I like Guitar Trader.......not Guitar Hater. This place was cool but SOLDOUT INTO CORPORATE AMERICA. NO THANK YOU UNLESS it is a convenience factor since I live right around the corner. Kevin & Norm are cool. Does anyone else cool work there that I don't know or care to know? Riddle me that Guitar Center. Sulo read more

Needed a last minute string change before vacation. Connor changed my strings right before getting off of work. Great attitude and excellent service! read more

This place has very poor customer service. We came in ready to put down at least $600 and were excited to go home with a new toy. We had called prior to coming in and were told to ask for the same guy. We waited a while for him to come out from the back and when he did he stayed behind the counter and gave us basic info we could've just gotten off the price tag. I wish we would've just asked help from someone else from the beginning. Since they seemed so disinterested and unenthused about helping customers in general, we just left and will most likely buy elsewhere. Almost an hour gone to waste. - Update: purchased it online elsewhere instead. read more

Not sure why this has such terrible reviews. We were greeted warmly and someone came up to help us relatively shortly. He was really warm, informative, and took his time out to show us everything we wanted to see and more. I was pleased and rather surprised with the level of customer service (only due to previous reviews). read more

So far I go in and find what I need and it's usually pretty spot on price wise. The staff is very nice and seem to be knowledgable. I'd go back. read more

I've had a lot of bad experiences at the La Mesa Location guitar center. So much so, that I've sworn off ever buying anything from the guitar center. The final straw was I when I went to buy a little practice amp. They were trying to get me to sign up for a protection plan and told me a warning story about not getting the protection: "Recently a woman had bought the same amp for her son's birthday and not gotten the protection plan. After she paid, she was putting the amp into her car in the guitar center parking lot and the amp fell out of the box it was in and broke... and there was nothing we (the GC staff) could do. Oh if only she bought the protection plan." I declined the protection plan and they bring out a box with the amp I'm going to buy inside it... and I can see the box is open ON ITS SIDE so that the amp can just easily fall out... just like their story. It was plain to me THEY DO THIS INTENTIONALLY TO TRY AND SCREW PEOPLE OVER. Never again will I buy anything from the guitar center. read more

Tommy in the drum department is amazing. So good with my son who is blind. Seriously you want good service go see him at this location! read more

I go to Paul from the repair shop for all my guitar setups and repairs. I set my strat and tele up a few times a year and it's always a quick, easy, and pleasant experience. My guitars feel like butter with no buzz. I highly recommend Paul over at guitar center for any repairs or setups needed. He is extremely accommodating and knows guitars like the back of his hand. read more

Eddie from pro audio is one of the nicest, most helpful Guitar Center staffers I've come across. He went far above and beyond to accommodate me. My gear got stolen and for my insurance claim I needed a receipt from 2010. Eddie had to go through multiple computer screens and searches to find the receipt and he found it! Then he printed it and kept it under his desk for me. I called back and asked him if he could fax it and he said no problem (while he was helping an in-store customer). Every shop will treat you nice when you're buying something but when you need something and they have nothing to gain - that's when a brand's true colors show. And Eddie couldn't have been more chill and helpful. I don't forget those who take care of me. GC customer for life! read more

OOO WEEE. My team & I had the best possible experience over here at Guitar center. No joke. Ernie is the man! We purchased a full studio setup from microphone, speakers, keyboard, etc.. & Ernie helped us out through every step. Not only was giving us his undivided attention & knowledge but he was also making sure every other customer was being taken care of. A true manager. Go to guitar center if you want to be taken care of. Ya just gotta ask! read more

Came in one night and brought my speaker in because I needed to know the kind of cable I needed. This guy right here completely ignored me, he was on his phone watching baseball and I was standing there as if I was invisible! Horrible service. read more

Guitar Center - Came in and brought my speaker because I needed to know what kind of cable I need. This guy completely ignored me while he was on his phone - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Called in today and spoke with Ernie or (Ernesto) as his name tag reads, but seriously just call him Ernie. Let me start with the whole Carne Asada Fries (I don't wanna use the term Enchilada cause who the hell eats those nowadays). So I went in, and was immediately greeted at the door. Finally! Someone earning a paycheck! In the past I've had ladies just kinda just smile or whatever, that was ok... But this young man was exceptional. Smiling, and greeting, welcoming me to Guitar Center. That's what the heck I'm talking about. This guy gets it for sure. Walked around for a bit, didn't go directly to Ernie as I wanted my son to get warmed up to the place I was in. I got asked if I needed help although the place was busy. That's good stuff right there. Sales guys who want to make some freakin' sales! Plus it's just common courtesy. Finally went to find Ernie and he helped me out with the gear I needed. He understood my every needs and didn't haggle me or pressure me and even handled me while I had my son in my arms. He even handled my 3 card method payment haha. I didn't feel rushed at all even though the store seemed pretty kickin and lively with customers. So yeah, cream of the crop service right here. Extremely professional, but not intimidating, class act Guitar Center associate for sure. I don't know what else to say? This dude should probably be selling cars? Hahah cause he's damn good and what he does. He's probably the manager or something, that was too good of service. Thanks Ernie! Highly recommended, will be back again for sure and will ask for Ernies help read more

