I was pleased to discover a Guitar Center was in easy proximity to me when I relocated to the desert. The store in Palm Desert Ca. is very small but considering the smaller music scene here does it need to be bigger? They pretty much cover all the bases with a little bit of everything and adequate stock of the every day essentials such as strings, cords, pics and doodads. The staff has always been welcoming, friendly and the "appropriate amount" of helpful in that they ask if you need help and if you say no or just looking they leave you alone. But they are always right there if you do ask for assistance or information. Seeing some of the reviews stating "no body to help" or "I was ignored" makes me wonder because I visit frequently and have never found that to be the case. I've made two sister store purchases shipped to the Palm Desert store and everything went smoothly. One guitar I decided I didn't like and was able to return no hassle-no questions asked. I know that is store policy but I've never had to do that before so was pleased they are true to their word. Only disappointment I've had in the 6 years since moving to the area was I needed some string tree retainers for a Strat I bought off CL and though the website said they were in store stock, they weren't. And I can say that was my bad for not actually calling and confirming first. But the location is only 10 miles from me so no biggie. read more

Everyone here is really great. Chris, in particular, always goes above and beyond to be helpful, but everyone at the store has always been helpful and welcoming to my son and I regardless of whether we were there to buy something that day or just play their guitars. read more

Josh was great! Nice Helpful despite it being pretty busy. Would come again, nice environment read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Last Monday, When I entered, this store is highly organized to the T! Super clean & very attention to details ! There are so many different time of music instruments, music sheets, cords & anything you need or if has to do with music they have it! I needed to find music protector sheets, I had no idea what I was looking for . So Josh could see I was troubled , he asked me if I needed help, I said yes. I told him what I was looking for. He said that there none in stock and he said maybe staples would have them too . I love the fact he gave me options, Inside the store or even outside the store . His willingness to help me was so very kind & thoughtful! I really do appreciate his time and efforts & his suggestions ! Josh was super sweet,kind, caring, thoughtful, super down to earth, very genuine! I would like to Thank Guitar Center for making my visit so wonderful! I would especially love the Thank Josh for Making my day so memorable! I'll definitely be back again & for advice! I'll tell all my family and friends to come here ! read more

Guitar Center - FENDER Amplifier - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

We've had an absolutely amazing experience at Guitar Center in Palm Desert, and I felt compelled to share how special this place has been for our family. Their guitar instructor, Dave, is truly one of a kind. He has an incredible ability to connect with kids, make learning fun, and build real confidence through music. My son Tristan absolutely loves his lessons and especially enjoys playing bass with Dave -- it's become something he genuinely looks forward to every week. Dave's patience, encouragement, and passion for music shine through in every lesson. You can tell he cares not just about teaching notes and technique, but about inspiring creativity and helping students fall in love with music. The entire staff has always been welcoming and supportive, creating an environment where beginners and young musicians feel comfortable and excited to learn. Seeing Tristan grow more confident and excited about music has meant a lot to us as parents. We're incredibly grateful to Dave and the Palm Desert Guitar Center team for making music such a positive part of his life. Highly recommend to any family looking to get their kids started with music or anyone wanting a great instructor! read more

Dropped off my new/used D-18 Martin to get new strings and set up specifically asking that they lower the action. When I got it home I noticed that the action was still very high so I took it back in. The tech who did the work basically told me everything was fine, put the guitar down and ignored me. I asked what he planned to do and he said that he wouldn't work on it for free but I could pay him again. I reminded him that I had already paid him. At that point I decided that I didn't want him to touch my guitar again and left. I went directly to Rockwell Guitar repair where he determined that the action was indeed too high, sanded the saddle, adjusted the truss rod and had it fixed in 30 minutes. Don't waste your money and go directly to Rockwell Guitar repair. read more

Always love going to GC. This one has friendly staff some are knowledgeable. But staff are mostly musicians so it's a plus.

I have taken a couple of guitars in for minor repairs,Quanah had them done in no time.

