry, we've been busy" So sadly, I had to call somewhere else, and sweetwater picked up on the second ring... and, they got my money. read more

I'm currently on hold and have been for the last hour and no one has even taken my question yet. They just transfer me to another department and then I wait and listen to their horrible Guitar Center radio station. Worst customer service ever. read more

I came in here today to check out some Les Pauls only to find out it was guitar-a-thon and everything was on sale. Dan helped me out and we picked thew most beautiful Standard 60s in Ice Tea. He answered all my questions and made sure to show me the answer in the computer so we knew for sure the info was accurate. Dan seems like a great Dude that genuinely cares about what he's doing. read more

Different location same crappy service. Came in ready to buy either a Jackson Soloist or a Kelly (neck through $1k guitar) stood in front of the guitars for a solid 15 minutes waiting for ANYONE to acknowledge me. My objective was to play a soloist or the shattered mirror Kelly (needed a ladder to get to that one) some middle aged dude went up to two kids in the bass room and asked if they needed help with anything. Same guy walked right by me, I said "Hi" he replied, "Hi" and kept right on walking, so I did the same right out the door. Looking for website that doesn't belong to Guitar Center to make my purchase. You F**kers aren't getting my money!!!! read more

Huge props to Tommy in the drum department! I am in the market for an electronic drum kit, and there was a cheap kit I wanted to check out. Popped into Guitar Center and Tommy answered my questions and then spent a few minutes setting up the drums so I could try them out. I don't drum (yet) so I had Tommy give me a quick demo on the kit. Made my decision-making that much easier, and I will likely be buying this kit when it goes on sale. Thanks for great service, Tommy! read more

Monotheistic musicians are belittled by Chad if you remind the rainbow is God's promise to not flood the world for our sins. 3 times Chad mocked God as an imaginary friend & mockingly asked 4 His cellphone # to ask what He thinks of the pride flag. All ridicule done in the presence of employees & customers. Contacted guitar center company, replied "Ur complaint fwd 2 district manager 4 action. 08/21/23, no update from district manager. Many Music legends are monotheistic. Unprofessional actions 4 store manager. I am a retired officer & expect better. read more

I have a love/hate relationship with guitar center. On one hand, they drove out all my favorite little guitar shops back in the day. On the other hand they have everything. I don't understand their business plan, though... People can get a lot of stuff online, so this place doubles in size. This place has a lot of product, especially since the remodel. Don't worry, the sullen employees remain! It's hard to find someone to actually pay for something, unless you grab an expensive guitar. The bass selection actually fairly decent, especially if you like fender and ibanez. The amps are mostly gk and markbass. They have tons of guitars, most of them low to mid level quality. I was surprised at the smaller size of the drum room considering how much over all space it has. With all that said it is a bigger location than San Marcos and for sure bigger than San Ysidro. If you want to spend some time trying out guitars, this is a good place. If you want quick or knowledgeable service, not so much. read more

Guitar Center - This is a brand new bass made in China. Trends are weird... - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

I am writing this review as I wait for someone to help me, I have been standing here waiting for the better part of 30minutes waiting to simply check out and go. I typically don't write reviews but nobody has said a word to me and their phone rings and rings and rings with no answer it's brutal customer service. Buy from Sweetwater online doesn't take 30mins to checkout there and they have live agents that actually help you and don't leave you high and dry like these people. read more

Recently purchased a few products here. Specifically a mixer, two wireless mics, cables, and a carrier. I highly recommend this store for all your audio needs. Not only did they work with me on my price range to get the best equipment, they have been there when I needed help getting everything set up over the phone. Specifically, Mike with the glasses in pro audio! He has been extremely helpful, especially for someone who is just beginning to learn the audio equipment. Thanks so much, Mike. read more

Always so fun to visit Guitar Center and see the abundance of amazing guitars for any level of player. Service has always been excellent.