Sold my 83 year old father two $4,000+ guitars in the span of 7 months. He bought a $4000 2018 Taylor 814 CE Deluxe in February, and it turned out to be a bit too much guitar for him to comfortably play. So he went back to trade it in. Not only did they end up selling him a $4500 Taylor this time, they only gave him $2100 on the same guitar he bought from them brand new 7 months back! They made a bundle on that turnaround. I feel they totally took advantage of this situation and put profit above making sure a loyal customer got a good deal. Update: Received one patronizing response from them that was simply an attempt to placate. They showed no interest whatsoever in trying to make this deal right. No one but GC thinks this was a good deal, in fact everyone around me agrees my dad got ripped off. read more

So, I use this Guitar Center a lot! And I really appreciate the gang of great people that work there. On September 13th, this location was not only having a massive sale, but they were in the height of their remodel. It was busy busy in there, but everyone was super helpful! Kyle helped me with my three transactions that day - a return and two separate pick up orders. One was a new-to-me Fender acoustic. LOVE! But back to Kyle - he was stellar under pressure. They all were that day. After chatting with Kyle, I realized I had yet to write a review for this Guitar Center! So, here I am writing it up. ;) Check it out: they have a wonderful new wing, moving things around for improvements, and the staff are knowledgable and really helpful - as they should be. ;D Get your music/instruments/tech/advice here. Shop here. The only thing I do not care for are all the folks playing instruments out of tune. But hey, they'll eventually learn or quit playing - right? ;) read more

I love coming to this location. The store is beautifully re-arranged and is so beautiful now. Seems like there is a mile of guitars on the walls. Well displayed! I don't like their pro-sound as much. They still only have one speaker hooked up on some models. How are you suppose to hear the whole spectrum? It's like listening to music with one ear? They also need to upgrade the light display. Not a lot to see or to choose from. Their customer service really suck! I was there twice and both times they are rushing you to the point of picking out something you don't really want. So what's going to happen? You return the damned thing....and then they like to hide and only come out when you go to the register and ask to send someone over. God almighty! Over all it's a good store. I wish that the outlet in San Ysidro would of been just a regular store and not a mini store. Just not much of a selection. It would of saved me driving a 35 mile drive both ways if it only was. read more

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Small cramped store.

Had a great experience at Guitar Center, La Mesa with Chris and Dustin. They were extremely helpful in facilitating the special order of my new Yamaha digital piano and really went above and beyond as far as service is concerned to make sure I was completely happy. I would recommend going here to get the best price and the best service in town! read more

I never met more rude unhelpful employees when I go here. 99% of them give me attitude every time I even speak to them and I don't think I've ever been to another store with employees with service as bad as them. I try giving this place another chance every time I need to buy more music gear if I'm close and I always leave in a bad mood. They treat you like an idiot if you don't know something. My friends and I feel the exact every time we go there and we're never giving that place our money again. I'm moving to Sam Ash from now on. You're treated like fellow musicians there instead of idiot customers. read more

I do not usually do reviews but I had to do this one. Besides the long wait to talk to someone (which is not that big of a deal) when we did get to talk to someone, he had very little knowledge (still not that big of a deal). The sales person told us they did not have what we needed but he could order it for us. So we gave him the credit card and he placed the order to be shipped to Guitar Center in La Mesa. He told us it would arrive in about 10 business days. After 3 weeks went by and we didn't hear from them my husband went there to check on it. Turns out it did arrive and they sent it back. The guy told my husband that someone emailed him. The truth is they never emailed him, they never called him. Terrible customer service here. read more

Matt at Guitar Center, La Mesa, California did an outstanding job with my guitar. A true expert in his craft. He was able to asses the issues with my guitar and did the repairs properly. He keeps me updated with the status of the repairs. I was really impressed with his professionalism. I highly recommend Matt for his outstanding work and customer service. read more

It's guitar center... I recently bought a used digital piano and felt like the sales associate wasn't exactly friendly.... that's consistent of most of the times I've gone in there. I really only shop here as a last resort when my local music shop doesn't have what I need. read more

Older man in audio department was extremely rude. When he finally decided to "help" he kept pressuring my friend to tell him which microphone he wanted. My friends had questions about his options but he basically just told us to go try them out on the other side. He seemed extremely bothered to be "helping us" and it is not the first time too. Horrible service. Recommend buying online from other companies. read more

