First let me say that this was my first time here. I'm not musically inclined I walk in the guy at the front did not say anything to me kinda just looked at me and then turned. I walked in I was looking for a piano I had been researching online and was ready to buy in person. There was no one in the piano section so I had to ask the guy in the front a question. He was not happy that I asked him a question. He looked upset and like he was too good to answer any questions, he said he did not know and gave me this dumb look. So ok without finding out or saying anything to me in hopes that I would go away. I asked him can you call someone that can answer my questions and he told me just hang around and someone will come by when they get a chance. It is not like I went in rush hour and they were so busy so I walked away and went to another guy and he was great answered my question and got my piano. So when I left I had to walk by the guy again he did not say anything at all and just looked at my receipt and I walked right out with out a smile or you got the answer or anything at all. He really should not be the face of the store or the first impression he really needs a new job or in the back where his holy then thou attitude belongs. Will not be going back and will tell everyone my experience. read more

I've been here many a time; primarily to buy guitar strings/accessories. 40% of the time I come here, I just play the guitars and mess around with the other instruments (acoustic room's cool). Selection is amazing, by far the best I've seen under one roof. I do have to say though, the workers are pretty cool, they're chill and knowledgeable. I had one cool experience where a dude gave me a good deal on elixirs and a string winder for 5 bucks, good man. For the great selection, knowledgeable people and relatively good prices; 4 stars. read more

i bought drums from this store they were super nice thanks GC

The highest of praises to one Mr. Paul Moors. I busted my guitar up something fierce, enough to make a grown man cry. Brought er to Paul over at La Mesa and he had it back for me within the week, good as new. This was my first big repair on an instrument and he was very reassuring. I left the store relieved and was even more thrilled to return so soon to pick up. Paul if you need an apprentice miman lemme know and thanks again. read more

Came in to help a friend purchase her first guitar. We were having a nice time looking at guitars and enjoying the acoustic rooms - then an employee comes in the room asking if we need assistance. No thanks. Still, he hovers about us. Nothing as irritating to me as someone hovering over you when you just told them you don't need assistance. Then, he walks over to a workstation, clearly with no intention of letting us enjoy the space on our own while we make our decision. Next, since the employee has no actual work to do, he starts drumming out a rhythm with his fingers on the desktop of his station. Dude shut up. We're trying to find an instrument without listening to your percussion solo. I ended up taking a picture of the guitar we would have bought that day and chose to buy it somewhere else. You lost a sale guitar center. Next time someone says they don't need your help, give them some space. read more

We went to Guitar Center on a Saturday morning to buy a beginner guitar for our teenager. Complete novices when it comes to guitars, we could have been like fresh meat for a salesperson. Instead we were greeted by Chance, a super nice guy who was very patient, let us ask all the dumb questions we had without making us feel like idiots, and took time to ask us questions and pull out test guitars in order to make the best choice. (incidentally, the guitar we chose was the same price on Amazon, but we got great service and advice, no shipping worries and she got to start playing that day). We also had an old guitar restrung, and the guy stringing it chatted with my 10 year old about music while he did it. Very cool. read more

I have been using guitar center since the time they were located in El Cajon. The staff has usually gone out of their way to make a deal and help customers with their selections. I would say the majority of the staff is still courteous and helpful. However today I was disappointed by the unwillingness of the rep to work on a deal involving a guitar that had obviously been on display for an extended period of time. Smeared polish, dusty, corroding strings and the last one in stock. I was trading up from a previous purchase in access of 292.00 dollars! They wouldn't even throw in a pack of new strings. The case they gave me was covered in dirt and smirred from a failed attempt to clean it. When I questioned the condition and told them how this compares to the past repution of the store the rep simply shurraged his shoulders and replied "yeah I know what you mean. They're trying to cut corners to make more money." Good bye to good deals, and dependability- at least the some of the people working there seem to care about the customers, the front office apparently doesn't. read more

If I could give a lower review I would have not given them any stars at all. I have had by far the worst experience at this Guitar Center. Where to start almost everything about the place screams you are not welcome. The staff was highly unprofessional gave a condescending/ arrogant vibe. I and friend went in to purchase some strings and before we did this we started playing the guitars. There was one staff employing who kept and giving me and my friend a terrible look lack as if we had something against us and when I went to put back my guitar he exclaimed in a harsh tone "where did you get that" I replied here but somebody has put another guitar in this spot. He snatched the guitar out of my hands and I thought what the heck. It is a shame that Guitar Center has one of the largest selections of guitars that I have seen but the staff will drive away business. read more

