Went in for something simple.. All i needed was a switchcraft STEREO jack to put into a guitar with a built in effects loop in the style of Jerry Garcia's Doug Irwin guitars... that's not FLUSHMOUNT!! ... So I go on their site and it shows they don't have them. But i figure what the hell GC isn't too smart I'll see if they have it anyway. After waiting for almost 10minutes at the Accessories (pick peddlers) counter. This lovely young lady asks if I needed something. DO NOT get me wrong I have absolutely no problem buying anything from a pretty face so long as she knows what she's talking about. And sometimes that's the case you have no Idea how many times I've walked into a music store and the woman knows the gear REALLY WELL. however THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. She asks me what I need and I specifically asked for a "quarter inch STEREO output jack preferably switchcraft that is NOT flush mount"... what does she do? she grabs EVERY out put jack off the wall INCLUDING the Flush mount ones sets them on the counter. and says "umm I dont know what that is we have these..." So I shrug it off grab a standard MONO quarter inch jack and show it to her and say "I need this but in STEREO" again "uumm I dont know what that is what's the difference?" ... I smile and say "looks just like this one only it has TWO prongs instead of ONE" ... She finally finds one I buy it and get out of there as quick as I possibly can. I miss the days when you actually needed to be qualified to work in the Music industry.. I learned to rewire a guitar before i could drive and have been in the business ever since. GC is in a bunch of debt according to my reliable sources. Do yourselves a favor and start shopping at MOM and POP SHOPS so that when GC goes down, the mom and pops have the capital to stock their stores with a great selection of gear and accessories. read more

On a Saturday night I was changing strings and a part on my locking trem broke. Panic! I booked up to GC (which was unbelievably busy that night) and guitar mechanic Matt went the extra mile to dig up the oddball gizmo that was keeping me from playing. I came in the next morning for for more help and fortunately he was there and remembered me. He hooked me up and I am truly grateful. My hat's really off to him. read more

Music bliss! Love that you can test out the instruments and have a jam session without worrying about the noise. The only thing I don't like is sometimes you have to chase down a sales guy to help you out. And if you're not spending a lot of money, some (not all) sales guys pay no attention. It stinks but I still go back anyways. I LOVE THE PLACE! read more

My husband and I went to Guitar Center in La Mesa after work on a Thursday evening. He was hoping to experience one of the drum sets he was planning to eventually purchase. There were two sets on the floor he was interested in but apparently, according to the cashier, they were "down to only one set of headphones." He asked one of the other cashiers if he could find a pair of headphones. The guy said, "Oh yeah, I'll be back." Ten minutes later he hadn't returned. Anyway, half an hour later we finally got to use the headphones after the two other people who had been playing with the drums were finished but the sound systems on the drum sets were so screwed up that my husband couldn't really determine if either set would do the job. (Unable to map the pedals, cymbal sound messed up, etc.) A very nice woman working in the department asked how we were doing. I told her the systems were messed up and all she could do was apologize and say it was because customers had damaged them while playing around. If you're trying to sell a drum set, the entire system should perform well enough for a customer to determine if it will work for them. I guess Guitar Center doesn't get that. The most aggravating thing, though, was the jerk who promised to return with headphones and never came back. VERY bad customer service. All he had to do was poke his head in and say he couldn't find a second pair. I seriously doubt he even looked. So, they lost a serious customer. We'll be purchasing the set somewhere else. Disappointing. read more

Been a customer from when GC opened their doors. The door person has always been friendly and welcoming to all. I have experienced most of what the orther reviewers have stated BUT I want to give a "shout out" to Scott Stomer in accessories. He has waited on me many times and has ALWAYS been number one in customer service. I will only purchase products from him, others in that department (long gray hair guy with no customer service skills at all). In the guitar department, Frank does a great job and will help you find the right guitar or just answer a question. I agree that the average person does not feel confortable in the store, the first timer is in need of a caring sales expert. It is all about bring the customer BACK in the store. read more

If your a drummer see Norm! I am not, so I only do business with Dan (sales guitars), and Chris (Management). Most of the employees are lazy washed up musicians but, there are diamonds in the rough at this location. If you deal with certain employees you will be treated fairly and honestly. After all, who can beat guitar centers prices? And to be honest, most of the girls in accessories and the exit/entrance counter are good people. Just don't get talked into something you don't want/need, and check for damage! A lot of dorks treat the sales floor like rehearsal space. read more