I have to confess that I don't distinguish an acoustic guitar from a flamenco guitar, or what makes a guitar expensive as compared to others(other than a polished look or somewhat shiny details). But one thing I have clear: I like to go guitar-shopping with lovers of this instrument. When my friend Amir invited me to go to the Guitar Center in La Mesa I did not even know this shop is a huge chain in the US. I thought it was a pop and mom type of shop, and I was amazed of the variety and the availability for the consumers to try them out. Yes! They have various rooms where potential users can go and play all they want. We were amazed, as my experience going to music stores with some friends in Spain (even professional musicians) was of poor customer service and a 'do not touch' policy. Same for Amir when he lived in the UK (looks like in his New Zealand life the music stores were more chill and no questions asked either). So needless to say we had a great time, he trying out the most expensive guitars and me mentally comparing them with hanging 'jamones':). I will stop by again, if not to shop, to play! read more

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Ive been going here since I started playing guitar a couple years back and I am always greeted with great service! I recently stopped by to pick up studio monitors that I ordered online and Calvan helped me pick out the proper cables I needed for my set up. Super nice guy so make sure to say hi if you see him! Would definitely recommend going to Calvan if you have any questions! read more

The guys down at Guitar Center are pretty helpful. I just started playing and they really helped me find what I need. Jeff was SUPER friendly and helpful. Eric is also pretty great too. The only thing I'd say needs improvement, is perhaps more staff. It can get crowded and busy in there - and sometimes I feel a little rushed. All and all though, a great experience with knowledgeable, friendly staff. read more

Good customer service. Always have knowledgeable people available to help. They had a deal 12 months no interest

When I was a kid, I used to be tripped out by Guitar Center. I'd go in and I could fool around with everything - AND NO ONE TOLD ME TO NOT TOUCH THE MERCHANDISE! That was pretty awesome. I'd mess with the guitars, play the drums, mess with the synths, throw together some phat beats on the drum machines and no one would so much as say a word to me. Way to foster interest in music! Nowadays, I don't fool around with the equipment as much. And since they're only out in La Mesa or San Marcos, I can't go and tempt myself with new equipment as often as I did when they were on El Cajon Blvd. (a long long time ago). but Guitar Center is still my best go-to when I'm in need of the necessities read more

Guitar Center is great if you are swinging by to try out the (new?) Danelectro Hornet (Dead on 67) or fiddle about with the Gretsch Pro-Jet if you are feeling a bit like young George Harrison. GC is pure cacophony in its most genuine sense, broken down as such: 70 percent teen scale players playing 'amp volume tag' 5 percent parents and kids looking for a first guitar (read Squier Strat/Tele; Epiphone Special) 15 percent curmudgeonly band vets still looking to move out of pubs 10 percent Hipster Doofuses (read: me) getting a feel for what a REAL AC 30 sounds like Interesting vintage (EXPENSIVE) gear--Fender Corondao II, Wyman bass. Salespeople are like sharks with a taste for blood, and will hound you if you sample the merchandise. If you are noise sensitive and don't like car lots--not the place for you. Downside--no more Rickenbackers--although they did have a nice '76 330 that I played with the elan that can only come with the dreaded Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Fun place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live here. read more

This GC in particular has fucked up several of my purchases and returns. The manager , Alex i believe, is rude and has zero manners whatsoever. Very few of the employees here have a sense of real customer service and the one guy to show me that he did have s9me courtesy and respect has apparently been with the company twenty years. Maybe some of the GC kids should take a note or two from the vets. Treat your customers with respect. Use your manners. Please and thank you's with a side of "Hope we did all we could to satisfy you". A "Thank you, have a great day", for dessert. You may laugh at this review, but really whos laughing when your sales reps dont know how to sell products with zero people skills. (Pretty sure Kyle has the worst reputation for attitude and demeanor there!) The audacity it takes to play hard with your words to a customer.... tsk tsk kid. Its in YOUR best interest to just do your job. Good luck with that lousy bunch of "musicians". read more

Probably the worst customer service ever. The guy that helped me with repairs made it clear he really didn't want to be there and was leaving soon anyways. I talked to about 4 associates who were all really reluctant to help me. I asked one guy a pretty simple question and I got an eye roll before he showed me what I was looking for. When your training you for the job to they require you to act like a total jack ass to everyone ? Most of the employees stood around talking, not helping anyone and were even loudly talking trash about other customers looking miserable as fuck. If you don't like your job get a new one. No need to make people who shop there feel like they're inconveniencing you for being there . I probably will not come back I'd rather spend my money at a local place. read more

