Guitar Center
Guitar Center Overview
The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Guitar Center has 2.0 star rating based on 122 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.
- Rating Distribution
Pros: Leaving the store, Gear, Good people.
Cons: Customer service, Poor service and inadequate service personnel, Company taking advantage of the consumer.Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: "Don't! Save your time.", "Make sure all the parts are there", "never go to this store if you are mexican", "Use sweetwater", "No recomiendo esta tienda, son unos estafadores y groseros empezando por su manager".
The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Guitar Center has 2.0 star rating based on 122 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.
- Rating Distribution
Pros: Leaving the store, Gear, Good people.
Cons: Customer service, Poor service and inadequate service personnel, Company taking advantage of the consumer.Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: "Don't! Save your time.", "Make sure all the parts are there", "never go to this store if you are mexican", "Use sweetwater", "No recomiendo esta tienda, son unos estafadores y groseros empezando por su manager".
Most users want Guitar Center to offer a solution to their issues.
Review authors value the most Diversity of Products or Services. Consumers are not pleased with Customer service and Exchange, Refund and Cancellation Policy. The price level of this organization is high according to consumer reviews.
Media from reviews
Top Guitar Center Reviews
"Missing cover"
My son bought a guitar on clearance today. After we got home, we saw that the battery cover was missing. It's not the price that bothers me, but nobody...
"Worst buying experience ever."
I went to the store to get a cajon that was showing as available, and after spending half an hour waiting for their response, I was told the item was not...
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Buffalo, Minnesota
Worst buying experience ever.
I went to the store to get a cajon that was showing as available, and after spending half an hour waiting for their response, I was told the item was not there. So, I ordered it with them for delivery.
The first order had to be canceled as it was showing up as 'store pick up'. So, I had to go back to the store and ask them to correct it. They did it, but now their system had to wait 24 hours to correct itself. So, I canceled that second order and made one myself using my phone.
It took 2 days for them to reach out saying they hadn't found my model, and presented me with used ones that were in terrible shape and condition.
After their second attempt with an even worse option, I canceled everything and I'm never buying from them again. It was a nightmare!
User's recommendation: Don't! Save your time.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Fairlawn, Ohio
Missing cover
My son bought a guitar on clearance today. After we got home, we saw that the battery cover was missing.
It's not the price that bothers me, but nobody bothered explaining or telling us why it was on clearance. We assumed it's a discontinued item. I'm not happy that we had to find out ourselves. When I called to ask about it, all he said was, 'You can buy them on Amazon and sorry about that.' Really, that's it?
Nothing acknowledging that it should have been mentioned. A cover isn't something you look for.
My son has it, but I bought it for him as a gift. I didn't realize it was my responsibility to check everything.
- Selection
- Never explained the cover was missing
Preferred solution: A cover
User's recommendation: Make sure all the parts are there
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Palmdale, California
Called to complain of fraud but they gave me no service, unexceptabal
I went in to Palmdale guitar center to sell my amplifier Crown XTI 4002 new sells for $1,359. My used amp is practically new only used a few hours I go to sell it and manager states he can only provide $300 and the store would sell it for $599.
I said thats low and manager stated their system determines the price and all Guitar Center stores has to abide by it and cant even go up .50 cents more. So I believe him and took the loss. A week goes by and I see on the Guitar Centers website that they have an another store selling the same amp in worse condition for $999.99. This is fraud as they stated I could not get no more then 60% of what they sell used gear for so unless Im mistaken 60% of $999.99 is $599.99, I was lied to.
I called store manager and he said hes new to the store but that they could not give me more as their computer program states they cant buy for more then $300. Which I said thats a lie and to look at the Davenport IA Guitar Centers inventory they have a used one selling for $999.99, which is more than what his computer says. I want that same deal.
No help from anyone. Next step is the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU this is fraud period
- At this time no
- No assistance with store complaints cant talk to a person to resolve issue
Preferred solution: I would like to sell my used amp in perfect condition for the same value as the amp listed on Davenport IA website
User's recommendation: Be aware for this issue when selling gear to them
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer
RACIST WORKER
Dustin C. is racist.
We entered the Guitar Center store in Kizer, Oregon. As Mexicans who love music, we were looking for a piece for the drums that I needed. However, we ended up leaving with nothing because midway, we were told that we weren't allowed to use or touch the drum sets on display, despite there being literal drumsticks on the snares for use. They claimed it was store policy.
