I've just purchased a Taylor 12string electric/acoustic guitar! I never had been to Guitar Center & didn't know what to expect. Nobody sold me a guitar, I bought one that I wanted. No hard sell. During my purchase Nick Informed me I was eligible for a store discount I had no knowledge about . He saved me a decent chunk of money in addition he sold me one of my favorite guitars . I want to give a 'shoutout' to both Nick & Mario for making my visit pleasurable & productive, they are both good representatives of Guitar Center & should be commended . You guys won me over, I will be back later on to buy a Martin in the near future. Thank you Nick & Mario ,...also , what a fun store! I was able to jam with another customer & doing that I just had to take the Taylor home! read more

The employees are a bunch of punks! I had sent my partner here to sell one of our guitars, at first they priced it for $220 Unfortunately he forgot his ID. No worries so I come inside today and at first they offered $150 ! Wtf. The dude told me he'd ask his manager to see if he could give me a better price. 10 minutes later he comes back to tell me there not interested in buying it period. Ask him why he told me it wasn't in good condition. Like what the actual F***! Y'all mfs just quoted it for $220 These dudes have such cool jobs and never once, as a women had I have a good experience here. Don't waste your money here people. sexist, Disrespectful pricks will be at your service read more

Excellent customer service from Will. I had the wrong piece of equipment and he helped me get back on track. Pleasure to work with him.

Not always perfect-then again nobody is. Good selection of guitars, but not every guitar you'll wanna test drive.

I ordered a bass online that was shipped from this store. The bass arrived totally scratched up, with gunk all over it, and with an incorrect gig bag. Also, It was a travel bass that was sent with a large Yamaha gig bag, defeating the purpose of a small travel bass. It in no way shape or form resembled what I thought was a NEW item. I returned the bass to a local Guitar Center in LA, and the employee was shocked that it was sent out this way. I returned it and am ordering a new one. In a world where buying online is becoming easier and easier, it amazes me that physical stores do things like this. read more

Purchased and PAID items as brand new. Agreed to pick up opened items without original packaging. One item, the amplifier was a little dusty around the handle, and one staff just grabbed a cord from the counter "to solve" the problem (no cord when the amp was brought to the counter). No manual, too. It's like picking up a used item. read more

Awesome place great service Everyone super helpful Thank you This week I picked up a Gibson less Paul and a fender amp. Thank you everyone at guitar center I will be back read more

I would just like to thank Rodney, the manager, and his crew of unfriendly sales reps and repair people,for Inspring me to fix my guitar myself. The rudeness and incompetence at guitar center Hillsdale has been enough to make sure that I'll never spend a dime there again. 1.ordered a 3g slash les paul online (brand new) and recieved a call stating that I would be receiving an open box/damaged product. Obviously I declined to pay 3 thousand dollars for a damaged product. Then, the staff at guitar center was supposed to let me know when they found one that could ship from another store/warehouse. A week passed and I heard nothing. Finally I called to tell the manager that I wanted a refund, which he said he provided, but still hasn't posted to my account after almost a month. Then Rodney said just come by sometime, I'll give you a great deal on that guitar with free shipping. 3 separate times I went to the store when he told me he would be available, and three times he was in a meeting or otherwise unavailable. Still waiting for that refund. 2. Went in to get parts for les paul, which they had not a single one, and spoke to the repair guy, who only offered to order me stuff, and refused to help me identify what kind of pickups I would need for my guitar. When I asked him to look at pics of the humbuckers on my phone, he said he had something to do in the back, and never came back out. Don't give this place your business. read more

Guitar Center San Mateo is unmatched, all of the staff helped me even though they seemed to be slammed. They were super friendly too. On the other hand, Guitar Center Dublin can go F themselves, literally no help whatsoever, not even answering the phones. I had to drive from Dublin to San Mateo 3 times this week because Guitar Center Dublin didn't answer their phones (I called them on 4 separate occasions) so I didn't know what they had, and did not let people in (only curbside pickups) one time I came by and they told me they were open for in store visits in two days. I went there after two days it was still only curbside. Waste of time and energy... Guitar Center San Mateo thanks for all the help in building my home studio read more

Jovanny is the best, I needed a voice recorder and a guitar tuner and he knew exactly what to get to fit my needs. He has a great personality and made me feel comfortable and welcomed. He's fantastic. read more

This is the best place to come if you would like a college dropout who is the elite of his after school detention program to give you attitude. Save time and order over the phone. Customer service is better and no one touches your merchandise until you open it! read more

Great customer service!!! I was lucky enough to be assisted by Chaz, a real knowledgeable and super friendly gentleman.