Best Guitar Center I've been to. Dan is the coolest, most helpful dude I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. If you get this guy as your associate, you are in luck, because you're about to walk out of there happy as hell. Long story short, this Guitar Center rips, and Dan is the man! read more

I don't know anything about guitars. My daughter takes guitar and she needed a capo. I was in the area so I pulled into Guitar Center, but realized I forgot what it was called.I called my husband and asked if he knew. He had also forgotten. I walked in and did a sweep and walked up to the counter. A woman named Emily helped me. I described what it was (I think it's a clamp that goes on the neck) and she knew it was a capo. Then she asked what kind of guitar, and if the strings were steel or nylon. She suggested a couple of different ones, then asked if we needed strings. She said strings should be replaced frequently, which I didn't know, and I picked some up because I figured it couldn't hurt. Then today, she emailed me to ask how the gear was working out, which I thought was nice. Thus I am writing this stellar Yelp review. read more

I had an excellent experience thanks to Mike. I came to Guitar Center with an idea of what I was after, but no knowledge of the equipment options. I wanted to get something to allow my son, who plays multiple instruments, to mix and overlay his performances. Mike took the time to listen to me, asked me very good questions about my son's musical preferences and style, and explained the pros and cons of different equipment. He is very knowledgeable and certainly helped me make a better decision than I could have reached through hours of research on the internet. Instead of trying to take advantage of my lack of knowledge and up-sell me, he took the time to right-sell me. Thanks Mike, 6 Stars out of 5!!! read more

I rarely review anything, this store will be an exception. If you're Black DO NOT SHOP HERE!! No one greeted me when I walked in which is whatever, but no one bothered to help me, or even ask if I had questions. Came in to buy two dynamic studio mics, receiver, and boom arms for my home studio. Stood in front of the mic displays for about 15 minutes. Looked and made eye contact with several employees. Not a word. Just looked away and walked away. Several white customers got help right away. And I only noticed this as I became aware that I was the only person of color in the store. Waited 5 minutes more and even approached the front desk but was still ignored. The staff did a great job at perpetuating La Mesa's ignorant stereotypes. So for that I guess they would get 5 stars, and a very sincere middle finger from me. So, if you're Black and want to shop at Guitar Center La Mesa, BLACK BUYER BEWARE. Better off giving buying blacked owned. Or maybe even Bezos owned? ‍ read more

So most reviewers are saying they don't like Guitar Center because it's a part of corporate America, grow up. I like supporting the mom and pop shops just as much as the next, but sometimes their inventory and pricing makes it not probable. I went in today, looking for a MIDI keyboard. I had done my research, and thought I was good to go... Until I started playing around with them. The salesman didn't need to upsell me, in fact he was trying to get me into an entry level M-Audio, when I had a change of heart from wanting the Oxygen series to needing the Pro series. I could just feel the quality difference, the features, the fact it was metal and not plastic, and the weighted keys. I upsold myself. Sure, I walked out spending far more than I thought I was going to, but the guy gave me a smoking deal. In this economy, you can wheel and deal almost anywhere, and GT is no different. As long as you do a little research on price, brands, features, and read a review or two before you buy, and you can't go wrong. read more

Guitar Center - Ohhh la la - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Guitar center could have some quality items but not quality customer service. Dude at the guitar counter was very rude and could care less if I was going to get help or not. I get that he was helping people right in front of him and small talk is important when making transactions. However, glancing over to a customer (me) saying "apparently you need something" was like the cherry on top. I get how retail understaff could be but showing manners or kindness goes a long way. read more

The people behind the counter always got an attitude or are condescending for no reason. Not very welcoming.

I stopped by to purchase a guitar tuner. It's not a high-ticket item none the less Ernie spent the time with me to answer my questions and select the right tuner. He also did a price match with a competing vendor. Ernie thanks for making my experience great and earning me as a customer. Makes me want to buy from Guitar Center and not Amazon. You rock :) read more

I've noticed that Sam Ash Music-Stores and Guitar Center stores in San Diego have the WORST customer service. They always make you feel like you're wasting their time and that you should be happy they're even talking to you. read more

Worst customer service. Stood under a 1400 dollar guitar anxious to buy. 30 minutes later,Not 1 person ask me if I needed help. I've spent so many thousands of dollars here. I even have close friends that work here. Never again. Sam ash has awesome customer service. read more

Talk about a life Saver. Thanks to Ernest I was able to get the wires and soundboard needed for a hybrid work meeting. He was so detail oriented and he walked me through the steps A-Z. Thanks Ernest! read more

Dave at guitar center La Mesa California was beyond helpful and amazing getting me set up with my martin 00015, this kind of customer service is hard to come by and is rare tbh but Dave was absolutely making sure all was taking care of! read more

The guitar tech(s) at Guitar Center were the inspiration for me learning how to service and repair guitars. Those guys are sincerely lazy, and will try to trick you into paying for stuff you never needed. I called yesterday because I was looking for a specific tool, and instead of telling me yes, they have it, or no, they dont, the tech just tried to convince me that I don't know how to fix guitars, and I should also bring mine in for him to look at. Also, DON'T take your amp, keyboard, etc. to Guitar Center for repair. All they do is ship it out to some music store like Freedom Guitar, etc. and you end up waiting longer, plus paying Guitar Center for being the middle man. Stay away. Far away. read more