No one to help you. We walked out after waiting about 30 minutes. They seemed to help people coming in the door but not helping people waiting read more

Been there three times, and that was three times too many. By far, one of the worst Guitar Center stores I have ever dealt with. I've witnessed other customers, me included, as I tried to deal with staff that are totally inept. At best, they "might" help you in some curious way, if they feel like it. I don't know how this store can still be open and in business. Ridiculous. Are all the 4 and 5 star reviews from music buddies of the staff? My rating is a minus zero. read more

We refuse to resort to online shopping for anything music or instrument related. We need our local music shops. It builds community. We feel very grateful to have our local GC here in the desert. Specifically Jackson and Chris make our frequent visits incredibly enjoyable. They are knowledgeable, friendly and all around assets to the music community as a whole. Because of these two, a trip to GC feels more like visiting friends. Thank you for the high vibes. Much gratitude and rock on. read more

I have to bring 'em down a notch, because this boutique store is terribly understaffed. It takes a very long time (sometimes up to 20 minutes) just to get assistance or to check out. Otherwise, Guitar Center has been and always will be my go-to for music equipment that I must SEE before I buy. However, if I already know what I'm getting, I'm going to order online because I just don't have the time it takes to get in and out of Guitar Center Palm Desert. It is important to note that their guitar setup person is very reliable and knows how to setup a guitar quite well. read more

Guitar Center - Used Boss Katana 50 mkII - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Yellow Glarry P Bass copy according to my guitar tech was a piece of junk and would have required way too much money to fix up versus the 89.00 price. The frets were horrible and the truss rod was maxxed out. I may never buy anything again from the store, fortunately I was able to bring it to a local Guitar Center and have it shipped back. read more

Good selection of guitars, but zero customer service. I have been in the market for a new butterscotch Fender Telecaster Am Pro II. I visited the Palm Desert GC twice while trying to decide which model etc. The first time the Teles were on sale for 10% off. I was interested, but when I asked a rep if they might sweeten the deal, the answer was a firm no. And the way he said it made me feel like it was a silly question since the guitar was already on sale. I returned a couple of months later and tried at least 4 telecasters, but at no point did any rep bother to ask me if I might be interested or had any questions. I do not fault the people at GC, but feel like they are chronically understaffed. Long story short is that I bought the tele from Sweetwater, and am very pleased. I have bought from GC in the past including a Martin HD-28, but based on my experience with Sweetwater will probably give them the business in the future. read more

Had the best experience at this place I picked up my new Yamaha acoustic guitar and dudes name was josh at the register was cooler than heck really made me feel welcome I will definitely be coming back read more

I was very much pleased with "Tomas," and the Guitar Tech at G.C. Palm Desert. Took good care of me and as an old guitar player I appreciated it. Brought my Gretsch guitar in for warranty work... great job and plays well. read more

Always great service! I do not l live in the area or near . when I do visit we are always greeted and welcomed! Especially the manager is very friendly and helpful . Will definitely visit again! read more

I loveee the patience in this place. They are nice people, kids come around and play with the instruments and they have so much patience and sympathy. read more

Guitar Center - Guitar space - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Took my cousin in so she could sell her guitar that she outgrew. We were helped by Joseph I believe that's his name and he walked us through the process of everything. It took about 30 minutes to finish the process and my cousin and I was very pleased with the professionalism and great communication and customer service that was provided. Thank you guys again, we will be back soon. read more

Guitar Center - Guitar - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Great guy! Good mentoring advice. Prompt repair on my guitar. Came recommended and I will pass along!

This place is extremely under staffed, and that's on the owner/manager... I went in three times to trade in a vintage Fender Tremolux Amp and was greeted at the door but that was the extent of the service received. (BTW they do that at Walmart as well) I was there for over an hour and was never acknowledged. I spoke to another guy who was also waiting and he said he's been the for 30 mins or so . The Sales staff is overwhelmed with customers and can't properly help anyone. Maybe you could go back to qualified commissioned sales staff and counter people. At this point, You probably have more customers walk out buying nothing than people that actually do. I like Guitar Center, just not this one. read more

