Hauled 2 guitars a bass and an amp down there to exchange and sell (bass and amp I just bought but want to exchange those and the guitars for a bass and amp upgrade). Was told it would be 2 to 3 hours until someone could help me. This is the second time Ive hauled my stuff over there and they cant help me. Not blaming staff, They are buried in the guitar area seemingly always. Guitar area needs more staff or cross train the other dept employees to help out in guitars when they are busy. Ive spent lord knows how much here and the crew is nice... but 1 guy cannot help 6 or 7 customers. Maybe allow people to make an appt to sell gear? Its super frustrating to load up and drive all the way over. Worst part is I waited 25 minutes to be told it would probably be 2/3 hours. read more

Mishka was super helpful in working with me to help me pick out a pedal and amp! Was very knowledgeable on any questions I had about each product and made everything easy to understand. Very friendly as well. read more

Been here a few times, but this last time I wanted a Guitar. Walked into the guitar room and Dan was there to guide me in the right direction. I did not feel pressured, he was asking questions to kind of feel out what I was looking for, price range and what type of guitar really called my attention. He was super helpful and knowledgeable and I am now a proud owner of a Washburn Guitar! First time guitar owner and got the books, and a cool case to go along with my new washburn. Thanks again Dan, you Da Man. read more

I've gone to this store plenty of times, and it's great, but what makes it amazing is the level of customer service. I want to specifically shout out one of your sales associates, Miska. A couple months ago she helped me find the perfect bass guitar, and she just recently helped my find the perfect electric guitar. She is very knowledgeable about all the specs, and informative of how they affect sound and playing, not just for guitars and basses, but also cables and other sound equipment such as mixers, speakers, or pedals you name it. I don't know how much she gets paid but if you guys can give her a raise or something please do, she deserves it. read more

Dan was the best!!! Its my first time buying a guitar and he made the experience so memorable and amazing! He helped us out so much and even helped us carry everything to the car! So sweet, best employee ever thank you Dan!!!! read more

Special shout out to DAN! Usually not one to specify employees since I don't pay much attention but man was Dan helpful. Got me set up with a guitar, case, tuner, and all the things I need to make better use of my free time. Definitely a good way to turn my casino winnings from a local casino into something something that will last longer than the money lol. Glad you're doors are still open and the music is still alive somewhere during this time. Also thanks for being strict on masks for guests not being considerate, definitely adds to the security and sense of care when shopping here. I live in Hollywood and could easily go to any other center up north but I'm glad I made this detour and y'all earned this 5 star :) read more

Been going to guitar center since I was a kid back home, moved to SD and went to this location, and never went back. Security guards made me feel like a peasant, and felt as if they thought I was going to steal something, while wearing just shorts, a shirt and flip flops to be exact. Either these guys are new or know or love nothing about their job or music. I saw them eying me at from the beginning I walked in, no greeting, and from afar stared at me while I was admiring the guitars and playing some, and since my it's my first visit, took my time touring the store, which I'm pretty damn sure everyone does at guitar center. As I finally walked to the counter, ready to purchase some new guitar strings, cable and string cleaner to restore my guitar at home, one guard decided to stand next to me in line, with anxious figety body language while mugging me as I waited to pay for my stuff. Very noticeable at this point, and I just smiled back... As much as I would of loved saying something to them, as if they couldn't at least be less predatorial, I have more respect for myself, however I would not want anyone else to have this experience. Sorry guitar center, my loyalty and musician needs will look elsewhere. Maybe one day if I decide to walk in those doors again, those guys will be long gone... Please try and hire some at least genuine music loving security guards, as greeters right when you walk in, they set the experience. read more

Bought an amp here a year ago. When the time came to buy another amp, I strolled on down. Whilst playing with the amp I had in mind, a GC salesman rudely policed me out for playing too loud. It really wasnt all that loud for a darn MUSIC STORE! I wasnt even the loudest one there. I was on the fence with the amp, since it was missing a couple of things in the "nice to have" column. But, I buy gear all the time and tend to resell what doesnt get used, so I was leaning towards buying it. Operative word "was", right up until the customer service jerk convinced me to go look at amps at a local non-chain store down the road. Thanks. read more