The place is operating as the normal can be. The staff is still friendly and attentive. I do miss their regular staff; Kevin Baby is working from home and so like many others are greatly missed. Maybe another year to get back to what once was! read more

Norman is the man! He sold me this awesome drum kit two months ago. And I love it! The snare he chose out for me is great and all my friends love it. Every time I come to guitar center Norman is there to help me out with my drumming needs. read more

A lot can happen in one year. I've seen a lot of changes in my life, but not many like this. Guitar Center in La Mesa, which used to be my last choice to shop, but has now become my first. After receiving a comment from Ronald E. (A GC higher up) that the matter would be looked into, I just laughed. But little did I know a huge reform was underway. I have been there many times since, very quick visits. But in a recent visit it dawned on me, I haven't seen any of those usual grumpy condescending employees. And then I see a familiar face, it was CHRIS J. aka C.J. (the star employee from the San Marcos GC) I see him here, I see him there, he was everywhere. He was the new manager, hope has been restored. There is no coincidence that the store is running better than ever. If you read my previous guitar center review, you will see I have been visiting this location for about 20 years, and I was anything but happy with the customer service. But that's all a thing of the past. I feel so welcomed (a complete 180 from past experience) now the good vibes are more present than ever before. Even on a big holiday weekend, the overall positive attitude of every employee was an absolute shock to me (in a good way). This store is running like a well oil machine, with style! Not only that, but the store feels much more organized. I'm not sure how much the new management has made the store such a different experience. All I know is I'm happy to have my local GC back, back to the way I remember it as a kid. Back when GC was my safe haven. I swore to myself I wouldn't shop at GC anymore, until one employee from San Marcos showed me that a whole company shouldn't be judged by the bad seeds, it should be remembered by the people that really care. There are plenty of negative people in this world, we just need to look past the negativity and embrace the positive. Another amazing employee that needs recognition is SCOTTY. Scotty has been working at this exact store for 10 years! When I was 19 in a touring band, Scotty was one of our go to guys, extremely knowledgeable, not to mention always smiling. It is refreshing to see someone who can maintain a positive vibe for such long periods of time. I wish I was as positive as him honestly. He's incredible PAUL the guitar tech, now this is a dude who takes his work very seriously He is an amazing tech IMO, I have recently had horrible setup at local guitar store because it was close to my house, and within seconds of showing Paul my guitar he pointed out the mistakes and was able to fix them fast. He doesn't screw around. This guy really seems to care about the quality of his work, which is admirable. He is a very seasoned tech and it shows. I hope GC treats him well, because they need him. Thank you for reading. read more

I rarely leave reviews, but I have to give a shout out to Dan who was just fantastic to work with. I came in with my son to look at guitars and he was incredibly helpful and patient. We both walked out with new guitars and big smiles. Turns out mine had a defect from travelling and there was a small crack in the neck... Dan was there when I went back, and I was lucky enough to return it and find an even better guitar that had just gone on display. It was more expensive and Dan gave me a nice discount because of the trouble. Outstanding customer service and just a fun experience. Thanks Dan and Team! read more

I want to give Paul Moors 2 thumbs up and 5 stars for an excellent fret job on my 1955 Fender Telecaster. He had done 2 good fret leveling jobs on 2 other of my Telecasters, and this gave me the courage to trust him with my '55 Tele. Well, Paul came through with flying colors! Good guy and easy to talk to, and does excellent work. Jim Tele read more

In regards to the only negative comment I'll give here, I can only speak for the piano side of it. Many of the keyboards are overpriced. Some are good, but many of the keyboards aren't very enjoyable to use. However I think it's great that anyone can walk in and play with practically any instrument on display, instead of having to purchase it outright and be disappointed later. They'll usually let you play for as long as you'd like too, which is very encouraging to those that are just starting their musical journey and don't want to invest too much into an instrument right away. read more