Representatives are very helpful and don't mind going in depth about what each of their products have to offer along with their own preferences. read more

I ordered a used wine red Epiphone Les Paul PlusTop Pro from this guitar center and have been let down tremendously. I called to ask about the condition of the guitar, and was told that yes, it had some blemishes, but that the electronics in the guitar was in great working condition, and that they would have it set up before it was shipped out. To my dismay, I've just not received a quality product, and feel as though I was led to believe this product was something that it was not. 1) Long shipping time. Understandable with COVID-19, but they did take 3 weeks when the time was listed as 3-5 days. 2) Original ad said it included a case. No case was delivered 3) Upon opening, notice cosmetic damage is much worse than anticipated. The original picture was taken in a way that the lighting obscured most of the major scratching of the finish. 4) I asked that the guitar be set up before it shipped, and the woman on the phone obliged. However, when I received it, there's major fret buzz on the low E string that would require maintenance to fix. 5) I was told that the electronic hardware was all good and ready. Upon receiving, the audio out jack was loose, and the cord must be held in a specific position to keep the connection to the amp from cutting in and out. 6) The pickup toggle is loose, and instead of just having 3 positions, the middle position allows the toggle to move back and forth as though it's been broken before. Overall, I feel like I was led on to believe that this guitar was in good condition all except for some cosmetic damage. If that were the case, I would be far less frustrated, but the fact that the electronics were not in perfect condition tells me that Guitar Center doesn't actually care to refurbish or improve damaged materials they buy for resale. It shows me a lack of effort in taking care of used materials, and it's really disappointing as a brand new guitarist to receive something that is so beat up without realizing that's what I was getting into. Definitely shopping elsewhere in the future. read more

Guitar Center - With proper lighting, can see the extensive scraping of the finish through this entire corner of the guitar. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Mateo, California

Rodney and will are the best managers in any Guitar center you go to , dudes help you get what you need and are willing to help with anything you may need .Miguel sales is awsome too ,guy loves to find out what you need and make sure you get what you need .Best Guitar center you will find . read more

I've been shopping at Guitar Center at its various locations for a long time and overall been pleased with the service and my purchases. Today was particularly very good thanks to Matt in the guitar department at the San Mateo store. Firstly, Matt is an easy-going, amiable dude. As for my buying experience, he got the amp I wanted delivered quickly to the store this week because it wasn't in stock. He also threw in a footswitch at no charge and helped me with a PA purchase. Moreover, he was able to recommend a place where I can take another amp for repair because GC doesn't have that kind of service. While GC staff can perhaps be intimidating when you're asking about and wanting to buy gear, they are knowledgeable and patient enough. I also like the fact that you can return your purchase within a good amount of time, so you can try out your new gear and if it doesn't work for you for some reason you can bring it back and get refunded. Rock on! read more

Came to the Guitar center on Sunday with the intent to buy Vox Adio Gt. Occasionally they had just a display one, which I didn't like because of dust and scratches. So I have ordered another new one. Paid for it. Sales guy said it would be available for pickup in store on Wednesday or Thursday. Called them on Wednesday and my amp was there. Went to store and got my package, which was quite a big box. However, when I opened it, I just found a bunch of packaging paper, charger and a dusty amp. No original packaging, no manual, no warranty. They brought me a used amp instead of new that I have ordered. The pity thing is that this was my first experience with Guitar center and it took me ~3 hour in total that I spent in store and driving back and forth for this unhappy transaction. Obviously, I have refused to order another one new amp and got my money back. I would stay away from this company as much as I can. read more

Went in in a hurry today to get the cheapest XLR cable and mic stand. I know they carry mic stands for $20 and XLR cables for about the same. I bought the same duo package last week for a total of $45 bucks. The guy working there was very eager to help and I told him I was looking for the cheapest mic stand and cheapest XLR. No problem he said. In a hurry he grabbed what I needed and met me up at the register. It rang up for $68 bucks and I knew something was amiss. Wow that's expensive I said. It should be $20 less than that. Turns out the sales person conveniently gave me the "cheapest" $38 dollar XLR cable (ie the MOST expensive cable they sell). I felt that he was trying to sneak it in, like he assumed I wouldn't know the difference. I would never spend $40 on 1 cable and I felt Scammed and disrespected. Buyers beware of Sales people trying to scam and up sell you because they don't think you know what you want or need! They get commission on purchases and this guy clearly had a strategy that compromised his integrity at my expense. Won't be going back. read more