As a business owner and when I m in a bind the guys in pro audio go above and beyond to take care of me. All are very nice and even when I'm getting the help I need and just standing around someone always ask me if they can help, great customer service Ernie and Taylor usually always help me but all the guys and girls there are great!! Highly recommend this group for any of your pro audio needs"" read more

Just went to Guitar Center to get a new DJ controller. Really nice environment! Everyone is down to earth and ready to help. Unlike other stores these people are trying to sell you what fits best not what is most expensive. If you are looking for help with anything speaker related or DJ related ask for Raji! He was so helpful and made my life so easy! This is the place to go read more

This place has a much better selection and staff than the san marcos location. Recently renovated. A very nice acoustic section. Enough knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions. read more

starting guitar at age 65. Drove 25 miles to get there, but worth it. Michael H in acoustic guitar was awesome, patient, attentive, and informative. Put me in a very good entry level guitar. Then the tech person, didn't see his name, did a setup. I picked his brain for an hour. Extremely helpful. Enormous selection of many instruments. My research shows pricing is great. Every person acknowleged me with a question if was finding everything ok. I was in retail customer service for 45 years, and this staff knows their stuff. I will go there for all of my musical needs. Thanks, old guy learning guitar. read more

This was the first time I have been to Guitar Center and I am not a fan of big busy stores due to my anxiety, BUT this store was great. No one came to pressure me and I saw a sales man (Trey) and asked him a question and he was on top of it. I did not know exactly what I wanted but I knew what I did not want. I am learning to play the guitar and I wanted a classical guitar to learn finger style that I could grow into. Trey pointed me to a few guitars that met my wants; something that had good treble and a lasting bass about $400 to $600. I asked him to play the guitars for me so I could hear how they sound when played by someone who knew how to play. He took the time to help me which was a long time. I had many questions and apprehensions, $600 is a lot for me. Also since it is such a busy store, many good guitarist also weighed in and helped me choose a good sounding guitar. I ended up buying a Kremona which is a solid cedar top guitar which are hand made in Europe. After buying the guitar I went to YouTube and other forums that stated that this guitar was a great sounding beginner guitar. I am happy with Guitar Center and I think we should remember that it is commission based sales. I asked if it was because Trey had to leave due to his shift was ending and he let another sales person finish the sale. I felt bad becuz I knew he spent all that time with me and he would have to split the sale. He told me not to worry and was pleased that I was concerned. So please if these guys help you write something good about them. Commissions sales is hard and these guys know their guitars. ONE caution, Do check over your guitar because many people do try them. Mine had just a little mark but not so big that I noticed it when I was at the store and not so big that I would return such a good sounding guitar.. I hope this helps someone, have a great day! Leo read more

This place is awesome. I just bought an amp last month and today I bought a new guitar. The staff was honest and very helpful. I went in and they spent the time with me to make sure that I was getting exactly what I was looking for. Dan sold me the guitar and he, as always, was great to work with. The guitar tech helped get everything set up on my guitar the way I wanted it and did an amazing job. Their manager, Ian, is a really great guy and made sure I was happy with everything. I am really impressed with the level of care and professionalism that I got at this location and they have a customer for life! read more

Why are all customer service persons so young. It's difficult trying to discuss a purchase with a child with a tattoo on her neck. I will be shopping at Sam Ash from now on. Thank god for choice. read more

unreliable website! purchased a guitar for same day pick up when i went to the store they said they couldn't release the order to me because the payment was still processing. of course it's still processing that's how credit cards work. they said i could cancel the order and buy it there since they have stock. then they said they couldn't cancel the order because the payment is processing. when my wife called customer service they told her the store told customer service they don't have any in store and need to wait for the shipment. who's lying??? worst website worst customer service and worst liars ever! read more

Started going here for the weekly intro to protools classes. Ian rocks- very knowledgeable and experienced. Keep an eye out for 15% coupons in the mail and online. There's no reason to pay full price here. read more

Upfront: David C Z is a wonderful person to help a customer!! Everything I needed to start to learn the guitar was provided including much to my surprise - the Martin Backpacker - which is perfect for a permanent traveler. Thanks David!! read more