There was an American white kid doing the same thing - touching and playing the drums - but nothing was said to him about the store policy. We were called pieces of *** kicked out, and trespassed for no discernible reason, other than our Mexican heritage. This is the worst location I've ever been to.
The excuse itself is ridiculous. Why are there drumsticks on the snares that say 'for use' on them if we're not allowed to touch the drum sets?
- Lots of options of drum items
- Racist worker
Preferred solution: His job, No human should have to go through anything like that for wanting to find an instrument item at a store you love to go to, that racist worker sucks and the store would be better off without his picture ruining the reputation of the store
User's recommendation: never go to this store if you are mexican
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Highland, Illinois
Kid charged me twice for a single guitar
I went into the Fairview Heights, IL store today, and a kid charged me twice for the same guitar on my gear card. He only printed one ticket.
I am furious. It took me 45 minutes to check out, and now I was charged twice for a single guitar.
The cashier number is 149736. Obviously, Gavin needs training.
User's recommendation: Use sweetwater
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Tampa, Florida
Precios fraudulentos y estafa
En la tienda ubicada en hillsborough el 27 de julio fui victima de una estafa en relacion a precios fraudulentos de 2 equipos de sonido. Fui despojado de mi compra y roto los precios publicados despues de mi reclamacion.
Tengo fotos y videos para publicar a los medios de lo sucedido. Reclamo cumplan con la ley del consumidor.
- Ninguna
- Precios fraudulentos
- No respetar el derecho del consumidor y posibilidad de ser estafados
Preferred solution: Que me vendan los equipos presentados al precio correspondientes en el ticket de venta en ese momento. Tengo fotos y videos
User's recommendation: No recomiendo esta tienda, son unos estafadores y groseros empezando por su manager
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer
Tracking information request
I didn't get my tracking info, never did but the thing I was checking on arrived immediately after sending the email. Not pissed just wanted to check something, customer service has actually been great 
- Good vibes overall
- Do not want to make an account is all
Preferred solution: Deliver product or service ordered
User's recommendation: Probably just make an account instead of ordering on the phone is all
Raleigh, North Carolina
Technical issue
So I paid for an Epiphone Hummingbird Studio in the PayPal pay over time option
But my computer had a timed update and after I paid the 1st payment I lost the ability to schedule shipping. How can we resolve this issue?
I will call the store in the morning and see what can be done.
To be perfectly clear I still attend to purchase the guitar. Thank you for your assistance
Chase
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Drove 40 minutes to get there and was completely ignored. Never ever again
Drove 40 minutes to get there to purchase an item. It wasn't busy at all. I stood there for 20 minutes while the clerk was helping someone else and didn't even receive a glance or a word to indicate that they would be right with me.
- Very poor customer service
Preferred solution: Nothing
This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ
Verified Buyer |This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer
No free 25 dollar shipping on a 300 dollar order that was the wrong product due lack of item description details
I ordered what I thought was a Gaia Sho1 37 key synthesizer. I had seen a good price under the searches when I searched for the Gaia in the Guitar Center used selection.
They priced it at around 300 used, without updating the product description, replying to my emails, or honoring my cancellation request. They sent the Roland Boutique and charged the shipping. Nobody offered to refund my shipping in the store, just recently in a live chat. .
No I want the piece of equipment I thought was the Gaia. I've missed black Friday sales on other products, Havent received any incentive to shop at guitar center.
And barely got the shipping refund returned for the incorrect product. All with the driest least supportive staff in the music industry I ever encountered.
- Easy to return
Preferred solution: Price reduction
User's recommendation: Be careful with gear descriptions SH01 Synthesizer does not cover the product it appeared to be
Denver, Colorado
Nor happt
Like I said tech said we can change out any pick up. I bought new pick up free install, next thing I get from westminister guitar center 250.00 install what happened to free install,and staff was very arrogant about whole affair!
User's recommendation: You tell me!
This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ
Verified Buyer |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Customer service need empathy training
They lost part of my order that I can't lie I was pretty excited to get, first thing the rep leads with (and honestly sounded happy to tell is..) "that can take up to two weeks to put a claim in with UPS". No "oh my god that sucks we are so sorry etc" I'm done with this company, Amazon and sweet water both have the same products without this hassle. Go somewhere else!