A very compact but reasaonably stocked Guitar Center who do a great job with what they've got on the shelf but need to better utilize their staff. It appears that only one staffer can perform the actual transaction but at the same time, that staffer will stop what he's doing to help another customer. Maybe they need more help? Still.they are one of the only music stores for miles so we are very lucky to have them. read more

Guitar center is usefull for strings a few accessories boss pedals drumstix and cymbles otherwise i find that they carry fairly low end parts , standard guitars and kind of a clueless staff alot of times but they will surely get more of my money read more

Took my vintage guitar to get a repair by their tech, Quanah. He did a fantastic job that went above my expectations. I couldn't be happier. The staff is quite nice and I always enjoy being at this store. Highly recommend! read more

Went in looking for an accessory and was given a brush off and over heard him say to a fellow salesman "I don't have time for Old People!" I just wanted a guitar strap extension. Didn't think 65 was so old but we all get there fools! Younger than Ozzie! Anyways, unnecessary and rude. I just wanted anyone over 50 please Boycott this GC store. Go online to Sweetwater, ZZounds, Chicago Music, Alamo, etc. Age Discrimination!!!!!!! read more

8 years later and this place hasn't changed one iota. Pre COVID I purchased a Seymour Duncan Power Stage that did not function but still under warranty. They gave me the runaround having me call 2 different entities that handles warranty, sounded weird but that what these jokers told me, and I did. More running around on my part, I gave up and still have the piece of crap in a closet. Imbeciles. I was recently there to buy a simple pack of strings. Two people behind the counter, one big guy with his back to me talking shop (no potential sale) to a customer and skinny kid who just sold a Yamaha drum kit. Note, I was standing there strings and my wallet in hand being totally ignored. The skinny kid was waiting for his customer to pull his vehicle around to load up the kit and questioned the big guy on his new sale only for the big guy to say, "I have a guy coming in today to pick that up, oh well he never put a down payment on it". At the end of their conversation the kid is still waiting for his customer to come back with a blank face just staring at me and the floor. I've never seen a person sleep standing up, unbelievable! Never ever, ever, ever, ever again am I coming back, just look at all the bad reviews in the last 8 years! I vehemently will never recommend this location to anyone, not even my ex-wife. I highly doubt they'll see this review as I'm sure neither of them can read. I'm surprised the big guy has the metal capacity to feed himself and the skinny kid barely managed to dress himself without his mother. From now on it's Reverb for me and my recommendation to others. I usually find better deals on Reverb. Good riddance Palm Desert Guitar Center, you're an embarrassment and black mark to the company. read more

I've been going to this guitar center only out of necessity for the last 3 years I've lived out here. Their workers are arrogant and their selection is terrible. I am a local music teacher/ high music teacher and never recommend any of my students go here. I went today as per usual it was a disaster and the minimum wage earning works are jerks to people who are trying to give them money. The desert really needs another option because the low grade nobody musicians that work here are ruining the reputation of a good company. read more

I thought I would give Dan and his team a quick thank you for the help in purchasing my acoustic guitar upgrade! If you haven't been to the Palm Desert CG lately, the store is better stocked, a much broader selection of guitars on the entry, intermediate and advanced levels. The entire team at the store seems happier and are much more willing to go the extra mile to make sure you have a positive experience. Once again, thank Dan and Jackson, I look forward to my new Taylor coming in! read more

Just uncaring and uninterested attitude. Went in twice and tried an online order pick up in store. Well wasn't actually in stock, then backordered and instead of tomorrow it's a week. Save your time and money. Just go to Amazon. read more