Well... I knew I was going to buy a Taylor on March 1st, and I went in there with every expectation that my experience would be pretty good. I HIGHLY underestimated that! Have you ever heard of the phrase "Dan the man?" Well he absolutely was! Dan not only knew his stuff (I used to build guitars for Taylor) front and back, but this dude made us laugh so hard! GREAT personality, and extremely attentive. To the very last detail, he made sure I was getting the RIGHT guitar, not the best guitar. So THANK YOU DAN... You're my GC guy from now on! If any of you have questions about acoustic guitars, and which one is right for you, GO SEE DAN!! read more

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Had the pleasure of interacting with Steve a young guy with a mohawk....absolute gem of a person!!i went in to see about a sequencer...unfortunately had the misfortune of interacting with an older rockerbilly looking guy,who was a douche...i asked whether the sequencer came with any cables,power supply etc...he literally points to the used section said its in there!!turned his back on me!!then i went to Steve..amazing customer service,went and got it out of the case even tried to get it working..went above and beyond..and i so appreciated it,seems like a good sort and so glad i spoke to him..just wish i hadnt bothered with the other guy tho!! EDit: one star off for the rockerbilly douche!!would be 5 if it wasn't for him! read more

I placed an order of a guitar that was on back order, took foreverrrr, was told it was coming soon, then came to find out how my order got canceled. Greattt... I then came in to see what they had because apparently there is online shortages but its not updated. Anyways, i was kinda getting annoyed.  When i came in it was kinda busy, but a gentlemen was happy to help me out after he took care of his current clients. I just gotta say I'm glad i waiting for him.  I found out his name is CONNOR and man this guy is awesome!!  His energy is the type you'd wanna hire as a hype man.  He switched up from making me feel peeved to pleasant.  He's a great salesman that had me easily switched my desire from the guitar that i had in my previous order, to a totally different one. And im love.   With the guitar that is.   I mean he's a cool dude too.  When you get there ask for CONNOR.  I'm pretty sure he's just in the guitar section, which is good cause he knows his stuff!   I wouldn't doubt he's know other stuff too.  I really appreciate his help!! read more

Guitar Center - Better guitar then what I actually wanted thanks to Connor!! I appreciate his help and customer service. Dude knows his stuff. 5 stars - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Exceptional service from Xander! If you're looking to buy your next guitar, make sure to ask for him. He gave me the space I needed to make a decision and answered all my questions without being pushy. It's clear he genuinely cares about helping his customers, not just making a sale. Highly recommend. Thanks Xander! read more

I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Ian, the store manager, for reaching out. He emailed me and wanted to fix everything, which I greatly appreciated. He appropriately identified the guitar I wanted to exchange in and made good on the upgrade I wanted. Really thankful for Ian proving my initial experience was a fluke. He genuinely cared about my guitar needs. Thank you! read more

Guitar Center - Discount for selling used gear. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Guitar center isn't the glowing hub of music it used to be. But of course, if you're a musician you either already know that. Oor you younger and probably already know to buy your gear online. Their rental process is long and strenuous and there's a 50% chance I won't get the exact equipment I reserved because "blah blah blah mix up". Of course, if you're buying gear, just get it online. Their mark up is reminiscent of a long lost time before the internet. There are a ton of advantages to a physical music store but In stead of adapting, they're just vanishing away into pointlessness. Ps, I'm currently on hold for 11 min aaaaand as I'm typing this, I and hearing them take me off hold aaaaaand I just got hung up on without speaking to anybody. This is a wretched place. read more

Store manager was very helpful in finding a good keyboard to play at home. Good variety of selection of pianos and keyboards.

The customer service here is bad. Period. Every time I go here I leave wondering why I even went. They act like you are inconveniencing them by asking basic questions about the merchandise. read more

This is a legit good guitar center. Ive bought a couple expensive instruments here, and some strings. The guys are nice, and the used wall is very impressive. They also give decent deals so make sure to ask. read more

Dan is the man when it comes to guitars here! He is worth calling in and checking to see if he is there. He knows so much about guitars and knows how to find you the guitar perfectly suited to you! The other guys were fine but Dan is quality! We also had a pick up installed by Matt! He did an incredible job and is a great guy! read more

I'm normally weary to enter a GC as a female drummer lol. But this location is so awesome, excellent vibes and outstanding service, especially Albert and Norm in drums! Thanks for being the best! read more