Just hang up a call with a person claimed to be a manager. Juan demanded we show up to the store with rental subwoofer even though we told him the person who rented tested positive with covid. juan is very rude and very irresponsible person and who cares less for his colleagues and our health. Juan refused to connect us to a manager. read more

I came in for a case for my banjo I bought on line from guitar center and Nathan found one me almost immediately. Right size right fit. If everyone there is as knowledgeable and professional as Nathan I will remain a customer for a long time. Thank you Nathan. read more

I like this guitar center. The crew is very chill. Guitar selection is weak on Archtops unless you like DeAngelico which I loathe, their bulky necks and muddy pick ups make me wonder if buyers have no idea what makes a great guitar. Overall they always have the strings I use so they get the high five. read more

This store is nice and big and most of the crew are actually very nice. This is basically a review for whoever is in their guitar repair. I got a quote from them on some work on a guitar I needed and it was an absurdly high amount. Like the price of an actual guitar. I know for sure it's absurd because I got twice the work done for less than half the price at the guitar center in Dublin. If you're in the east bay and looking for guitar repairs, I would go elsewhere. read more

Their guitar tech, I think Mike is his name, came across as very rude. Not sure if I found him on a bad day, but it made me decide to find another guitar shop instead to repair and set up my guitars. Guitar Center has great prices, and that's about it. The service is average, some employees are rude, they do not include items that should come with the guitars (such as original factory paperwork, nuts, and screws), they do not set up new guitars you purchase there for free, and it's always obnoxiously loud in there (always that one guy playing loud guitar thinking he's a rockstar - usually some kid showing off the lame metal riffs he just learned). I only go in here reluctantly every once in a while read more

I'm a fairly new Guitar Center Center customer and I've made a few purchases at this San Mateo store as well as had my online purchases delivered here for in-store for pick up. Every interaction with the staff has been great. Like others have mentioned, the crew is very friendly, helpful and chill. My visit today though blew my mind. I was helped by Rodney, the store manager, who went out of his way with my purchase like no other retail establishment I've experienced before! Furthermore, although it wasn't a big purchase by any means, Rodney treated the transaction as if he was spending his own hard earned money, not mine. Needless to say, thanks to Rodney and his crew, I will continue to shop here for all my music gear needs. read more

If I had written this before today, I would have given 3 stars - 5 for the service and expertise from the team who helped guide a decision to buy what's been the best digital piano for the money - the Roland 102 And 1 star for their manager who wasn't helpful and never followed up on a replacement part after multiple in store attempts I made (for a damaged on arrival music stand for the piano). Roland definitely gets 0 stars bc they are horrible! Today, I thought I'd run in to see if my replacement was even recorded or if there was any updates. Matt and Store Manager Rodney were exceptionally helpful... and did what the previous manager never cared to do for me. (withholding his name in hopes this new attempt is successful). It took 10 minutes to look it up and order the replacement - the right thing! Matt and Rodney - you both rule! Thanks And for that - 5 stars. read more

I know it's cool to hate on Guitar Center, but the reality is that they're useful to have around. When you need something in a pinch it's a good place to try. Also the selection of new guitars and amps is pretty solid. The San Mateo location is particular has a really helpful and knowledgeable staff in my experience. I live pretty close to the San Francisco location, and it's fine too, but this one is better. read more

The drum dept stock is just awful. Nothing but cheap mostly entry level merchandise these days. Not much turnover ,so if you skip a month or two (or 3),you won't miss out. I feel bad for the drum dept manager as he has little to work with in terms of higher end stuff. read more

Good selection, the customer Service was ok, but parking in this complex is a nightmare .

This place is enormous!!! Walls upon walls of guitars. I went for the grand opening today (7-12-12) and the line was long. Got there at 8pm and didn't get in the store until 45 minutes later. I wasn't looking for much but had to take advantage of the Martin Acoustic Strings for $29.99. Everyone and their mother literally were there. So many "VIP" people around that were able to help but I didn't need it. Now usually there is a computer for you to go and compare prices but I didn't see any. However they have an excellent range of guitar strings, picks, and stands. Maybe one day I will update this review when it's a normal business day instead of a packed house concert playing in your backyard. read more

