I went to Guitar Center for the first time today since last year. It was great experience thanks to the employee Jackson! The store was very busy; there were lots of customers and phone calls; however, I asked Jackson to assist me in finding an item, and he instantly helped me! Despite the busy day, he was very patient and super polite. Overall, I was really happy with the customer service! I have been going to Guitar Center for many years, but Jackson's customer service really stood out to me today. I will definitely be returning to Guitar Center soon! read more

I am only going to give them 3 stars so they can't delete the post! But they deserve zero! The employees are lazy! They blame it on short staff but that's not the case. Glad I realized it and we didn't spend the thousands we were about to in your terrible business. Only upset I drove my son an hour here to get him a full drum set ( toma set , stands and cymbals ) for his birthday gift and we left with nothing!! Thank goodness for Amazon! Your employees are lazy and don't care! Update! I attempted to email the owner as he asked at the email address below. And they rejected it. More bs read more

Went in for a trade-in. Cam was very helpful and took time making sure I understood everything. Thanks Cam!!

Im going to start this review with 5 stars and update it as things happen. 9/9/20 - Dropped off my LTD EC-1000 to the Ralph the guitar tech for a setup. I told him I didn't need new strings but to set the rest of it up. He seemed pleased that I declined new strings. He took my info and said he'd be done in 2 weeks. Ralph's cool. 9/23/20 - 2 Weeks later called Ralph. He asked for my name and said "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and said he'd put a "check mark" next to my name and ensured me he'd get around to my guitar. I asked... What does that mean? hours, days weeks...? Ralph said I'll be in touch and hung up the phone.... 9/30/20 - Went into the store today to buy a snare drum head. Went over to Ralph's department to see if my guitar has been finished. Ralph asked for my name and said "Nope doesn't ring a bell". He asked how long my guitar has been with him. I responded with 3 weeks. He said he'd be sure to add a "check mark" next to my name and move me up the list... 10/04/20 - Ralph called and said the guitar was ready! Headed over and there it was in all it's glory. While adding a fresh polish to the guitar Ralph meticulously went over everything he did and assured me that the guitar is now perfect. He followed up by inviting me to bring the guitar back for any small tweaks or questions. Ralph is a pro and a mad guitar scientist that strives for perfection... I will definitely be back when the time comes. Well worth the wait! Ralph for President! read more

Service improved greatly since 2012 , or so. Had excellent guitar tuning and strap piece adding . I've bought 3 guitars and 1 baritone Uke here. Five big ones read more

This is a real paradise for guitarists, drummers, keyboardists and just music fans. Huge selection of new and used guitars, amplifiers, acoustics, records. Recomend for everybody! read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Pros and COns Pros 1. Wide selection of guitars and other instruments 2. Good Location 3. Vending machines if you are hungry 4. Trade- in offers Cons 1. Higher Prices 2. Service is ok, nothing to rave about I came here recently and was surprised to see how large their selection of guitars and other instruments they have. I even noticed that they had a techno music section and a vending machine if you get hungry. However, the prices are quite high and they service is ok. read more

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I had a very good experience at this location. The salesman / customer service person was professional and very helpful. I came here to get microphone cords and they provided me with a lot of information quality and how to get the most for my money. I really like the fact they they have a low price guarantee and price match with online competitors. I ended up saving 50% on my purchase because they matched an Amazon Prime price. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I gotta start by saying that I'm glad I have a few GC near by, some do have what I need in stock but the good ends here, I went to GC at Lake Forest to get JHS 3 series Compressor pedal, I literally stood there by the employees (young kids) who just talked with each other for minutes, I literally waited for up to 5 minutes near them with my card out, ready to make my purchase and none came over to ask me if I needed anything, so I would highly suggest the managers to have your team on top of everyone everything , ready to help. The experience was bad for me but it could be different for whoever is reading this review. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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We bought an acoustic guitar here in December and for some reason ( maybe the weather, who knows) the guitar started buzzing and it sounded terrible. I was pretty frustrated and was hoping to exchange it but we were just outside the 45 day return policy. Despite that, Jackson did what he could to help us. Ralph spent quite a while working on our guitar and making it brand new again. He did such an excellent job out of the kindness of his heart and I am so thankful and grateful for his help! The guitar sounds amazing again. He also recommended a humidifier to help keep the guitar in good shape. If you need repairs, ask for Ralph. read more

I had a dream, that one day my local guitar center would answer the damn phone. I've been calling for 3 days at different times only to be sitting with the ringtone for 5-10 minutes each time to which I gave up. Sweetwater is the best free shipping too. I wonder why guitar center filed bankruptcy recently....for the third time. read more

Andrew Paresa is an awesome guitar teacher! He's patient and very knowledgeable. My kiddo looks forward to her guitar lesson every week!