Oh, Guitar Center. I can say that I haven't had many occasions to shop here - in the past, I would either be shadowing my husband during one of his excursions, or coming in for something specific and beating a hasty retreat. This time, we didn't come looking for any guitar-related gear. We needed specific audio gear for our home-theater set-up, and were hoping to find everything we needed locally, mostly because we weren't entirely sure of what we needed. So, we head into the store, passing by the "security" at the front, and crossing over to the Audio section. My immediate impression of the store, other than LOUD, was grungy. There was black tape all over the light-colored carpet, and while some of that tape was there to keep cords locked down, most of the tape was there to cover over tears and rips. Very unsightly, but maybe that's not high on their list of concerns. Once we made our way to the Audio department, we wandered a bit, but my husband - never afraid of asking for help when it's needed - had to actually approach one of the un-busy guys at the counter to ask for help. Not once did they come to us, mind - it was us having to get to them. Now, the guy that responded was friendly enough, though he seemed a bit new. Hubs asked a specific question, and the sales guy had to turn to look to another guy for confirmation of his answer. So, we basically had two people helping us at that point, though the first guy took credit for the sale. Then, the hubby moves on to another specific question about a different component, which the first guy jumps at (I guess it was in his wheelhouse). He took us to a wall in the back of the Audio section, and proceeded to point out the cords and cables that he swore would work with the M Audio piece we were also going to buy. I could tell that my husband wasn't entirely sold, but decided to trust the sales guy, and took the proffered cable, and we were on our way. Four hours later, we're back at the store, returning the cable that did not end up working as promised. Had we gone with my husband's gut, we wouldn't have had to make the return trip, but nothing can be done about that. At least they had what we were looking for, and the sales guy (who was still working at that time) was humble enough about his bad advice. read more

Let's start off by saying I've been on the musician for over 30 years. I've been supporting guitar center since the 70s when they were located here in downtown San Diego on C Street. I've purchased thousands of dollars of recording and studio equipment From GC. Over the years I have constantly seen the decline in customer service and their Products. A few weeks ago I purchased a Taylor 214 CE koa that was advertised as new a guitar. About a week later I received a guitar it arrived in a tattered cardboard box that have been piece together, it was obvious the box was recycled . Because of COVID-19 I received my guitar at curbside. I wasn't able to examine my guitar properly until I got home. After unpacking the guitar I realized that this guitar was not new as advertised. It was used and in bad condition. It had scuffs and abrasion from top to bottom. In addition to that the guitar had mismatched strings. I promptly called the guitar center here in La Mesa California where I picked it up. I asked to speak to a manager I was connected to a gentleman named Ian. I explain to him my situation and how I was displeased with my purchase. I explain to him that this was supposed to be a new guitar and what I had received was obviously a demo or used open box guitar. His response was "do you want to bring the guitar in so we can make it right I can give you new strings". Now mind you this was supposed to be a brand new guitar, that I paid 1k for, But that's how he assumed he was going to correct this problem. After a few harsh words and me demanding a full refund I returned the guitar. I accused him and his organization guitar center of false advertising and trying to manipulate customers to keeping used products under the assumption that they were buying something brand new from the factory. considering Ian's demeanor I told him directly that I was going to write a review about him and his company's businesses practices. His responded was "I don't care" Let's be clear Taylor guitars are some of the best in the world unfortunately them doing business with guitar center could possibly tarnish their name... here's the naked truth after returning my guitar to guitar center For a full refund and no apology. I went home and contacted Sweetwater.com I purchased the Taylor 224ce deluxe. I couldn't be more happy and satisfied with not only the guitar but the customer service was A1 as well. To anyone that's reading this review if you have any questions you can contact me at this email address handcuffkennels@hotmail.com if you are still considering doing business with the guitar center all I can say is buyer beware. They will never have to worry about getting my business again read more

Went to the Guitar Center last night to get some items to start my podcast. Initially I wanted to get specific items but after speaking with staff, I quickly learned my own approach was completely off. Lol. I realized since I have been wanting to start my podcast for some time now, I needed to really invest in the right equipment. I was assisted by Bok. He was very knowledgeable about all the equipment, very personable, and had great energy. Bok's attitude and attentiveness was probably one of the best examples of how customer service should be. Usually I'm all about business when shopping to go in and get out. But Bok's energy kinda reels you in especially since he was providing necessary information for me. There was point last night where the store suddenly got slammed with customers and Bok had to assist. Since he was helping me out so much I decided to patiently wait. Throughout the entire time I was waiting, Bok would still show me attentiveness and advise he was almost done with other customers. At that point, Bok could've attended to 100 other customers I still would have waited until he was done. Bok's customer service definitely enhanced my experience at the Guitar Center and I will define return. Thanks Bok, you're a real one. read more