After 20 years of being a customer at Palm Desert GC, I will never go back again. I brought my 30+ year-old acoustic Ovation in for routine new strings. I was told they would be done within 24-48 hours, but after not hearing from them for one week, I called and the technician coldly and insensitively told me my guitar was "unrepairable." Try as I may to ask how a guitar brought in to get new strings would become unrepairable, I got no solid answer. When I went to pick it up, it was damaged with 2 gauges around the center whole, there were two cracks where the neck meets the body, and the body was cracked from either being dropped, something heavy falling on top of it, or extreme force being applied when attempting to put on new strings. I was shocked and, again, given no explanation or reason for the damage. I took it with me then wrote and called GC corporate headquarters. The gentleman I spoke to, Brian, was very understanding, sympathetic, and vowed to resolve this situation. That gave me a glimmer of hope and he told me I needed to try to first speak to the store manager. Then, if that didn't work, he said to call the district manager. If I still didn't have resolution, he invited me to call him back, which I will be doing tomorrow. So, today I called and made an appointment with the store manager. When I arrived, I had to wait 15 minutes before he came out from his office. The first and most astonishing observation I had was that he was highly intoxicated. The stench was disgusting, and his attitude was not far behind. After I calmly explained the sequence of events and showed him my damaged guitar, he tried to blame the damage on the age it of my guitar, saying it was warped because it did not have a humidifier, which wasn't true, and that the guitar had basically seen its day. Then, he tried to claim that putting on new strings pulled on the bridge, which rendered it "unrepairable"...not saying anything about why/how there were gauges around the center hole and cracks where the neck met the body of the guitar. I was so shocked at the irrational explanation and realized I was in a losing battle at the store manager level. He called his district manager, and the explanation I heard him give of my complaint was so inaccurate, and, again, he didn't even mentioned the actual damage, just that my guitar was old and warped. Such a crock! The only glimpse of responsibility he showed was a statement of "that damage might have happened here," but he kept trying to blame all of the physical damage on the age of the guitar and other factors he said made it impossible to restring. I was so disgusted and couldn't believe how insensitive and unprofessional he was. I've had this guitar for over 30 years and have played it every day at the Christian school where I'm the (Founding) Headmaster. I have taken extremely good care of it since I paid $1200 for it 32 years ago. It's not only worth a pretty penny, it also has very high sentimental value. I will not be going back to GC or referring anyone else there ever again. So disappointing! Whatever happened to honest customer service and taking responsibility for your mistakes? I understand that things can happen, and I would be totally forgiving if they would just admit it and make it right by giving me a replacement of equal value. But alas, I have to take it up again with corporate headquarters. Hopefully they will make good on their word to remedy the situation and replace my guitar. read more

GC Employee told me to park in front of store to unload musical equipment. Cops gave me a $50.00 ticket for parking where he said to (it was a red zone). Told cops to talk to employee but the coward hid in the back. Female manager lied told cops he didn't say that and he (employee) wasn't there, that he left. I was standing in the front door the whole time. He had not left. So much for buying Christmas presents this year. If they lied about this, how can they be trusted when purchasing their inventory? Later note/I have sent you the email you requested and will update your response. read more

I've been going to many GC stores and there is a specific attention to customer service at this location in particular. Jimmy T H was an incredible help in ensuring I walked out with a good experience when I came in for a Martin GPC acoustic I found online. I came across an issue with a free strap, my GC card not activated, a couple other problems during the transaction & Jimmy was patient and willing to take care of any and every problem. Great team, great environment, and a great experience with Jimmy. Please recognize his great customer service! read more

Here's your warning not to shop at Guitar Center Palm Desert (as if there aren't enough here already...). I went in looking for a new acoustic. I walked to the acoustic room and started grabbing guitars and playing. After about 9 I found the one I was looking for. Easy to fret and sounded great, so I ordered it. It was delivered about a week later. I went to the store and the guitar was brought out, still in the box. I opened it, played it and fell in love; it sounded amazing. HERE's where the review gets BAD. I handed my guitar to one of the sales guys who strummed a bit, then handed it to their on-site guitar tech, Cam. He proceeded to loosen all the strings, apply oil to the fretboard and clean the guitar. I guess he decided to do something else because when I got the guitar home it buzzed with every strum. When I returned to the store, only one person was there and told me everyone was gone but a complete refund was possible. How does a guitar go from sounding amazing, to the on site guitar tech and then to a buzzing bee hive? In less than an hour? Let me tell you. While adjusting the truss rod is easy enough, I didn't ask Cam to make any adjustments to my guitar, only asked him to check the frets for rough edges and oil the rosewood. This place tried to scam more money from me by changing the factory set up and hoping I wouldn't notice. Beware the tall, dopey looking guy, he's been there a while and not only looks that way he acts that way too! The staff at this place doesn't care about you or customer service. Avoid this place and buy online, you'll get better customer service. I just bought another guitar, this time an electric; a Classic Vibe, 70s Thinline Telecaster. I BOUGHT IT FROM AMAZON!!!!! If you're looking for a Luthier you can visit Rockwell Guitar Repair. Or Desert Amplifier Repair, Mark is the owner and a guitar guy as well. read more