This review is for guitar centers customer service support. I have been going to guitar center for 5+ years but have never ordered online until back in October when I was going to place an order for a keyboard to give as a gift. Before checking out, I found out my boyfriend who I was buying the keyboard for had already purchased his so I canceled my checkout (as I thought). The next morning I get a confirmation email saying that my package is preparing for shipping so I called customer service to get this cancelled since I never made the order and they said it already is out for shipping and they would have to do a "stop ship" on the item and that once they received the package they would refund me....7 calls later and over a month gone by= no refund and a "missing" keyboard that they claim was delivered to my door step when the address they had on file was wrong. I have to explain my situation every time I call and every person says the same thing "that they are going to send out a notice for UPS to pick the item up and I would receive my refund after they receive the item" in addition to this inconvenience, my banks have charged my account over draft fees because the amount that Guitar Center took from my account over drafted my account. This is has been the worst customer service I have ever experienced. If a customer needs to cancel an accidental order, cancel it. If the package sent to the customer was lost in the mail, dropped off to the wrong house or just disappeared for some reason, that is not the customers responsibility. I am extremely astonished that Guitar center is still withholding my $200 refund because it is taking them a month to figure out what the hell they did with that package. I will never shop here or order online again solely because of the carelessness and serious lack of customer service that this company has provided me. read more

Dan at guitar center is the best, He is the only one I will go to if I'm going to buy something. He knows his stuff and is a fellow musician who wants to help you find the right gear. read more

Stopped by guitar center recently and I had great customer service. I was greeted the second I walked in the door. I was helped by someone who actually had knowledge on the topic at hand. Their prices are a little steep for me but the customer service completely made up for it. read more

At this guitar center you don't always get the best customer service, but there is one thing that I can say is for sure is the guitar repair service is outstanding. I explained the problems as best as I could and the man helping me (Shane). I was totally expecting a "leave your guitar here and pick it up next week" kind of answer. So after 30 mins. he had it working like new not to mention the guitar was in the worst possible shape. Shane had a great attitude and loved his job. As far as the Guitar repair service I would recommend it and for everything else well..... I'd say its hard to get any service as far as purchasing equipment or gear. read more

Seriously great center....salesman Doug rocks with knowledge of guitars and friendly help guitar selection excellent no problems wiyh my entire purchase read more

Not the Guitar Center I remember from the 1980's, I was aghast to find they have become WalMart of the Musical World. Wanted a Digitech GSP 1101 Guitar Pre-Amp and was told they do sell Digitech, except I would have to wait 5 days for shipment. I will no longer shop there, since I was in my my opinion treated like a looser. read more

I've had mixed feelings about guitar center the last 10 years. I've had some great experiences and some not so great ones. Recently I decided it was time to upgrade guitars and go for something with better build quality and tone. It was busy around the time I arrived and it was hard to get a staff member to help out. A staff member named Scott helped me out and answered all of my questions and made some recommendations based on my playing style and taste. I played les Pauls,strats, telecasters And a prs. I couldn't decide between them so I went back three days in a row to really test them out. Scott helped me all 3 days and wasn't pushy/just in it for the sale. I finally decided on a fender hss American std strat. They didn't have the color i wanted in stock so he ordered one for me from the warehouse. The guitar shipped fast and arrived in a few days. I went to go pick it up and was greeted by Scott again. He went back and got it. I felt like a kid on Xmas morning and I could see that he was really happy that I had made the right choice. The guitar plays like a dream and I'm very happy with it. I would've given my experience five stars but unfortunately I ran into a couple of pushy salesmen along the way. If u go to guitar center I recommend talking to the same guy that helped me out. read more

best selection and pretty good prices unless you are going online. only thing is it's hard to find someone to help you.

They don't beat or match any price like they claim they will. They sold me a beat up keyboard with no manual, no box, no nothing, that had been out on the floor for who knows how long for the same price I could have received a brand new untouched one online. Even though I kept showing them the offers from the other online stores. They said those won't be new either. Not true. They call that price matching. I had to return it because after getting it to my studio I found the keys were not functioning right because they were defective in the middle octave. At the time of the purchase the sales person said they didn't have any more in the warehouse, which I later found wasn't the case, they had plenty according to a different sales person. The next day the keyboard was back on the floor still with defective keys. I bought a Roland amp the week before that had also been on the floor, had to return it because of a bad tweeter. They seem to sell damaged goods knowingly, for full price hoping someone will buy it and not notice the problems. Thankfully I was able to return both items and get a great deal on brand new ones from somewhere else. Don't buy it if it was out on the floor! At least they have a return policy. read more