I just got a Guitar Center credit card and it's hard not to keep that thing maxed out! They got all the cool musical gear you could want! Just went in today after deciding to stop dreaming about playing guitar, and actually learn to play. Now sometimes it's hit or miss trying to get someone to help you, but if you're willing to asked for help, someone's usually willing to help you, or find someone that can. The guy who helped me today was really cool. He told me all about the differences in guitars, and helped me find what I needed to suit what I was looking to achieve, which is becoming a badazz rock star!! Really though, I love doing music, whether it's DJing, producing, playing piano, or learning a new instrument, this place usually has anything I need to do it. The prices are pretty reasonable too, and if you can't afford it new, then they have a pretty reliable selection of pre-owned gear at good prices. I personally feel like they could be a smidgen lower, but still not as much as new. They don't seem to have a problem letting you test out most things either before you commit to a buy, which is pretty nice since buying something from this store usually involves a commitment to practice. I here they also give lessons in various instrument & DJing. Anf if you are a new DJ staring out and can't afford the gear for your gigs, then you can also rent it from them, lights, speakers, everything. read more

Went in for some books. They didn't have what I was looking for, but the staff were friendly and helpful. Had a great time on some of the demo synths, of which they have a nice selection. read more

Can"t really remember why I came in here. the shopping experience is killed by the chaos of the place. Any way there all A LOT of options for a guitar spot in la mesa. maybe check out the mom and pop ones. read more

If I could rate no stars I would. Today I had the unfortunate opportunity of visiting guitar center, and needing a Tascam Dr-05 to make higher quality audio recordings since my action camera doesn't have an external mic option. So I headed in and was welcomed by doorman (nice customer service), and began my search into the store for someone to help me find the product. Live audio guy directed me (very nice guy), and I found it at the desk. Two employees present, one helping a customer as he talked his ear off and one was on the phone having an extensive phone call with another customer I'd assumed. Neither one made any attempt to acknowledge my presence or to even say sorry sir we are busy well be right with you ,as I waited patiently for what felt like roughly 10+ mins for them to ask if I needed help. As roughly 3-5 employees made their way in and out of the booth none of them asked if I had been helped or needed assistance. Finally I asked someone walking by if they could help me make a purchase and the man appeared as if he didn't want to and tried to say the two men in the booth originally are busy. Therefore I asked why there have been several other team members in and out of the booth who ignored me and could've helped me and didn't and he finally went to get somebody to help. (Sorry readers for the long review but it was extremely frustrating) Finally someone comes over to help me and the man too busy on the phone to acknowledge me tells the team member helping me where the device is. Team member brings a box out to scan and the product isn't scanning. He calls a supervisor to check out the issue and he says that that tascam is from another store and open box. I ask does that mean its discounted since its a previously opened box? He says yes it most likely is because of that reason. As the box still can't scan he gets out a new tascam and takes the previously opened one and puts it aside. So I said well wait a minute I'm interested the the opened tascam if its cheaper. The sales associate (not supervisor walks away since supervisor obviously has taken over the sale). Then the supervisor says that he can't sell me the opened tascam as its not in the system and therefore it won't scan (sounds like bs to get me to pay more for new tascam) Then he starts helping one of two original sales associates with another sale in the middle of helping me and says hey where'd the sales associate go he's supposed to ring you up? As I said I didn't know he chuckled and said did he just leave you? Hold on I'll page him. Then went to help the other associate and left himself. So as I'm standing there back to square one and no one else able to help me I've now been in the store almost half an hour just to get one thing. Seeing as no one was any longer interested in helping me I decided to leave and go to Sam Ash which for me is a 20 min drive away one way trip. Guitar Center, I don't know why your "customer service skills" are so poor but if you aren't honestly interested in making your customers experience a good one then you should not be in business. I will no longer be shopping at your establishments and will now be shopping at Sam Ash where my experience was completely amazing . I received a discount that was lower than your advertised price and received a free gift card for shopping there due to my terrible service at your store that I shared with them. read more