I picked up a basic acoustic guitar for cheap at a local thrift store and took it to Ralph at the Guitar Center in Lake Forest. He was kind and very knowledgeable about guitars. He knew exactly what needed to be done and a week later I was able to pick it up. Was blown away with the effort he put into cleaning my guitar, touching up the paint on the neck, polishing it, and restringing it too. Ralph was willing and eager to give the best service and my guitar looks good as new. Thank you for the work you put into it Ralph! I will definitely be coming back in the future! read more

Came in to tune and get new wires for my mom's guitar. Second I came in Ralph asked if I needed help and immediately help me and really fixed and educated me a bit on the guitar. He did such a great job my mother was super happy! Really cool and knowledgeable guy. read more

Terrible service in the Pro-Audio department. The clerk was rude and condescending and seemed to be bothered to answer questions and ring up my purchase. Once I paid, he simply turned his back and walked away without a word. I wasn't even certain the transaction was complete. My only explanation is that business so great, Guitar Center can afford to lose customers and is not affected by word of mouth descriptions of the customer experience. Perhaps the other locations offer service and courtesy. Definitely not worth the time or effort to shop at the El Toro location. read more

Brought in an old acoustic for repairs. Ralph helped me out and made it look and sound just like new. Very satisfied with the service. Will definitely be coming back in the future for more guitar services. read more

Lame. Husband and I got there today 30 minutes before they closed and we were told by the employee outside that the line was a "cut off" at the person before us. No one after him was being let in. The sign stated you close at 7:00. It was only 6:30. How does that make since? You have lost our business. We will gladly shop elsewhere for now on. read more

Wrost experience I have ever had in buying music instrument was in this branch. Always expect lots of surprises and hidden fees when you are going to return the instrument that you are not happy with. read more

I stopped by a different location to see about buying some gear. They stated they didn't have it but their location in Lake Forest did. So I went to my vehicle and logged onto the website and order the new gear. When I came to pick up my order Guitar Center tried to hand me used gear. They stated I know you purchased new. but are you good with this instead. I said no. I purchased new and I would like new. They stated well if you wanted new then you should have called and asked if we had any. I then explained I was at a different store and they called and confirmed that you had 2 new and I purchased one. They said ya sorry that happens a lot and Guitar Center will push this stuff as new when in reality it's slightly used. So I got my refund and will now purchase from Amazon who sells it at the same price. The only reason I was purchasing from Guitar Center was to support a local business. Well Guitar Center I learned my lesson. Good luck staying open. I will continue my future purchases from Amazon. Well right after I try it out in your store first. read more

Guitar Center - Amp - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

If -5 were possible thats what i would rate this absolutely joke of a store. If you are a real musician you will quickly discover this place is a toy store. Only person in that whole store that knows what they are doing is Dave in the repair desk. Guitar Center in general has turned into a store to buy a cheap guitar for little Johnny that wants to learn how to play like Jimmy Page. Avoid this place. read more

Very good store. I enjoyed. Very nice. Would recommend. Lots of instruments. I enjoyed this store very much.

No inventory, no knowledgeable helpful staff. Not worth entering the door. Go to Fountain Valley location. Night and day difference.