If I could give this review zero stars, I would. I took my guitar into be serviced two months ago, as it was a year old and had never been serviced. Since taking it in there for a basic tuning, there have been SO many issues. The action is messed up, strings keep breaking, bridge pins have popped out, and the jack just completely fell out. Do not take your instrument here to be serviced, very poor quality work! Completely unsatisfied. read more

What an experience. Went in to buy headphones. Roberto helped me out with no pressure, let me open up some boxes so I could make the right decision. Wow customer service rocked. Saved me money and made me want to come back. read more

This was my first time buying a guitar from Guitar Center. I was helped by a guy named Rigoev Prado. He was an amazing sales person. He helped me find the perfect guitar, and he made sure I got an awesome deal. I would highly recommend this Guitar Center to anyone. read more

We've been going to this Guitar Center for years. My main person there is Scotty Stover- very knowledgable and very helpful!! Whenever he hasn't been there, someone else steps up and helps answer questions, sets us up to try things out, etc. Yesterday, Chance helped me out since Scotty was off that day. Over the last few years, we've gotten two guitars, several amps., and all kinds of other gear. This past year my son custom designed a guitar and part by part, especially Scotty, but also many others over this last year, have been wonderful with their great knowledge and helpfulness. Love having a place I can trust and rely on!! read more

THIS PLACE SUCKS. They sent back a guitar that I paid for, refunded me electronically the day before I came to pick it up the day before my boyfriends birthday. I expected that I could keep it there for a couple of weeks and then surprise him closer to his birthday, there's no way I could hide it. I walk in today the day before and they had sent back the flipping guitar I ordered and it was my first trip into guitar center. I left almost in tears-now my cool gift is ruined. They deserve NO STARS. read more

Eddy is the guy to go see! Helped me compare my mics to some other ones they have and gave me his thoughts while understanding mine. Great guy, awesome store! Keep it up guys! read more

I find their guitar staff helpful, courteous, and accommodating. I've never had an employee at this location apply pressure to get me to buy anything. They have a large selection of guitar gear. read more

This was my first time at this guitar center being that I recently moved to the area from Milwaukee and I will definitely be coming back. I came in to get some prices and advice on some add-ons for my home studio since I am looking to do an overhaul after the move. The guy in their audio department named Nick was a huge help, unlike a lot of other guitar centers I've been in he was neither a snobby prick or too busy to help answer my questions which was a nice change of pace. The other upside was that this guy was knowledgeable and knew exactly what I needed and the amount of money it would take to get me there, which was more affordable than what I had anticipated based on my own research from home. I'm usually the last guy to take the time to write reviews unless I'm destroying some local Greek restaurant for finding a fingernail in my food, but I figured that this store earned some praise given the good time I had in there today. Thanks and keep it up guys. read more

On Friday 12/30/2016 I called the La Mesa store and specifically asked if they had an amp in stock. The woman told me they had 5 in stock. So I get there only to be told that they are listed in the lessons dept and can't be sold. She immediately then tried to sell me other amps. I have worked for Guitar trader and NEVER heard that one before. I drove 40 minutes to get there! But believe me when I tell that was low on her level of concern. Will definitely not be using Guitar Center La Mesa anymore. read more

I am not even from La Mesa, but I am from Chicago. I am currently on tour in Germany and am a Guitar Center Platinum member. I had emailed this store because I saw a keyboard that I was interested in. They did write me back, took 24 hours, but no problem. In the email, the Pro Audio manager told me that he would hold this keyboard for me. When I wrote back to tell him to go ahead and hold it, he then took some time to write back and told me it sold. Initially, I was quite upset, but then he said they will price match another keyboard for me. read more

O.M.G. Guitar Center in La Mesa couldn't organize a piss up in a brewery ! They arrange a signing with the oh so famous Mr Dave (I drive a silver F U Austin Martin) Mustaine of Megadeth fame and leave at least 400 patient fans with the door shut in their face and the cops called to shoo them away. They had a huge draw with at least 1,200 fans to cram into a two hour window of 7pm - 9pm. By the time eight o'clock passed Guitar Center employees were soliciting the patient line outside trying to sell them guitars for hundreds of dollars with the lure that they will be sent to the front of the line. The down fall was if you did not purchase one of their wonderful "Dean" guitars you probably won't get to meet Mr Mustaine. Now I'm all for creative marketing. But have you guys ever heard of ETHICS? Most of these fans had been waiting outside in a very orderly and peaceful manner for 3 - 5 hours. Three guys behind me had driven 97 miles to attend. I believe the decent thing to do now is to invite Dave Mustaine down to do a repeat meet and greet / signing. It's only a hours drive to La Mesa from his home in Fallbrook. Mr Guitar Center General Manager Get organized. Treat people nice Show some respect Get it sorted !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All you had to do was stay open for another 60-90 minutes and everyone would have been happy. Remember all of these people who showed up tonight are your CUSTOMERS Dude Rock On! read more