Honestly, any music store that has a section of pretentious cheap hats to finish off your look as a bohemian blues guitarist is just douchie and embarrassing to be in. I went in for a product that I had to explain to the sales guy because he didn't know what it was and then he tries to tell me that they used to carry it but it didn't sell. Again, he never even heard of it before. Nor, did he help me find anything comparable. I also find it funny to read how so called musicians on here call other people on here douche bags when they are Guitar Center regulars. Unless you are picking up an item that they definitely have, I recommend to do a lot of online research. Watch videos of people playing the instruments to hear how it sounds, find it and test it out and compare it with others. Use craigslist, private stores, or travel to LA where there are better stores. Don't depend on Guitar Center. There is so much great information online to educate you. Get on forums and meet other musicians. To finish off my 10 minutes in the store I get called ma'am as I'm walking out by a guy that looks like he's in a Ratt cover band. FML. read more

Slow service, everything is ridiculously over-priced, and they told me "if you don't like it, sell it to a friend, because it's yours now! *laughs*" even though the receipt says you have a 30 day return policy if you're not satisfied. That reminds me, there's a 15% restocking fee, and the salesguy opened the box himself before he rung it up... So yah, these guys suck major balls. read more

We have been going to guitar center for years, and in recent years I have to say definitely not the best service. I asked the guy behind the register for a price check on a keyboard stand (the ultimate keyboard stand) it was the only one on the floor and the only one without a price tag. I guess the guy thought I was broke or an idiot because I asked for the keyboard stand and it was the most expensive one, he looked at me funny with a smirk, are you sure you want this? I look at him I'm like yeah bro I have money. I then ask him for MIDI cables and he asks me what do I need those for? I look at him and I'm like are you serious? If I'm asking, I think know what I'm looking for. Anyways I explained to him what I wanted them for and then he tries to sell me an adapter which is fine. I was ready to check out and we proceeded to the register. Keep in mind the guy was a smart ass the entire time. He then attempt to sell me on extended warranty, I told him I don't need it. He continues to try to push the warranty on me and I continue to reject it. He basically continued to try to get me to buy The warranty and I refused once again he then asked me what would you do if the product brakes on you? I replied I'll just buy another one, in other words it's none of your business how I spend my money. He then tells me my total and in like cool no problem I have cash. I attempted to pay and I handed him the money and waited, and waited and waited and waited.... He could not figure out how to give me my change, he then called a manager the manager too had a bit of difficulty operating the register. I then asked them, do you guys not take cash often? The manager continued to work at it trying to decipher the ever so tedious puzzle which was the register. At this point I had enough. it seems to me like clients have a better understanding of what's going on in the store and than the employees themselves. At this point I'm thinking to myself I could've just bought these items through Amazon or any other website online with less of a hassle and a better service by just reading the online reviews of whatever product I want to buy. I now understand why the stars to this store are so low. Customer service is just not there. I remember a time when guitar center stood for something in fact we bought most of our equipment there. It's a shame that it takes ex college students or failed musicians to mess up a good thing. Oh yeah I was going to get the ultimate keyboard stand which retailed at $200. Plus the M I D I cables and the adapter out the store I was looking at almost $280. After waiting and waiting and waiting on them trying to figure out the register I just told the manager give me my money back it's cool I'll buy it online. The manager kept trying to push the sale by keeping me waiting while he scrambled trying to figure out which key works the register. Again I told him it's cool give my money I'm out, by this point since he wasn't trying to give my money back I just extended my hand. He didn't have much of a choice anymore that's when he finally returned the money . The time we spent at the register took longer than the time it took me to have a conversation with a fellow client and pick up the items I wanted. You can see why I was upset, when I enter a store I know what I'm looking for, I know what I want to buy, I'm not there to look around, when I go to a store I expect get in and get out. Never again guitar Center, you have lost a client for life. I hope this fixes the smirk on that little dude. read more

5 stars just because Doug was so helpful. Other staff acts like they hate their job. I always ask for him when I come in. I purchase quit often from this store some of the employees can definitely use some customer service training. read more

this place has pretty much whatever you need, but it's an absolute OMG WTF nightmare in there! the only place more terrifyingly packed with obnoxious people is Disneyland. still i love being one of the obnoxious people pretending to be a musical genius on the display instruments when i go there. i'd just be happier if i didn't have to elbow a few kids out of the way to get to the displays. read more