Jacob was rude and not helpful when I went to go for an exchange. I went in and asked if I could exchange my guitar and he rudely responded how he couldn't exchange it. Rather than trying to help afterwards, he tried to dismiss me. I had to ask about the warranty and what we could still do about it, even though HE works there. Rude customer service and bad representation of not only Guitar Center but the music community in general. read more

Matt saved the day! I thought i was screwed on my beloved Martin when the pickup snapped off, but after some painstaking focus Matt was able to fix her up perfectly. My only wish is that he would have accepted a well deserved tip, his expertise warranted it. Well done Matt, thank you sir! read more

Guitar Center - Fixed pickup that was once broken off - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Has to be the rudest staff I've ever encountered. it's like they are all annoyed with everyone customer before anyone even asks a question. Been in twice. Won't be back. read more

Fine for buying gear, bad for repair. I came in for a basic setup and re-string of my bass, they had a backlog of other repairs so couldn't get to mine for a couple of days. "No worries, call me when it's ready." After four days' radio silence I called them, turns out it had been completed a day and a half ago. When I came to pick up my bass, the repair center atttendant had no idea what the repair order had included, and all their computer database said about it was that it had been marked as "fixed". The attendant had to ask another employee for help using the computer 2 or 3 times while I waited, and neither one of them could say exactly what had been done. After getting it home I discovered they'd killed the E string, clipping it so it didn't resonate as well as the others. They'd also nearly stripped the truss rod and chewed up the wood around its pocket. read more

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

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DO NOT GO HERE FOR LESSONS! Staff was nice but management/corporate is terrible. Customer service lacks professionalism. Our instructor was on vacation and took days off (as he should) but when it came to rescheduling for lessons paid, it was slim pickings and no one was available to do makeup classes. Having about 12 lessons stacked up, we asked to pause the payments/billing. I was assured by the desk person but was continually charged for additional months. I tried to work it out with upper but no one ever returned my call or they were always "busy". A fee weeks passed and 2 additional charges, I decided to cancel and discontinue lessons. I still got charged. Did a dispute through my credit card and they tried to deny my claim. I had to write a letter to my cc to explain my situation. Save yourself a headache and go elsewhere. read more

As I'm reading the reviews, I found a review about music lessons at Guitar Center La Mesa... I couldn't agree more with that review. My son's instructor was good but constantly rescheduling the lessons, which this created an issue because it was so difficult to reschedule, there were employees at the front desk although they were not helping, we needed to text a number to reschedule. When I was waiting while my son was taking a lesson, I was listening to the other Guitar Center employees just complaining, being non-professional, how one of them couldn't stand living with his brother leaving dishes on the sink for days, etc. instead of acting more professionally in front of the customers, but now we now from whom they're taking lessons from, the store manager, which it has been a nightmare dealing with him trying to cancel the lessons. read more

I've been a guitar Center customer for close to 20 years. Sure, you can buy things online and save on gas and time, but what you get with guitar center is people who know about the products they sell. Plus, they will price match any reasonable competitors price online. I just recently purchased a speaker and had some issues with it and had to take it back. Matt was very helpful and took the time to figure out what the issue was while simultaneously handling phone calls, purchases and an assortment of questions from people shopping in the store. Even though they were short staffed, he managed it all like a pro and was able resolve the issue I had with the speaker. The customer service is what you get when you shop here, I'm glad stories like this still exist! read more

I am about to buy either a drum set or guitar worth around $2,000.00 unfortunately due to many people testing guitars and drums I was told several times to lower down the volume, after testing 6 guitars I realized emplkyees of Guitar Center are less educated because they told me they're not really a drummer guy they cannot help me unless I am buying, so real question does anyone want to spend $2,000.00 on an instrument we cannot enjoy ? We know what I meant right? Undercover employees are needed to audit the Guitar Center La Mesa area for customer safety and integrity of business. read more