I needed a PA system for a charity event that I was having to raise money for foster youth. I know nothing about sound systems. I put my iPhone in a cup to make it louder, but that is the extent of my knowledge. Not only did guitar center help me figure out what I needed they gave it to me for free since it was a charity event. We need to give more business to businesses that give back like this one. They were amazing and helped me out tremendously. I will go to them for all my musical needs and recommend them to everyone. read more

Thanks for the Great Customer service Tony. I really appreciate the variety of your products and the expertise of your employees. -Christopher Hunter read more

I've come into guitar center several times, I've never had horrible service, and I've never had anything super amazing happen, until today! Dan and Tony displayed exceptional customer service while my boyfriend tried, and soon purchased a guitar. They accommodated every need, and even bent over backwards, making a certain deal happen. Paul the guitar tech was also an amazing help, being very friendly and not making you feel like an idiot like most places do. I was more than pleased with the service! Thanks guys read more

I want to start off by saying that I have been shopping for Acoustic guitars for years and have owned a number of high end, luxury acoustic guitars. Therefore, I am very well aware of market prices of guitars and how much I should be spending to purchase a guitar, especially if I am on a budget. I called into the store because of a guitar that I saw on the used inventory that I was very very interested in. The entire buying process took about 2-3 hours, but thats what I expected and wanted because I never want to be impatient with purchasing an instrument. Josh, the manager, provided EXCEPTIONAL customer service and worked with me to help me purchase the guitar with absolutely ZERO complaints. He thoroughly examined the guitar and sent me clear pics of the guitar and gave me details about the model number, quality, condition, and how beautiful it was. I'd also like to mention that he held off on having lunch until 4:30pm because he was helping me with this transaction. I would also like to mention Trey for helping finalize the transaction after Josh set everything up for us. I want to praise the La Mesa Guitar Center hiring staff for hiring such an excellent employee and only wish/hope that this review leads to increased sales and popularity for Guitar Center. Definitely would recommend working with Josh, Trey, and the Guitar Center in La Mesa at finding your next instrument. Would rate the buying experience and service a 5+++/5. read more

My son was interested in play guitar. The staff was very helpful and pointed us in the right direction. They even have lessons available. I'm very pleased with the Customer Service! read more

Have been looking around to buy a mic and an amp. Nothing super huge or flashy, I love singing and music and have a keyboard and guitar already but wanted to buy a relatively inexpensive amp and mic to sing at home. Looked online to see if they had any sales or anything and saw they had some smaller amps for a good price and a mic on sale. Checked that they had it at my store, and went in to buy. Couldn't locate the amps I was looking for so I asked for help and the guy was ridiculously rude. He looked at me like I was crazy when I asked about these two amps. I pulled up the links on my phone and told him the names and he said that they didnt have them there. I said that I had looked them up online earlier and he said "where do you think you are right now?" I told him, "La Mesa, I live here, I think I would know." And then he looked up information about them and was like come here and look at this. So I was totally turned off and now I won't go buy from them. They certainly don't have the best prices and since every time I have been in the store they act like they are better than me and i don't know music, I suppose they don't need my money either. read more

I hate this place. But I always go back because of the prices and its the closest. These guys are complete jerks. Not all of them the chicks are way cool and Bill is cool. when I bring back something I bought. They always give me that dirty look like here we go again with exchanges . I guess I always have bad luck buying their amps it seems. I do spend a lot of money there. Bill is the only cool one to me he is always friendly and helpful. Thanks Bill your awesome. I spent over 1,300.00 on a Ampeg Head and they gave me the floor model, when I asked if they have one boxed up they looked at me in a strange way and said why? They had no more in stock only floor model so I asked if they can go down on price they said No Way. I bought it anyways. Three hours of playtime it started to crackle and pop. Had to take it back for exchange. But none in stock, and then again with the dirty looks and bad vibe. So I decided to buy a Mark bass combo and get some cash back. They unplugged and gave me the floor model. "What no new unboxed one in the back I asked? He said you can play threw this one its brand new. I said I don't want a floor model. I want a new and unboxed one for the money I'm spending. Again with the bad vibe. So I took my refund and I will never buy a Amp from them again. read more