I took my guitar in for a repair and they held on to it for over a month only to claim it was "lost" the whole time. After being accused of already have picked it up the manager managed to somehow find it there and then and I got my $100 dollar refund returned. I took it over to Rockwell Guitar Repair over on Highway 111 just down the street and for $25 bucks Rocky repaired it right there and then in only 20 minutes. Saved me all the time money and hassle . read more

Guitar Center - Repair Recommendation - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

I had a very bad experience with this business about 2-1/2 years ago. However recently, exactly two months ago, I wanted to buy a new guitar. I went back because they do have a big inventory but they are the only game in this entire Palm Springs area. I bought a new Ibanez acoustic guitar for around $400 incl. tax. I had problems from the beginning but didn't play it much. I took it back and the 45 day warranty (news to me) had recently expired and they said that the bridge was slipping. Certainly not my fault and wouldn't give me credit against another guitar. Do Not buy anything from Guitar Center in Palm Desert. I'll be happy to provide further details. Jerry B. 760-453-1459 read more

Looking for musical instruments? This is the place to shop fo them. The walls are covered floor to ceiling, wall to wall with a humongous array of different types of stringed instruments. And they also carry all the supplies needed for your instrument, from string to a large selection of speakers. And if you want to learn how to become a rock star, or just want to learn how to get the most sound from your guitar or banjo, they also have an excellent staff of musical instructors. You will find everything under one roof here that you will need for your guitar. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

I don't know?? No one seems happy to be working/helping out there!? Dude, young musician working at a music store. Cool! I'm sure there are a lot of annoying costumers but when a pro comes in and gets treated like an ass before I say a word... Well... That isn't cool. Check out the Polyphia song EGO DEATH. Now that's cool! read more

I stopped by to get some strings. Not a single employee could be bothered to look up from what they were doing to greet or direct me to the strings. When I found what I came for and wanted to make my purchase, I approached employees and asked how it was all supposed to work. They simply mumbled someone's name that was supposed to be working the register and were snarky about it, suggesting that it was just a matter of waiting my turn. I purchased my Martin box at this location 2 years prior. I will not be returning read more

I've hated Guitar Center for years. Not this particular place, but others I've had the sad experience of visiting. Impersonal, bored and disinterested in helping customers. This one in Palm Desert is different. They're good. My experience is actually with their repair work. Rocky, a local musician, handles the repairs. He knows what he's doing. He did a set-up on an old Martin of mine and it plays beautifully. Just recently, I took him an inexpensive fretless bass that I'd bought on e-bay which arrived with terrible action, a warped neck, and was just a terror to play. He had it playing easy as butter in no time. And he/they charge half of what some local "guitar tech" I had tried charges. Anyway, faith restored. With all the musicians out here, I'm astounded there's a dearth of competent guitar techs in Coachella Valley. I'd recommend you take your instruments to Rocky at Guitar Center. read more

I visited this store to look for a new acoustic guitar. I own several guitars and was looking to potentially buy one of the better guitars in the $1,500 to $2,000 range. These guitars are displayed on pegs up high in the acoustic guitar room, and you need assistance to play them because you can't reach them. The only person who knew about acoustic guitars and who could help me was also working the cash register. I asked him for help and he said he had to get the ladder. So I went back to the room and waited. 15 minutes later I went back out to the register and asked if I could take the ladder and play some of the better guitars. He said no - he was the only one who could be on the ladder, and I would need to ask him to get me a guitar each time I wanted to play one. He went back to working the register and I left. I will never go back. read more