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I'll start off with my conclusion that I can be better off getting my stuff from Amazon, and this is from someone who supports physical stores...when they offer any advantage, but not this GC unfortunately. Lucky I brought a knowledgeable friend with me, and not sure if I've got the "creepy smiling guy" like others described, so apologize to the other two working last night, since one was busy with customer while the other guy was busy tuning guitars behind cashier. 1. Didn't get any advice on buying a new guitar... all I've got is "they all sound the same, the more expensive the better"....uh, ok. On that, as soon as I mentioned my budget, the salesperson just said "Ok, let me know when you're ready". He does check on us every 5 mins to make sure we check out with him for his commission though 2. I have no complaint on low inventory but when all you have is a scratched up floor model, pls consider offer some incentive, instead, zero. And I did get the push to pick up the floor model when he said ordering online can take weeks or months to arrive... I'm not that desperate as much as I was ready last night 3. My friend bought his and his daughter's guitars here on separate occasions, and they would throw in some extras, e.g. cable, strap, bags...with this guy, everything is a No. In the end, the decision is easy, I can order everything I need from Amazon, since I got no advice anyway, no stock, and no deal. read more

My tuning machining broke and I went into the store today, hoping to find someone to repair the part. The associate politely told us they don't have a technician available at the moment (because of the COVID), but he was able to find me a old spare part and replaced it for me. He definitely went out of his way to help me out, and even recommended me other technicians close by. Super friendly and helpful. Thanks for the great service :D Will definitely go back. read more

Mario (with the black/pony tail) provided my father and I with exceptional service on Saturday. My dad is a musician and wanted to get another amp. So for father's day we visited Guitar Center to try some out. This store is pretty amazing. It feels like a candy store to a kid for those who play music. I mean they've really thought of everything. We went straight to the humidifier room to see the guitars and amps. Mario set my dad up with everything he needed to try the amps. He checked in on him and helped us with everything. My dad really liked the Fender Dual amp so that's what I got him. I didn't price shop this item. We went to the Guitar Center for the experience and the service. The amp may have been cheaper online but at the end of the day I hope people understand how much they end up hurting businesses when they take advantage of stores like this by testing out product and then buying it online instead. You might pay a little more at the store but your getting a lot more supporting stores like this. We will shop here again. read more

Jordan was helpful today, listening to the issues we thought speakers and a mic could fix and gave us some great ideas. Now we just have to find the funding! Super customer service and an amazing showroom at Hillsdale. Thank you Jordan! read more

I've bought a lot of gear from guitar center over the past few years and have received really good customer service. The employees I've interacted with have been friendly and knowledgeable about their products which makes the shopping experience so much better. It's not uncommon for me to pop in just to check out and play the new $$$ guitars they have in because they're so chill and not pushy about it. If you're into, or want to get into guitars, audio, or really anything that makes noise, definitely check them out. In person. It's way more fun in person. read more

I give this place five stars only because when I walk in here I feel like I am walking on cloud nine. Cloud nine - yes! I feel a little guilty that I like going to a big, spacious box store music store rather than a small local store, but apparently I don't feel guilty enough to stop going. I also feel like I am probably inflating my opinion of this place to five stars only because I get hit with this feeling of euphoria and excitement when I see wall to wall musical instruments - hahahahaha. But, I have had really great service here - so that, combined with my euphoric feelings from being around wood and cables and microphones and the endless possibilities of making sound art all around - then, yeah, I give this place five stars. I haven't bought anything significant here and to be honest, today was probably only the third time I've come to this store ever. I have a (beloved) acoustic Takamine guitar that I have had since the late 90s which has been with me through thick and thin. It's gone traveling with me, it is my muse when I write songs, I have gigged with that baby in theaters and coffee shops, bars and stages, I have played and sung in people's living rooms - it's been all over with me. But, those days are long (long) gone. Lately, I am feeling like my guitar is lonely and neglected, so it needs a little attention. Ok, my guitar deserves a little spa treatment, so I am going to take it to Guitar Center. (hahaha again) Ever since I can remember, I have been using Earthwood Light acoustic guitar strings. I don't change my strings nearly enough, and now that I have a grown-up life, I also don't play my guitar nearly enough anymore. So - I picked up strings today and inquired about bringing my guitar in for a string change. The guys were super friendly and I was asked by like four people if I needed help. Great! Tip: the Earthwood Light acoustic strings are along the cashier island in the center of the store - I didn't see them by all the rest of the strings. I only saw nylon ones by the rest of the strings. Somehow, I found mine really fast - maybe because I know my strings so well - but anyhow, they seem difficult to locate otherwise. Anyhow, it's $20 bucks for a string change - the guy who does it is there Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11-7. (I think Saturdays? I'll have to update that later). That works, all that's great - timing, price, their friendliness. And the strings are around $5 for a pack. Not bad if you ask me! It's way cheaper than getting my nails done - hahahahaha, for a third time. Lastly, I HAVE to go into the acoustic guitar rooms at the store when I do. Oh my god, beautiful guitars from floor to ceiling in these two sound-proofed, gorgeously lit rooms? My inner artist LOVES it in there! And, I am a lady, so I am also always intimidated, because it's me and usually just guys. I digress. The two rooms have different price points for their guitars. The larger first room is more affordable guitars and the smaller back room has the guitars you have to invest more in. I like the back room of course! Ooooh, I have always loved the sound of Martins, and Taylors. They have a bunch of those at the store, lots of choices. I am by no means an amazing guitar player - I can do basics because I like to write songs, but, I am telling you - if you are a newbie, or like me, too busy/impatient to work on my guitar skills at length, getting an amazing sounding guitar, can make anyone's playing sound great. The guitars here are beautiful. All this writing about guitars is making me want to play my guitar! I will write an updated review after I bring in my guitar for a string change - and after I have come down from cloud nine. read more