Customer service is absolutely horrible. My husband ordered a $400+ cymbal that was covered in fingerprints and not packaged correctly. We then contacted this location and explained that he received a used item and would like to exchange the item for a new item,same, at their location. This was something that Guitar Centers customer service advised him to do. The gentleman who spoke with my husband said that they did in fact have a NEW cymbal there and would hold it for him behind the counter. My husband explained that he would be coming by the store on Friday before 7, which NoRmAn told him that was the time his shift ends. My husband then drive from Oside to LaMesa only to be treated like crap. Once he arrived the cymbal was not where NoRmAn told him he would keep it for the exchange. NoRmAn then walks to the floor and retrieves a cymbal out of his butt hole probably because that cymbal was even worse. NoRmAn then attempted to explain to my husband that he's been in music for 15 years and has never seen a cymbal to come in wrapped and brand new. He also stated that it shouldn't make a difference whether or not it's covered in fingerprints, it's still new. Sir, what the entire heck! Someone pays over $400 for a piece, and this is what you tell them? Then, on top of that, you've been doing this for 15 years. What my husband didn't tell you to hurt your ego was that he's been in music for 34 years(he aged very well, unlike yourself and treats others with respect). Why is there a need to go back and forth over what was right, new is new without fingerprints? And NoRmAn acted as if he was paying $400+ for this cymbal, but I can assure you he wouldn't because even the stores cymbal was disgusting and wanted my husband to pay for it. NoRmAn was it because my husband looked a certain way, was that why you treated him like crap or is it just your gleaming personnality? So people when you're ordering offline from Guitar Center you will not be receiving a new item, they will all be used, but youll be paying full price per NoRmAn. Customer Service is horrible 0 out of 10 would not recommend. read more

Went in to get some advice on sound for my daughter's band. I'm the de facto sound engineer. I'm a pure layman. Know just enough to run the show. When I came in for some help, Miguel was super helpful. He spent about 20 minutes showing me how to improve my skills on the sound board, and giving me suggestions for woofers. He is wise and skilled beyond his years. A great asset for this company. read more

My son got his acoustic guitar here 6 months ago. He now has an electric guitar... he needed a new amp cord. We look at some pedals, it took a while to get some help, read more

Horrible customer service. I came to exchange a product that is possibly defective. Went to the first counter, as soon as I explained what I was there for I was cut off and told "you need to go to that counter over there, they can help you with that" Proceeded to the next counter, I encountered "that guy" you know, "there always that one guy!?" Described my issue, immediately asked "did you purchase the pro coverage?" Uh no, what is that? I was lucky enough to find all of the products I originally purchased in one store (different location) I felt that store was literally in a different country the way it was being operated. Well I didn't purchase something (pro coverage) I wasn't offered in the first place. I have to deal directly with the manufacture of the product to deal with my issue. Basically SOL if I needed a replacement or purchase another product if I'm in need of something immediately. Today was my last time stepping into this store or any GC labeled music affiliated location. To the employees at this store, I hope you find a better place to work that is lead in a way where both customers and employees can thrive. read more

Ample parking... Great Team... especially MATT WITTE (I'm pretty sure that's his last name.). He was very helpful with our guitars.. very knowledgeable... We'll be coming back because of him. Thank you Matt !! read more

I think you have the best customer service Every time I need something or if I am gonna purchase and am not sure what's the best deal you always help Specifically, Miska is very helpful and has a lot of knowledge about brands and music You have a great worker Good for you for having such a qualified person working with you Ana M Mariscal-Omana read more

Watch out for some of the employees in this guitar center store in La Mesa, Ca. Some of employees in the repair will ghostly charge extra for easy fix and add non standard fee. I came to this place twice for same issue. Restring my guitar from Left hand to right hand, and with other guitar from Right to Left. First price was under 45 dollars. Second time around 91 dollars-the little bald chucky guy priced and called it non standard setup fee. He ask another technician, and that technician said nothing wrong it was just restring..He was still trying to justify why he is charge 91 dollars for restring. I will never come back to this store again. read more