Not even considering the high prices of their instruments and accessories, I had a very poor experience. The customer service is horrendous! As I was waiting to be helped, several employees behind the counter are chatting with their backs to me. Very unprofessional. The employees do little to help you find what you need, which makes it difficult to get in and out of the store in a timely fashion. Once I got a hold of one of the employees, I asked about a price of one of the guitar accessories on the wall because it said that there was a discount. He responded saying that their definitely was a discount, so I decided to check out with that item because it was a reasonable price. When I went to check out, the employee behind the counter scanned the item and told me that the amp cable was double the price I had originally been told. I was surprised to hear this after what I had been told. Overall, it was a waste of a trip. It was so disorganized, I don't know how they stay in business. read more

I really have always been frustrated with the service at Guitar Center. My last experience at trying to sell an amplifier to them was the final straw. I understand that it is hard for them to quote an amp over the phone, but I called twice and talked to two different people about what to expect to get for my amp. My friend also went to the store and gave them the model number and was quoted a ridicously high number, which I knew was wrong. He even told me that the person doing the quote was a manager...what a joke. He was quoted a price beyond what the full retail price was in the first place! Nobody seemed to have any idea or care about what type of quality service they were providing. Another person told me to average the ebay sold listings and then cut that price in half to see what they would pay for the amp. Not true once I finally went in with the amp. Then I called back again at a later date to see if they could give me a better idea of what to expect before I drove all the way from Clairemont Mesa to East County. I understand the fact they couldn't (or should I say wouldn't) quote over the phone, but was told that the condition of the amp, the quality of sound, and the fact it was still in the box would all work in my favor. I finally decided to take the amp to the store and give it a shot. Upon arrival, the salesperson simply typed in the model number and said a ridicously low number. "I am not trying to insult you, but we do have to stay competitive" I was told as my jaw dropped and heart sank. Then another salesperson came over and backed up what the number was by quoting prices of past sold dollar amounts and the like. They didn't even take the amp out to inspect the mint condition it was in or factor in any of the things I was told over the phone. Just a simple type of the computer and a statement of "this is what the last one was marked at, so I can offer you half of that". Even the word "offer" bothered me, because the price was NOT negotiable. I tried to mention why it was a better value then most, but was just shot down by both salespeople. I am just so frustrated at the fact I tried SO hard to get a good idea of what to expect before I came and was TOTALLY mislead. I know it wasn't the most expensive amp, but the lack of customer service was what bothered me the most. AND, why do they try not to quote over the phone, as the salesperson informed me once I was there, when all they do is look at the dollar amount in the computer once you have taken the time to travel to the store? Literally all they did was search the amp model and give me a non-negotiable price without even inspecting the amp or its condition. Why can't they quote over the phone if all they do is run the numbers once they have lured you into the store to waste your time. Overall, I left disgusted and frustrated. What a waste of time and I was totally mislead by THREE seperate employees only to be shot down and insulted upon arrival. All they care about is the all mighty dollar, not customer service. This experience just re-affirms how much I miss Guitar Trader and customer service that you can rely on. read more

guitar center at murray drive has always been my favorite music store since i came to san diego in year 2000. it's a store for music gears and accessories under one roof. with friendly and helpful associates who assisted me finding stuff i need, and who are really skillful and professional in their work answering questions and showing how gears of my interest work and function. i am very satisfied with the gears i got from strings, guitar effects to wireless transmitter for my guitar. guitar center@ murray drive, you guys ROCK!!!! and thank you so much. read more

The LAZIEST people on earth!! Waited for an hour for assistance (there wasn't many customers) I was patient because they said that they'll be right with me. Finally purchased my item but it didn't work. Went back next morning for refund and because the item I purchased was over $50 ($320) they would have to give me a check because they do not give cash refunds if over $50. Really? 90% of their merchandise is over $50! Anyways they check took 30minutes to receive because the back office had to distribute the check, after that they told me that I could take the check to the Wells Fargo across the street to cash it. Wasting more of my time, btw the first check they wrote was incorrect and the bank wouldn't take it so I had return again. Finally I cash the check but Wells Fargo charged me $7 because i didn't have an account there. Really I wasted many hours and at the end of all this having to pay $7 to fix this situation that wasn't my fault. Bullshit!! Never Ever will I return!!! read more