Guitar Center - Made in the Coachella Valley, Earthwood Lights. Oooh, by the way, Coachella is happening soon - wish wish wish, SO wish I could go!!!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Mateo, California

I've heard guitar center employees are rude, but I really didn't believe it. I don't think I have ever written a bad review, but music is something that everyone should take up, and I fear that the behavior they have in this store will likely turn people off. They are genuinely mean for no apparent reason, I've worked in a store before I know its not the best and customers can be demanding at times, but you can't assume a position of hating every customer its not good for business or for you as a person. I called about a store pick up order it had been 3 hours and no movement, so I literally just called to ask about it because it said it was being shipped to the store and online it said it was in stock. I was met with a sarcastic angry tone from the beginning, its crazy its not even that serious I thought to myself, I literally said Hi I was curious about the order. I never demanded the order be done, I never said its taking too long, all I asked was what the status of it was and if it was in store. The person was angry that they had to deal with a customer, the existence of a customer made them resentful, its a toxic environment When you go instore its no different they belittle you for not being an expert, and they look down upon your choices as if they were Julliard graduates, its a weird hostile environment for items that were meant to bring joy to everyone, its so strange honestly order it online direct from the guitar manufacture or go to an independent music store near you. Avoid this sour place. read more

Incredibly rude sales reps. I was here to return a bass that I bought at one of the other guitar center locations (Dublin) and the Stuart came up with a host of reasons to not accept the return while being incredibly passive aggressive by pretending to walk around the store looking for other stuff to do instead of helping us. He was also pretending to talk on the phone (this was laughable). Then he found a random box to break down or another customer to help(who was already being helped by someone else) while he was in the middle of pretending to process a return from me. First he had an issue with a scuff on the bass which he claimed was a crack. When another rep didn't really back him up on that, he came up with another reason to not process the return by asking me if I had bought the item on sale (it wasn't bought on sale but was priced lower since it was a floor item and the last in stock). The whole experience was unpleasant from the outset with his hostility apparent from the moment I started talking to him. Then he suggested that I take it back to the location in Dublin which wouldn't really make sense if his claim that I was trying to return a damaged instrument was legitimate. This location has lost my business. Oh and by the way, Stuart - Guitar center Dublin was more than happy to accept the return because scuffs that can be buffed out by a microfiber cloth aren't really cracks. Who'd have thought? read more

This is my main GC and I am always taken care of by Jovany, Matt, and Rodney. This is my favorite GC and one of my favorite places overall to buy and trade gear. The staff here is truly knowledgeable and real musicians and NEVER try to pressure you at all. They all own alot of gear themselves and give you real advice. They go out of their way to cultivate relationships with repeat customers and know me by name whenever I stop in or call. I only wish corporate would give this location a Platinum Room because the area is a high-income area and there are often used gems here too. Thanks GC San Mateo! read more

I have to compliment the staff at this store. From the time you walk in, they are quite friendly. They don't bother you, but are there to answer your questions. They were well stocked (especially in these days of empty shelves), and were genuinely grateful for my business (not in a phoney way). I could tell they all enjoyed being there, so the leadership must be great. Keep up the good work, it's rare and appreciated. Cheers. read more

Bought an LP player online through the store and all I can say is if it wasn't for Jordan who helped me through several hiccups with the order I may not have given Guitar Center a second chance. Would give Jordan 10 stars for his knowledge, patience, and absolutely stellar customer service. Thank you Jordan for helping me out so many times and making things right. read more