Guitar Center La Mesa is in a need of change in management. The store itself is fairly robust in it's inventory, the store is laid out Ok. Merchandise is normally stocked. However, no store can function on just inventory or merchandise. I should start at the top. The store manager. Ian is incorrigible, and extremely disrespectful. His manner is very rude to his customers and his employees. I had two interactions with him, each time he was extremely inpatient and snarky. Now, I could see if I was impolite, but I was polite and concise. He not only refused to help me with an issue over a incorrect charge but misled me. On another separate issue regarding an overcharge Ian tried to pass off the error, however I cross-checked with Guitar Center customer care line, and in fact the error was with the La Mesa store. He wasn't forthright, this is a big no-no in retail. You must go out of your way to accommodate or at least meet in the middle a loyal customer, which I am. Also, while I was there working out my overcharge issue, I had the displeasure of him observing him interact with his staff. Totally unacceptable way to manage your employees, the staff noticeably became uncomfortable in his presence, and relaxed when he exited. I will now move onto the staff, which many have commented on. I think they would be a whole lot better at what they did under different leadership. They seem demoralized and worn down. Zero energy. This tells me after 25 years in retail myself, the team doesn't have the support it needs. Also, the appearance of the associates left a lot to be desired. I can see self expression and being creative, however they cross the line in professional presentation and many feel they can show up to work wearing whatever. I know it's only Rock n Roll, but again, keep it professional. This may be due to the "progressive" workplace, but one can still express themselves by looking clean and presentable. Speaking of progressive workplaces...there is a rather large politically offensive flag hanging in the main display area. I have no idea what this message has to do with music, but I must say, it's quite a statement. We see who is in command of this store, it's quite off putting to say the least. Not a place I'd enjoy bringing my family to, if you catch my drift. At the very least, keep political statements out of the retail space, and you'll make EVERYONE comfortable. Cater to one group, and you're going to off put potential sales and drive others away. I say keep it friendly, *neutral* and welcoming to ALL not just a favored group. This is retail, not a rally after all. read more

I understand most of the customer service has gone to shit, but this place takes the cake. I'm literally standing there trying to get $1500 guitar from the back to purchase, but all the employees are too lazy to retrieve said guitar. as I'm standing there for 30 minutes I approach a different desk to see if they can retrieve this guitar for me. They basically told me to fuck off and to ask someone else in the guitar section.. in which literally nobody was working. There might've been one dude but he disappeared for 30 minutes. I just walked out of that point. $1500 sale someone lost. I know they work on commission. This used to be the place to go it really has gone to shit. Minimum wage service at its finest. read more

I walked in saw at least four employees and a security guard. Walked in the keyboard section was looking around for about 15 min then walked around the rest of the store. Not a single acknowledgment. I intended on purchasing a keyboard. However I'll be going elsewhere. read more

In these crazy (retail) times I find it difficult to get my expectations met. This store exceeds my expectations every single purchase. From getting very nice work done on my guitars from Matt and Paul-to working with staff on the floor-these guys get it done in an efficient and professional manner. I have had years of relations with this store and have seen some changes. Ernie and the associates are very good at what they do. A special shout out to Chad (manager). He took over this store a couple of years ago and had some big shies to fill (Michael the previous mgr). He's very good and is a valuable asset to this team, and store. I travel and work in the music industry. I hit music stores all over the country. These guys are top drawer-no joke! Always a pleasure to drop some dough over here in La Mesa! read more

Guitar Center - Custom (my) Shop Strat - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

If I do not interact with the sales associates and use the techs the place is ok. I came into guitar center and was treated rudely by at least two sales reps. Some of the stufff that I need immediately causes me to come back. I was subject to at least two negative remarks by your unmotivated reps. They appear to be experts at busy work and in the time I was in there I think only one maybe two completed purchases at the counter. The level of disrespect is amazing. They make comments like like what are you doing here. You are not using your credit line. This experience is shared by almost every person who I know who shops there. read more

So I went back yesterday to meet one of the technician named Paul, I caught him right when the store opened up at 11 PM and he already had some customers, after them he was able to take my guitar, he told me it would be 2 days repair due to a lot of guitars he was seeing at the time, I did notice they were piling up behind him as we spoke. Surprisingly he called me today and said my guitar was done and he would be there until 6 PM. I got there right after lunch, and he was not there, the sign has changed from "being back around 2 PM ish" to "technician on lunch" for short :) Eventhough Paul was absent at my time of pickup, another employee was there to bring me up for payment and I got my guitar back, hopefully I won't have to come back here anytime soon :) Anyway the total charge was about $30 something, I wish they could just restring the one string that needed to be, instead they did the whole 6, which I would have listened to the other employee and learned how to do it at home via Youtube, I would have saved that labor cost, I hope it worth it though read more

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