This store has (BY FAR) the worst customer service, bar none. We have now been standing at the desk for 30 minutes with no one acknowledging us so we can check out. For a purchase over $1,000, you would imagine the store would be more eager to assist. I will NEVER step foot in this store again as their service is HORRIBLE!!!! Order online of at all possible!! read more

Tina rock's, i bought a Bass and it was a flawless and easy transaction, not only she answer all my ignorant questions since i was getting the Bass as a present and i don't understand much about it but also she recommended the best option for my budget. Tina Rock's!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

So I went in to the repair counter, first thing to the right inside the store (right where the music lesson booths are) and Ralph helped me so efficiently and diagnosed my guitar repair needs as well as costs accurately. He is badically like fix it Felix and wreck it Ralph in one person (I hope you get the reference). Dave closed the deal for me and handled the pricing, and recommended me some nice guitar polish to really get the most out of my guitar tune up. Here is a before and after! read more

Guitar Center - Before photo of a Gibson maestro guitar - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Had a super great experience with Lloyd! He was super helpful and great on the guitar but also helpful in getting the right guitar that I was looking for. best customer service eva!! thank you, Lloyd! read more

Have been to this guitar center for years! The service was always attentive and they all do their best to answer whatever questions you have. My kids live to go there just to check out all instruments and test play them too! read more

This place is sad. Very understaffed, I've seen more than 10 people walk out because their is only 2 people working the whole store. Alex was still very helpful with what I needed and let me know it would be awhile until I can get helped out. Almost 3 hrs later we made progress. Guitar center needs to Hire more staff, money is walking out the door. Thousands in sales could have been made in the time I was here. Used to be the cool place to go and now it's embarrassing even walking into the store read more

I came in with two guitars for a restring and David A J. not only helped me right away but was very honest and upfront with me about the care and cost of the guitars. Thankfully my dad's guitar was able to at least be saved in time before our lack of care destroyed it and I thank David for that as I am sadly not the guitar expert and don't know how to take care of them, my dad was that guy. So, to end this, it was a very awesome and helpful exchange and anytime I do end up getting a new guitar, I'll come to this store and look for David only ! Thanks again David ! You made our day and my brother will be so grateful for your work on my dad's guitar as I'm gifting him it for his birthday ! read more

I came in this afternoon to purchase a guitar as a gift. There were no employees in the acoustic guitar room so I looked around and took a picture of the one I wanted. I went to the front where I was ignored by 2 associates and then finally one of them looked my way so I asked for the item. He looked at me with confusion as if I had done something wrong but I didn't not how else to purchase it. I showed it to him, we grabbed it and went to check out. He looked it up and I figured these were the items on the display until he said that was it for that particular guitar. I proceeded to ask whether I could order it through him to be delivered but as soon as I asked, he started to question me. "Why? There's so scratches, there's no marks. Take this one." I felt extremely uncomfortable so I respectfully said "You know what, it's okay. Don't worry about it, thank you for your time." And I left but the way I was spoken to and treated is no way to speak to customers. I never got his name but I'm sure if you ask, he'll remember the situation. read more

Went in to get a part for my old electric guitar and ended up leaving with a new (to me) ESP LTD! David in the repair center was more than extremely helpful. You can truly see his excitement with instruments when he explains things to you. What started as a quick 10 minute errand turned into a 2 hour journey for my newest addition to my plethora. The guys at GC are really helpful with any question you have and they won't hesitate to let you try a certain product. One very happy customer left their store tonight. Thanks again David! read more

Wow Tina and the staff at this location is the best. I had to make a return on a piece of gear for an important gig and she not only was SUPER friendly and accommodating, she was also able to have the manager approve matching the discount I got on the original piece I bought (thank God!) In other words, even if this isn't your closest guitar center, it's worth driving to, because Tina is the sh*t!!! read more

Given the circumstances of the whole COVID situation, this went beyond my expectations. Around the beginning of august I brought in my Epiphone Les Paul 100 for a tune up. Hadn't been used in years and brought it in to be given new life again. The work Ralph puts into guitars is amazing. I did, however receive my guitar back about a month later. I'm typically a patient person, and with Ralph being one of only two repair techs available at the time, I didn't mind the wait. And boy was it worth it. The guitar came back the way I remember getting it when it was brand new after years of being in my possession. He really is a man of his craft and would highly recommend him for guitar repair needs. He is also a very sociable guy and will easily strike up a conversation. Very friendly, very good at what he does. Will return to him again for more guitar repairs, if need be. read more

Guitar Center - Repaired/finished guitar after repair - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Needed to ask some questions regarding the Scarlette and the new clarett+2, even though I wasn't going to be buying a new set KAM took time to answer my stupid questions without rushing or trying to sell pitch me to buy something. I highly appreciate it and will buy from him personally when I go back there to buy an amp for my guitar. It's hard to find people who are willing to help you without receiving something in return. read more