I hate to say it but these guys rock! Dave in Pro Audio has hooked me up on special orders and beating prices on gear. I've ordered some out of the normal items that are hard to get and Dave has followed up on everything. Orlando is also helpful and the older guy in Pro Audio with a ponytail has also hooked me up on some killer deals. I don't know about the rest of the store but their Pro Audio section is been the best to work with. I really hate saying this because the are the corporate monster for musicians but it's true. Good on ya guys! read more

The acoustic room is breathtaking. We went here to buy strings for a guitar bought at the swap meet for our little niece. Don't buy Disney princesses and all that objectifying bs for girls, put a real musical instrument in their little hands! Anyways, they have a 90 day same-as-cash program, and friendly, helpful employees. Fernando in particular made our visit here a 5 star experience. The only thing that disappointed was that there were no "NO Stairway to Heaven" signs on the wall by the guitars. read more

Worst experience with an employee... my family was browsing guitars and my dad was playing one to purchase. rude employees asked us to leave the area to show another man the guitars. We had been in the section for a minute browsing I'm not sure what made the other guy looking at the same guitars so special but it was very rude nevertheless.. employee is tall bald Caucasian man unfortunately did not get his name as I was so shocked at how my family was treated. Andy the manager I believe was very nice when I explained the what had happened. read more

I purchased 2 Taylor guitars earlier this year from GC. Had a good experience. Recently I went to look at a twelve string guitar. They had one on sale for $1799. The guy who was helping me seemed annoyed and asked if I was serious about buying or was just jamming after I tried 2 guitars. I tried the Hummingbird 12 string loved it. They guys switched his attitude when he saw we liked it. But it was to late for him left the store and bought it from Musician friends online. read more

Came in today to buy our father a taylor guitar and was pleasantly helped by an associate that works in the acoustic guitar department. I didnt get his name, but all i can say is that he was super knowledgeable and accommodating. Great customer service and our father absolutely loves his new Taylor! read more

this place is dope as hell. Everything that you need as a musician is here. I first came here in 2004 and never stopped coming. Before that, i was buying stuff from pawn shops and messing around w/ the same equip. for years. The people here are knowledgable about upgrades on equip. and preferences. I used to come everyday messing around w/ their stuff and got comfortable enough to where i could get it. When i came up w/ enough cash to buy some of it, i came across another program over there which was a software product called Reason which to me was better and cheaper. I used the money I saved up to buy it and a G4 power book. But if you're more of an anolog person, this the place to be. What's cool about the people here too is that they're musicians themselves tryin' to make it so they'll once in awhile hook you up w/ discounts and people within the area. read more

Customer service here has really gone down the toilet. Last time I was here to buy a 3k guitar, the store was not even busy, the GC employees were chatting and even after asking them multiple times they just ignored me and kept bull shitting with each other. One guy bailed on me telling me he was on his break in the middle of the day. So I left and took my business elsewhere. Plus they don't carry much in stock. No Suhr, no ESP guitars just mostly cheap made in China guitars. If I have to order online, then I'd just buy from Sweetwater and get tax free cost and no fee shipping! Plus they charge $$$ for warranty which other places add for free. They do have a few nice guitars locked away in their special room but good luck hunting down a manager to help you try one out! I asked for this multiple times and was ignored so I left. read more

I've never been to a Guitar Center that is constantly busy as this place. I guess business is good. We go here often to look at guitars, okay he buys the guitars I just tag along and play the drums, piano, keyboards, and whatever else I can get away with touching. What I find amusing in the guitar section is listening to the various genres of music being played by customers. What, no death metal San Diego? I love how friendly and helpful the associates are. The guys seem very knowledgeable about the product. We shop here often for guitars and accessories, especially before deployments. Every time they have had everything that we needed and the prices are reasonable. read more

I like this particular Guitar Center. The staff are all cool and helpful. I'm always in the Pro Audio & Keyboard department when I'm there. All the equipment is usually hooked up and ready for demo. I bought some speakers, lights, cables and recording gear on several occasions and they always have what I need in stock. I hear they do Free recording lessons on the weekends. I'm gonna have to stop there one day to check it out! read more

I recently needed to rent equipment for an event my organization was putting on, and I admittedly did not know what I needed much less where to find it. A quick Google search led me to the rentals department at Guitar Center in La Mesa, and I was impressed with their customer service from the start. Chris and Sean both went above and beyond to help me out, from walking me through the event and what equipment I would need (all while keeping in mind that I had an extremely tight budget) to talking me through the actual set up and troubleshooting of the equipment during several frantic (on my end, not theirs) phone calls from the event itself. They were patient (besides knowing absolutely nothing about sound equipment, I also changed our order several times as things evolved the week of the event), knowledgeable, accommodating, honest and fair, and above all else they were very kind. They made a stressful situation seem manageable, and amazingly the event went off without a hitch. But, we literally could not have done it without them! If you need to rent any of the things they carry, I can't recommend them enough! read more