Massive guitar selection. Everyone was very helpful. Very different from other guitar center, the employees actually encouraged me to play different guitars and we're very knowledgeable about the guitars. I took my acoustic to get a set up. Paul, the guitar tech, was very helpful and did a very nice set up on it. The action was really high so I was skeptical about how low he would be able to get it. But it plays like brand new! Thanks Paul! read more

I now remember why I stopped shopping at GC. I have been buying my gear online, but decided to try shopping local again. My experience with GC is that employees are only sales oriented while not knowing too much about gear. They try to sell you the most expensive gear and not listing to what you are asking for. I knew what I wanted when I walked in but the sales guy suggested something else. I went with what he told me. Then he tried to sell me protection plan. I told him No. he insisted 5 more times. At this point I was upset and wanted t leave. When I got home, I searched online and the 2 products that they sold me were each $30 less. Funny thing is, it's from the site that GC is affiliated with. I hate going to places that overcharge. I expect to get them best price without negotiation. Anyways, i guess I'll return my items and order online with free shipping. read more

You can survive in retail in one of two ways. You can provide outstanding customer service or you can create incentive to sell. GC has clearly chosen the latter model which has resulted in a 3 star average rating at all stores and me not ever coming back. I've just spent $5k and was a potential long time customer but because I was treated like crap I won't be returning. Not only is this bad for the customer but I can tell the employees are under pressure as well. They do things like refuse returns, they add protection plans without authorization, they basically do whatever they need to do to hit their numbers which sucks. I believe as a businessman myself that the way to win people over in a competitive retail environment is to kill customers with kindness. We all have a basic human need to connect with people which will allow you to survive in this newly online retail atmosphere. When you can show people there is an advantage to talking to a knowledgeable person you create value by having them come in and see the real thing for Themistocles. We also like to touch and feel things and just as important we like to know we can return something if we change our minds or it doesn't work (within reason). Sorry guitar center but your commission based system created a bad taste in my mouth and to top it off when my item broke after using it one time and you wouldn't take it back it was the icing on the cake for me. I'll be happy shopping on amazon from now on and won't be happy to see you go out of business in the coming years. read more

Place used to be really cool, and so were the people that worked there. Been shopping there for 15 years, and the customer service has really gone downhill. There's only three employees that are always helpful, and one of them has been there since I started shopping there. But the last time I was there, a sales rep complained that I was "Strumming too hard" on an acoustic. I was offended and walked out, after I'd planned on buying a few items. Absolutely ridiculous! read more

far away ok selection help--eh If you are ever playing a show in San Diego, yes actually inside the city, be prepared for anything that may happen. I hope you won't need guitar strings, drum sticks, drum heads, or anything usually available in a major city. It seems most music stores close at 4pm and Guitar Center is located far far away in the town La Mesa. The selection of equipment especially for a GC in a large city I found was subpar. I had to ask 4 different times for someone to show me whatever "very nice and durable" bass guitar cases they had available in store. Willing to spend upwards of $800 for a true flight case I didnt want to order one and have it shipped in as I was leaving the next morning and the associates constantly trying to down-sell themselves baffled me! After 20 minutes they brought one out of the back that would work. Do not attempt to take a taxi. La Mesa is an easy half an hour away without traffic. Pay a local to drive you as we did would be your best bet as it costs a fortune. The one great thing about the experience was that they were not busy. I did not have to wait in line which is huge as I was in a big hurry. far away ok selection help--eh read more

paul, the guitar tech/repairman , is insanely professional and operates on the next level. he completley fixed and hot rodded my less paul better than expected. he communicated with me on every movd he made. i will reccomend him over everyone in the business. thanks paul a+++++++++- read more

As soon as I walked in the staff guided me where to go. They were berry friendly and I got everything I wanted, would recommend.