UPDATE: I returned today to see if it was ready after the many days & multiple people that guaranteed it to be ready and it still wasn't. Luckily I got the name of the disrespectful, condescending people I spoke to! Thor and Scott, the shipping "management" and Eric, the store cashier. Appreciate your outstanding customer service, gentlemen! Bravo! First review: I wish I had read the reviews at this place before I had my mom send my Christmas gift to this specific location. I am absolutely appalled at their disorganization, HORRIBLE customer service, and the lack of genuine pride in their business. My mom had a Yamaha NP-12 sent here(rather than shipping it to me directly) for the convenience factor. Little did she or I know it would have been more of a nightmare dealing with them anyway. She called this location last Thursday to be sure the order was placed and ready for pick up. The gentleman she spoke to said it would 100% be ready by Friday. So, I call Friday to make sure before I went in, I spoke to a woman who was overall friendly, but super disorganized and I understand, it is the holidays, but the least you can do is have people who are confident in their speech. She proceeded to tell me it would be ready Sunday, 100%! Okie dokie! I call on Sunday morning to see if it was ready to be picked up again. The original gentleman on the phone was nice... he forwarded me to the shipping manager? Deliver manager? Maybe it was just the overall manager - either way - whoever is representing this location with that type of horrible attitude should be replaced to try and mitigate all of the awful reviews saying similar things. He sounded so absolutely bothered, uninterested and as if I was putting him out to check if it had arrived. He talked to me like I was a complete uneducated Neanderthal. Needless to say it was not ready and I will try again tomorrow. I will never be returning, buying directly from or ordering online to this store. Go somewhere else, there are far better stores with people who are passionate about their work and treat you like a creative, passionate equal human and not an inconvenience! read more

I only Yelp about very good or bad experiences. This was my first time using this location. But I have had good experiences at their other stores. I can't understand some of the negative reviews, but I notice many good reviews are about Tina. I gotta say she was fantastic helping me with a special order Taylor. Over a period of two days she worked on making it happen with the factory, and treated me like I was her only customer. She is just plain nice. She didn't over or under sell. Thanks Tina, you rock girl! read more

I have been a Client of Guitar Center for 10 years and have purchased from locations all over the map in LA & Orange County and this store BY FAR takes first place in worse customer service. The drum department is a JOKE, everything is a mess, drum sticks all over the place with no price tags, and you are lucky if you get a salesman in that area to help, you are better off just walking to the front counter and paying there. Oh... and stay OUT of the restrooms, they are gross. Very little care for the facilities. Most of the employees have no idea how to handle the retro computer system when it comes to returns, instrument purchases, etc.. so you will have to wait until they bring the Manager over to deal with the problem, just adding unnecessary time to your whole transaction. It's a common thing to stand in line for several minutes while you wait for the 1 or 2 employees working the 4 available registers at the front counter. It's really a joke how they handle things and and whenever you ask a Manager... "Hey can anyone help me? I've been waiting for over 20 minutes so I can just pay for my stuff and leave"? -- The most common answer is: "I'm sorry we are a bit understaffed and things are moving slow" ------- Things have been moving "slow" at this Guitar Center since my first visit 2 years ago. Nothing has changed. I'm done shopping here, Fountain Valley is a way better G.C location with knowledgeable and friendly staff. If you live in Orange County don't waste your time and skip Lake Forest. read more

Ralph is the sweetest, got my guitar restrung and it sounds beautiful. Thank you, Ralph!

I bought a 60ieth anniversary Strat from the special room. I found out that the tremelo bar for the guitar was a generic that did not fit this $1000 guitar. I have tried through numerous phone call to get the $10 tremelo bar since last year with no result. I called the store manager and even sent a gripe email to the headquarters with not so much as a response. I have been doing business at this store since it opened and have bought thousands of dollars worth of quitars and amps; you would think that as a matter of courtesy they would respond, but nothing. I will deal with Amazon from now on since Clearwater is also owned by Guitar Center and I could only expect the same lack of customer service from them. read more

Just called with a random search before I drive request looking for sound blanket foam to buy or scavenge if available. I had the pleasure of Jake answering my call. Jake was super helpful but told me he was relatively new working at the store. I would have never known he was "new"! Gave me excellent customer service, guidance on possible read more