User's recommendation: Avoid this company it's a has been
Springdale, Ohio
I was dissatisfied with the appearance of your store, the lack of attention I received.
I use several resources
640 Kemper Commons Cir. Springdale Ohio.
When I approached the door. I noticed there was a sign post on one of the front doors, that the right door was out of order, and for people to use the left door to enter. Then, when I went back through the store to the drum section, to price an electric drum set.
There was no one in the area, or in site. Well, a few of the electric drum sets on the floor were damaged. Then I noticed the store was actually a mess. There were several in the area that looked worn out.
And then I noticed that the floor in this store looked as if it had not been vacuumed in mouths, and that's been nice about it. I had to go all the away over to the Amplifier and Mic. Section of the store, to find someone to ask questions. (I asked the lady If the store was going out of business.) to find out it was not.
I told her that there was on one in the drum section. Then I told her that the store was a mess, and it looked like no one has clean up, or vacuumed in mouths if not a year. She said that the employees come in and work in the instrument fields. And that they, (the employees kind of help each other out some time.) she didn't address the store being messes, and nasty.
Note: this store is one of the nastiest stores that I have ever been in. especially since there were only about 5 customers in the store at the time.
I have been in several other Guitar Centers in other states. And I have never seen any this nasty.
Preferred solution: Needs to be, and kept clean. Someone working in the Drum section. Items that are broken need to be taken off of the floor. (What I saw in the Electric Drum Sets. Made me choose not to get one, Because of all the broken pieces, they look cheaply made.)
User's recommendation: Don't shop in the Tri County store at 640 Kemper Commons, in Springdale Ohio
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Verified Reviewer
Bad experience
I never understood why do we keep buying anything from Guitar Center. Their merchandise is in very low quality, and their guitars look cheap even though their prices are up in the sky.
Whatever you want to buy from Guitar Center, you can find it anywhere for way less. Moreover, the resale value of their guitars is zero, according to them.
10 months ago I bought a guitar from their Sherman Oaks store for nearly $500. I went there earlier today, I wanted to exchange the guitar for another one they have and I was willing to offer money on top. They offer to buy my guitar $75 !!!
A guitar that I bought 10 mo ago, from the same store, for $500, and wanted to sell it back in the same condition I got it, they offered $75 for it. By that they told me "Do not buy anything from Guitar Center, you won't be able to sell it later". I didn't ask for $500 and I knew to expect way less than that. But $75 ???!!!...It happened to me a few times before at their store.
Why will you buy anything from Guitar Center? No wonder they are bankrupt, we are suckers but only to a point !!!
User's recommendation: Do not EVER buy anything from Guitar Center
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Verified Reviewer |
Easton, Pennsylvania
Why is it saying my order has shipped when it hasn’t
Hi! I recently ordered a guitar and received an email saying it has shipped but when I track it-it says it hasn't shippedPlease explain.
Thank you.
I [now] have the case but no guitar. Im a bit annoyed.
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Verified Reviewer |
Hudson, Florida
Serv. Managers giving fake email addresses
Service Managers giving non working email addresses so issues cannot be resolved. I have been working to resolve new customer gear reward points.
Service manager Sam Mayberry made an offer to resolve the problem, now his email *** phone number ext. Is non working & I am left with unresolved issue. New managed I am told is Brisn Watson and will not take my calls or return my calls.
The email I was given for him is non working also. Terrible way to run a company.
About
, , , ,
The Guitar Center was started in 1959 by Wayne Mitchell in Hollywood, California. By 1961, the name of the company was changed to The Organ Center. In 2005, G.C.'s acquisition of Music & Arts Center brought 62 new stores throughout the US. At the present time, Guitar Center operates 214 locations. In addition, company's Music & Arts division operates 91 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. The Guitar Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through its wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc. The stores feature the following brands Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Epiphone, Roland, Shure, Line 6, etc. The corporate office of the company is based in Westlake Village, CA.
Guitar Center is ranked 79 out of 614 in Music stores category
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No one cares if you are Mexican. I am sure there is a lot of more to this story. If I were the employee you made the damaging accusation against on this public forum, I would be speaking to a lawyer about a civil suit for libel and defamation of character.