This place just plain sucks..... Bad customer service messed up orders.. On and on.... I was told on 4 different occasions that a manager will call me the next day concerning an order they messed up... Not once did I get a call or an email..... After all the bs here concerning an order that they had me waiting weeks on & couldn't get right.... I just went to Sam Ash and got what I wanted in 3 days, perfect... Don't waste ur time here.... Its pass the buck central read more

I just wanted to take some time, on this President's Day, to give my most esteemed thanks to Guitar Center and it's fine crew of knowledgeable employees. I had my 40th birthday in September and thought I would challenge myself with a new and unfamiliar hobby, learning piano. I am not one to frequent music stores of this caliber as I am truly a novice to making music. I was concerned that I would be dealing with kids that would be condescending and rude, but to my relief it was just the opposite. I must have spoken to at least 4 employees at the store about keyboards. Everyone I met at the store while I was shopping for an electric keyboard struck me as good guys. All of them where friendly, high energy individuals who greeted me with a smile, kind eyes and respect. The age difference truly didn't matter. It seemed to me that these young professionals truly cared about their job , were highly trained and just wanted to see me go home happy. Chris, my new pal from Massachusetts, was my go to guy in finalizing my decision to purchase a Yamaha Keyboard; which I can't wait to play on Friday when it arrives. Chris, if your reading this, thanks buddy for your knowledge base and for being genuine with me from start to finish. Chris is one of the managers at the store and i think he's absolutely on point and all dialed in when it comes to great customer service. Look for him and you'll see what I mean. I would also like to thank Josh, the store manager for, setting me up with Chris. Josh was great to meet and talk to today as well. Lastly, I'd like to say that that the store is organized in superior fashion. It has a synergy to it and it shows on all the customers faces. Everyone is walking around with a smile on their face just like I was when I left today after getting a great deal from a great crew. Muchas Gracias! -Ricardo Ochoa read more

Smh. In a world where retail is dying because of the internet and amazon you would think there would be the smallest bit of effort to retain in store customers. Sadly that does not seem to be the case. Went into the store just to look around, you know it's guitar center. Pick up a few instruments see what's there. Pick up a few supplies while I'm at it, right? Maybe it's because all I was buying was a $20 tab book that no one was willing to check me out. I don't know. But the sales people here kept sending to different check out lines only to end up at the back of a longer line each time. Ended up not buying anything and then finding the same book on amazon for 25% less. Seems to be the only reason I will be going back here is to try out my next guitar before I purchase it online from a different company. Unfortunate but what's the point in wasting my time to keep retail alive if they are going to make zero effort towards customer service. read more

I have left my bass for the neck set up. I was told it was going to be few days to finish the job. I got a message from the store from Paul stating that the bass is ready but that he recommends to change the input as it is losing signal on occasion. I have called the store and spoke with Matt who has told me how much ti would cost and I have agreed to proceed with the service. He has also told me that I would have to wait one more day, which has been fine with me. Today I came into the store only to find out that the basic set up was done and nothing else. I asked the tech on duty what was going on and he stated that no request was logged and that if I wanted it done I would need to leave the bass for a day more. I asked for a manager and was told that Mike, manager is with the customer and would be with me in a few minutes. Tech went 3 times to see where is Mike and after 20 min wait I left. GC has ruined small shops and now for all the gear and service you are forced to go there where they treat you like crap. I will find a small shop for bass setup in SD and will never go back to GC for anything. I have had it with GC. read more

I never buy a fucking thing from this joint. I just go there, play all of the guitars/drums/anything else that isn't bolted down. I also like to steal the patch cables from the pedal displays. Wingnuts and felts from the cymbal stands are fair game, too. Then i go home and actually buy everything from Musician's Friend with free shipping and no sales tax. Why? Because fuck Guitard Center, that's why. read more

a musician's playground. keys, drums, bass, guitars, and more. too much fun :)

yes, guitar center is a chain. yes, guitar center has annoying ass commercials where each weekend's sale is bigger, better, and more amazinger than the last one. BUT- their salespeople know their stuff. they're not just employees, they're musicians. musicians that have probably taken the opportunity to try EVERY instrument, effects pedal, strings, and amp in the store. i have never left there without feeling completely informed, and confident that my purchase was the right choice for me. that's why my first bass came from here, and my most recent purchase- a line 6 amp for my new christmas present (strat). if you're cool, they treat you like you're cool. if you're a douche nozzle, well... you get what douche nozzles deserve. last time, the sales dude was so pumped on my new guitar, he threw in a pack of his favorite strings with my amp for me to try out. that is a perfect example of anti-douche nozzle treatment. thanks guitar center, i wish you would open another store closer to the beach! read more

We were happy with our experience and purchase here. My husband was upgrading to a new banjo, and John was very helpful, but low pressure, which is nice! read more